mikeeasttn

I use a spinnerbait made by Show Boat Lures in blue and silver with double willow leaf blades. I

Welcome, good to see another fisherman from Tn. There are quite a few on this site. Wish I could help you but never fished those lakes.

Rapala Shad Rap, Rapala DT's, Bandit, Bomber, and Normans.

Roadwarrior is right about the large bass at least for myself. All the larger bass I have caught come during midday and bluebird skies.

My fishing partner is my best buddy for life. He is my 7 y/o grandson and really loves the sport. He will fish from daylight until after dark whether the fish are biting are not. He is already using a baitcaster and has caught a 8 & 1/2 lb LM.

In the spring and early summer I like to be on the lake at daybreak. I love to see the fog rise off the water and fish when this is happening. By 9 or 10am the pleasure boats and jet ski's have taken over so the fishing is over for the day. If circumstances permit I like to return to the lake a couple of hours before dark.

Using the KVD conditioner has made P-Line my line of choice. It will really tame uruly line.

Around 95% of my reels have been purchased from Tackle Warehouse and so far I have been very lucky. I have relied on forums mainly this one and one other to make my decision on what reels to purchase. I have purchased only high end reels and immediately send them off to be "super tunned" after fishing with them only one or two times.

Have a Bill Norman Deep Little N and call it "killer".

I am single and retired and live only 5 minutes away from one of TVA major lakes. Fish maybe 1 day every 2 weeks because put more time in work since retired than I did when working full time.

Congratulations, try to not show him up too bad. Will really enjoy watching it on the TV.

I also feel that the Shap Rap is the best or one of the best crankbaits ever made. I use the Black and Silver and Shad the most. Have caught more fish on these two than any other crankbait I have.

Have tried it and it works, but could not tell a difference between it and T rig on catch ratio. Maybe I have not used it enough for everyone I talk to that has used it says catch ratio is better.

Owner Hooks. Even replace some treble hooks on most baits with Owner Cutting Points.

Front Drag only. Have had 2 rear drag reels and will never buy one again. Lost quite a few fish due to the drag not being consistent in letting line come off spool.

Rapala DT 10 Rapala Shad Rap Bandit 300's

In the mid 80's I started using baitcasters. My first one was the black Shimano Bantam Mag Plus BMP 350. Wish I still had it. Found a BMP250 that was in great shape and sent it to a reel service and had new bearings and it tuned. I love this reel and fish with it most of the time. I will reach for it before I will use my Zillion or Core. It really brings back the memories.

I prefer the cork full grip rod. Have some split grips and do not fish them if I have a choice to fish a full grip rod. Some of my favorite rods only come in split grips now is the reason I bought them. After tryng I am going to a different brand rod or custom rods.

On the lake I fish the bandit crank in 200 or 300 in craw color work very good for SM and will catch LM also.

I also use the DT 20 crank. Have started using the Spro DD crank but have not really used it enough to give it a fair chance yet to compare it to other cranks.

Have never used the Rage Craws as have been using Huddlebugs and getting great results with them. But from what everyone has said will try some rage craws for sure now. Thanks for info.

I have used Lowrance since 1987 and have for the most part been well pleased with them. Recently purchased a Hummingbird 597 and also have been well pleased. Screen is as bright as Lowrance maybe some brighter and is easier to operate than the Lowrance in my opinon. I like the Lowrance 2D much more than the Bird but the HD DI seems very close on both units. It maybe that I am more familiar with the Lowrance 2D that makes it seem better. Both brands are very good. Try to find someone that can show you Lowrance on the water and maybe another person to show you the Bird on the water performance. If can not find anyone go to Bass Pro and they have units set up to where you can see each unit. If this is your first sonar I would recommend the Humingbird as it is much easier to operate.

Also received mine Wednesday. Looks like hey are carrying some new baits.

Thanks HH. That post is going to help me alot. Once again thanks for post.

Has anyone fished Dale Hollow lately. What is SM bite like?