sundog49

I've been clearing them out of the pond behind my house by using a medium sized circle hook with a 1/2 inch cube of bloody steak on it. The last one I caught was 22 inches long and fought like you wouldn't believe. It helps if the steak has a little membrane or grissel on it to put the hook through. Otherwise it makes for easy picking for them. Good luck and hold on tight. They do fight. Keep your fingers clear of those teeth.

There are some good videos on youtube. Just go to youtube.com and put in How to catch gar. 8-)

All the shows on Big Bass Monday on WFN. 8-)

Thanks for all the tips. You've all given me some good ones. I guess the thing to do is get out and practice. Got to do it before the oil slick gets down here. 8-)

Just got a baitcast setup. Quantam Code reel with flipin switch and a Quantam 7 foot tournament series rod medium fast. How's the best way to avoid backlash? I have it set so the bait falls slowly when the thumb button is pushed in. How much does thumb pressure on the spool come into play when I cast?

I use 20 lb. Power Pro green on my spinning reel with no problem. I use an old Mitchell 308 with an old Fenwick 6ft. fiberglass rod.

Mike, I too am just getting serious about bass fishing. I have had alot of luck with the Zoom purple lizzards and the Berkley cinnamon chiggar craw. Got them both at Dick's. Also I use a white and silver rattle trap that seems to drive fish crazy one day then nothing for a few days. I just keep mixing them up and see what the fish want. Good luck. 8-) Russ

I've caught some 1-2 pounders in the pond behind my house the past two weeks. Using a Zoom 6" purple lizzard and Berkley Chiggar Craw. Just a matter of time before the big ones start biting. There are too many young ones for them to eat.

I just started using the palomar. Easy to tie, strong, what was I thinking before? Great knot.

I caught a shovel head catfish in the Ohio River with a Zebco 404. It felt like a VW.

I am also looking for a baitcast rod. I just bought a Quantam Code Red reel. All this stiffness and sensitivity talk has me confused. I want to use my setup for flippin and all around bank fishing (heavy grass) from a boat.

I just started using briad. Can anyone tell me how often to chang it? Mine has been on for about 6 months.

Thanks to all of you who responded. I'll bide my time and put out a little more money for a good setup. Maybe do some checking on Craigs List and E Bay.

What is a good beginners setup for flipping? Can I get a decent setup at Wal-Mart?

Do all of the Quantum spools have that coloration on them? It looks like exposure to extreme heat to me.