roadwarrior

Look for cover and structure. A steady retrieve is usually effective if there are bass in the area you are fishing. Bass strike for several reasons: 1. to feed; 2. to protect their territory; 3. as a reflex reaction; and 4. just because they are curious! In shallow water the absolute depth of the lure is not important. In fact, a deep-diving lure that digs up the bottom is often an excellent choice. In deeper water, it is important to fish at the depth the fish are holding or sometimes above them. Finding fish in deep water may be a bit more challenging, but remember it's still about structure and cover which provides protection, ambush sites and attracts baitfish to feed upon.

What kind of question is that? Did you have a problem with one of our sponsors or their product? If so, spell it out or send me a PM and I will try to help you get things worked out. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

I have a Metanium MG. It is much lighter than the Calais, but in terms of performance, quite comparable. There is nothing about this reel "not to like". If this is the reel you choose, you will NOT be disappointed!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 8-)

Man! That's a great fish!

Welcome aboard! You might want to give this a try: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1180909581

Welcome aboard! January and February are the best months for smallmouth fishing on the Tennessee River. The fish in my avatar were caught in January. My partner guides below Pickwick Dam in a BayRanger 2180 and furnishes all equipment: Speedy Madewell hm: 901.854.0208 cell: 901.553.5377 cabin: 662.423.5588 Good luck!

Welcome aboard! Both are fine reels at each pricing point. This is the best deal I have seen: http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocurado.html Good luck! 8-)

Maybe this will help: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1143177139 Good luck! 8-)

Congratulations!

;D ;D OUTSTANDING! ;D ;D 8-)

Try setting the hook HARD, I do.

Welcome aboard!

Yes. People generally have a "preference" for certain brands, but they rarely "hate"a manufacturer or find their products"totally unuseable". I suppose part of it is the nominal investment with most lines which allows anyone to experiment with a number of fishing lines. Still, we seem to have strong opinions on certain labels. I don't hate P-Line, but have found a better alternative.

You won't know until you give it a try! ;D 8-)

I agree, that was a VERY cheap shot. >

Just an observation: Isn't it interesting how so many of us have had TOTALLY different experiences with P-Line? I fished the line(s) for at least two seasons before moving on. It just amazes me that some like it so much while others hate the same line! That's crazy.

Russ, ABSOLUTELY NOT! My comments were just a follow-up to flechero's post.

This guy might know something about it: http://www.insideline.net/articles/swim_senko.html

Seems to me, the harder you work, the "luckier" you get. Coulda, woulda, shoulda doesn't count. The tally records "wins" and "losses", not what might have been. "If they hadn't run out of time and had scored more points, they would have won!" I'm not a Pats fan, but if they run the table, I would call this group "THE GREATEST FOOTBALL TEAM IN HISTORY". And btw, "technically" Moss IS the record holder for most touchdown receptions in an NFL SEASON. (Brady also broke the all-time record for touchdown passes). 8-)

It always strikes me as odd that those that have never fished high end rods find them "over priced" and "no better" than lower priced equipment. I don't ever recall a post by a high end user complaining. :

Nice fish, but SUPER pics! HAPPY NEW YEARS to you and the Mrs. 8-)

Well, I don't think this reply really addresses the question, but I will throw it out anyhow: I have had some success using the Sweet Beaver Double Wide as a trailer on a 1/2 oz jig. However, Uncle Josh Pork seems to be more productive in cold water.

All good advice. One rod is fine, two is better and three is all anyone "needs". One rod: Medium Power/ Fast Action. Whether this is spinning or baitcasting, you can fish almost every lure with this rig. Second rod: M or MH Power/ Moderate Action or Fast Action with a soft tip. This is a better rod for treble hook lures. When it's time for a third combination, Heavy Power/ Fast Action (mostly for jigs and some guys prefer this combination for soft plastics). This is a rig that could be used for every application fishing medium to heavy weight lures. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141187546

Although this has become my "jerkbait rod", for the past several years I considered it my "all-around rod" for treble hook lures: St. Croix Avid AC66MF/ Shimano Calais (now a Metanium). For shallow cranks I now have a St. Croix Avid AC70MM/ Shimano Chronarch. For bigger lures and deep cranking, Lamiglas SR705R/ Shimano CTE200GT.