roadwarrior

I prefer spinning tackle for all soft plastics. My dedicated rod is a St. Croix ES70MF, but a more general recommendation is Medium Power/ Fast Action with a firm tip. p.s. Hey Keith! Is that a picture of your soon-to-be baby? 8-)

Great post, those are some nice fish! 8-)

Smallmouth can be line sensitive. I recommend the 6 lb fluorocarbon on spinning tackle. 8-)

Be patient and pick-off a deal in our Flea Market. It appears this combo has traded, but this is a GREAT example of something you might stumble upon: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1215274205 8-)

Posted yesterday in the Flea Market: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp;jsessionid=W1VXXMX1J2H0XLAQBBLCCOFMCAEFAIWE?id=0037481120573a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_BC&returnPage=cave_search1.jsp&QueryText=quantum+tour+addition+pt&N=61&Ntk=all&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&Ntt=quantum+tour+addition+pt&noImage=0&_requestid=63681 8-)

Spend some time reviewing the threads in this section. We have some guys that have offered some very specific advice. JT and earthworm77 are a couple of names that deserve special attention. This will get you started: https://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1170689666 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! I'm sure someone will be along shortly with some help. 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

The internet is magic! http://www.lurenet.com/productdetail.aspx?id=995658 :

Welcome aboard! Jigs, Fat Ika, 6" Senko, El Gordo Tube, Shak-E2 jig head with a Roboworm, GYCB Kut-Tail, Flappin' Hog or NetBait Paca Craw. If you want to try moving baits: Cavitron Buzzbait, Swimming Senko, Mattlures Shad or the GYCB Kreature have all been killin' 'em for me. 8-)

No, probably not a "best", just "favorite". Mine is Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft, but if you browse back through this section, you will find plenty of other suggestions. 8-)

Use the "Search" function on this page for more information on the BM. This topic has been beat to death around here. That's why I'm closing the thread. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator p.s. Take a few minutes to look around the website. We have seperate sections for a number of topics. "Lures" belong in "Fishing Tackle".

Welcome aboard! 8-)

There is no limit to the complexity you can create. I fish with 4/0 EWG hooks most of the time and 3/0 EWG occasionally. I have 1/8 and 1/4 oz bullet weights. That's it for me! 8-)

GYCB 7" Laminated Lizards are the only ones I fish. http://***/cgi-bin/order/13-10-LAM?bPrYHbrF;;133 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Here are some ideas: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1143177139 8-)

I have been killin' 'em with jigs, GYCB Kreature, Swimming Senko and the Mattlures Shad. I have had pretty good luck with the Cavitron Buzzbait and the Shak-E2 with a number of soft plastics: Roboworm, GYCB Kut-Tail, Flappin' Hog and NetBait Paca Craw. 8-)

Crankbaits: 0-2' Bomber Square A, Norman Fat Boy, Mann's -1 2-4' Bagley BII 4-6' Lucky Craft Rick Clunn 2.5 & 3.5 5-10' Rat-L-Trap, Lucky Craft LV-300 10-15' Lucky Craft LV-Max-500, Yo-Zuri Rattl'N Vibe 15-20' Norman DD22, Mann's 20+ Deep Mann's 25+ 8-)

Sure, most of my rods are 7' and many guys prefer MH rods. Personally, I think Medium Power serves a wider range of lures, but that's up to you. A reel with a standard 6.2:1 or so is probably what you want. Lower gear ratios are generally for guys that spend a lot of time deep cranking. 8-)

Weeds, grass and timber are a combination calling for braided line. 8-)

Here's the answer: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1180909581 8-)

Agree, But I will say that what I've learned also and this has been a very big learning issue (I call it hidden cost) is LINE, I've learned from the BR is pay attention to your line you use and I now know don't go cheap, My catches have increased sense I've purchased better line not just good baits alone, a matter of fact I'd almost bet I could contribute most of my success on good line. I have in the past paid no attention to line and now see the importance of a good tool. I have yet been able to find good pricing on good quality line : The best deal going: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10201217____SearchResults Save money on other gear, but don't skimp on line or hooks. In addition to Yo-Zuri Hybrid and Hybrid Ultra Soft, I think the Gamma Copolymer and P-Line CX Premium might be options to try. Hooks with a solid reputation include Gamakatsu, XPoint, Owner, Mustad and VMC. 8-)