Drew03cmc

Dude, depressing...exciting experience though. Was it record sized?

I was referring to a Smallmouth record, 11-15. I do need to holler at @road warrior

I am wanting to get down to the TN River to chase some of the giants in the current. Does anyone have any suggestions for guides, lakes or anything else? I'm honestly asking for suggestions, input and guidance, so feel free to PM me if need be to prevent your honey holes or super secret juice from being publicized. I do live in Kansas City, so it would be a one time trip. Do you all think the possibility of a world record exists below some of the TVA dams?

Honestly, I have a Kastking Megajaws Upgraded 7.2 on an Ark Tharp B-Hittay and I love it. I use 15lb fluoro for mine.

I run about 4 mod fast rods, one for jerkbaits, squarebill, chatterbait and another one in a true moderate for Rapala DTs and balsa baits. On the squarebill rod, I also use it to sling Spinnerbaits. My chatterbait rod is glass and works flawlessly.

I bought two Arks at the Redcrest Expo, a 7'4" Tharp MH B-Hittay and a 7'3" MagMH XF Lancer Pro. I really dig them both. On the B-Hittay, I have a 7.2 Megajaws Upgraded with 15# fluoro and a Speed Demon Elite Deadbolt with 15# is going on the Lancer. I like the rods so much that I ordered a 6'10" MMF Lancer Pro and Megajaws Elite 7.2 for it.

I bring too many rods, but honestly, for what you are shooting for, at a moderate price point, I picked up a Bass Pro Formula LE this winter (your Curado 100 would work just fine) and put it on a 6'6" medium H2O Xpress Ethos rod. In winter, this rod gets 10# fluoro, from April through about October, it gets 10# P-Line CX for smaller topwater walking baits. The rod is $70 new at Academy, reel was $50 at BPS.

Honestly, the 9.1 Kastking Megajaws would be ideal, but more like $70.

Much appreciated!

@WRB these stories are amazing. I am fascinated by them and the fact you caught so many is what baffles me. Do you have pictures of your hair jigs?

This, right here. In my field, we get between 2 and 4% each year, but with inflation over 5, it's a net loss.

What a fish! Congrats on the fish of a lifetime. Now, what crackle color? I was looking at those jerkbaits last night in store. Are they suspending jerk baits? The website says floating is why I ask.

Nice fish

Thank you. I rig my flukes on a 4/0 screw lock swimbait hook, so they're a bit more durable, but I may grab some D Shad and try them this year.

How is the durability compared to a Super Fluke?

They are in there, you just have to fish big fish tactics, locations and be patient.

I appreciate everyone's suggestions and can respect how everyone is different in what they like.

So, I am looking into grabbing a rod just for squarebills and curious what lines you all use for them? I was using fluoro, but am leaning towards some 12lb Hybrid or something similar. Anything wrong with that in your eyes?

Nah, I prefer Big Sugar to the Elk itself honestly.

The Neosho cannot biologically persist in lakes. They require current and will be found in slow, seemingly almost still water all winter long. They are resilient fish and my favorite fish. I fish the Elk system a couple times a year from my kayak and absolutely love the spring, prespawn bite, along with the mid summer topwater bite. I need to get on the river around Noel in February or early March to see about some bigguns.

I like to use the Jewel AJ Finesse Jig tipped with either a 3" Warrior Craw or a Netbait Paca Chunk.

I have had the same issue with the Customs. I normally buy EZ Skirts to replace them if I order any customs. Their rubber band skirts are junk.

I use white Spinnerbaits in Ozark rivers where shad are either not present or are not in any great number. Also, white is the only color I have confidence in.

Beaver is deep and clear, Dardanelle is fantastic with more backwaters than I could fish in my lifetime. Bull Shoals is pretty good too. Don't overlook the moving water in that area though. It's in a great area for river small mouth.

Sounds like a split shot rig is a good way to fish it, also, might need to learn to drop shot.