roadwarrior

There have only been a handful of smallmouth caught weighing over 10 lbs. The top two are David Hayes World Record, 11-15 and John Gorman, 10-14: http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/outdoors/fishing/articles/smallmouth-world-record-controversy-hayes.html One of the Carolinas has a 10+ State Record as well as Alabama. My partner caught a 10 which I netted and weighed in November, 2004. I believe that is one of the top five fish every landed, but it most certainly would be among the top ten. 8-)

It's not 12 lb test, it's 19.5, but I understand what you are saying. If you fish "saltwater class" weights, you may need a special line. :

Welcome aboard! This is a "sticky" in the top portion of this section. I think it addresses most questions: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1151590913 p.s. The Shimano Possee recommends the Citica at this pricing point. http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocitaca.html 8-)

Just over 8 lbs and my Personal Best. The "pretty one" was just over 7. Both were caught on the Tennessee River below Pickwick Dam in January, 2005. The fish were caught about an hour and a half apart, pictured and released. I caught the fat one first. To this day it remains the strongest freshwater fish I have ever caught. My PB striper is 38 lbs and that was a GREAT fighting fish, but not comparable to this smallmouth. I think the only species I have ever tangled with that compare is the German brown trout. When they get over 5 lbs, they're a treat! 8-)

Find a house sitter, pack up the hubby and join us at Guntersville! 8-)

The bar has been set pretty high. To be the "Big Dog" on this Forum is a challenge. Interestingly, Fish Chris also has some "numbers" and is fairly (?) competative in other species. Kinda reminds me of the song: "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" (baddist man in the whole d**n town...) http://www.superseventies.com/sl_badbadleroybrown.html 8-)

I have been VERY happy with Goodyear Fortera: http://www.goodyearfortera.com/version.html 8-)

This is my suggestion for ALL lure classes and techniques: Spinning tackle: Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (.010" diameter, 8.5 lb test) Baitcasting gear: Ultra Soft #12 (19.5 lb test) 8-)

VERY interesting post. Thank you! 8-)

roadwarrior, I'm trying to understand the thinking on this and here is why. If fishing in an area where your likely to get snagged don't you want to use a line around #10-12 so you can break it? If you use the #20 line you will be moving your boat allot to get the snag loose or cut the line. Also the idea of such heavy line on a casting reel seems to me that it would really cut down on casting distance. This is just the thinking of a newbie when it comes to baitcasting rigs. Maybe I think to much! :-[ Mike #12 and even #15 can be broken, #20 cannot. #12 will not have much impact on "average" casting distance. Perhaps at the maximum, 50 yards instead of 55 or 60, but there is nothing noticable in the 25-30 yard range. 8-)

;D ;D ;D Congratulations! ;D ;D ;D 8-)

Those are some mighty fine fish! 8-)

My line for several years until I found something with all the same positive attributes, but without the incredibly awful memory. : : indeed. All the YZ Ultra Soft and Hybrid I've used has had worse memory than the CXX I've used. Are you sure that's "tobacco" hanging there in the avatar?

I have two Stella 2500FB and a 1000FA. They are like holding (another name for kitty cat) in your hand. You will not be disappointed. There is something I would do though. Although I have never bought a Shimano that I felt "needed" service right out of the box, a discounted reel that is being replaced by a new model might have been built two or three years ago. I would probably have it serviced by ReelMech before using it. He stated in a recent post that even brand new reels perform better with a fresh cleaning and lubrication. Just a thought. 8-)

My line for several years until I found something with all the same positive attributes, but without the incredibly awful memory. :

Dude! The Mattlure Baby Bass is the PERFECT size for about 45 states (Alaska doesn't have bass). 8-)

Very close, some say better. 8-)

+1 8-) BTW, Shimano didn't exactly "jack" the price, the new Curado is a COMPLETELY different reel.

Welcome aboard! At your pricing point, there are a lot of rods to choose from. The discontinued Avids are still available at some retailers for around $100. MSRP ranges $140-$170. I think these rods are the "Best Value". 8-)

Why would you buy a new rod if the handle needed to be modified? The choices are many. :

Hmm... Got a suggestion, but I've already posted it 1296 times! : Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #12 (19.5 lb test)

No question is dumb. But, answers can be dumb. On the otherhand, anyone that can access this forum, MIGHT be able to access the rest of the internet. This seems like a silly question to me. :

Yeah, I have seen them at Lake Michigan and eaten 'em, too! I consider the perch among the best there is, certainly right up there with walley and crappie. However, I have never fished for that perch species. 8-)

+1 8-)

That's my wife's favorite line. We "save" thousands of dollars whenever SHE goes shopping! :