Cephkiller

Most of the guys here use Shimano, Daiwa, Abu and a few Pfluegers. Quantums are not highly regarded. It may be fine, but I've just never used them. I am a Shimano man myself. I would suggest the combo below in that price range. The Quantum may be just as good, but with the Shimano, I know for sure what I'm getting. The Extreme rods are very good as well. I have four of these combos and I've had no trouble with them except one broken rod. I tend to get a little crazy with the hooksets sometimes. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=74456&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

The reel is rated for 8lb 90yards, is 11.9 going to be too much? How many yards could If it in there? The Ultra soft #6 has a 6 lb test diameter and a 11.9 lb break strength so capacity won't be an issue. Besides, as long as the line is limp and manageable, capacity (diameter) is really never an issue in bass fishing. You will probably never need any more that 30-40 yards of line to land a fish and usually much less. If I'm wrong, based on previous experience here someone will be along shortly to correct me.

So swimz, how's the new combo working out for you?

That's a good point. There's really not a good reason not to do this. I just thought I'd start slow with the OP since he seems to be a beginner.

I just pulled it up on my Tivo. Toward the end of the 1st minute, KVD is landing a smallmouth and he says "He just got that bait......King Shad."

Yes it was a Strike King King Shad. I don't know if the lip was just not visible to the camera or what, but that was definitely what it was. I have seen that episode three times and he even says that what it is at one point. If you're still not convinced, it will be on again I'm sure.

Nice baits. I'm curious. Are you using different types of wood? I notice the grain is evident on some and not on others.

I guarantee if you stick around here, it won't be long until you're catching them on a regular basis. Good luck and welcome.

You're a baby. jk The only experience I have with these guys is the links I click on here at BassResource.com, but something about that guys just cracks me up. I can't really get sad about the song because I am so amused by him.

I've never used Vicious, but it could be a bad spool or maybe it tests out lower than Vanish. The Palomar works fine as long as you don't let the line cross over itself, you lubricate it well and you tighten it very slowly. It's possible that you were in a hurry after the first fish broke off and you tightened it too fast which resulted in heat buildup from friction and caused thermal damage to the line.

I really likeone piece rods (just one less thing to worry about), but if you ever carry your rods in any vehicle except a truck, the two piece are really nice. BTW, I agree with the 6'6" M.

I can't speak to the quality of these, but aren't they offered in many different rod lengths and powers and reel speeds? If so, they could be used for almost anything.

I really misread this post. I thought you were heartbroken because you didn't know how much it weighed. I agree that releasing the fish was the right thing. Chin up!

Yep. Having the big guns doesn't do any good if you leave them at home

This reminds me of another time my wife and I were lost in East St. Louis. I am a firm believer in the concept you described here. I pulled the car over in the "ghetto", locked the doors and got out. My wife was FREAKING OUT! I told her, "Don't worry. If I act tough, they won't bother us." I strolled right up to a large group of gangsta - looking guys and asked for directions. They told me where I was going and I got in the car and calmly drove away. I got beat up pretty bad for that (by the wife). I was young, stupid and full of testosterone then. I would never do that now ;D ;D P.S. I wasn't carrying a weapon that day.

As long as we're playing this game.......I could use some green tree bark or maybe even some skin from a recently caught fish to fashion a jig trailer

I suppose either would work. I actually use a Gambler Flap-n-Shad which is a lot closer to a Super Fluke (even bigger, actually). I just used fluke as a generic term. I really like anything with a straight tail. Swimming tails act as a keel and reduce the action.

All I know is Mattlures are the only thing on my Father's Day wish list this year. I couldn't convince my wife she needed any for Mother's Day or I'd already have some ;D

I think it's hard to go too big unless it impedes the action of the bait. That shouldn't be a problem with a lizard.

I think the many situations described here prove what I've thought all along. The statistics that the anti-gun proponents always quote about being more likely to harm yourself or a loved one than an assailant with a handgun do not take into account all these situations where violence was averted becase of the presence of a sidearm. I have only had to draw my gun once on a person and the mere sight of it changed the guy's mind. My wife and I were on a dark street one night when a crazy looking dude approached us rapidly while brandishing a large knife. The appearance of my .45 made him change directions pronto! He left the area much faster than he approached us ;D

http://bassresource.com/bassfishing/fishcalculator.html

Tex-poser here.

I think it looks more like a redfish and I've heard they are mighty tasty.

I, for one, limit my crack smoking to night fishing trips only. I can quit anytime I want ;D Welcome!

3/8 oz black and blue jig.