roadwarrior

Welcome aboard! 8-)

So Toyoto builds a better engine, but is forced to "dumb-down" to keep Chevy, Ford and Dodge "competative": http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Jul23/0,4670,CARNASCARToyotaMotors,00.html

Y'all is the southern translation of "youse guys". :

Welcome aboard! This might help: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196114229 To be specific, the Shimano Citica is on sale right now for around $65. That would be a good place to start. I think you might be able to pick up a "better" rod within your budget by keeping an eye on the BassResource.com "Flea Market". 8-)

Man, that's a beauty! 8-)

Call me whatever you like, just not "late for dinner!" I know saltwater gear can be very heavy, but for the most part, freshwater equipment is more about "balance" than gross weight. I don't really notice much difference between my "light" and "heavy" stuff. Even at my age, +/- 8 ounces isn't an issue, but I do have a preference for 12 oz in a can! :

Great post! 8-)

I think it's more about the "where" than the "what". If you're catching fish, the location must be right. I suggest trying a bigger profile. Sometimes the problem is just getting past the little fish. Bigger baits will weed out a few of the smaller fish and improve your chances of finding better quality bass. 8-)

Dude! Awesome, no doubt. What happened to "the fish of 10,000 casts"? 8-)

Nope. I know small baits catch big bass sometimes, but the rest of the time the fish are little. The advantage of big baits is discouraging some of the tournament bass from striking. Go big or go home! :

Good luck, you never know... However, if you scale back your expectations a bit, as J_Zink suggests, I think you will find numbers of 5 lb+ bass. BTW, Even though you seen a lot of posts with pictures and stories about 10+ fish here on the Forum, that is still a "magic number" throughout the country. Tens are often caught in the big four states, but they are not common. For the rest of us, they are very rare. 8-)

Found the smallmouth, got the bug...no more green fish! 8-)

Hey Muddy! Try the * the "right way" for awhile and see how you do. I would like to see a report on your comparison. 8-)

In still water (lakes not rivers) and depths less than twelve feet, the Fat Ika trumps all other lures. I suspect the smallmouth in upper Maine have never, or very rarely, seen this bait which is another advantage for you. If you didn't see this post by Zel, take a peek: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1216999136 Good luck!

Pretty interesting responses from a few guys that seem to know a little 'bout swimbaits. :

For the most part, opinions based on experience. A lot depends on water clarity and the type of lure or technique you're using. In gin clear water, visibility is an issue with finesse presentations (jigs and soft plastics). "Moving lures" are much less subject to line visibility problems. 8-)

Welcome aboard! The 2500 series is the ticket for bass fishing. 8-)

This entire race season has been B-O-R-I-N-G! Football is just around the corner. 8-)

This should help: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196114229 8-)

For several applications, I'm a St. Croix fan. I own five including three Avids. The G.Loomis IMX is a different class of rod at a higher pricing point. For worming and jigs I think you will notice a significant difference between the rods. As flechero wrote, "I have never met a person that regretted buying an IMX rod." 8-)

Nice post, I'm glad to hear all is well! 8-)

Nope...Fifteen wasted dollars for pure crap. If you're just fishing for pan fish, I guesss it doesn't make any difference. If you were fishing for a bass worth talking about, it might. :

** Of Topic ** The World Record striper was caught and killed at Cordell Hall a few days ago. I can't seem to find a link, but check it out! 8-)

I think the Sierra Club and PETA are one in the same with overlapping membership. Their goals are the same and their methodology is , too! I wouldn't trust anything they have to say. 8-)

Hey You! I'm glad you're back. So, catching any fish? 8-)