roadwarrior

Well, I'm glad you like your G-Blanks. Everyone likes to compare their favorite rod to G-Loomis and most people think their's is as good or better. It seems to me that G. Loomis is the standard by which all others are measured. They are definitely different rods with proprietary blanks. G. Loomis is much more than just a name, it's a reputation built over a period of decades. My favorite spinning rod and the one I use most often for smallmouth fishing is a GLX PR844S. This rod is remarkable. Designed for light saltwater, popping and live bait, it's the perfect fit for me. :

#1 The Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft has virtually no memory "in use". Thin line (#6 is .010" diameter) allows maximum action from the bait. #2 A horizontal sweep moves the bait forward, but only lifts it a few inches, much like a crawdad actually moves. 8-)

8-)

So, custom rods aren't for everyone. If the cost is "not that important" you can buy the perfect rod. The initial cost is not really expensive for a high-end rod, but if you need all the insurance for "stupid" it's not for you. I have had one rod broken on a cast which may or maynot have been my fault. Every other rod I have broken has been "stupid". I think it's great to be able to buy rods for life and that's my general preference, but to have a rod built just for me would certainly be special! 8-)

Ratings are guidelines designed to help narrow your search by providing a little information on the capabilities and intended specifications for the rod. 8-)

Rigging note or question: I set this up T-rigged, 1/4 oz bullet weight, 5/0 Gamakatsu Offset Round Bend Hooks: http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0030842113363a.shtml What do you all recommend? 8-)

I posted that particular article because of the links that will take you to most of the worm related articles on the website. After reading it in a little more detail, the specific recommendations do seem dated. Regarding equipment: I suggest a 6 1/2' or 7' rod. Depending on the situation, M, MH or Heavy Power/ Fast Action. I use 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks for most soft plastics. On spinning gear, #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft; #12 for baitcasting equipment. 8-)

I'm afraid that picture does not begin to capture the tip of the iceberg!

Welcome aboard! "Worms" covers a lot of ground. For soft plastics in general, hook-up is something north of 95%. Once hooked, landing ratios are much higher. My #1 bait for most of the past twelve years has been the 6" Senko, but you will catch better numbers with the 5" version. For more traditional "worms" I prefer 7" and longer. To improve your hook-up ratio, practice the "snap set" also called the "quick set". When you detect a bite, lower your rod tip while reelingdown quickly. When you feel the fish, snap your wrists to raise the rod tip to 11 or 12:00, without moving the postion of your hands relative to your body. Speed is key, snapping the rod will drive the hook home. Once hooked, move the fish to you, maintain tension on the line and never double set the hook. The fish should be pulling drag or coming you way if you are determined to land the bass. Play with the fish after you have them in the boat! http://www.bassresource.com/fish/plasticworms.html 8-)

This rod will work for any freshwater fish and light salwater species. Perhaps in certain environments, braid becomes part of the equation, too. 8-)

I didn't see any of the British Open, I guess I've lost interest in the game except when Tiger is making history! So, although I was aware of Greg Norman's lead going into Sunday's round, I didn't make an effort to watch. Anyhow, twelve years ago when I cared more, I watched The Shark blow a six stroke lead at the Masters. Arguably, this was the "biggest choke" in the history of professional sports. Now twelve years later, with an opportunity to redeem his reputation, The Choke rears its ugly head, again! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/07/21/sgjohn121.xml

This is a great movie and well worth the money! ;D ;D ;D

I use skipjack for bait, striper fishing. The bigger fish are a sucker for jerkbaits, especially the Lucky Craft Pointer (American Shad). The smaller baitfish that we are after are all caught on a Sabiki Rig: http://www.castawaylakes.com/Rigs.html 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Just a friendly suggestion. The Calcutta series is a "lifetime" investment. http://unattributed.net/html/whiskey.html 8-)

The Lamiglas SR705R is THE BOMB and it's on sale at Cabela's: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0037314120919a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=sr705r&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=sr705r&noImage=0 8-)

Green Pumpkin with black flakes. BTW, Thanks again! I have a "few" more baits to try! 8-)

Hmm... Some of us use both spinning tackle and baitcasters. Try the Shak-E2 jig head, it's my favorite: http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/jigs/evolutionshakeyhead.htm 8-)

My PB was caught on a Norman Fat Boy, bluegill pattern! 8-)

I know situations vary from lake to lake, but overall, those that consistantly bring five fish to weigh-in finish in the money more often over time. When Larry Nixon was in his prime, he tried focusing on big bass for a couple of years and got his butt beat, badly. 8-)

This is the only frog I fish and I don't use braid: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_73278____SearchResults When a bass strikes, lower you rod tip while reeling quickly. Set the hook when you feel the fish. It's not complicated to don't make it so! If the fish misses, you won't "feel the weight". Let the frog sit and chances are either she or a friend will come back. Also, I don't believe any moving bait needs scent. The frog strike is viscious! 8-)

Well, this is a new worm I just received for trial last week. I guess it's still "Top Secret" so all I can tell you is that when it becomes available, get yourself a couple of bags. For big bass hunters, your quest is over! Last Saturday morning I fished the worm and although I only had one bite, I think the fish I caught might be the biggest bass in the Secret Pond. Further reports to follow. 8-)

I'm after one full grown brown fish, about 12-1 on the Tennessee River! 8-)

Welcome to the Posse! (However, I wish you would have gotten the Calcutta 300 or 400 for your swimbaits. The Cardiff may be too light duty, but we'll see.) 8-)

Spinning tackle: Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (.010" diameter, 11.9 lb test) Baitcasting gear: #12 Ultra Soft (.013" diameter, 19.5 lb test) The line is strong, highly abrasion resistant, nearly as limp as braid (in use), does not require a special knot, impervious to water and UV light, floats and most importantly, I have never been broken off by a fish using this line. p.s. The_Natural, So what were you doing recently with Sensation? 8-)