Nine Miler

Ranger. Still building legends- you know the rest. I am not sure why, just something about em. http://www.rangerboats.com/flash/gallery.cfm?mid=5781&gid=29 I think there is something really cool about a Gambler too, though. http://www.gamblerbassboats.com/Gambler2200.html

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1250190945/1

The smallest you should go is the 2500 size.

I don't think there is one. Some people have a preference for the split grip though. I don't like them as much as a full cork.

It depends where in the column you want to fish. Fish relate to different depths at different times. Sometimes they will want a shallow crank that runs just under the surface, sometimes they will be suspended. If you want to fish on the bottom, you will want a crank that runs deeper than the actual depth you are marking especially if the weeds are sparse, and it is rocky. You want that crank digging into and skipping off the bottom causing a commotion. If you are having a hard time locating the fish, throw a shallow crank, if you get no bites, throw a medium diver, etc. Work your way down until you find 'em.

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m38.l1313&_nkw=shimano+scorpion+1001&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Cherry Skoal!? That's what I get for my girlfriend! Ha. Cope for life. That's a good 'un right there.

I think you are right. http://images.google.com/images?um=1&hl=en&tbs=isch:1&q=smallmouth+buffalo&sa=N&start=0&ndsp=21

I assume you are talking about Yamamoto (GYCB). I can definitely see the St. Clair smallies gobbling them up. I had a hard time finding anything larger than 5".

Using a very little amount of mild dish soap in your water helps when wet sanding most things. It helps the paper slide, and lessens the "gumming up" of the paper. I tried the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser based on advice in another thread, and it worked great. I am not kidding when I say my corks look new. Not "like new" or "as new." They look new.

What is your favorite darter head jig to use with 4" and 5" grubs? If you do not use darter heads, what is your choice? Have you used any techniques with grubs that would be considered unconventional?

I think the Avid is all you would need. There is not that big of a difference between two. RW has a canned post he uses when people ask about technique specific rods. Maybe he will chime in. In my opinion, if you are starting out, an all around rod will serve you much better, and by using it for different things, you will learn about the qualities that make rods better for different techniques. If you really decide you want to get the most possible out of a particular application, then decide on a technique specific rod. They are not, by any means, required to do well using different techniques. I think the AVC66MHF (casting) or AVS66MHF (spinning) is a great all around choice even for the seasoned angler, and can serve you well in just about any situation. Here are the specs from the website: Casting: 6'6" Medium Heavy, Fast; 1 piece; 12 - 20# test; 3/8 - 1oz. lures; 4.3 oz. Spinning: 6'6" Medium Heavy, Fast; 1 piece; 8 - 14# test; 3/8 - 3/4 oz. lures; 4.0 oz.

I think your argument makes sense, Hooligan. It is well presented, too. I always immediately release fish after a quick photo. (I don't have a live-well on my boat) But I always grab that fish by the mouth and hold it up for the photo. I notice others grab by the mouth and support by the belly with the other hand. In some cases the belly support looks safer to the fish, and in others, it doesn't look so good. Do you know the proper way to cradle the fish? I have a tendency to fish a lot of treble hook lures, but I still do not use a net. I had always just tried to be careful putting my hand in there. Recently I learned that cradling a fish under the belly while landing will pacify it. I think this allows me to take the fish out of the water in a manner that is safer for me and the fish. Thanks for the info, I think many of us can take some good info from this.

Looks like a "Rule" brand live well pump to me. http://www.rule-industries.com/products/pumps/livewell_pumps/index.htm http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_89263_225003005_225000000_225003000?cm_ven=bazaarvoice&cm_cat=RLP&cm_pla=89263&cm_ite=description_link

This may help with an idea for component proportions... http://www.rat-l-trap.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=10&category_id=14&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=89 I also think it is cool that the lure will slide up the line away from the hook.

Weightless, IMO. It'll get down to depth, it just won't get there as fast.

There are so many more I want to point out, but the last time I did that it turned out pretty bad. :-X

I was wondering what a compition was... ;D

Blue Streak - gonna drift off your topic for just a second Thanks for the tip. Yeah - that Koopers perch imitation is just great...but $11.50 for a crank is above my price range (hear that bait monkey). I did just get a couple of Rapala Jointed Shad Raps from Cabelas for only $4.50 each - one was the perch color below, the other was a "hot perch" color. $4.50 I can handle ! Goose, I like that shad-rap color. I also do well with this Rapala: This is the X-Rap Version,which is more translucent. Your link is broken, man.

Since he asked in the Pinnacle Forum, I am pretty sure he was asking which Pinnacle reel is the best for under $100.

The line diameter is all that matters for the reel. You should be fine, just remember when using line heavier than the rating on the rod, you have to keep in mind that the rod may break before your line does, if you get hung up, or catch a giant. Change your line every year or so. Inspect the last foot or two of your line routinely when you fish. Cut off and re-tie your bait every so often if you notice nicks, or if the line feels like it has been compromised. You can't really tell how much is on there, other than by looking, or counting how many times you turn the handle when you spool up and multiply by the inches per turn. Divide that by 12 and you will get the number in feet. Divide that again by 3, and you got the number in yards. I just look to make sure there is about an 1/8" of the spool lip showing after I spool up. When there is, you know it is full.

Shimano Castaic http://www.***.com/descpageRLCSHIMANO-SHCASF.html

This has been discussed a lot recently... http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1266024151/4#4 http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1265751304 http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1265424515

I think the 1000 size will be too small.