roadwarrior

My #1 pet peeve... Set you drag with a scale and get to know exactly how it feels. With 10 lb test, the drag should be set at 2.5 - 3 lbs. You never need to make an adjustment when you fight a fish. Assuming your line is not cut or frayed, you will never get broken off again. The Palomar Knot is easy to tie and strong: http://www.animatedknots.com/palomar/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com Note: Unless the knot is perfect, it's not good enough. Regarding your line: Check it constantly for nicks, frays or weak spots and always replace damaged line. Your can add line rather than replacing it all, but you should maintain 80-100 yards of "good line". You didn't mention your brand of line, but several copolymers significantly overtest for a specified diameter: Yo-Zuri Hybrid, Hybrid Ultra Soft, P-Line CXX and Gamma to name a few. All of these lines in #8 are stronger than 10 lb monofilament and have much greater abrasion resistance. I recommend Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (.010" diameter, 11.9 lb test) for spinning tackle. 8-)

Geez...You're fishing one of the premier smallmouth lakes in the world! Why would you want to waste a minute searching for green fish? :

If you would consider a round reel, my deep diving rig is a Lamiglas SR705R matched with a Shimano CTE200GT (5.0:1). It's sweet! p.s. The SR705R is on sale at Cabela's: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/common/search/search-results1.jsp?QueryText=sr705r&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=sr705r&noImage=0 8-)

Well, if you saw the "What's Working For You?" post, you have already seen my suggestions. Just to repeat, 1/2 oz stand-up jig with a Baby Paca Craw trailer or the new Shak-E2 Head with a soft plastic bait. I had great luck with the full-size Paca Craw, Roboworm and GYCB Kut-Tail. 8-)

It is easy to tie. The knot is effectively a noose. I have had no issues, but I do not know how it has been rated by formal testing. 8-)

My folks live in Raytown. I have fished Smithville a few times and have done fairly well on 6" Senko. The biggest problem with that little lake is fishing pressure, but I'm sure the muddy water has been the worst factor this year. I hope things improve for you. 8-)

Try the Sixteen-Twenty (also known as Duncan or Pitzen Knot): http://206.210.94.83/assets/recommended_knots/pdf/fhf_knot_sixteen_twenty.pdf 8-)

I'm not much on spinnerbaits, mostly because everyone throws them. However, when the fish are very active chasing bait, there are times when this is THE lure! What I like is the feeding strike. Man! That can be something else. 8-)

I'm having good luck with the 3/8 oz Cavitron Buzzbait. The lure comes on plane quickly, creates a strong bubble trail and produces a unique "chirping" sound. This is a great lure and BassResourc.com sponsor: http://www.cavitronlures.com/ 8-)

I don't care as long as the TVA is releasing water and I have current! If it's about pond fishing: hot, sunny and calm, either side of noon. 8-)

This might help: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1158577137 Good luck! 8-)

This thread is from a couple of days ago: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1212174924 8-)

Welcome aboard! This might help: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1158577137 Good luck! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Great post and pics! Me loves me some brown fish... 8-)

I suspect the new CuradoE7 will knock your socks off! It will probably be comparable to the CH50MG, one of the finest reels ever made. Competition is great, we all benefit and the newest equipment will be better AND cheaper! Is this a great country, or what? 8-)

It's only a "good deal" if it's a good reel. :

Man, I like relatively new line and have to "add on" to high capacity reels. My preference for baitcasting gear would be for 110 yards of 15-17 lb test diameter and nothing more. For spinning reels, "high capacity" is a joke! 8-)

See FAQs

Nope. Don't think about it, fishing is a blood sport. Do your best and harvest the rest. Learn hook removal as well as you can, but fish are still going to die. Whether you eat fish or not, take them when you need to and find someone who will enjoy a great meal. No harm done. 8-)

Direct: http://www.mattlures.com/babybass.htm Or several retailers that are listed on the internet, including Tackle Warehouse. 8-)

PB = Personal Best; the biggest fish you have caught; the largest of a particular species

Nice post and pics! I'm glad you guys had a big time. Congrats! 8-)

Matt gave me these suggestions last year when I first started fishing the Baby Bass. I was having problems with fish coming unbuttoned. I heeded his advice and haven't lost a fish since. 8-)

Hmm... I am. Usually just one brand dominates my tackle in a product sector, but I might have a few rogues in the mix. Heck, I even have a STX! :