roadwarrior

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Hmm... I wonder if it might have something to do with the weather?

I think fast reels are "universal". Low gear ratios are for deep running crankbaits and heavy lures (swimbaits?). 8-)

Tried and true... BTW, Welcome aboard! 8-)

Here's a start: http://www.hookedonbass.com/FISHREPORT.htm 8-)

Well, the Citica is a great reel that will perform flawlessly for years, maybe forever! However, unless you find a great deal in our Flea Market, you will need to wait awhile on the combo. Your soft plastics/ jig rod should be your best, most sensitive piece of equipment. You are going to have to spend more if you buy retail. Keep an eye on the Flea Market and you can probably by the Citica cheaper, too.

When we were there two years ago for the 2nd BassResource.com Roadtrip, conditions were tough. Still, most guys caught a few bass, including Glenn and Keri who both boated PBs! As I recall, Glenn's fish was 9-2 and Keri's was 7-6. As a bonus, next time you see a post from flechero, I was fishing with him when he took the picture in his avatar. We spent a little time "playing" with that big girl! Everyone should visit Lake Fork someday, the lake lives up to its reputation. Combined with a great guide like Tom, there is the potential for the "Trip of a Lifetime". 8-)

Go to the Rapala website to view the action video for the suggested retrieve. It's basically a steady retrieve with an occasional stop and go. That's not to say another cadence won't work, but the manufacture's recommendation should be among those you try. This is Muddy's #1 hard bait. He told me his approach is letting the lure sit, slow pull and sit longer! His suggestion was to fish it like a topwater lure, along weedlines and slowly. 8-)

If you want to try the Gamakatsu 5/0 EWG Offset Round Bend, send me a PM with your address (again) and I will send you a dozen. -Kent

Great fish and beautiful pics! BTW, Where have you been? We miss you. -Kent 8-)

I think Big O recommends at least 5/0 EWG. The Offset Worm Hooks work just fine, but I've been using Offset Round Bend. It probably doesn't make a lot of difference as long as they are BIG! 8-)

Live bait is the ticket: gizzard shad, threadfin or skipjack in this region. 8-)

Well now, I have to admit I'm still laughing, but back to the question... Worm weights vary a lot. 5" Senko and similar baits can be cast with just about any equipment. Smaller plastics (4" trick worm) are better fished on spinning tackle. 8-)

Back boaters should always carry a C-rig option. No matter what the boater does to you, the C-rig will allow you to fish. 8-)

I'm glad you were able to fish with your son. Mine is away in Med School and I miss him every day. 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

I know, boys will be boys, but not here. Goodnight Irene -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

Tom has done a good job with this article, enjoy! http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/lunker-bass.html 8-)

Good to see you haven't lost a step. Nice fish, great pic! BTW, When you own the company it's good to be "covered up". Congratulations on your first successful year in business, too! 8-)

All members have a feature called "Favorites" to store up to twenty threads. I use many of them quite often, we have "similar" questions asked all the time. 8-)

Here are some ideas from an older thread: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1143177139 Specific response: Topwater: Lucky Craft Sammy 128 Crankbait: Norman Fat Boy Spinnerbait: Terminator T-1 Jig: 3/8 oz Evolution/ GYCB Flappin' Hog trailer Soft plastics: GYCB Fat Ika & 5" Senko 8-)

I fish GMAN, Micro Munch Tackle and Evolution jigs. http://evolutionlures.com/ 8-)

Hmm... There must be a little more to the story. Post what happened in the Shimano section and be specific. I'm sure the issue has a solution.

Welcome aboard! 8-)