Black Bass

I live in Deep South East Texas and buy as much of my fishing supplies as I can from Cabela's as I like thier customer service much better. I do agree that BPS has a much bigger selection of lures. However, a lot of them are nothing that I'd be interested in spending money on.

What do you wear for footwear when you take out the insulated Parka and bibs? I'm looking at some gore-tex insulated boots. While Cabela's and BPS have a lot of camo hunting boots, they don't have much for fishing. Also, I'm not sure which sole pattern I should be looking for.

Which two or three colors would you start with for bass in stained water?

Credit cards may be one of the triggers, but I don't have a Cabela's credit card so there have to be other triggers, like being a "big spender." My bank account feel it.

WOW! I think Cabela's is letting me know that my bait monkey did them a lot of favors last year. I just received a hardbound 1 3/4" with 10 fold out tabs. It is the Limited Spring Edition 2008 catalog. It sure is purdy.

I bought some tubes. What hooks do you use with them?

1/4 to 1/2. Considering a few 3/4 to 1 oz.

Thanks, ReelMech for all your help. I have many of your posts saved. Great information.

I, also, cast right and reel left for the same reasons as reelmechanic and Rolo. I have a much better touch with my right hand working the rod to impart life to the lure than I would using my left hand.

Is anyone using this line? I was told it had little memory and was very strong. What say you?

I like them. I just ordered three more KVD Signature reels from BPS at $69/each that have the flippin switch.

1) Daiwa Viento 2) Bass Pro KVD Signature I have 4 3) Bass Pro Rick Clunn Signature 7.1:1 got it for Christmas, haven't fished with it yet. 4) Quantum Accurrist pt500 All of the above are left handed, and I like them all. I will be ordering the Pflueger Supreme spinning real this week. From what I've read on this list, I'm going to love it.

I'm set to buy the Pflueger Supreme spinning reel. Is there a spinning reel that you'd buy instesd for $100? Thanks

My sincere thanks to all of you who contribute to this board. For those of us starting out in the bait casting/spinning tournament style of bass fishing, this board provides a wealth of information that would otherwise take years for us to develop. Reel Mechanic, RoadWarrior, Avid, fivebasslimit, Low Budget Hookers, muddy, and so many more, you are awesome. But, those of you who only post once what a wealth of information you have provided to my questions. You folks are awesome also. I have learned so much from you also. This is a great board with great contributors. You have all made my fishing experience much richer and the best thing is that I know it will continue in 2008. Thanks a lot I hope the feeder of your Bait-monkey was very good to each of you today. May the New Year provide all the fishing days you desire. Tight lines, RB

Add me to the list of those who are very appreciative of the great information shared with this board.

They look great.

Sent an email. Hope I'm in the first 50. Thanks.

I read Bassmast, Bass Times, and Bassin'. I like them all.

Between the AVC70HF and the AVC70MHF, which would be the better Frog rod on Toledo Bend and Rayburn?

I actually recomended a Medium Heavy Fast action, not a medium extra fast. If all you have to do is bomb your frog across the slop then I'm sure a heavy rod would be fine. But if you are going to work structure where you will need to cast accurately and walk that frog back to you, you'll probably be happier with a MH. Oops. Sorry. So, the rod you recommend in the Avid series is the AVC70MHF?

Hey Catt, I'm planning on fishing Toledo Bend with my group on January 19, 2008. We will be fishing out of Cypress Bend Park. I know nothing about Toledo Bend. Are there any cabins, motels, etc. in the area that you recommend? What would you use to fish that area in January? Any specific areas I should try to get to? I searched your posts on Toledo Bend and found the following. I try to keep it simple; spinner baits, crank baits and Rattle-L-Traps for the most part. Spinner baits I use a white ½ ounce double willow leaf. Crank baits I look for baits that have a tight wobble to them and the Rattle-L-Traps I use both a ½ and 3/4 ounce each. For me the key is that I want to be able to just tick the tops of the grass and that is what determines the size of baits I use. As for the reels I use a 6:1 ratio for most everything, but if I am going to slow role a spinner bait I may go to a slower 5.0:1 ratio. It makes it easier for me to keep it down on the bottom. As for the line and rods I consider the situation, water clarity, depth and of course cover plays a big factor in what is needed for the situation. Favorite bait: Texas Rigged Gene Larew 7 ½ Salty Ring Worm Cinnamon Pepper Neon/June Bug Laminated (Camouflage). Favorite technique: Deep water structure at night Personal best: 12 pounds 8 ounces on a ½ oz Rat-L-Trap Red Chrome Biggest 5 bass stringer: 33.34 lbs Most memorable: 1974, Joined two bass clubs whose members included John Torian, John Hall, John Dean, Villis P "Bo" Dowden SR, Harold Allen, Larry Nixon, Tommy Martin, & Zell Roland all guides at Toledo Bend's Pendleton Harbor Marina. May I suggest for boat launch, tent camping, RV camping, rooms/cabins http://www.pleasurebend.com Ph (409) 579-2210 Six Mile Marina: http://www.toledo-bend.net/sixmile Ph (409) 579-9898 Hillside Inn & RV Park: http://www.toledo-bend.com/hillside Ph (409) 579-3422 Twin Oaks RV Park: email address only twinoaks@sabinenet.com Ph (409) 579-3078 Sportsman: great caf é, vaughnkk@jas.net Ph (409) 579-3292 My personal favorite is Vaughn's K & K (Sportsman) because they are located just across the Six Mile Bridge which is where the public boat launch is, their caf é has excellent cooking at reasonable prices, & their rooms though small are only $28.50 a night. Six Mile Marina has just reopened under new management and I've heard nothing but good things about it. If I could email you I could put you on 2 big bass holes that would probably win just about any tournament. Both spots have produced numerous DD bass and a Bass-N-Bucks stringer of 33.34 lbs.

Is that the LTBC70HF?

For me, when I'm fishing just for fun, it's Topwater. Many times after I have cast the bait out and am letting is sit, I become distracted by the beauty and tranquility of the body of water I'm on and its surroundings. Then a bass will smash the bait, and dang near make me jump out of the boat. That's a blast. So I'd like to have a frog specific rod. Checking the St Croix site it appears that the two main choices are the AVC70MXF recommended by Infidel, or the AVC70HF that fits the criteria of Mike Bat. I can see that one is a medium power x-fast tip, and the other is a Heavy fast tip. What does that mean when fishing frogs in salad? And, which rod would you buy?

I have the St Croix Avid AC66MF. Reading this list, I see that it is a good rod for topwater. Is there an Avid rod that would be a better rod for frogs and other topwater lures? I still have some Christmas money left and the bait monkey is after me.

Thanks for all the great information. I think I've got the rods and their uses sorted to start.