roadwarrior

We have several members in Florida that definitely qualify as Big Bass Boys. Maybe you can arrange to fish with them sometime. Otherwise, we'll recommend a couple of Florida guides you can hire. This is the fastest way to move up the learning curve. When it comes to the right guy on the best water, George Welcome is someone I will recommend: http://www.imaginationbassin.com/ 8-)

Yes! I initially fished it on my MBR844C, but now fish it exclusively on a St. Croix EC70MHF. Both are rated for up to 1 oz, but are not stressed by the weight of the Baby Bass. I will note that I "lob" these lures without snapping the tip or "flicking" the lure. Casting distance is awesome! 8-)

I'm definitely not "Mr. Swimbait", but that might be an advantage for someone just getting started. I'll suggest two that do not require any special equipment: GYCB Swimming Senko: http://www.insideline.net/articles/swim_senko.html Mattlures Baby Bass: http://www.mattlures.com/babybass.htm 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Man...Those are some beauties! 8-)

I get the same thing? Hmm... How long have you been married, Bass boss?

I guess you didn't bother to read through the referenced thread I posted on page 1: Re: Why is the reel handle on the right Reply #15 - Aug 22nd 2007 at 11:37:12 By George Welcome 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.

Drag pads can compress over time. Backing off the drag eliminates this issue. Since I store my rods reel on, I'll be interested to hear what others have to say about that. 8-)

The "best option" would be fishing Stick Marsh/ Farm 13 with George Welcome. http://www.imaginationbassin.com/ 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Well, it seems like you have already made a decision and I guess you're just looking for confirmation. Although Quantum has a small following, their overall reputation sucks...If you are looking for an alternative in the same general price range, be patient and shop around. You will find a Citica D which is an outstanding reel, considered by many to be the "best value" in the Shimano line-up. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocitica200d.html p.s. My comments are NOT to be interpreted as being disrespectful to bassnleo or any other Quantum fan. bassnleo is a quality guy, well respected member of this forum and an outstanding tournament fisherman. Obviously, his experience with Quantum reels has been very good and others have had the same good fortune. Perhaps the Accurist PT is right for you, too. -Kent 8-)

I think both can be effective in any water that's not frozen! 8-)

Okay, that takes the cake!

Geez... Debating whether LA is more corrupt than IL is like arguing over which smells worse: rotting pork or rotting beef! 8-)

Copolymer lines tend to be stronger for any given diameter because he two nylon fomulas bond into a stronger line than either would be seperately. Epoxy glue might be easier to visualize: the components must be mixed together to form the adhesive. 8-)

I carry Kahle hooks for friends we take fishing. "Real" bass fishermen just cant't get the hang of it and it's not worth trying to teach old dogs new tricks! 8-)

Yes...pretty simple for the most part. I use some 4 lb line, but after a recent incident, I'll only fish that in very limited situations. I have also been experimenting this year with #15 Hybrid just because I bought some super cheap, but I don't like the way it handles. Other experiments this year included Gamma #12 and P-Line CX Premium #6. I liked the Gamma, but it's way overpriced. The P-Line broke by hand... 8-)

Well...Kalifornia, Florida, Georgia and Texas have different rules. For the rest of us, 5 lbs rocks! 8-)

When you have the Governer by the short-hairs, I doubt the feds are after anyone "higher", they've got the Don! 8-)

A "Quality Bass" is 5 lbs or better for me. The magic at 5lbs is a function of mass and power. Bass, especially smallmouth bass, are a different animal when they gain some weight. (I think it's the magic weight for brown trout, too.) 8-)

If The_Natural doesn't respond on this thread, send him a PM. He uses some type of wrap on his rod handles and I'm sure he can give you some good advice. 8-)

Perry, with 2 R's ;D I missed this, very clever! ;D ;D ;D ;D

No, I don't look at it that way at all, bait and lures are just part of the puzzle. I just want to catch big bass and thought a different approach might work since I wasn't having much luck using minnows that day.

This will help: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1186055966 8-)

This should help: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1158577137 8-)