roadwarrior

My fish don't "get away". :

Welcome aboard! The stretch is nominal, I don't notice it at all. 8-)

Hey Bassnajr, peace... I get a little carried away because my #1 pet peeve is stories about guys getting broken-off. Unless you are wrapped around a tree or cut on a rock, a bass should not be able to break anyone's line. The simple solution is using different (stronger) line! I generally fish open water (Tennessee River or the White River and associated reserviors). I quit using braid because rocks fray and cut that type of line. With copolymers, this is less likely, but you still have to constantly check for nicks and such. Anyhow, that's my take which doesn't mean I'm right, but it is the way I roll. I hope it helps some guys and mostly, I hope no one ever tells another story about the giant fish that broke their line. -Kent

I don't consider any of the factors you listed important. The drag should be set at 25-30% of the line's breaking strength as long as that does not exceed the capabilities of the rod. You then have drag/ line compatability which NEVER needs adjustment. If you feel you will need more power to move a fish than this formula allows, you need to fish heavier equipment, i.e., higher rated pound test line and maybe a heavier rod. This is why most guys fishing timber, lilly pads or thick cover tend to use Heavy Power baitcasters and 25+ pound test line. If I fished the same locations that some of our guys in Florida and Texas fish, I would probably use 50 lb braid. 8-)

Well, they show the 5" which is just fine. If you think the body is too long, just bite off a piece! http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_91560_100007003_100000000_100007000_100-7-3 8-)

We were just there. Nothing along the shoreline at State Park that looked very promising to me.

Including Fish Chris... 8-)

Long winter in Philly, eh? :

DUDE! I don't think you have ever mentioned your occupation so I don't know what you do for a living, but why aren't you working for In-Fisherman? 8-)

I don't know the dimensions of the board, but here are the stats on the truck: http://www.toyota.com/tacoma/specs.html 8-)

I find it to be quite the opposite. Actual mileage is usually better than estimated mileage. Pulling a light boat should have a nominal impact on performance or gasoline consumption. I have a Toyota Sequoia (V8) that gets 16.3 in town and up to 20 mpg on the road. I get exactly the same mileage when I am alone or packed with seven passangers and 500 lbs of gear! However, when towing a heavy boat (Ranger 2180) the milage drops to 12-14 mpg. Pulling your rig with a full size Dodge will put exactly -0- stress on the vehicle. 8-)

The jigs I use are traditional (dressed). I do not trim the skirt or the weedguard, either. For the most part, I only fish 1/2 oz black, black & blue or forest green with black flakes. I vary the size of the trailer from something thin (GYCB Fat Baby Craw) all the way up to the Double Wide Sweet Beaver. Last fall and winter the Jumbo Frog was the ticket, much more productive than plastic. 8-)

Oh-oh! Once you have been bitten by the high-end, there's no going back. 8-)

There are soooo many advantages to a full size truck, it's a no-brainer for the same or a better price. 8-)

GYCB 4" Double Tail Grub: http://***/cgi-bin/order/15-20 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)

I hope you guys catch some big smallmouth so you can replace your avatars! Those ugly green trout just don't cut it. : 8-)

Although I recommend #6 (11.9 lb test) Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft, for smallmouth fishing I generally fish #4 (8.5 lb test). The drags on my reels are initially set up with a scale, but once you have "the feel" this can be done without an actual measurement. I have complete confidence in moving a fish with the drag setting I use and it never changes. As a result, I have never been broken off by a fish using Ultra Soft. 8-)

Nice bass! I have never fished Glenn Springs. 8-)

My favorite jig rig is 1/2 oz with a Double Wide Sweet Beaver! The GYCB Flappin' Hog as a trailer is a close second. 8-)

I think it's mostly Kalifornia because of so much fishing pressure. BTW, In the background of my avatar is the Pickwick Dam. That's where I REALLY fish! Most of "my river" is the first few miles below the dam. 8-)

There is no situation where I would EVER adjust the drag while fighting a fish. 8-)

This is mine. (It has a pouch in the back to carry a plastic box, too!) http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0018716902478a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=safaria+vest&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=safaria+vest&noImage=0 8-)

Davis You might have too much line spooled up. Leave a 1/8" margin to the lip of the spool.

Gear: 7' spinning rig, #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft and 5/0 EWG Gamakatsu Offset Worm hook. Technique: EXACTLY like you fish a Senko. I consider these baits comparable in every way, just a different profile and different action. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141053342 8-)