Basswhippa

Recollection is 5.8 and roughly 22 IPT. I use one that is 20 years old. It is a bit scuffed, but works like new. Amazing reels.

If you want a Lews, get the superior one. An old one built by Shimano. Otherwise, get the Citica.

That is between 8 and 10. Guessing 9. Son caught a 24.5 that was 8.35 and a 24 that was 8.65. They were healthy, but I'm not sure as tall and thick as that one. 9.2 is it.

Chinese duds.

Chinese duds.

I've been thinking about using lead tape on a couple of rods. I have used the balancer from BPS. It works.

As long as it is solid built, there is no real advantage to a high dollar frog rod. Get a lightning rod flipping stick, for that ap, if you want. Expensive is for sensitivity, in my book.

I recall reading a story regarding Tom Mann Jr. one time. He was a light line specialist at the time, focusing on Lanier spotted bass. He had a client or was fishing a tournament with some old guy. The old guy had Stren Hi Vis so he could see the line. Tom went on to tell him that it was an inferior choice and he would be better off fishing clear or green line of the same diameter. Then the old feller proceeded to spank him like 10 to 1 or more. Destroyed him and changed his ideas. I have believed that bass are curious and see high vis line and follow it to it's end. That is just my belief. I am sure that there are times in clear water that you have to use clear small diameter line.

The C3 is a Swedish made reel of legend. Isn't the S version the Chinese junk model that isn't worth 2 cents?

OK, if I had to bet my favorite rod and reel, I would bet on Biwa. For one, I'm guessing they don't have northern largemouth genetics corrupting the size possibility. Two, it has produced the world record. Three, there are eyewitness accounts to 25 pounders swimming in there. That is all.

Several Tennessee River lakes have been stocked with Floridas. I'm not going to say which one, but a gill netter has been quoted as catching and releasing 3 in the 20 pound class. This was before everyone had cameras with them all the time, and a clue to which lake, although it still could be several before you guess. These were the pure newly stocked Floridas, and keep in mind, a well educated bass can suspend in parts of the channel and gobble down 2 pound gizzard shad, if it were to so choose. This story was told by a legit commercial fisherman. I really don't believe they were 20 pounders, as he stated "20 pound class", but I do believe they were in the 18 pound range. A few years back one between 17 aND 18 was shocked up in TN. Just throwing Chick and the new stocking program at Nickajack into the world record mix. TN River lakes have documented smallmouths up to 10.5 pounds. I'd doubt a WR is possible, but I'd bet 18 pound class fish will be taken in the next decade or two, given the biomass of shad.

WRB, I was standing on the shores of Lanier at a BASS tournament that KVD won around 1991/1992. It was announced at the tournament. "Folks the lake record is 17 pounds, and folks, that is a northern strain largemouth." It shocked bystanders. Figured that would interest some folks. As you mention, it could be in error, if it were a transplant or a fish that swam away from its native range prior to impoundment. Lanier back then would have been perfect to grow such a beast, with less pressure.

I have a 20 year old Shimano Calcutta that fishes good as new. I have Curados that are nearly as old that fish as well. I would look for a deal on a new Citica. I think you can find one in your range. Lews get pretty good reviews, but they don't have the history of Shimano. If one guy disappears, you are messed over. I will say in such a case you might still get parts from a Revo or Phlueger as they are Chinese clones.

It is very likely that there are way too many bass in this pond.

There is a Chronarch on ebay painted into a sexy shad patttern. It is sweet.

Awesome. Next time, get cut a piece of line and use it to measure the girth. Clip the excess line and then when you get home, measure that. I learned this right here at Bass Resource. Ha.

Could be a 10 easily, if not somewhat more.. If you measured around the girth, we could give you a very close estimate. What did you catch him on and what time of day? Not asking for holes, just info. Great trophy.

Those were the good Lews. They weren't today's Chinese bubble pack throwaways you get at Wal Mart for $50. They were well over $100 over 30 years ago. . They were built by Shimano. I had one, it was excellent. The late Bill Murphy stated it was the favorite baitcasting reel he ever had, in his book.

I have found the calculator to be fairly accurate on typical shaped fish. I suspect that it is not as accurate on odd shaped fish, but have no proof. I'm thinking there is a a girth x girth x length/ 800 is 10.5 pounds. This is another method, but not as often quoted. You might split the difference. Giant fish. Get yourself a scale. Below is a 21.5" 10.49 pounder shocked by TWRA in TN You are the final judge. Just giving you a comparison. Your photo is a little hard to see.

Apparently Lake Comanche is low and they are getting the monsters. This is the new lake record. 18.17 pounds.

This reel was mentioned on the most successful comedy show ever.

NEW CITICA 200I