roadwarrior

Okay, I totally understand where you are coming from, but for others, consider that today's sensitive braking systems have been designed to make baitcasting easier. I use 2-4 brakes, but the number is not important. What you need to do is adjust the brake and cast control so that it works best for you! 8-)

Man, that's precious! 8-)

These should help: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1182371999 http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196114229 8-)

Football jig (heads) will reduce lost jigs when fishing rocky structure, but they don't prevent it completely! Swimbaits are the other extreme, they rarely (never) get hung-up. I have fished Mattlures' Shad without success, but I think the Baby Bass might be more productive. I have had good success with the swimbait for largemouth and see no reason why big smallmouth wouldn't find it appealing. We'll see, but nothing yet. 8-)

Welcome aboard! The Shimano Citica and Curado are still on sale and with rumors of a new introduction, may continue to get cheaper. You might want to keep an eye on those. Also, our "Flea Market" has deals all the time, check there, too. 8-)

I sure like posts about "what's working" instead of "what's not." Sounds great to me! 8-)

Nope, I don't trim the skirt or the weedguard. 8-)

Had a little luck with this: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1180909581 8-)

Pitching is the best answer and can be mastered with a little practice. Although a quiet entry is sometimes important, a big splash attracts fish in many situations. When making long casts, a soft landing is usually not important. 8-)

In your area, year around for sure! Read the fishing articles at the top of the page, especially the "Beginners" section. Our library is extensive. I'm confident you will find the various articles helpful. Good luck. 8-)

That be Bob! Thank you. 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Bass relate to cover and structure. I suggest you start by reading the "Fishing Articles" at the top of the page, especially the "Beginners" section. Our library is extensive and you will learn a great deal more from the articles than from the Forum when you are just getting started. Welcome aboard! 8-)

The easiest bait to use is a GYCB Single Tail Grub rigged on a 1/8 oz Gamakatsu jig head. I suggest white with silver flakes or smoke. The recommended equipment is spinning tackle and #6 line. Two other soft plastics I also recommend are the GYCB Hula Grub and Mizmo 3 1/2" tube (Kent's Classic or squash green). 8-)

I keep it simple: Spinning gear: #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft (.010" diameter, 11.9 lb test) Baitcasting gear: #12 Ultra Soft, (19.5 lb test) 8-)

J.J. Magic and MegaStrike are both BassResource.com sponsors. http://www.jjsmagic.com/ http://www.megastrike.com/ Try them both! BTW, Welcome aboard! 8-)

Delo's is a BassResource.com sponsor: http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocitaca.html I would go with the CI100DSV 8-)

Classic! 8-)

You might want to take a look at some of David Green's work, too: http://www.rod-crafting.com/index.html 8-)

Although I grew up fishing, I was not passionate about it for a long stretch of time. Moving from Colorado to Tennessee in 1997 rekindled my interest, but it wasn't until I discovered the Senko that I became obsessed. The Senko changed my entire outlook on "fishing". For the first time I was able to consistantly catch BIG bass. Initially I began catching 3-4 pound bass and a occasional 5, which I considered a milestone. Suddenly, it seemed, there was the opportunity to take my game to the next level. About the time I caught my first 10, I also met a guy that has turned into my best friend and fishing partner. In July 2001, almost seven years ago, I caught my first 20 lb striper. That fall, I learned a thing or two about smallmouth. I've been after them critters ever since! 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Nice fish, great pics! 8-)

Start by buying the box and then add whatever else you think you need! BTW, Welcome aboard! 8-)

Well, that may be true, but anyone who drinks Bourbon isn't going to turn down a Jack Daniels on the rocks! 8-)