Bluebasser86

I'm no expert on the saltwater part, but 20lb would probably be a good place to start.

I've got rods that are 8' that I use with no problems. Not sure what your height has to do with the rods you use? I'd go with your standard lure weights for other rods with those ratings. Keep it between about 1/8-5/8 on the spinning rod, 1/4-3/4 on the casting rod and you'll be fine.

I enjoy the Elk, but it gets pretty low and require quite a bit of dragging in a canoe, which I don't mind because I like to get out and fish anyways. It has tons of smallmouth with some pretty nice ones mixed in, a decent largemouth population with some big ones mixed in, quite a few goggleye, and a mix of several other species in smaller numbers. Tons of suckers everywhere, but I've never tried fishing for them.

Lake Bixby isn't far from the Tulsa on the south side of town and has some really big fish in it. You have to buy a day pass for about $5 at the police department or city hall.

French pearl is far and away my most productive jerkbait color for smallies.

LMB don't get "pregnant", since they're egg layers. That fish is overall pretty skinny, looks to have a decent sized meal (I'm guessing a bluegill because they tend to look kind of square in a fish's belly), in it's stomach.

If you could do a 6' 6" MH/F Avid X, I have one with pretty light use I'll sell you for way less than new price, like around $140 shipped. A nice rod, I just have so many in that range that I rarely use it.

I fish copolymer for all 3 you listed. 10-15 for cranks, 15-17 for spinnerbaits and bladed jigs, 10-20 for T rigs and jigs.

As much as I hate to say it because I'm not a fan of Livingston, their Walking Boss Part II (which is basically a big, jointed Jitterbug), has been a good bait for me.

The joints are fragile, so don't go catching too big of fish on one.

I've been on the water for both Classics in Oklahoma on Grand, and a Bass Fest on Table Rock. I fished all 3 times and crossed paths with pros on all occasions. The first Classic, my brother in law and I were fishing a point when Ike and his floatilla roared up to the point and he dropped his trolling motor to fish. We reeled in and backed off and watched him make about 10 cast before he took off again. We returned to the point and continued to catch fish like we had before he'd pulled up. I'm on the water, I'm going to be fishing, but I'm not going to fish an area while a pro is fishing or try to intentionally go in behind them and catch fish to feel better about myself or whatever reasons some folks seem to do that for. I understand they're trying to make a living at something that is very difficult to make a living doing. I'm going to respect them and behave just like I'd hope they'd do for me if the rolls were reversed.

Great looking fish and congrats on the PB!

I get to meet the weirdest of the weird while on duty (and some on the water). Most of them are people that can't help it. The ones that are really odd to me are the ones like what you experienced, those that willingly put themselves in situations they obviously aren't comfortable with.

I've never had much luck fishing frogs or toads for smallies. I have one lake I can get them to hit it pretty regular, but you can catch a couple dozen on a Whopper Plopper by the time you get 1 to eat a frog, but the 1 bite will be super violent.

Welcome!

Welcome!

Welcome Colin from another NE KS area member! Lots of good general fishing information here, as well as some good area information here;

The only Arashi crank that I've liked is the wakebait.

Always something new to learn. Even techniques that I've done my entire life I can still get better at them. If you don't learn something new every day on the water, you're doing it wrong.

1/4oz

Red Eye Shad 2 Tap has been great for me. Booyah makes a one knocker in a lot of good colors that have worked well for me also though.

"Bring the King his net!"

Be patient and shop around, but be ready to jump when a deal pops up. I shopped for almost 2 years before I bought mine for about half what it was valued at, but I also drove 14 hours to get it.