roadwarrior

You are fine with what you already have, but here's my collection just for comparison: G.Loomis GLX PR844S/ Shimano Stella 2500FB/ Yo-Zuri Hybrid #4 (green)/ #6 Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hooks. This is my main set-up for smallmouth fishing with live shiners on a spit shot rig. Soft plastics: St. Croix Legend Elite ES70MF/ Stella 2500FB/ Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ulra Soft #6 Jerkbaits: St. Croix Avid AC66MF/ Shimano Metanium/ #12 Ultra Soft Spinnerbaits: St.Croix Legend Elite EC70MHF/ Shimano Calais/ #12 Ultra Soft

Well, a lot of mediocre teams make the playoffs with the wild card format. Just two years ago very few people, other than Steeler fans, thought Pittsburg was anything but a fluke. Look who took it to the house! So, Tennessee might not be a very good team, but they play next week while a lot of other squads stay home! Good luck Titans!

SALUTE! 2007 has been a great year for the Forum and 2008 promises to be another banner year. I look forward to meeting everyone making the trip to Guntersville in March and hope you are planning to attend. Good luck to all and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Nice fish, great pic! 8-)

CXX Pros: Extremely strong, highly abrasion resistant, inexpensive and readily available. Cons: Extreme memory, especially in higher pound strengths and cold weather. Floroclear Pros: Limp line, especially for a fluroarbon blend. Light refraction index matches VERY closely to pure fluorocarbon lines. Cons: Breaks easily, too easily. This line cannot be trusted.

Initially I was surprised the fish hadn't gained two pounds in ten years, but it's early growth was phenomenal. To weigh six pounds in 1997 would have taken at least five years which would make that bass fifteen years old. I think you are right, the fish has probably lost weight as she nears her twilight.

I have the AS66MLF which I like, but only use for white bass, crappie and stocker trout. Mine is matched up with a Shimano Stella 1000FB and #4 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft. I think the best applications are for light "moving" lures or bait. The tip is too soft for most soft plastics and jigs, but I fish grubs on it often. If you are looking for more of an "all-around" rod, you should consider swapping it for a MF or MXF.

Welcome aboard! 8-)

** MODERATOR NOTE ** Andrew, please check your messages. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

Jerkbaits are my favorite class of lures, but I think they can be very frustrating for beginners. I prefer something with a steady retrieve (chunk & wind) or something you can see when it's twitched (Puppy). The key to successfully fishing jerkbaits is in the cadence and pause. Without hands-on instruction, this can be difficult. I realize when the bite is aggressive, almost anything will work and simply twitching a X-Rap can too. However, I think the lures I mentioned are better alternatives when starting out. p.s. You may have noticed I didn't suggest my most productive baits (Senko and Fat Ika) either. That's because new fishermen find them boring and finesse requires patience and "touch". With a little instruction or over a period of time, I would add these to the list, but not straight out of the chute.

Welcome aboard! 8-)

These are great and can be certified: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=20679&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

I suggest that you start a new thread.

He just starting out fellas. Don't you think he should fish a few "user friendly" lures before moving into jerkbaits? Another lure I failed to mention earlier is a Rat-L-Trap.

No, even though you might be a little early, a few 5 lb bass is a very realistic goal. If you hire a guide, I'm sure you will do MUCH better, definitely in terms of numbers and perhaps, in terms of size. This is a huge lake and the numbers of "fishy spots" are overwhelming. Good luck!

And there is no shortage, either!

Welcome aboard!

I think I would have tied with Rick Clunn. The site selection, particularly at the time of year and during a severe drought, was critical. Conditions on the Tennessee River were almost identical. Prior to the event I posted my expectation that the Classic would be won with the lowest total weight ever and even guessed somewhere around 14 lbs. So, I wasn't surprized.

El Nino. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6228765.stm

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

Yeah, At least 90% of us are just jealous! And that includes ME! 8-)

Andrew, The Rapala X-Rap is described as a "slashbait", which is kind of a subcategory of jerkbaits. These lures can be very effective at times, but since you are new to lures, I suggest setting it aside for now and picking up a couple of others to start with. This is a short list that will almost guarantee a few bass in the spring: Original Floating Rapala Pop'R Heddon Zara Spook Puppy Jitterbug

;D ;D WOO-HOO! ;D ;D Those are some fine fish and great pics! 8-)

Welcome aboard!

It looks like after you have tutored him with some professional training, his photographic skills have improved, too! I am glad you are back. I am looking forward to a 10 lb post! 8-)