roadwarrior

Hey! Did you see the Senko Rod thread? The BCR893 sounds pretty interesting if you are interested in a baitcaster.

Fish GYCB Kut-Tail, T-rigged and unpegged around the docks.

Me like... 8-)

Nice fish! Great story. 8-)

Well, I know Raul is right, but I just can't go there. I used to follow conventional wisdom regarding small baits and lures, but for me, it has always meant little fish. Sometimes when it's slow, I'm sure that's the right approach, but as a recreational fisherman, I just don't care. Go big or go home.

Well, reservoirs on some rivers do. Most of the lakes on the White River have thermoclines (Table Rock and Bull Shoals for sure). Some of the lakes on the Tennessee are nearly as long as those, but I think the water moves through them fast enough to keep it "mixed."

Well, I enjoy your posts and picks. Keep 'em coming! 8-)

Welcome aboard!

This thread is still running on the first page of this section. Here's what has already been said about the Swimming Senko: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1186198349

Hey Nick! I hope you schedule allows you some time to make it to the BassResource.com get-together in March. Site selection is still up in the air, but there will be plenty of time to make plans. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior

2 1/2 pound would be right for 10 lb test line. The rod reference was for heavy line. If you were using 50 lb braid, 12 1/2 pounds is probably WAY too much for your rod. If the line is within the parameters suggested for the rod, 25% is the answer.

No. I suspect the rods broke due to some prior incident where they were nicked or cracked in some way.

You da MAN! 8-)

The Tennessee River is a commercial system, relatively shallow and moves a great deal of water continuously through the various reservoirs. As a result, the lakes never develope a thermocline. Lake waters are mixed due to flow and perhaps the generation of electricity from turbins operating from the bottom of each dam. Right now the surface temperature below Pickwick Dam is 92 degrees! However, the "system" cools down in the fall. In this part of the country our seasons almost perfectly match the calander. Smallmouth "season" begins 9/21 and runs through most of March. Primetime is October through February.

For soft plastics I recommend Medium or Medium Heavy Power/ Fast or Extra Fast Action. Length is really a matter of personal preference. There are plenty of choices depending on the pricing point you are interested in. I fish a St. Croix Legend Elite ES70MF/ Stella 2500FB and Yo-Ziri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (11.9 lb test). There is a baitcasting twin, EC70MF if you are interested. Otherwise, I think the G. Loomis SJR843S would be an outstanding choice for a spinning rod. For baitcasting you might consider St. Croix Avid AC66MXF as another option.

I measure the drag precisely on new equipment and recheck it occasionally just for fun. I tend to be on the light side at 25% of line strength and in some cases less. For those reading this for the first time, the parameters we are talking about are INSIDE the guidelines for the rod, too. Here is a simple way to set your drag: Place the proper weight in a plastic grocery bag and tie your line to the handle of the bag. Lift the bag GENTLY off the ground and adjust your drag to just begin to slip at that level. The weight or drag setting should NOT exceed 70% of what you estimate to be the maximum flex in your rod. This margin will prevent your rod from being broken on hang-ups and aggressive hook-sets.

This is the rod: http://www.reedssports.com/Product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=555 $234 with your discount, no sales tax and no shipping charges This is the reel: http://www.reedssports.com/main.taf?cat=1187 $120. You'll need to decide which size and gear ratio is best for you, but I would go with the CI200D (6.2:1). $354 total cost BTW, If I only had one rod, this is the one.

Those are some fine bass! 8-)

;D ;D ;D ;D That's such a HUGE accomplishment. Too cool! 8-)

The lure DEFINITELY requires a weight to create optimum tail action. Gary Yamamoto recommends screw in bullet weights, but pegging them will work, too. I have now fished the Swimming Senko twice over structure and caught bass on both days. The bite is very aggressive and I am quite confident this will become a permanent addition to my soft plastics box.

Good story. Last spring at Lake Fork Triton 21 caught his PB (personal best) twice! When he boated the bass, sure enough, the bass still had his other stick bait lodged in her mouth. What's the chance of that happening? Especially on your "fish of a lifetime". :

Welcome aboard! We have a lot of members that are part of what is sometimes called the "Shimano Posse." It's sounds like you are already saddled up! You gotta draw a hard line When the gunsmoke settles We'll sing a victory tune And we'll all meet back At the local saloon We'll raise our glasses Against evil forces Singing "Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses" 8-)

What surprises me is that you don't have more days without a fish. I know you're after better bass which, for most guys, means fishless days. As long as I find a big one now and then, missing out on some smaller fish doesn't even come into play in my mind. Still, one day every twelve years is remarkable. I guess you should have stayed out a little longer. :

Outstanding! 8-)

Nice shirt, great pic and the right brand of bass. Score that lady a 10. ;D ;D 8-)