roadwarrior

Floats Technically, surface tension keeps most of the line on top of the water, but it's not buoyant like a PFD. This has absolutely no impact on fishing any class of lure. 8-)

You have some fatties there! What's your secret weapon? 8-)

You could compare the shapes of the heads and disproportional size of smallmouth tails compared to it's lazy green cousin. Smallmouth are triathletes and have considerably different water dynamics than the fat couch potato. The most obvious morphological constraint for green trout is their fat bellies: perfect for floating around like a glob of blubber; built for comfort, not speed. This is why largemouth are generally hiding in flat water waiting for something to swim by, they are way too lazy for work! Although some bruisers are caught on smaller baits, I like fishing big baits. I think largemouth would prefer a big meal so they can sit around (suspend) and do the fish equivalent of sleep. This is one of the reasons big Cali bass are so hard to catch. Dimwitted trout swim around in the deep water so those bass only need to come in shallow to spawn. Adapting to morphological constraints is easy when nutritional needs are so readily available with so little effort. 8-)

Everything's fine guys, just keep it clean. I don't want to come back here, I think I'm allergic to rap...

"Slow down" means to lengthen the pause with jerkbaits. This is sometimes what it takes in cold water, but that is not always what the bass are looking for. At any rate, slow retrieve has nothing to do with the reel's line pick-up capability. 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

I don't understand "fine manipulation". The retrieve is some combination or degree of twitch-twitch, jerk- jerk or long pull-pause. Regarding the basic question, I retrieve with my right hand, but use both hands to cast and work the reel. The left hand in this case performs most of the work, the right hand supplements the pull and contributes to control. 8-)

No, but you certainly don't need one to fish jerkbaits. In fact, faster reels are better because they pick up line quicker after the pause. 8-)

Have you noticed? I've broadened my horizons, fishing a couple of Rage Tail and Lake Fork plastics... Man, at this rate I'll be Brent's best customer in a couple of years!

2009 has been tough at the ponds. I attended a demonstration at BPS by Mike Whitten, Southern Region writer for Gary Yamamoto's In-Line magazine. Fishing in the tank, this bait really got my attention. I bought a couple and they worked like "magic": 1/2 oz Sworming Hornet Fish Head Spinner: http://www.***.com/descpageUNDERSPINSH-SHFHS.html Rigged with a Lake Fork Trophy Lures 3 1/2" "Live" Magic Shad: http://www.***.com/descpageLFSPLFSB-LFLMS.html The retrieve is to keep your rod up and stationary. Cast, let the bait drop on slack line, then quickly crank three or four times before dropping again on slack line. There is no pumping, the blade on the lure lifts the bait. Hang-ups are rare since you are not dragging the bottom. Strikes always occur on the drop, both in the BPS tank and in real life! Although I really bought this for smallmouth on the Tennessee River, the green fish in my ponds liked it, too! 8-)

Most fish will bite immediately if they don't "feel the steel". However, I have landed a large (6+) smallmouth that fought hard to the boat before getting off. This fish had distinctive marking on the face. I am sure it was the same fish, thirty minutes later. 8-)

Micro, Your statement is simple, clear and makes perfect sense. The comparison of saltwater and freshwater fishing is a point well made. For those that are curious, this is the other side of the story: From: George Welcome Re: Why is the reel handle on the right Let's get technical, as there are in fact reasons, not just some lame holdover from days past that put the handles where they are. What will move the fish during retrieval is placed to the strong hand! A baitcast is designed to be used as a winch, so it is the reel that retrieves the fish. Hence if you are right handed the handle is in your right hand. A spinning reel is designed to pick up unloaded or loose line, not retrieve the fish. Hence it is the rod that does the retrieval, so it is the rod that is in your strong hand. If you are right handed then the pole goes to the right hand. 8-)

Well, we have some builders, so post this is "Tacklemaking", too. Custom will probably cost more than over-the-counter, but you can specify your components and go with spiral guide placement if you like. My #1 recommendation is to be patient and keep an eye on our Flea Market. Great deals pop up all the time. 8-)

Mine is, too. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewmetaniumMG.html 8-)

You would be miles ahead using spinning tackle for these baits and line weight requirements. 8-)

This might help: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141187546 Your rod is for soft plastics and light jigs. These days most guys fish longer rods, 6 1/2' - 7', but yours will work fine. BTW, Welcome aboard! 8-)

CONGRATULATIONS! ;D ;D ;D

Man, that's quite a fish! 8-)

Reels: Shimano Rods: G. Loomis and St. Croix However, BPS and Cabela's have some of the best "overall service" and I'm sure this applies to their in-house brands. 8-)

You can use #15 with heavier lures. I have it spooled on my jig rod, big treble hook rig (Lamiglas SR705R) and the set-up I use for small swimbaits (Mattlures Baby Bass) and Ledgebuster Single Willow Blade spinnerbait. Otherwise, most people will find #12 to be the right size for baitcasters. 8-)

Well, the Anaconda has produced some great fish for a lot of people. If you haven't tried them, I suggest you do. Then, if you don't find them "remarkable", post your bad review... 8-)

Order direct: http://www.roboworm.com/orderinfo.htm I fish the 6" Shakin' Zipper: http://www.roboworm.com/zsframe.htm 8-)

Man, you got it goin' on! 8-)

Jerkbaits rule early! The GYCB 5" Single Tail Grub or Hula Grub rigged on a 3/16 oz jig head are other options, but it's hard to beat a 3 1/2" tube. 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)