roadwarrior

If most of the fish you catch are over 20 lbs, I would go with a baitcaster or the Stradic 4000 series. The 2500 Symetre and Stradic are bass reels. Both can easily handle fish up to at least 20 lbs.

+1 8-) The Symetre is about $79. The Stradic 2500FH is being replaced, so you might find it on sale for around $80.

Welcome aboard! We need a little information: 1. Spinning rod or baitcaster? 2. How much do you want to spend?

Hmm... Good point. Sarah was told they "jumped" because she died of cancer, good tie-in, but I missed the timeline.

Barges don't "sneak up" on you. Guys fish all the Tennessee River reserviors in john boats. Pay attention and you will have no problems, but there may be times when you might need to move!

warmer, DUDE! You bring tears to my eyes... ;D 8-)

Man, the responses on this thread are SO good, I only popped in to emphasize: Short trips! When the kids are done, you're DONE! Move on to something else. 8-)

"Tough Love" Critiques in this section are BRUTALLY honest. If you expect to make it at the professional level, get over it and address the issues. No, it's not always nice and never sugarcoated.

Mr. Ronnie Van Huss, You are a person who exemplifies what I call, "A good man". Congratulations. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior 8-)

Welcome aboard! The best smallmouth fishing is NOW through early March on the Tennessee River below Wilson Dam in northern Alabama (Pickwick) or below Pickwick Dam in Tennessee. In the spring, better fishing will be in the reserviors around Nashville, especially Dale Hollow. 8-)

I don't actually recall "finding" the Forum, but this was the first forum of any kind I had ever joined. Internet chit-chat was just not my thing. My, how things have changed! 8-)

Anyone notice chickie at the end of the show in that mini-skirt? Nope, didn't think so... : Sarah Connor, "How was your day?" John, "Okay. I wasn't killed and she didn't kill anyone".

Hey skunked_again! I'm with you, buddy! Maybe rods are more important for "catching" fish, but the fun factor skyrockets with a great reel! On average, my reels represent 67% of the cost of a combination: 1/3 rod, 2/3 reel. To be specific regarding your $350 question: Pay $225-$250 for Shimano Chronarch 50MG. Find a St. Croix Avid AC70MF on sale for$70-$100. (Sightings have been reported at Gander Mountain).

Maybe someone here knows something about the rumor.

In the Memphis area we have several, maybe too many. Some are worthwhile, it depends on the participation and focus. This weekend is purely a "boat show". There will still be some "outdoor" booths, but no seminars or celebrities. I think the best spring event is at Bass Pro Shop. Our local pros and prostaff will have several workshops everyday, Bill Dance has designated autograph sessions, but the rest of the time you'll find him and other pros just hangin'. The Bass Pro Spring Classic is fun, educational and free! Well...kinda free...no admission charge...you know what I mean... :

MegaStrike, which is also a BassResource.com sponsor! This product is user friendly, comes in a tube and has the consistancy of Vasoline. One tube will last for a season or more and stays on the bait for all of an outing. In addition to swimbaits, this is the best lubricant for all soft plastics. 8-)

Guys, this is 'MAN" fishing. Talk about wearing a fellow out! I have seen it, but it's DEFINITELY NOT my style.

Okay, What does that mean? The Fat Ika doesn't "run true" on retrieve? This bait doesn't "run" at all.

You don't have to be any more scientific than you want to be. After awhile, you can just eye-ball the spool and figure out "about" how much you need.

Wow! That's pretty complicated. If you know the spool recovery for your reel (IPC, inches per crank) you can estimate the amount of backing put on pretty closely. For example, at 24 IPC, count 75 turns which is 50 yards: (75 turns X 2') / 3' = 50 yards. 8-)

Bass eat things that don't eat them. Regardless of whether your water has a big population of crawdads, bass will strike a jig because (?) it resembles some kind of "bug". I don't know exactly what a plastic worm or Senko represents, but it looks like dinner to a bass! "Match the hatch" is WAY overrated. Raul has pointed out that bass in Mexico are caught on big trout lures in water that has never held a trout! Action and profile fished on, over or in the right cover or structure trumphs everything else.

I'm not sure that I understand the question, but as far as I know, there is no "maximum" number of users that can be online at the same time.

Well, if "shoulda, woulda, coulda" was counted, the Boys might have put a hurt'n on the Giants. At least two touchdowns were dropped, plus a few first downs that MIGHT have lead to scores. However, games are won or lost ON THE FIELD! I think New York's victory is another reminder that on any given day, anyone can win. BTW, I'm not dissing the Giants, with the way they played under pressure, they deserved the win. New England may be "The Greatest Team of All-Time", but they don't get consideration unless they finish 19-0! If you're not betting, odds and spreads mean nothing. It's a "W" or "L" and that's all that counts.

Any line EXCEPT braid will work. Use a line with approximately the same diameter as you will be spooling for your main line. I like to have 80-100' of good line on a spool, so you work backwards from there. For example, 140 yards of capacity = ~50 yards of backing. I join lines with a blood knot which creates in a very small knot at the connection: http://www.animatedknots.com/bloodknot/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com BTW, Welcome aboard! 8-)

Or exactly 4 feet long : : That's a fine fish. 8-)