roadwarrior

Geez... Oh well. If you are looking for a GREAT rod for deep cranking, Lamiglas SR705R is The BOMB! Designed by Skeet in association with Lamiglas. I wonder if they will rename the rod?

Well now, is 4 pages enough? Let's move on. Good night Irene. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

Definitely the wrong hook... 3/0 or 4/0 EWG Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hook is what I suggest. However, there are a number of members who have a strong preference for straight shanks. Either way, 1/0 is too small. 8-)

Well, for awhile this thread was "entertaining", but it's getting a little nasty and stale. Let's move on. Good night Irene -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

Please check out our BassResource.com sponsors before going somewhere else: http://www.bassresource.com/fish/advertisers.html 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

#10 is too big for a 2500 series reel, but fine for 4000 series. There is no advantage in using #8, Ultra Soft #6 is about 11.9 lb test and the right size for spinning tackle. KVD Line & Lure Conditioner will improve the performance of the line, too. 8-)

Simple solution: Buy a scale.

The only thing I can suggest that you might not already be using is the GYCB Fat Ika. In flat water, less than 12' deep, this is my #1 producer. Skirt forward, 4/0 EWG Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hook, weightless and weedless. Pick your favorite color, I don't think it matters. Mine is watermelom with black flakes. Otherwise, in low light both topwater (Zara Spook & LC Sammy) and jerkbaits (LC Pointer, Rapala Husky Jerk & X-Rap) are favorites. During the day, 3 1/2" tubes (baby diaper yellow), GYCB 5" Single Tail Grubs and Single Tail Hula Grubs are standard fare. I love me some jigs, but they have never been big for me targeting smallmouth. I feel the same way towards the Senko which is still my go-to largemouth bait. 8-)

Wonderful story, nice fish, great pic!

Otherwise, I suggest looking at the St. Croix Avid series. The Avids I would recommend instead of the MBR843C are AVC68MXF or AVC70MF. 8-)

The brand matters to a lot of guys...I'm a Shimano fan: CU200E7 http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocurado_E.html 8-)

Exchange the reel for another. A new Curado should be good-to-go right out of the box. 8-)

The short shank is made for smaller worms. 8-)

Well, I'm a big fan of G.Loomis, but there are a variety of applications where the St. Croix Avid is a suitable substitute at much lower price. I have a AVC70MM for light and medium crankbaits in general, but especially Rat-L-Trap type lures. The way this rod loads up can really launch a lure. The Moderate Action is what you would expect, but once the rod is loaded, there is power to handle any freshwater fish. The AVC70MM is fairly light, but more importantly, well balanced. Mine is matched with a Chronarch and #12 Yo-Zuri Hybrid. 8-)

The Anaconda has become a favorite of mine, too! 8-)

Lures... An older thread I keep in "Favorites" http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1143177139 8-)

Well now.... We thought you might be "Happy Hunting". It's REALLY great to hear from you. -Kent

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Hey, there's a great idea for you. Man, if I had the time, I would love to fish St. Clair. 8-)

Well, I don't know if you might have gotten a different blank than the one you think you have, but I own an Avid AVC70MM that I bought to throw light and medium weight crankbaits. There is NO WAY this rod could be considered "all around" or used for Senkos or other "plastic worms". Unless the bait is moving, you couldn't set a hook unless the fish had already swallowed the lure! Back to the AVC66MHF, the best use for this rod would be heavy or deep diving crankbaits. 8-)

ive broken enough to where i said id not buy them any more. with that being said im sure ill swallow my pride and buy 2 or 3 of the DT-6's i assume your broken baits look like these broken baits: Well, I buy nearly all my hard baits from BPS locally. If they break, are defective or become defective, I take them back for exchange. It doesn't happen often, but I have never been denied. The retailer is reimbursed by the wholesaler or ultimately, the manufacturer. 8-)

No. Fish that get eaten or stuffed don't grow much more. I suspect that's an issue in Georgia and I'm sure it is in Florida. It really doesn't take that much to be someone's "fish of a lifetime". They have every legal right to keep the fish, and like the Dude pictured said, eat it! :-X

A few more points to consider: Rod vs Reel Opinions vary, but in summary, the rod may be more important for "catching, but the reel makes "fishing" more fun! On average my reels represent 65-75% of the cost of a combination and my rods aren't cheap. Rod Power & Action I prefer Medium Power for spinning tackle especially in an "all-around" set-up. Casting is easier with abroad range of bait/lure weights and suggested line sizes match up better. The Action should be fast or extra fast. This facilitates the broadest range of applications or techniques. 8-)