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I only use Power Pro (50lb test) on all but pan fish rigs. I also use a mono (2-3 feet) of various weight leaders. A 12 20 mono leader is much easer to break off when stuck 10+ feet below the surface.

When I return from a fishing trip, I try to clean/fix (charge batteries) any and everything at that time. I charge my batteries at least once. When I want to fish, all I do hook up the boat.

I have seen LM, White Bass, Bream (Sun Fish) , Gar do this. Cast with topwater/shallow crankbait and see what happens.

war eagle spot remover and it is killer on spots.

LM/Spots/Shoal bass are 95% C&R. White Bass/Strippers/Hybrids are baked or fried with a light cornmeal (3/4 cornmeal 1/4 flour with salt and a lot of pepper) breading with hushpuppies and cole slaw.

As I got older, I migrated from 5500 C3's to 4600 C3's because of weight difference, plus 4600's have a thumb bar (1 hand instead of 2 hands for 5500's). I use Revo SX's and 4600's interchangeably. My oldest son has and still uses a 5000D that I bought in 1973 or 74.

I visit my oldest son and fish the north part of Table Rock. James River and Mouth of Dry (Dry creek). Odd as it seems, in Table Rock proper (15 in limit) we catch a lot of 12-14 inch Spots. 2/3 hundred yards north in the James/Dry Creek proper, we catch a lot of 15-18 inch spots. In the last 3 years, 4 weeks of fishing, Largemouths are few and far between, spots dominate what is caught. In the Flint River, south of the dam in Albany, Ga., spots have all but pushed out Largemouths. It does appear that the spots have little or no effect on the Shoal Bass (Micropterus cataractae). Spots and Shoal Bass seem to compete on an even basis. Above the dam in Albany, Ga., it is rare to catch a Spot in the river.

After going through a boat cover (125.00-200.00) every 12 to 18 months, I have through up my hands and now gone to the blue tarps, 28.00 each. I live in Southwest Georgia and the UV and hurricane winds wreaks havoc with canvas and other types of boat covers. It is waterproof and cheap. JMO

I use ABU 4600C3 (4) and ABU Revo SX (3) interchangeably. 4600's on 7ft rods and SX on 6.6 rods.

Not a new idea. I have a reel old Penn 350 with that type of level wind. It is a large reel, the size of a Penn 209. I use it for flatheads. Works well with tension on the line, not so well without tension.

I always spool with mono backing. I use 75-80 yards of Power Pro/Suffix tied to the mono with a double uni knot. Save money in the long/short run.

I use only braid, Power Pro and Suffix (6 bass rods and 7 catfish rigs. I see little to no difference in the 2, except the new Power Pro seems not bleed as bad and Suffix seems to stay a little stiffer over time. Both cast well. I use flor/mono leader on both. Where I am, Suffix braid is not easy to find. I have had both Power Pro and Suffix last over 2 years, I changed line not because of break offs, just wanted to.

Close to Hahira is a mater of perspective. Hahira is close to Valdosta, about 70-80 miles south of Albany. The Flint goes to Bainbridge, well west of Valdosta. Hahira is the home of J.D. ,Tim and Stephen Drew, baseball, anyone.

and more

Here are some Pics from above and below the dam and the creeks.

Ok, what road were you near? I fish the Flint River above/below the dam at Albany. In addition, the Kinchafoonee and Muckalee creeks that merge into Lake Chehaw before going into the Flint River above the dam at Albany. From the pictures, I can not tell where the are taken. The Flint and Kinchafoonee have a lot of Large mouth and shoal bass. Below the dam, Spots and shoal bass. In the last 3 month the Flint has been way up with a strong current. The Kinchafoonee has also had a strong current, but in may places it does not seem to have a current from the bank. Give some roads/streets you were near and I can tell you which body of water you were at.

I have found over the years that river bass fishing and lake bass fishing are almost mutually exclusive. There are areas that overlap, but for the most part, river fishing, with a continuous current, is different than lake fishing, without a current. River bass will be stronger swimmers (wider body) than a lake bass and more aggressive and quicker, stronger. The baits may be the same, but the how is different. River fishing is quicker, aimed more at wood (fallen trees and stickups), where lake fishing is slower aimed at underwater/above water structure and grass beds. In current, spinners, crank baits, on the inside of bends (in the eddies), the same only slower and add plastics Just my opinion

From the early 70's, I have fished with Ambassadeurs. My oldest son has my 5000D from 1972, it still cast great. I have 3 5500C3 (now retired, weight), and 4 4600 C3's and 3 REVO SX's. The 4600 and SX are very active. The C3 require only a little attention. Great find.

I have all but retired my 4 5500 C3's (due to weight), I have 4 4600 C3 that I use all the time, even with 1/4 oz lures and small spinners. They are very smooth and reliable reels. I also have 3 REVO SX's. On distance, the REVO's may cast a yard or 2 more, but the 4600's, at least the ones I have, are fine reels.

Does anyone have experience with a Humminbird Gr 16 GPS connected to a Matrix 17 or other Matrix model? Is it worth the 99.00 +/-?

They are fun to catch, like small footballs (short and wide), and for they're size, they fight really well. They just do not have size/weight of Largemouth and seem to drive the Largemouth out. It is a shame, Largemouth, Spots, and Shoal bass in the same water would be great.

In the last 3+ years we catch many more Spots than Largemouth in the Flint River south of the Albany Dam. It is about a 1 to 1, Spots to Shoal Bass. In lake Blackshear, we rarely catch Spots (odd).

I back my drag off when I am finished for the day. Before the first cast, I set my drag on the light side, but before I set a hook, I put my thumb on the spool (bait caster). If the fish takes off, I adjust the star drag.

Add oil to the line guide before, during, and on last cast. Take apart to clean, oil, grease, 2-3 times a year. I have ABU C3's that are 20 + years old.

Sound like the hooks are fouling with the line on the drop. You may want to try reeling as you led the rod go down on the drop. I fish Rattle Traps (similar) a lot and do not have that problem.