roadwarrior

Wassup with that? Every time I bring up a post from you or Steve in this section I'm REALLY expecting the big 1-zero! You'll have her soon. 8-)

I'll be glad to give you a hand clearing the clutter. Send me the GYCBs only and continue pouring your own. Or more seriously, LBH has his kid's C.A.S.T. program that can always use more stuff. If you are interested in giving some of the plastics away, they would be an excellent choice. :

Looks interesting to me. 8-)

I can't believe this. Not one guy responding to the thread had the "correct" answer. :

You da MAN! 8-)

;D ;D ;D 8-)

No, it's MUCH easier. A spinning reel can be fished the first time out. Sure, it takes some time and practice to become accurate and learn a few of the nuances associated with this equipment, but trust me, it's not difficult. 8-)

"The longest journey starts with the first step". Moving up to a G. Loomis is something you will enjoy. Then get yourself a Shimano reel to go with your new rod and you're set! : 8-)

Now that Junior is teamed up with "professionals", maybe he will learn how to drive a race car! As a "loser" last year, he wasn't the instigator of many wrecks, but over the years he has been "The Cause" more times than I can count. Two years ago I hoped he would get suspended, but he was just too popular for NASCAR to take appropriate action. I guess I'm NOT a Junior fan. >

Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton come to mind. However, my all-time favorite is Carlos Santana. Another notable is B.B. King. 8-)

WOW! That's pretty cool. We don't have that species of perch down here...well, we don't have ice either. 8-)

OMG! It looks JUST LIKE a Senko! :

Welcome aboard! 8-)

Well, the simple answer is a heavier lure. It sounds like you have the right equipment for the muck, but it's not designed for light lures.

Spinning rig? Ask for Neal (a buddy of mine and BR member) or the Fishing Department Manager, Keith, at BPS and have one of them show you how to use a reel, or I'll meet you over there and show you myself. There is REALLY nothing to it. 8-)

Yep! If the conditions are right, topwater Spooks and Sammy's are good. My favorite lure class, jerkbaits, can be AWESOME! Lots of guys have success with spinnerbaits; the Ledgebuster 3/4 oz Single Colorado Blade Spinnerbait is my "secret weapon". Silver Buddy or Cordell Gay Blade are other suggestions. 8-)

My thoughts: Keep all the bass you kill. It happens...If you don't like eating them, find someone that does and give them away. Some ponds are overpopulated, but you should not "assume" that is the case unless the owner has told you so or you have fished there over a long period of time. In healthy lakes, keep smaller fish if you like, but nothing over 3 or 4 lbs. In a healthy environment, especially on big water, there are literally thousands, maybe tens of thousand of bass that size. Regulations (limits) are based on a managed harvest. 8-)

The #1 artificial bait for smallmouth bass is a single-tail grub, although it might be argued that a 3 1/2" tube is just as effective. Other suggestions would include a GYCB Single-Tail Hula Grub and the Fat Ika. 8-)

You don't NEED more than one rod. Later you might WANT others. With one rod you can fish 90% of all techniques and presentations. I recommend spinning tackle for light and some medium weight lures. If you are still fishing a spincast set-up, move to a spinning combination. Specifically, 6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action and a Shimano 2500 series reel. This is an example, but BUY IT ON SALE, BPS rotates their sales items, but these combinations are occasionally "ON SALE" throughout the year: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98417_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2 Back to a baitcaster... 6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action will cover it all. Later you may want a soft tip or Moderate Action, but NOT now. 8-)

The Shimano Citica has built a reputation for performance. It's still King: http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocitaca.html 8-)

What's the point? If you are C&R, pulling a bass through an ice hole doesn't sound very interesting to me. I thought ice fishing was just an excuse to get out of the house, drink and maybe catch dinner. :

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

MegaStike is my preference mostly because it's so user friendly. I comes in a tube and has the consistancy of Vasoline. Jack's Juice is also a sponsor who has had GREAT reviews on this board. Same goes for JJ's Magic. I plan to give those two a try, too. 8-)

;D ;D EXCELLENT! ;D ;D 8-)

Welcome aboard! 8-)