Rose_Jackets67

This spring, I've started throwing swimbaits a little bit. I'd like to start throwing them more often, and am looking for a dedicated swimbait rig that I can put together on a budget. I'm planning on picking up a used Ambassadeur 5600 for the reel, and am looking for suggestions on a rod under $75 that would work. I know the Okuma Big Bait rods are highly recommended at around $100, but I don't want to spend quite that much. The heaviest baits I want to throw are Mattlures Bluegills, and the lightest are Strike King King Shads. I spent some time in Bass Pro last week shopping, and found a few rods I liked (listed below), but they are certainly not built for the purpose of throwing swimbaits. Extreme 7' Heavy, 3/8 to 2oz. Woo Daves Spinnerbait rod. $65 Extreme 7'6" Heavy, 3/8 to 2oz. Woo Daves Flipping stick. $65 Other Rods I've been wanting to handle in person but can't find locally are the Team All Star 'Big Boys' 788 Heavy Cating rod, and I'd also like to handle the Okuma in person. I know both are beyond my budget, but I am curious as to how a purpose-built swimbait rod feels and works I'm open to all suggestions, but would really like to stay fairly low buget. Thanks adam

Andrew - Don't worry about everyone's weight estimates. I keep a quality scale on the boat, and I weigh and measure just about every fish over 2 pounds. I've found that unless the fish is extremely fat, the calculators are within about 8 or 10% Another perk of having a nice scale around is being able to show people how far off their 'eyeball scales' really are. Great fish, don't sweat what anyone else says. adam

Not sure if this should go here or in the Southeast regional forums... Anyone fish for smallmouths in North Georgia? I've heard of Lake Blueridge, but can't find any info online anywhere, and no one I talk to knows much about it either. One of the fellas I work with talks about how they used to clean up at Lake Chatuge, but it seems like it's been over run with Spots in the last 15 years or so. I'd love to tag along with someone or swap trips with someone (Varner trip for Smallie trip?). If anyone knows of a lake I could get on with my electric jon boat, that would be awesome, too. Thanks, adam

I was servicing some reels tonight that belong to me and Fishbear (John), and was struck by how neat these four reels looked sitting together. Thought some of you might like to see them too...

My number one is Pale Rider. Others I enjoy are The Outlaw Josey Wales, Jeremiah Johnson, and Lonesome Dove 'My wife is in Hell where I sent her. She made good biscuits, but her behavior was terrible.' - Po Campo adam

I bought a couple, and have fished with them a few times. Amazing action in the water, light enough to throw on MH tackle. I haven't caught any monsters yet, but I really like the action and will continue to throw them. My thread when I asked the same question: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1172093336/4#4 Tackle Warehouse page on the ABT. Same bait, different colors: http://www.***.com/descpageSWMABT-ABTS.html adam

Looks delicious...

Look closer - On the front of the actual battery case on mine (bottom left of the front), in smaller letters it says "Trolling, Starting, Deep Cycle, RV." Great batteries for the money. I like mine a lot. Adam

Atlanta has them too. According to Inside Line magazine, it works best shallow with a 1/4 Screw Lock sinker worked through cover and just under the surface. I bought a package when I first saw them at BPS, but still haven't fished em yet. adam

8 amps should be plenty of power for your charger. I run the biggest Everstart Max Marines in my jon boat with a charger that is 5 amps per bank. It seems like anythign over 4 amps is enough to fully charge a battery over night. adam

Definite fish catchers. My favorite colors are tennessee shad and white (maybe called ghost). My favorite place to use them is shallow rip rap and over submerged wood and brush. adam

I'm finally starting to do a little more work on my 14' jon, and I'm doing the livewell next. What size coolers are y'all running? I had no idea most of the 120qt+ coolers cost over $100. Would a 106qt be big enough to hold a limit of bigger fish somewhere like Varner? I found a 106qt locally for $20, but am concerned it may be too small. Thanks, Adam

Eye - I fish the original Hybrid (non-ultrasoft) 6lb on all my spinning rigs. I believe the actual breaking strength is closer to 10 lbs. It's super strong - my 3 biggest bass (6,7, and 8.8lbs) have all come in the last 18 months, and have all come on 6lb Hybrid. I have never had a fish break off on the Yo Zuri line either. adam

Hahahaha... first laugh I had all day. Thanks, Russ. adam

Thanks for the info... I'll definately pick a few up next time I'm in there. Volp - They are definately plastic. adam