thirtysixit

buy a BPS Pro Qualifier (when its on sale) and upgrade the bearings. Boom. Problem solved.

Zoom is the most durable...

Rapala DT series is on sale 5.79 at Gander MTN right now..............

The Revenge Baits flipping jig in 3/8 oz is the best skipping jig I have ever used. They are tough to come by in VA and TX and I don't always have time to wait for an order from TW before my next derby. I need some recommendations on the best skipping jigs out there. I tried Shooter jigs and I loved them for everything besides skipping. Help a brother out!!!

I've also been fishing the James River quite a bit lately. I love fishing the Cypress trees. I've had more luck finding them on wood than in the pads recently on the rivers around Richmond. Happy Hunting!

I love my Stratos 189 VLO! For 2900.00 getting on the water with a Stratos is a good deal I think. My current fishing partner fishes in a 77 Hydra Sport and does just fine in our weigh ins... I would check the condition of the outboard and see how much gas and oil this thing is drinking though. That would be a big decision point for me if I was in your position.

take a look at the Quantum ICON PT and anything Lews........ I have great luck with them and highly recommend!

I've recently been throwing finesse jigs. I'm really starting to gain a lot of confidence in them. If they aren't biting my regular jig with a full sized rage craw as a trailer I switch to a finesse jig and a baby craw. Its been getting great results for me now they are in the post spawn and summer patterns on the James and Chickahominy Rivers.

The more "stuff" in their space the better. Fallen trees, rocks, tires, grass, lily pads, boat wrecks, etc. These things are known as "cover". Bass naturally relate to it and use it to hide so they can ambush prey as it passes by. As far as getting started... You have picked a great time to get into the sport. There is a world of resources available to you online to learn what ever technique interests you. This website has great articles and an active forum population to help you. Also, get on youtube and search around. I always recommend Bassresource's channel to anybody getting started. When I was getting started my first confidence bait was a Texas rigged ribbon tail worm. Junebug and green pumpkin with a 3/16 oz bullet weight. You can throw it just about anywhere in cover and let it drop to the bottom through its crevices to attract a good bite. I also recommend getting a few spinnerbaits and experimenting with your first "reaction" bait. and yes. bass are territorial and curious. That's why they are the gamest fish that swims. Good luck and tight lines!

I started watching BASS Live on bassmaster.com. Real time fishing action with the top 12! You should check it out. I love it.

You can contact the tournament director for the River Ridge Bass Derby and see if he can link you up with a boater for our tournaments. Its a monthly tournament on Lake Gaston. I fish it every month I can. Check out the link below... http://www.riverridgebasstournament.com/ Call or Text Ron at 804-543-2292 Email Ron At guthwolf@comcast.net

I don't know what reservoir you're on but I fish in VA a lot. Lake Gaston in particular. I'd look for main lake islands or points and hit the shallow vegetation near the current breaks. Love me some frog action.

I have several friends that fish with Dobyns... I've heard nothing but good things about them. Good luck brother. I hope you hammer em.

Falcon BuCoo Lizard Dragger. Awesome rod for the money. Specifically made for the C-rig. I love it for frogs too. I'll even throw big spinnerbaits with it.

Gents, I was wondering if this invasive species has impacted any of your local fisheries? Personally, I'm concerned about it wiping out bass fishing in the next 30 years...

Bunch of rednecks talking about science...... Hilarious!!!!!!! Great thread!

I'll be fishing on Barkley exclusively.

Comrades, I'm fishing a tournament on Lake Barkley next month and I have a burning question... What size bag is it going to take to win? I'm hoping there are some seasoned anglers on this forum who can let me know what the average winning bag usually is on Barkley in April. Thanks!

I finally had some success on the water and placed second at a local tournament. Weighed in 18.25lbs and Got 200 bucks which I immediately spent on more tackle... I was wondering how often some of the guys who have been fishing tournaments for years cash a check from their local derby? I'm sure there some great stories out there about the ones that got away and what not

Rage Tail baits are worth it. The Rage Craw and Menace are some of my favorite jig trailers. I also fish a lot of Zoom products and love them too. The Super Chunk and Fluke are amazing.

^^^THIS^^^

I agree with this gentleman... I fish Falcon rods so I'll use my stuff as an example Flipping Rod: Cara Amistad 7'3'' heavy action with a fast tip. Good for Carolina rigs and froggin too. Deep Crank Rod: Cara Deep Runner 7'3'' medium heavy with a moderate tip. Its also my Trap rod All Purpose Rod: Falcon Original Herm 6'6'' medium heavy with a fast tip. Finesse jigs, spinnetbaits and worms Small/Medium Crank Rod: BuCoo 6'6'' medium action with a moderate tip Spinning Rod: Cara Squirrel Tail 7' medium action with a fast tip for shaky heads and finesse presentations I paired all of them with Quantum Smoke reels that I found on eBay. Usually paid around 125$ for each of them. Just my two cents............

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-FALCON.html?from=basres Look at the AOY or the Finesse Jig versions. Excellent rods and very light.

The Phat Frog is awesome! I also fish the Sexy Frog a lot. Black or white are my favorite colors.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-MEGASTRK.html?from=basres Megastrike jigs always stand straight up. Revenge jigs are quality and primarily what I fish. Skinny Bear makes great jigs as well.