Chris at Tech

Um, Charlie Weis? Never a head coach, never a college coach, was given a huge extension after rightfully getting production from a bunch of senior offensive stars. Now what did that 10 year extension get the Irish faithful? A three win season. Sorry, that's not even re-building. That's collapsing.

I have a Mg MH 69APC that I really like for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Also does well with t-rigs. To be fair, I did have a realseat problem when I tried a Pflueger reel on there, but no issues with a Curado or Revo STX.

Because we'll pay whatever they charge. Bastages

Went out there on Sat and froze my hind parts off. Cruised around for a while to the left of the ramp and we found no depth, no structure, no dying rass, and most importantly, no fish. However I did run into stump full bore and popped my transom mount motor up When we finally went towards the rip rap, that's when the cold set in and we called it a day. Figures, as that's where I finally found some structure. I was out there Saturday for about four hours freezing as well. Took about an hour to thaw my hands out after we finished but we had fun. My buddy eight year old Jake had a great day despite the cold and wind. He got about ten fish with a couple of good ones on jighead with a trickworm. Here is his pic with his dad holding some of his fish and him with his biggest fish of the day. I caught a couple and his dad caught a few as well. The lake is really almost like one big shallow flat and hard to find very many big depth changes in it. Alot of the better structure is in the deeper half of the lake toward the dam. Showoff

Went out there on Sat and froze my hind parts off. Cruised around for a while to the left of the ramp and we found no depth, no structure, no dying rass, and most importantly, no fish. However I did run into stump full bore and popped my transom mount motor up When we finally went towards the rip rap, that's when the cold set in and we called it a day. Figures, as that's where I finally found some structure.

To me, balance is 99% about comfort in the user's hands. If you're able to hold the rod in a comfortable position, then to me it's balanced. I don't think adding weights to a combo to balance it adds sensitivity, per se. Rather it just makes it more comfortable to use, and when you're more comfortable you're more effective fishing.

I never upgrade. Mostly because I never get around to selling anything. So I just keep adding.

I have quite a few of those 100-400 series, but generally I stick to the threadfin shad, chart/black back, pearl and firetiger colors. I like them... But yeah, like others said, I change the hooks.

Since I use my setup for jigs, T-rigs, C-rigs, frogs and small swimbaits, I use the 6:1 Zillion. If I wasn't throwing the swimbaits, I'd have gone with the 7.1. However, keep in mind the 28 IPT from the Zillion is just as fast as some other companies' 7:1 'burner' reels.

Which smaller lakes are still fishable in the ATL area? I fish the electric-only lakes with my boat, and here's what I know Varner -- ramp just closed Sweetwater Creek -- ramp's been closed since June. Darn near empty JW Smith/Blalock -- close for the season (it always closes Nov - March) Stn Mountain -- open and fishable Lake Acworth -- I've heard it's open and fishable Kedron -- heard it's closed Black Shoals -- ??? Charlie Elliot -- ??? Anyone have any bright ideas? I may fill my tub up just to wet a line

I like Pline CX Premium and Floroclear.

Just got into frog fishing this year and I freakin' LOVED it Earlier this year, I picked up a Dobyns 704C and paired it with a Zillion w/ 50 lb Sufix braid. Great combo for frogs as well as jigs, t-rigs, c-rigs, etc. The Revo would be a good choice as well. I have 2 STX's on other rods, and I only got the Zillion since I wanted to try something new.

I like the Gammy round bends, and I always have size 2, 4 and 6 handy. Don't just do your cranks. I check the hooks on all my plugs and most times (not all ) I swap them out. I don't catch a ton of fish, so when I get a hit I want the best chance to land the fish. I believe good hooks give me that better chance.

Daiwa Tierra 2000. I have that reel on the AS69MLXF as well. Sweet combo for dropshotting...

No, not that one! I can't believe you ordered THAT rod! Haha...sorry, couldn't resist

I love my Abu Garcia Revo STX and Kistler Mg MH 69APC for 3/8 - 1/2 oz spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.

They're not on sale anymore. I was gonna grab one this morning. Crap.

Some plugs I have in my box have a treble that's attached via an eyelet screw so you can't simply unscrew it and replace the hook (like the rear hook on a Devil's horse). Any tricks for replacing these hooks? I hate that I can get 1-2 good hooks on a lure like this, but leave the crappy one on the rear.

Yeah, I think you'd find the MLF would NOT be good for plastics. For in line spinner and maribou jigs, it'd be fine, but def not weightless plastics. I have the AS69MLXF and I'm slowly coming the the realization that it's a bit too light for what I use it for -- splitshot rigs and shakeyheading. Using braid with a mono leader helps quite a bit, as I had too many instances of setting the hook and losing the fish due to lack of power when it was all mono. With that said, I think the AS69MLXF would be great for smaller crank and minnow-type baits. Just not weightless plastics Like someone else said, the AS68MXF would be a good place to start.

Bone white.

I'd suggest doing more research on the guides and only book with one that comes with good recommendations. I've heard some real horror stories about 'guided trips', so the research is well worth it.

Between 1/4 to 1/2 oz for jigs. I fish mainly cranks and plastics. The bait monkey is telling me that not one rod will solve all my needs. I'm certainly no expert, but it seems like cranks alway mess up the '"all-purpose rod" search. When they're in the equation, along with other bass fishing staples like worms and jigs, you're not likely to find one rod that will serve you well in both arenas. Solution, the Avids are on sale. Get 2

How heavy jigs and plastics? I'd say the AC68XF or the AC70MH The AS66MLF is alright if you're throwing 1/4oz and under inline spinners or maribou jigs for panfish, but I don't think this is a good rod for general bass fishing. I got one for Xmas last year, but returned it shortly thereafter because it was just too whippy for my tastes.

Is this a great board or what? Man, there's an answer from someone that's got a few comps for reference. Thanks! That is a GREAT post. 8-) I'm SHOCKED, RW You didn't inform Lard_Bass that the AC66MF is not suited for plastics or jigs? In any event, I use the AC66MF for topwater, jerkbaits, shallow to med cranks, and traps. It works well for that, but I would not recommend this rod for plastics.

Agreed. Rod weight doesn't mean squat unless the weight was shaved in the right places.