Drew03cmc

The Lightning Rod is lighter, more sensitive and has better components than an Ugly Stik.

This ^

Nice. Melvern is a lake I want to go fish this year, but will have to rent a boat or find a friend. This weekend, I'm going to go walk the dam at Clinton if anyone wants to join in.

I'm trying not to, but the darn things aren't cheap.

Man, seeing you guys catching fish like these makes me want, nah, make that need a boat.

I'm hoping to catch an 18" River smallmouth this year. That would make my year. If I owned my own kayak I'd drive down after work and float on a Friday soon, but can't swing a new yak...

I have heard good things about the Kings, but probably my favorite stream system is the Elk system. The scenery is as good as the fishing. Sadly, I haven't done much as far as size goes, but I hooked and lost a couple 17s a few years back.

Man, I haven't gotten out yet. That changes this weekend though. What are your favorite public waters for shore fishing in the area?

I'd have to add a caveat. If they are the same size, the spot could probably drag the smallmouth. However, the smallmouth favor current more, so they could drag the spot if given the motivation. If you factor in the fat, lazy cousin largemouth, I'd say the two that are naturally in shape, strong and lean would trounce the larger family member. Either way you go, just go catch them.

On the Elk itself, I haven't caught or had a hook in any of any size. On Big Sugar, I have had a hook into a couple 17" smallmouth, but they both tossed it during the fight.

Micah, that is a pig in your avatar. What river was that one from?

Just my opinion, but as a guy who fishes short sticks on creeks, an 1/8oz plus or minus the rating won't matter.

Shoal Creek. I caught a 17" spot from it last March as well as a 19" largemouth.

Mine has a spool and mag brake.

Lew's SG300. 6.2:1 ratio, large spool and Lew's quality. I bought one and I like it thus far. $50 at Wally's.

I'm using an Accurist PT-A, the white and black one, and it has been an awesome reel for me.

Especially in fall, right? Winter is yours, but fall...not so much.

I am a die hard Mizzou fan. I grew up in Missouri, so no big deal there.

For numbers, I have to have a 3" soft craw on an 1/8oz head.

All Star Classic is a good Rod for $50 at Academy, but they are on sale frequently for $30.

I prefer to wade fish, but also float a lot. I've caught my best fish on cranks and jerks like the XRap 8 and Jointed Shad Raps. I've caught the most smallmouth on soft craws fished on a football head.

Four pounds is a beast for the Ozarks. My biggest Ozark bass is a LMB from a creek near Joplin at just over four pounds. My biggest smallmouth was caught the same day and was 15.25" long and is in my avatar. The largemouth was a hog from a backwater slough.

I'll keep an eye out for their sales Jeff. Thanks.

My problem with those Loomis rods is the cost. I'm not against dropping $200 on a baitcaster, but for a Rod, I have a hard time doing it. If the XML were 6', it could be perfect.

I'm okay with going to 6'. I have an All Star Classic 6' casting rod that is great for anything over 1/4oz. I'm interested in another 6' stick that has backbone, but a soft tip section.