North Ga Hillbilly

I've heard tell of other strange and relatively shady practices that this fella has employed... That being said, anyone that is catching multiple fish over 18 pounds is doing something right NGaHB

I'm loving the bigger size too, keeps my hands from cramping a few hours into fishing NGaHB

If Im understanding you right, I used a drill to bore out the area for the plastic collar to go into. I drilled smaller than the plastic collar and pressure fitted it in with some glue to reinforce. Took a few to get it plum in all directions, a drill press would be best. NGaHB

I managed to resist the urge to buy a few more. I feel pretty good about that. NGahB

No pics? come on now NGaHB

That is a shoal bass. If you havent caught one before, and seen it in person then they can be mistaken for a smallie. There are some smallies in the hooch, but very few. NGaHB

~4 pounds, I would say. Great catch man, there will be many more to come. Make sure to be careful with the jaw. NGaHB

IGFA will allow record fish from private waters: http://www.fieldandstream.com/photos/gallery/fishing/bass-fishing/2012/06/world-record-fish-229-catches-submitted-igfa?photo=51 http://books.google.com/books?id=4WiaMCK0kJcC&pg=PA28&lpg=PA28&dq=private+water+igfa&source=bl&ots=nJ0fJwcFr8&sig=u0MoPdWbYk3bf3K7aEsJTjz80PM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=3cV7UPeLJIrc9ASYkYB4&ved=0CCcQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=private%20water%20igfa&f=false http://www.west-fly-fishing.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=406885 (Post #10) http://www.coloradofisherman.com/forum/index.php?topic=55460.20;wap2 NGaHB

Punkers about any time of the day, I target with them around cover, be it submerged wood or tall grass edges. I like to use rats at night, as well as give em a go if Im seeing alot of activity. NGaHB

For sure man, Let me know if you need any ideas. One thing Ill tell you, if the knobs dont come off with a screw its going to be a good bit harder to get it workin right. Fished for around 5 hours today, they held up well to the fishing and a few fish, much more comfortable, no slipping anymore. I'm happy. That checkered pattern looks really nice Hovanec, Ill have to get on the lathe and see about turning some. What kind of chuck do you use to connect to cork? NGaHB

Those look great J, I think one would make a huge difference on my spinning reel, but the handle is pressed on unfortunately. NGaHB

Thanks guys. It was a pretty simple matter. The original knobs have a hard plastic collar inside the soft rubber, I just stripped the soft rubber off and trimmed the collar down to circular. Worth trying out if you have an extra set of knobs. NGaHB

I've seen many trout jumping in lakes when theres 10 pounds of bass on their tails. Saw this one jumping for around 30 seconds, then tail walking all the way to the shore. But outside that Ive seen them get spooked by any number of things and start jumping around. NGaHB

I was sitting around last night contemplating cork knobs and oversized knobs and it occurred to me, there cant be that much to it. Long story short the first knob was made out of an old wine cork to see if it could be done, this V2 set was made from new corks made for bottling Belgium beer. Really dense stuff and stronger than a single piece of natural cork. Pretty happy with how these came out. They incorporate the original collar out of the stock knobs, so all strength is still there, basically replaced the soft rubber with cork. NGaHB

:eyebrows: :eyebrows: NGaHB

Thats a big crappie my man, I dont think anyone would disagree. Great catch! Make sure to get a picture of the next one. NGaHB

Thats great to see. Im sure hes telling everyone he talks to. Glad hes thinking about lure selection too NGaHB

X2, I've read this book over and over, the best out there from my expierence Also look into Knowing Bass: A Scientific Approach to Catching Bass NGaHB

Here in Georgia I say anything over 12 is a trophy, the two pounds between a 10 and a 12 is a real step from my experience. That being said, like most everyone else, its all about location. A trophy shoal bass around here is somewhere around 5#, but I'm still happy with my 3.2. NGaHB

might want to search through the tackle making forum, several rod making threads on there NGaHB

I'm looking at around 40 hours fishing a hudd since my last bite, But boy are they worth it when they come! You've been tearing em up Paul, keep it up! NGaHB

I dont have a problem with the guy killing the pickeril, tho I sure wouldn't do the same. But his methods are about as crude as I can imagine. You've got alot of issues to debate with yourself about what to do, but Id say your justified in taking some sort of action. NGaHB

Congrats man! Its really strange that alot of the bigger fish I see from up north have that weird sloping head thing going, due to slower growing I wonder? NGaHB

Always good to see another Georgia bass guy around. Welcome! NGaHB

For a rod in the ~$100 range I would suggest getting an Okuma H. I use it to throw ROF 0 and 5 hudds, itll throw a 12 but feels alittle underpowered to me. I throw lures down to ~1 oz on it, its not the most comfortable experience, but itll get it done. Feels fine to for 2.5 oz< lures to me. Good warranty and rave reviews. Mine gets 90% of my fishing time and has held up great, Hasn't failed me on a fish yet. NGaHB