hawgchaser

Are you using Seige or Elite. I put some seige on a spinning rod and does well but does not cast as well as Trilene XL. It is MUCH stronger though.

I would certainly give it a try. Even a ten pounder will give you a run for your money. There are various stripers jigs and large online spinners that will catch them. Ask around and see what people use around there. Post up some pics when you find the big boys.

$129 is a steal for these. I saw that cabelas has them and I am very tempted. Someone else posted a review by tackle tour that gave this reel very high marks. You may want to google and read about it.

Flatheads are predators and feed on baitfish...primarily. I don't target flatheads much so I can't give you a lot of advice. However, there are several guides that specialize in this type of fishing. I would spend $200 and you will learn all you need to know. I have been fishing Greers Ferry for over 20 years and I am getting a guide to learn how to consistently catch walleye. The right guide will teach you everything you need to know in one morning. You can then learn the rest on your own. Great fish.... Btw

How much do you want to spend?

Ha Ha... You need some new textbooks. Stripers are very much alive in many freshwater lakes and rivers.

I posted about this earlier. It was my ringtone but my Iphone won't let me use it. If you do a search, there is directions on how to make it your ringtone. If you can't download it, PM and ill send it to your phone. I love the commercial. There is also a saltwater version. its not as catchy but I still like it.

Hybrids are a cross between white bass and stripers. The lines on the side of a hybrid are broken were as a striper usually has straight connected lines. The hybrid is also shorter and wider than the striper. They are aggressive fish that will pull your arms off if you get a big one. Where and how are you catching them? The first 2 pics are me with some hybrids. Notice the broken lines on the belly of the fish. The 3rd pic is one I found online of a striper. You can see that the lines are straight and the fisher is longer. Stripers also get much larger. Both of these fish are fun to catch and will give you the fight of your life. I do alot of hybrid fishing but we don't have stripers in our lake.

I do a lot of night fising in the summer. I find that the bite drops off right at dark and doesn't pick up for a few hours. I would try fishing from 10-2. If you are fishing anything deeper than 10ft, then I would not concentrate on topwaters. They will certainly catch fish but a big black colorado blade spinner will out catch a topwater 3 to 1. Let it sink to the bottom then slow roll it back to the boat. The bait that has put more big fish in the boat for me is a TX rigged 10" Tequila Sunrise Power Worm. These are unbeatable in stumps and timber. What is your lake like? Color, depth, structure?

I really like the size of the Code. I have 2 of them and they are very palmable and sit just perfect on any rod. If Quantum makes a PT similar to the Code, I will be all over it. Unless I get a couple of Revos this summer

When I was talking to AR on the phone, the girl also informed me about a great buy! Academy carries some of their rods made specifically for Academy. These rods are called the Genesis and Apex. The apex is a split grip. I was told that these rods had the exact same components but had their older blanks. They have titanium guides and are 42million modules. I went to academy and got 2 Apex titaniums for $50/piece. The lady told me that these same materials would sell for $150 2 years ago. So now I have 3 of these rods and I'll let you know what I think. I can already tell you, that the $50 rods are a great deal if looking for a bargain rod.

Nice job! Those are some great fish....

All Star has a new split grip http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0053504122679a&type=product&cmCat=froogle&cm_ven=data_feed&cm_cat=froogle&cm_pla=0280102&cm_ite=0053504122679a Powell makes a split grip close to your price range that is a nice rod. http://www.***.com/descpageRDCPOWELL-PCR.html

I would look at the Abu Garcia 800 series reels. They have the carbon matrix drag which is unmatched, corosion resistant bearings, and extra thick bail. I just bought 2 of the 700s and love them. I am taking them to the gulf Friday to try out some redfishing... Another bonus is they can be used in saltwater. Give them a look.

I need a new crankin stick also. I am thinking that Lamiglas may be the way to go. I have never heard a bad word about them.

I have no problem buying Quantum and need to say that I bought 2 Codes and 2 PT Energy rods this year. They all have performed well..especially the rods!! However, Quantum does not have the track record of Shimano for being trouble free. Having said that, I would buy the Energy PT before I bought another Citica. I don't understand why the Citica is popular. I bought one newer one and have 6 of the old school ones. The newer one is now on my buddies pole that he lets his wife use. Its just an ok reel and they tend to be noisy. ..squeelers. The older ones held up and served there purpose but have been retired. I have a feeling that Quantum is about to launch some really nice stuff and i will not hesitate to try it out. BTW. I am not bashing Shimano or the Citica. i just think they are a touch overrated but definitely a solid product.

;D ;D Now that ther's quite a statement! : Ha ;D That does sound a little funny. Here is a better way of saying that. The Quantums are a crap shoot. You have a better chance of getting a lemon. However, all things equal, the PT is a much nicer reel. I personally would roll the dice for $99. I would NOT buy a Energy PT at full price.

I have no doubt that chatterbaits work but I have had no success with them. Looks like you found one spot that they are a must!

The Quantum Energy PT is twice the reel the Citica is...However, the Citica may be less likely to have problems. My money would go with the PT or I would save $9 and get a Revo S. Abu has really stepped up their game IMO. http://www.***.com/descpageRLCABUGAR-AGRS.html If you want to stay significantly under $100 get a BPS Extreme reel. The good news is that all of the reels suggested are good and will serve you well.

The best I have found are Stanley Ribbits. They are great topwaters but you can also let them sink between the lily pads and use it like a jerkbait. This is a deadly bait

Spring had a slow start but the past month has caught fire for me. I haven't been to my usual big bass lakes so no size. I believe my biggest has been a little over 5. I lost an 8-10lber at the boat > Anyway my top producers are ones that I have rarely thrown! 1. Watermelon Magnum Arkansas Warthawg (biggest surprise bait ever for me) Smallies pound this thing 2. Olive X Rap 3. *** Bait (watermelon) 4. Gamblers giggyhead and sweebo worm Disappointments: 1. Fat Ika-It obviously works but I haven't gotten bit once on this bait even at a stocked reservoir. 2. YUM Money minnow- haven't had a fish even look at this bait 3. Original Chatterbait

Stay away from Safeco. My boat was stolen and partially sunk 10 months ago. I still haven't seen a dime..... The claims lady assigned to me is rude and uninterested in helping me. I will be taking my business elsewhere. Until then i will continue to call and send emails. >

AWESOME BOAT! Looks like it is in incredible shape!

Either reel should handle braid equally as well. Do you have these reels matched with a rod for specific techniques? That would dictate which one the braid should go on. Meaning that if you were going to use one for pitching/flipping in heavy cover, then put the braid on that. If you are going to be using one for slow presentations in clearer water, then put the Yozuri on it.

I would run a big colorado blade spinner tickling the top of the hydrilla then let it sink down at the edge and slow roll it deeper. I would try black or the usual white chartreuse.