roadwarrior

Yeah, but you see, it's "guy humor" that probably discourages more female participation.

Most guys fish a heavier, thicker diameter line so it will not dig into the spool. Everyone on this Forum has a favorite, braid, fluorocarbon, copolymer, or monofilament. I recommend Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #12.

Congratulations!

Everybody wins! I heard they built all those billion dollar casinos just so it would be more comfortable and convenient for gamblers to collect their winnings. :

Are you guys using these reels for saltwater fishing? I have NEVER employed half my drag capabilities on ANY reel...EVER. My MAXIMUM measured setting is less than 4 lbs.

Welcome aboard! I fish Shimano exclusively. I think the "Best Value" in the Shimano line-up is the Stradic. If you want to save some money, buy the current Stradic 2500FH for around $80. However, if it was me, I would step up and buy the new Stradic 2500FI which incorporates some of the features found in the Stella.

Here is the reel: http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocitaca.html CI200D or CI100DSV Here is the rod: St. Croix Avid AC68MXF. You should be able to find it on sale for around $100.

Nice fish. Great pic! 8-)

Cool! 8-)

If you happen to have any friends in law enforcement, you might ask them to give you a lift over to the breeder's house. The officer doesn't need to "be involved", he can just remain in his Police Vehicle outside. For some reason this almost always gets the attention of potential troublemakers. I suspect you can get this matter resolved right then and there.

Get this spring scale (20 lb version). It's more accurate, can be calibrated and will last indefinitely: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0022909016365a&navCount=2&podId=0022909&parentId=cat90002&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat90002&catalogCode=IH&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat90002&hasJS=true

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Probably not, but if you notice ANYTHING different about the reel's performance, it should be serviced.

From a functional standpoint, probably not too important, but it will ALWAYS bug you! Send it back and get a new rod.

You asked about the 6" bait. (That's just a rough estimate anyhow. I doesn't address thickness or variance in the weight of the plastics used.)

Mattlures Baby Bass is 5" and weighs 1.3 oz. So, 1.3/5 X 6 = 1.56 oz.

Duh! That one flew right over my head. : 8-)

Welcome aboard! Shimano is introducing a new Stradic (FI), so the current models (FH) are on sale. For around $80 I would STRONGLY recommend the Stradic 2500FH. On the otherhand, if I were buying a reel at your general pricing point, I would step up to the new Stradic 2500FI which incorporates many of the features found in the Stella: http://www.***.com/descpageRLSSHIMANO-SSTFI.html

Well, have any of you guys actually caught big bass fly fishing? I have never known anyone that has any luck with better fish. I view fly fishing for bass as a small fish technique.

Jim Duckworth http://www.fishingtennessee.com/Ducktrail/default.htm Steve Hacker http://www.smallmouth.com/ Fred McClintock http://www.trophyguideservice.com/ These are three of the top smallmouth guides in the country. You will find them interviewed and quoted from time to time in all the major fishing magazines.

Smallmouth bass in a lake will gather in schools, generally in pockets of deeper water near a feeding area. For example, around a steeply sloping rocky point. Unfortunately, they are hard to find because for the most part they are suspending, not patrolling for prey. If you find ONE, mark your spot and concentrate on that area ONLY. Note: When fishermen keep their catch, they often COMPLETELY fish an area out. If you find a school and one fish bites, there is a very good chance that you can catch every one of them! On that same day, fishing the same lake and patterning the exact structure, you may not get another bite. The term is "stacked", the bass are stacked on one spot.

Welcome aboard!

Hmm... "I could have had a V-8".

Man, If we hadn't run out of time and had scored more points, WE would have won! or If there were 33 teams in the league and we were #32, we wouldn't have been last!

Not in this part of the world! Oddly, we rarely (never) catch numbers. The Great Lakes guys talk about 40-50-60...100 smallmouth days. Our best day ever in terms of numbers was with four guys, a total of 24 or 25 smallmouth, and just a few over 5 lbs. So, on the Tennessee River there is an opportunity for a PB and perhaps even the next World Record, but if it's numbers of BASS you're after, this isn't the right place.