roadwarrior

Most people suggest that, but not me. I like baby diaper yellow, green and white for tubes; smoke or clear with silver & black flakes for grubs. 8-)

Nice fish, but you might want to check your scale with some free weights in a plastic grocery bag. Those bass look north of 5 lbs to me. 8-)

Fish307.com carries all Yo-Zuri products. Otherwise, Cabela's is the only other place I know of to buy Ultra Soft. 8-)

Well, let's make it "official" anyhow: YOU'RE INVITED! Now, please take some time to look around the forum and the various sections. We REALLY appreciate it when guys post in the right section. The Roadtrip has its own section. ;D ;D ;D

I generally use jig heads with grubs and retrieve them without bottom contact. With 3 1/2" tubes I use a 3/0 EWG Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hook, Tex-posed and 1/8 oz barrel or bullet weight, unpegged and no bead. For a completely different presentation, 1/8 -1/4 oz inserted jig head. Let the tube free fall to the bottom, then lift it as much as possible, moving rod tip from water level to 12:00; free fall and repeat. 8-)

;D ;D ;D ;D

Soft baits: Fat Ika, 3 1/2" tubes, GYCB Single Tail Grub and Single Tail Hula Grub. Hard baits: Lucky Craft Pointer 100, Rapala X-Rap (XR8), Zara Spook and/or LC Sammy. Lots of guys fish the 4" & 5" Senko and small hair jigs. I have had some luck with Silver Buddies, too. For deep ledges and humps, 3/4 oz Ledgebuster Single Willow Blade Spinnerbait is a must. Good luck! 8-)

Hmm... I consider creating technique specific rod series an innovative marketing concept. I don't know that G. Loomis came up with the idea, but they have perfected it! Introducing a "better rod" series (GLX) when the IMX was already considered "the best" is interesting, too. Squeezing out a 25-30% pricing mark-up for 5% "improvement" seems like another clever business decision. I guess I don't share the view that G. Loomis has been "static" for fifteen years. New product designations have tweaked rod design to make them oh-so-slightly specific for designated tasks. I assure you, you do not need a SMR to fish for smallmouth. On the otherhand, I mostly fish a PR844S which I suspect is not even a consideration for most smallmouth fishermen! 8-)

Woo-Hoo! Great post! ;D ;D ;D

Welcome aboard! 8-)

The (100) and (XR8) are sizes. I suggest the Pointer in Baby Bass, Pearl for the X-Rap. Spook = Frog pattern; Aurora Black (blue) for the Sammy. 8-)

And everyday! 8-)

Geez...What do you expect for $15? This pricing point, for all manufacturers, is targeted for kids or the guy that goes fishing once or twice a year. "Disposable Equipment" might be the category. :

This is a new article on our Home Page. In case you overlooked it, here you go: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/jackall-cover-craw.html 8-)

I for one applaud your efforts. G. Loomis are my favorite rods and, SURPRISE!, Shimano makes my favorite reels. Keep up the great tradition.

Great match-up on the EVO II and Shak-E2 jig head. 8-)

Well, have you tried slowing down? Big O will respond if he sees this post. Otherwise, send him a PM. 99.99% of the time, any problem with Rage Tail baits involves rigging. Some of the baits require very specific attention to detail, the Eeliminator comes to mind. However, the Rage Shad isn't as particular. http://www.strikeking.com/tips/rigging-the-rage-tail-shad.php 8-)

Target largemouth and you might catch a smallmouth, but you are coming here a month too early. Prime time for brown fish on the Tennessee River is the middle of October through March. This may or may not interest you, but striper fishing is hot below the dams. I you decide to target stripes and need a guide, send me a PM. 8-)

WOW! That's quite a muskie. On the Tennesee River we catch a variety: Drum, gar, white bass, skipjack, threadfin, gizzard shad, sauger, crappie, three species of catfish, buffalo, bluegill, largemouth, smallmouth, spots and occasionally a meanmouth. 8-)

The Champion 683C is one that I have matched up with a CH50MG. If you like split grip, this rig is sweet! The rod is crisp and responsive. My combo has as much bling-bling as I can stand, black, silver and blue. I'm sure you will like the Dobyns rods. 8-)

That's tough...However, you are, too! I'm sure you'll be back in the saddle shortly, you have a great attitude... Simply a stumble, not a fall. -Kent

Well, that quote generally describes how I feel, too. However, I rarely (never) get broken off by a fish. Last winter I hooked up with my PB smallmouth which had the potential for a new World Record, seriously. I was just a little beyond "disappointed". >

G. Loomis is a great value for a rod you will spend a lifetime fishing. 8-)

A full spool allows for maximum distance when casting and top retrieve speed. 8-)

Many members of this forum have caught their best fish either side of noon. I consider it the VERY BEST time of day for big bass! Deeper, slower and bigger baits. I prefer to target structure in deeper water, usually (always) with a jig or soft plastic. 8-)