roadwarrior

If you don't mind sharing a secret, I would like a detailed description, starting with line, rod & reel; suggested length between lure and weight (size?); lure/bait suggestions. Also, if you fish the rig in current, do you drag or hop the weight? 8-)

Throw them away, their physical integrity cannot be trusted. 8-)

Line records should be pursued using Ande lines which are IGFA certified. Otherwise, line like Yo-Zuri and P-Line offer greater strength for any given diameter. I think that is a very important feature, especially for guys chasing the brown fish. If I catch "The One" on the Tennessee River, it won't be a "line record"! 8-)

Citica 8-)

I have a Lucky Craft LVR-500-Max that I love to throw and have fished extensively. It's beautiful, can be cast a mile and appears to run perfectly. For whatever reason, it can't catch a cold! 8-)

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1180909581 8-)

Shimano Symetre 2500FJ which lists for $100, but you might be able to find it a little cheaper. 8-)

The smallmouth in my avatar were caught below Pickwick Dam on the Tennessee River, technically Kentucky Lake. For the most part, we drift live shiners on a split shot rig, but artificials come into play at times. The fat fish weighed just over 7 lbs, the other was almost 4" longer, but only a pound heavier. They were caught an hour and a half apart and then released. The 8 is my personal best. I have been fishing #4 Yo-Zuri Hybrid and Hybrid Ultra Soft for years, but last fall I lost my first fish ever on this line. Unfortuantely, the fish I lost was a contender for the New World Record. I now fish #6. https://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1226342926/0 8-)

Interesting observation that I would have never noticed, but I assure you if that is the case, it has absolutely nothing to do with using a baitcaster. :

It's not necessary, but regardless of what you use, if you're fishing any kind of rocky structure, it's going to chip. 8-)

Let's move on. Goodnight Irene -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

I went down that road when he was a member here. Sometimes things just don't work out. -Kent

NetBaits Baby Paca Craw comes in a variety of colors, some which will fit whatever you are trying to match. If you're looking for a smaller profile, check out the GYCB Fat Baby Craw. 8-)

Well Buddy, You can't post pictures like those and ask for advice... : I use #4 or #6 Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hooks exclusively. The key, which you already know, is to NEVER set the hook! Nice fish. 8-)

Nice!

WOW! Welcome aboard! My #1 suggestion for catching bigger bass, green and brown, is to move out from the shallow water and focus on structure. 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Stickmarsh/Farm 13 is one of the premier bass fishing destinations in the world. George Welcome is a member of this Forum and has earned a reputation among trophy fishermen for both quality bass and numbers. You might want to consider setting up a trip with him: http://www.imaginationbassin.com/ 8-)

I use a baitcaster for jerkbaits and 3/4 oz Ledgebuster Single Willow Blade Spinnerbaits. Otherwise, spinning tackle rules! 8-)

VibraSpin used to be a sponsor and I picked up a few of their lures, but didn't get around to fishing them very much and never had a strike last spring, summer or fall. Oddly, I caught a few bass in December on the lure, but only white with a silver blade, which I subsequently lost. I have had no strikes since on the same lures, different colors. So, I think you might be on to something and I'm going to give them a better workout, too! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! Post the dates you plan to be in Florida in both the "Tournament" section and the "Southeast" section. We have many members from Florida and someone can probably help you out, maybe get together or point you in the right direction. Good luck! 8-)

Well, we have about 250 pages of answers, but to keep it simple: Spinning tackle: Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (.010" diameter, 11.9 lb test) Baitcasting gear: Hybrid or Hybrid Ultra Soft #12 (.013" diameter, 19.5 lb test)