roadwarrior

For the last three of years, the Fat Ika has been my #1 producer. Rig the bait skirt up (forward) on a 4/0 Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hook, weedless and weightless. Cast the lure into or parallel to cover and/or structuce and let it settle on semi-slack line. Let it set for a minute and then move the Fat Ika 6"-12" with a short, horizontal sweep. After letting the bait sit for at least 15 seconds, move it again. Work the bait until you feel you are "out of the zone."

Welcome aboard! I never heard of this lure, but maybe another member will be by soon to help.

Man, that's terrible. I hope things work out for your dad.

+1 8-)

Congratulations! 8-)

Woo-Hoo! Merry Christmas George! 8-)

You will be completely satisfied with either the Chronarch or Core. I don't have a Core (yet) but everyone that has commented on them also have Chronarchs. Most of those guys have the 50MG, which is a VERY nice reel. Without exception, those with the Core or looking into a more technical comparison between the reels say they are worth the extra money.

Two jigs in your line-up buddy, I'm impressed! (Muddy and I have both joined the "Jig Nation" just this year.)

Option #1? For those of us that don't live close, this is our "Dream Trip". For you guys, it should be your "next trip".

The same rod in a baitcaster is the PR844C. This is a saltwater "popping rod". It is 7' (84) Heavy Power (4) and rated Fast Action, but it's really Moderate Action. (Perhaps G.Loomis salt water ratings are somewhat different.) BTW, This is my favorite rod... 8-)

G. Loomis GLX PR844S/ Shimano Stella 2500FB. This is my smallmouth rig. If it's stripers you are after: G.Loomis IMX or GLX MBR844C/ Shimano CTE200GT.

I have been trying to get in touch with him for more than a month. No response.

You are going to have to decide which reel to buy, size is personal preference. However, unless this reel is for something technique specific, I highly recommend the faster speeds (higher gear ratio).

Rod: G. Loomis GLX MBR844C Reel: Shimano CTE200GT Line: Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #12 Lures/bait: #1 GYCB Fat Ika #2 GYCB 6" Senko #3 Micro Munch Tackle El Gordo tube #4 Micro Munch Tackle 1/2 oz jig (black & blue/ GYCB Flappin' Hog) #5 3/8 oz Cavitron buzzbait (black on black)

Well, you can't get to Stick Marsh/ Farm 13 in a day, but that would be my DREAM destination! I think a couple of days in Georgia with Randall would be the "Ultimate Fishing Trip", too.

If you are willing to travel, we have three members that guide: Randall Kirkpatrick at Lake Varner (Georgia) George Welcome at Stick Marsh/ Farm 13 (Florida) Tom Redington at Lake Fork (Texas)

We have a Flea Market where you can list the reels for sale.

Welcome aboard! I'm sure the Daiwa boys will be by shortly.

Fred McClintock is one of the top guides in the country and VERY close for you. You need to call and talk with him about EXACTLY what you are wanting to do. http://www.trophyguideservice.com/

If you continue fishing crankbaits, you will develop a feel for EXACTLY what it is doing and EXACTLY where it is. Overtime you will be able to distinguish bottom structure, composition and depth. Some crankbait aficionados claim they can feel the fish before they strike!

My favorite class of lures are jerkbaits. My favorite jerkbait is the Lucky Craft Pointer 128. My most productive lures are soft plastics. The top three are: #1 GYCB Fat Ika #2 GYCB 6" Senko #3 Micro Munch Tackle El Gordo tube Best "new for me" in 2007: GYCB Kreature fished like a spinnerbait 3/8 oz Cavitron Buzzbait (black on black) Mattlures Baby Bass 1/2 Micro Munch Tackle jig with a GYCB Flappin' Hog trailer

Moderate or Slow Actions rods act as a shock absorber when FIGHTING the fish. Most treble hook lures give a fish leverage to throw the hook. Soft rods reduce this risk and also help prevent hooks from being pulled out of the fish. With today's technology, graphite rods can be built with all of the characteristics attributed to glass and composites. However, I still prefer glass for deep running crankbaits and big lures. For most treble hooks I fish a St. Croix Avid AC70MM or AC66MF with a soft tip (graphite). For deep divers, Lamiglas SR705R (Glass).

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Well, I don't know anything about Florida Atlantic, but Memphis is a terrible football team. The fact that they are in a bowl speaks volumes about the level of the teams in their division. Maybe just a step above high school ball or maybe not!

From hawg caller on another thread: "without a doubt the fish i am the proudest of is this 14 lb. 2 oz. largemouth pictured below. probably the biggest bass i'll ever catch in my life, even though the 13-8 in my avatar came close."