roadwarrior

I think this is the thread: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1188099011

If no one responds, contact Craig DeFonzo at Micro Munch Tackle. He can either custom make the jigs for you or direct you to someone else that can. www.micromunchtackle.com

I think you are just asking for trouble with casting, retrieve, hook-up and fight. Suspending jerkbaits will maintain depth thoughout most of the retrieve.

If you start closing your bail by hand, it will become second nature quickly. It is something I never even notice doing anymore. This applies to every spinning reel, regardless of the brand.

Hard to teel from a picture, but "around" 3 lbs seems about right.

Well, to be more specific, I caught some bigger bass fishing midday over and along structure. What I'm trying to target is patrolling fish in deeper water. I think regionally, White River lakes (Table Rock, Bull Shoals, etc.) might be the better choice vs. Tennessee River Lakes. My experience below Pickwick Dam was ONE cast! The fish I caught were in one of my local ponds, but although this water is "relatively clean", I have still lost five swimmbaits in less than eight weeks. So, the lures work and the bass have never seen them, but they are not "forgiving". Also, before fishing the baits you will need to spend some time getting a feel for the right retrieve speed. Too fast and they turn over; too slow and they sink with very little tail action. Although I am already convinced that swimbaits can be VERY effective in Southern waters, much of the structure that I fish is just too gnarley to use the bait regularly. Like other lures, there is a time and place and with the exception of very specific situations, the river is probably the wrong choice.

Before taking the plunge, order the Baby Bass three pack special from Mattlures. I had pretty good luck with these baits which are bigger than almost any other lure I fish, but do not require new or additional equipment. The Baby Bass is relatively inexpensive for a swimbait, but I found it still has a tendency to find a new home! I think this is a good bait to introduce swimbaits into the mix, but I have not reordered. I have had some luck on cheaper (Storm) lures which aren't as painful to lose, so I'm going to finish out this first pack of five (2 left) before deciding on my next purchase.

Interesting. Not my favs, but probably the two "best drivers" in NASCAR, Cup Champions and two of the three most popular racers in the sport right now. Different strokes for different folks.

Lot's of guys "have issues" with Kistler rods. Be sure to take the EXACT reel you plan to match the rod with to see if it fits properly. It seems that everything they offer is a quantum improvement over what they already claimed was "The Best" money could buy. Quality control issues have been addressed. "Top Secret" blanks, unknown guides and "proprietary" reel seats...WOW! "Just as good as a Loomis, at a better price".

Well... Can't wait to see the pictures from your next outing...Now you have another reason to GET WELL SOON! I hope you are healing fast, but it might be a good idea to stay away from the demolition derby. :

This is more than you ask for, but all my top baits/ lures are soft plastics! http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1143177139

Welcome aboard! You can start by reading some of the "Fishing Articles" (link at the top of this page) or here: https://www.bassresource.com/beginner/beginner.html The best thing you could do is to get some help from experienced fishermen. It's one thing to read about it, but quite another to actuually get out and do it. I would HIGHLY recommend hiring a guide to fish with for a few days. That will put you on the fast tract.

I enjoy fishing too much to waste another day with anyone like that. Worst of all, I observed another gentleman being treated in the same manner at this outing. I suspect this type of behavior is far more widespread and typical than most are willing to admit. Anytime boater/ backseater questions come up on the Forum, I read a subtle case of "attitude" on the boaters side. "Well, it is my boat, blah, blah, blah..." Then change the competition to boaters only. In this format the non-boater is the "floormat". And on one last note, if I'm paying my "fair share" of the variable costs, I'm FULLY PAID. I owe the boater NOTHING for that fact that he owns the boat. To imly that a non-boater should put up with "attitude" is ridiculous or at least, something I will not do.

Welcome aboard! Since the rod is brand new, most retailers will just exchange it for you on the spot, but technically you are (generally) required to send it back to St. Croix for replacement. Another suggestion: Buy yourself some new line and set your drag, with a scale, at 25% of its breaking strength. Your line should never be broken by a fish in open water and this will also protect your rod from breaking on a hook-up or snag. Good luck!

This "poll" is taken about every three or four weeks, but in this case, last week! I think a lot of people don't continue to respond because they are kinda bored with it. Whatever the results are this time, the "general bias" has been a little higher than 2:1 (Shimano vs. the rest of the combined field).

Another GREAT story! Congratulations on a fine effort. 8-) p.s. Greg's bass looks like the winning fish in the '05 Bassmaster Classic! :

Welcome aboard! Technically, I fish Kentucky Lake, too. Mostly the Tennessee River below Pickwick Dam, sometimes as far down as a little past the Savannah Bridge.

The Curado is available for $175 at Delo's: http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocurado.html That is my suggestion.

The job market is pretty tight around the country. The main requirement for entry level retail work is only the ability to fog a mirror and show up. You might be surprised just how hard is is to find people who will actuallly "show up". $3.29, $3.59. $3.79...heck, they all start with a 3...Three-something.

That is my point. Watching your line may be important and very helpful at times, but developing a "feel" for the jig is important "all" of the time.

Warranty: http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/fish/sac/us/en/customer_service/warranty_information.html No problemo... 8-)

#29

1+ And, Welcome aboard!

jrobi007, Welcome aboard!

The reel is under warranty, BPS will exchange it for another.