Dockhead

I have heard from some on this forum that Okuma makes a nice rod. Anyone want to share their opinions of their reels?

It seems like most of the rods I am looking at are hard to find in a shop where I can actually feel them. What would you be looking at in that price range mr. flippin and pitchin? How about in the $150 range?

So, has anyone tried the Gary Loomis Temple Fork Outfitters Series of rods yet? I would love to here some reviews. Didn't see any mention of the blank material on the web site, I'm assuming it's IM 7 at best.

Check out this system- cull-buddy.com This system looks pretty interesting. I love that it fits onto the livewell lid. Has anyone tried it?

I would say anyone who even went out last Saturday is a great fisherman in my book. The weather has just been ridiculous (obviously don't need to tell you that master). I have my tournament there this Saturday and was not able to pre-fish. So, the question is, if you were going back this weekend, with a slight warming trend on the way (supposed to be in the 70's Fri. and Sat.) what would you do??

Here is one article, but doesn't say a whole lot. I was thinking of going out there Friday as well, but with the weather the way it is seems like a waste of gas. May just do my tournament as a non-boater and let the chips fall where they may. Good luck - try to avoid frost bite if nothing else. http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/bmseries/news/story?page=b_news_bassmaster_series_brass_ring

Lake Tarpon is right down the road from Clearwater. Steady (and sometimes great) bass fishing.

Have you prefished it at all? I have a tournament there the 16th of January, and I have never been there. Good chance I won't make it over before then. Let me know how it goes.

Thanks for the information guys. I really appreciate the help. I have a couple ideas and some of them play into what you all gave me. The weather doesn't look like it will be all that cold, so hopefully it will be a decent bite. Although I actually seem to do better in the tournaments where the bite is tough, so I should be careful what I ask for!

Any of the Florida guys have any advice for Walk-in-Water right now? Have my club classic this weekend and practice was tough. Had a spring tourney there this year and the fish were in the isolated bullrush patches. Nothing there now. Supposed to be another cold front coming through to make things even worse. Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks!

How about East Lake in January? Have a tournament coming up, never been there. Any suggestions??

Thanks for all of the great answers. I like the Flick Shake, but I throw it weightless. I throw stick baits all the time, and I know people wacky rig them a lot, but I haven't really gotten into that for some reason. I need to give it a try though.

Looking for the best hook(s) for wacky rigging. Tried small, 3/4 of a circle "finesse" hooks (with small wire weed guard) more than any thing else, with ok results. I also tried the Falcon hooks that have a small lead weight attached to the shank. I tend to prefer weightless though. Wondering what else is being used with success. Circle hooks don't usually mix well with me, I enjoy setting the hook a little too much. While we are at it, what are everyone's favorite baits for wacky style? Thanks for any and all help.

Ah, the venerable Johnson Silver Minnow. Here I was thinking there was some new magic bait that I had not yet discovered. I think all of my spoons have migrated over to the saltwater tackle bag. Thanks for the reminder of the kind of fish those things can attract. I actually fished my club tournament on the 17th and I sure could have used that kicker your lady caught. I stayed in the river right by Camp Mack and only ended up with 10 lbs. total. Anyway, thanks for the info.

What's a j-spoon??

That longer rod is the deal. Bass Pro has an Extreme rod that is 7'4", med power with a split grip handle. I use it for lipless cranks in Florida and can cast a mile. It might be a good option for you if you want some versatility. They go on sale for 69.99 once in awhile. Light line will also add to your casting distance. You may even want to consider using braid. The small diameter of 10 lb. braid will allow you to maximize your distance. I think braid is frowned on in general for crankbaits, but a lot of guys down here throw it with cranks so you can rip it free from the grass. I also have an ambassadeur 5000 on another rod, and it casts surprisingly well. Have never tried a crankbait with it, but it could work out ok. Don't rule out a spinning outfit for throwing lightweight crankbaits either. No worries about backlashes...

Anyone interested in a draw format club that meets just north of Tampa should check out southpascobassmasters.com It is a fun club, low pressure, some good fisherman. Whether you are new to the game or a seasoned veteran, it is a great place to fish tournaments.

I believe Pond Jumpers went under, so to speak. There is another small boat club in central Florida, the castaways. (castawaysbassfishing.com) If you are interested in a draw format, South Pasco Bassmasters is a great club - meetings are in Land O' Lakes, just north of Tampa. Usually 10 or 12 boats per tourney, really just an easy-going bunch of guys who like to have a good time and catch a few bass in the process. Check out southpascobassmasters.com