Missourifishin

No, that doesn't make you a strange guy. I'd feel the same. I've had some fish that I worried about after releasing too.

Numbers are great, and staying busy all day catching a lot of fish is fun. But I'd rather catch one 10 pounder than 10-20 one pounders any day.

Medium-heavy refers to the power of the rod. I think what you have to be concerned with when using those treble hooks is mainly the action of the rod. A Moderate action is usually recommended for cranks and such. I don't see any reason why you couldn't use a rod with medium heavy power and moderate action for what you intend to use it for.

I'd try a roadrunner. Small, only one hook, and it will catch all kinds of panfish and bass. Whatever you try, I'd keep some live minnows or worms handy in case he's not having any luck and get's bored.

I have a 7'0" M/F spinning Avid. I don't find it wobbly at all. It's a great rod.

My thoughts exactly. I usually carry a 6'6" MH/F casting rod. A 6'10" glass M/M casting rod. And a 7'0" M/F spinning rod.

How have you been fishing them? Are you just casting them out from the bank randomly and reeling them in? You'll get better advice if you get a little more specific about what has not been working for you. You need to be fishing where there are fish to be caught, first and foremost. Try to make sure you hit the areas of the pond or lake that have cover/structure. Don't be afraid to bounce those cranks off of stumps, rocks, etc. Change speeds, pause occasionally, and cast and retrieve at different angles. Also, what kind of cranks are you using? As Marty said, you're bound to catch fish using crankbaits. But be persistent and try different things.

Personally, I wouldn't have a problem eating a thoroughly cooked piece of fish out of that pond if cows getting in it are the only problem. I have been known to live dangerously though. I'd be more worried if the fish were exposed to chemicals used on crops.

I caught several bass between 2.5 and 4 pounds on 1/16 and 1/8 roadrunners this year. I've also had tiny bass and bluegill aggressively hammer crankbaits that were nearly as large as the fish themselves.

I started off the same way (not too long ago) and I'm still more comfortable casting side armed. But I can cast overhand pretty well now too. I can't tell you what exactly I do different now. I just kept practicing and eventually got a feel for it.

That's what I figured.

It looks pretty legit. I've never heard of it though.

X3. Tournament Pro

Catfish will eat all kinds of stuff, including hot dogs. I like chicken livers a lot better though. If you haven't already found out what a circle hook is, I'll try to explain it... It is a hook with the point pointing back in towards the shank of the hook. So there is a bit of a circle shape to it. The advantages of it are that you usually don't have to set the hook. It kind of slides out of the fishes mouth and hooks in the corner of the mouth. This also results in less gut-hooked fish, so the hook is easier to remove and less likely to harm the fish, which is great, especially for catch and release fishing. That being said, most of us here fish for bass with artificial lures, such as the soft plastics, jigs and topwaters previously mentioned, which is a whole different ballgame. I agree with the others that Texas rigged soft plastics might be a good place to start if you're wanting to bass fish. Oh, and I also have a Mitchell 300Pro. I've had it for almost a year, and it has served me well.

Welcome! My brother lived in Warrensburg for about 7 years and got some aviation related degrees from CMSU, or whatever it's called now (I heard they changed the name?). Then he lived in Odessa for many years, and I lived in KC for a couple years myself, so I've been around the area a lot. Unfortunately I wasn't into fishing at the time, so I don't know any good spots. I also remember going to at least one airshow at Whiteman as a kid. Not sure if they still have them there or not.

Welcome! You'll learn a lot here.

I own a 7'0" M/F Avid spinning rod, and I couldn't ask for anything more in a spinning rod. I think it's the best rod out of all the ones you mentioned. But like others have said, if you hate the grips on the Premier that much, you're not going to like them on the Avid either. I've only handled Eyecons in stores, and I didn't really care for the overall feel of them. But the grips might be more to your liking.

I've got the Tournament, and I love it. Can anyone tell me how much of a step up the Tournament Pro is over the Tournament?

I got the Tournament Speed Spool (not the pro) a few months back, in 6.4:1. I'd say they're very versatile reels, and can be used for anything. There might be some techniques where people prefer faster or slower. But 6.4:1 is a good all around ratio. I put mine on my crankbait rod. I don't do a lot of deep cranking, being a bank fisherman, so I don't need a slower gear ratio. I really love the reel. Although I do kind of wish I had spent a few more bucks to get the Tournament Pro. Did you have a specific technique in mind? Or just looking for something versatile?

I'd suggest a St. Croix Avid. But I'm not sure exactly what price point you have in mind when you say you don't want to break the bank.

Holy crap, that's a nice bass!

Agreed. KVD 1.5 chart black back.

I bought some used ones on ebay once. And one of them was split in the middle down the back. It kind of slowly sunk instead of floating. But it still caught fish like crazy.

I think that's the law in MO too. No crappie or bass though.

I didn't think you were whining. Anyway, this is not a big deal. It happens to everyone. I had to cut and strip out all my line at least once when I was learning. Respool, make sure you're setting it up correctly, and then practice practice practice. You'll get it down.