Supermat

P-Line CXx and CX-Premium are VERY different lines. I do have some of the ACTUAL breaking strengths for the Premium. One of the individuals there actually went in and broke the lines for me when I began pursuing line class records as Premium is almost always my line of choice. I don't know the breaking strength of the 15 lb but here is what I have: 2 Lb line breaks at 2.8 lbs 4 lb breaks at a high 5 lb 10 lb breaks at 13 lbs 12 lb breaks at 14.8 lbs You still have to assume small variances in lines. For example, I wanted the 15 lb record so I needed to use 10 lb line instead of the 12 lb because its possible for 12 lbs variance to move from 14.8 to say, 15.3 and be too high, thus nulifying the record.

Matt... I watched a friend break an Okuma 7'11" heavy on a 4 pounder yesterday! Then again, I snapped my Redington Flippin' stick on a 5 a couple months back. Just a reminder to everyone... even with the big rods, don't high-stick your fish into the boat, it will cost you big time! You think those rods can handle them but if you swing 'em in and that rod tip is too high even swimbait rods can't handle that load! On a side not, I've handled that 7'11" Okuma and I was impressed by it. Its a nice rod and has resolved a lot of the issues I had with the 7'6". Getting away from the super stiff tip was the best thing they could do, its pretty sick now. Heck, I even stuck a big smallie on it since there was a Mattlures 6" hanging on my buddies rod and I didn't want to tie one on my Redington. Really, there aren't a lot of bad rods anymore, just rods with slightly different actions that can be matched to each individuals exact style of fishing/fighting fish.

Super spook, Ex-cel popper, Double bladed Buzzbait, Bobby's Perfect Frog, 3:16 Wake Jr.

Well you're definetely an idiot operator but beyond that I suspect I can lend nothing that will help. Is the gas actually coming out of the carb and running down the outside of the block? I had a similar problem in my little motor but it was coming out of the weep hole on the fuel filter and I figured out how to fix that one.

What a terrific fish! She has got a gnarly, beaten down, old fish look to her that is great! Randall, you seem to stick a lot of absolute toads so you know exactly how rare a 31+ inch fish is, that is WAY more impressive than her actual weight because a frame like that has the ability to support 15-25 lbs, depending on location, the particular fish, the time of year, and the food supply. You truly landed a MONSTER, regardless of what she weighed.

LBH, You are exactly right. That salt water stuff will definetely work in freshwater! I can think of a few instances that I've seen be very successful. I know two gentlemen that would fish with heavy jigs and 5" scampi trailers at night and produced a lot of big bass with it! Also, a few years ago there was a swimbait that became VERY popular on a lake out here. It was "The" bait to throw and the fish just loved it... what was it? The Castaic Slim Sardine. Yep, a sardine swimbait in freshwater. Also, some of my favorite colored super spooks are "saltwater" colors. You're on to something, I think there is a lot of carry over that can work. Also, regarding the rods to throw those big baits on, you wouldn't need anything more than a swimbait rod and I'd say those have been pretty proven as capable of landing bass of any size while throwing baits in a wide range of sizes.

The original optimums have always been awesome shad imitations! They don't look like much but believe me, the fish like 'em!

Been there! I spent my first season throwing swimbaits with a 7' Medium heavy cranking rod. Caught some big fish on it... lost some BIGGER fish on it! Ugh, I don't miss those days!

I agree with the previous advice completely. I don't concern myself with the splash down at all, when I've fished clear water I've seen the splash get the fish's attention and the lifelike action draw them in for a strike. As for casting, I tend to go with the sidearm approach. It puts a lot less "bad" torque on the blank and allows for smoother casts. Also, if you can cast sidearm and keep the bait just a few feet above the water then your splash down will be much smaller. Clearly, if you stick with it you're going to need a different rod but just keep at it for now and let the fish and your rod tell you when its time to upgrade.

Or if you aren't a rich man and you aren't creative just throw them into one of the deep plano boxes. Model 3730. http://www.***.com/descpage-P3730.html Those are what I use and I haven't had any major problems with the baits becoming deformed.

I would go with the Kistler every time. The Crucial is a very nice rod but just doesn't have the sensitivity like the Kistlers. I don't think you'll be dissapointed in them.

I've used the Double Palomar for the last year and have not had a single not slip. I used to use a regular palomar and then glue the knot but with the double I no longer have to worry about glue. That knot will serve you well for sure.

I LOVE it!!! I've done quite a bit of comparison with other braids and have always been the most pleased with the Spectrex. That's not to say I've had a problem with ANY of them but the Spectrex doesn't fray over time like many of the other lines. No fraying= Stronger line over an extended period of time.

Way to go buddy, you're right, that 8 was a fatty!

Love it! Good job Chris! I'll give you a call back later today, hope you're headed out there to stick them again.

I too use the *** brand. I've been VERY pleased, they are consistant in their pour and all seem to sink at the same speed. I have seen no change in fish catching ability since I made the switch from Yamamoto, just the price difference! If you decide to try *** because of this, mention that Matt from California sent you and they'll sweeten the deal even further with some extra baits! Also, check out the Beaver Craw, I've been using them for 2 years and have been very successful.

Thanks guys! It was a lot of fun to get them. They both took a ton of time to put in the boat. We went 12 hours without a fish before I put that 12 lber in the boat! That's just how it goes sometimes!

Ugh, its April 6th and I just stumbled onto this post... feeling plenty stupid as April Fools is long gone and I never saw this one coming. ;D

ROFL, that's awesome! Amazing just how stupid these incredibly intelligent fish will sometimes be!

NM

Well, to be honest I don't really know. The most expensive bait I throw is a $200 wakebait. As for my most expensive baits, I own the first ever floating flat tail and first ever floating boot tail Huddleston 12" swimbaits. Don't have a clue what they're worth.

I am completely confident in it as it gives me more sensitivity. The only thing is, I use a mono or flourocarbon leader so that the braid isn't visible to the fish. Give it a try, I think you'll love it! I'm currently using a double nail knot to connect the lines per the advice of others here.

Very cool! Beautiful fish!

I use 30 lb P-Line CXX for my biggest baits. For the smaller 5-7" baits I use 30 Lb P-Line CX Premium. I will NEVER use braid on my swimbaits. I understand why some people do it but I make a point to set the hook HARD!!!! After its set I want the stretch to keep from bending out the hooks when I horse the fish to the net.

Looks like a 9.998 lber to me! ;D Congrats on DD #2, I'm stoked for you!