JellyMan

I have found that mid day, in heavy, shaded cover works very well. They were slamming it in about the second jig/drop. The huge one I broke off on tho was kinda in the open as I was jiggin the bottom. I;m not sure if she was hangin there or I drug her out of the cover and she followed it.

I have learned ALOT so far and hooked into some high numbers and better size fish because of it. BR has def helped my fishing!

I just picked up a Shimano Carbomax 6'6 MH Fast at SportsAuthority for $59 with 1 year warranty. I like it. It's strong, light, sensitive, and looks good. I'd check it out. They were also clearing out the Shimano Schimitar rods for $29. Good luck. OH, and the Shimano Volteus rod is in stores for $29. Light, sensitive, and very strong!

Good tip! But what if it's inside the mouth? I try to keep the ripping and damage to a minimum but would a quick agresive rip be ok? That seems like the easiest option... a quick pop or rip.

Clark... LOL Man, I am the same way. But usually, it's those days when I'm like "well I guess I'll go out for a bit. It's nice out. Whatever." Those are the days I usually pull em in. I think fact that you are relaxed and not "trying to hard" to catch fish actually helps. It's just like golf. You play much better when not worried and relaxed.

Well as MOST of you know, jig fishing can be incredible for numbers and size. I went to BPS last week and decided to pick up a swimming jig with rattle and a double tail chunk and give jig'in a go. I have never fished with jigs until yesterday. Well, it was incredible. In 2 hours I caught 14 bass and one 9lbs. I also hooked into had to be a 15lber and when I set the hook, it was so heavy I broke my 10lb mono. Braid is back lol. If you havnt done any jig fishing I highly recommend picking up a few, learning the techniqs, and getting out there. I know it's been said but I had to say it again. As a Basser for 18 years and just descovered jig fishing, I needed to vent my stoke for these incredible lures! GO JIG'IN!!!

I am no beginner by any means. But I keep having trouble unhooking bass. The hook isnt ever really jammed in there, but it's usually in the mouth and inside the skin and doesnt budge. It usually takes me a bit to unhook. I was holding a 7lber "friend thought he got the pics but didnt" and my hand was starting to kill me. I see these guys pull hooks out within 10 seconds. Is there a little trick to this?

Raped. Eniahlated. Owned.

I have been thinking about doing that quite a bit. Like a "satin" soft touch finish.

Pending? :-? Bending... my mistake.

+2!!! Fished a RC for 3 years and still running strong. Upgraded to a BPS Johnny Morris.

Very cool. I wish him the best of luck!

Well I would think that the paint would crack when pending... Maybe I'm wrong? Maybe a "crackle" type job? That way if it does crack, it will look good all around.

If using braid, should I use a lighter rod? M instead of a MH to compensate for lack of line stretch when hook setting? I fish jigs, topwaters, and light plastics with my 1 rod.

ooooh. Ouch. I'm suprised it didnt do more damage. I have come to find that gators are lazy eaters. The big ones anywyayz. Those little ones storm anything that moves.

Yeah we are post spawn. A huge part of the gill was missing, it had a messed up eye, and no top fin. It looks like it got in a fight with a lawnmower.

You got like a seductive Zoolander thing goin on there LOL.

This is the only rod I have ever broke btw lol. But yeah the Shimano seems like a great rod at a great price. Thanks. I will be hitting BPS and Sports Authority this Friday. wooo

very nice day!

Well I went out this afternoon for awhile and wasnt getting much. Had 1 really big one on but it rapped me up in sticks real good and had to break off. Starts raining and I'm in a canoe about a mile from my place with a 30lb MinKota. So I am getting soaked and find a dock with a covered boat entrance and park it in there for awhile. While sitting in the dock I just thought, "I should fish all the tree lines that I never fish". Rain stops so I make my way slowly home while fishing tree lines. I piched in my big ole brush hog right at the base of a submerged cypress tree, let it fall for a sec, then slowly start reeling and WHAM! Get it to the canoe and "CRACK"! There goes my rod tip. But the Bass was MESSED UP! Either an alligator or a huge Gar I would say. My lake is infested with Gar. What do you guys think happened to my Bass???

Ok... I looked at the Ugly Stick. Seems to have good reviews and a great price. I will be getting my rod from either BPS or Sports Authority. Sports Authority has a ton of Shimano's. That is where I got my last one that just broke. It was the Soujorn. Good rod.

Well I broke the tip of my rod while hauling a 6 lber into the canoe!!! GRRRRR. 8-) Anyways... I am looking for a good all around rod in a 6'6 MH under $60. I know thats a shallow price but it will have to do for now. What would you recommend?

"Keepin It Reel" "Bassaholics" "Largmouth Lusory"

And THAT is exactly why I shy away from largely fished lakes. I stick to ponds, private lakes, and those little nooks and cranny's where nobody ever fishes. 8-) 8-) 8-)

I have used Trilene XL 10lb for years. Love it. If your a beginner I'de go with 12lb.