roadwarrior

if you look on Yo-Zuri's web site (http://www.yo-zuri.com/Products/ProdLine/HybridLineChart.htm) the Hybrid 6 lb. test line has almost the same breaking strength as the 8 lb. I like having the thinner diameter of the 6 lb. and it seems to handle a little better. Therefore, by going down to 6 lb. has only benefits from what I see. That would be my recommendation. I agree. As a matter-of-fact, although I always recommend #6 to anyone that asks, I use #4 (.009" diameter, 8.5 lb test) on my main smallmouth rig. In addition to several 20+ lb catfish, drum and buffalo, the fish in my avatar were both caught on #4.

Cabela's http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0030185119279a&type=product&cmCat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=yo-zuri+hybrid+ultra+soft&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=yo-zuri+hybrid+ultra+soft&noImage=0 If you click their banner here on the Forum, BassResource.com receives a contribution at no cost to you.

Welcome aboard! Please post a report on the Snakes after you have fished them a few times. As you may already know, Doug Hannon, The Bass Professor, has a section here on the Forum where you can ask questions and he will respond.

I too use a Palomar Knot the majority of the time, but any (every) knot you are comfortable with can be used with this line.

Try this, I think you'll like it, especially on spinning tackle: Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (.010" diameter, 11.9 lb test). The line is a bonded (not coated) fluorocarbon/ nylon copolymer. It is highly resistant to abrasion, impervious to water and UV light, does not require a special knot, floats and has virtually no memory in use. 8-)

If you can find a deal like this on Avids in your area, that would be the ticket: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1187058520

8-)

;D ;D ;D Happy Birthday! ;D ;D ;D 8-)

I don't know. When Russ starts dreaming about Southern Girls, he's probably thinking Connecticut! 8-)

Don't hijack your own thread! Start another... 8-)

Nice fish, great pics! 8-)

You da MAN! 8-)

I would just like to add that Memphis BBQ is overrated. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 8-)

WHAT! Are you conspiring with GMAN?

WHAT! The only explanation I can think of is that someone lifted the lures that were rejected at the factory and resold them to GMAN. Or, maybe he's just pulling our collective legs!

Welcome aboard! I fish 4/0 EWG Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hooks on most soft plastics. With baits less than 4" long, you might want to go with a 2/0 or 3/0 EWG.

I have a broad collection, too. One word of caution however for those just starting, the Smithwick Rogue CAN BE a very good lure, BUT many are defective or become so over time. You need to test them and tweak them when they are brand new and check them again EVERYTIME you fish one. A I think a better solution might be to just go with the other brands. Although the LC Pointer may in fact be THE STANDARD, I have had very good luck with the Husky Jerk and X-Rap. My newest quest is accumulating a collection of Slender Pointers. ( I asked the Bait Monkey if it wouldn't be better to fish some of the lures I bought two or three years ago, for the first time, but He said NO!)

Man, that's too bad...tough day... :'( 8-)

;D ;D ;D ;D WOO-HOO! 8-)

Cool! 8-)

Shimano will probably send you a new tip-top for free. With a cigarette lighter, heat the old tip and remove it with pliers (gently and DON'T burn the blank!). Clean the tip and put a SMALL dab of Super Glue on the end, replace the new tip-top. Adjust it QUICKLY to make sure it's on straight (lined up). Some of our rod makers may suggest a better adhesive, but this works.

Now, c'mon...that's funny. I know a lot of times when someone shows me a simple solution to what I thought was a complex problem, all I can think to say is...DUH!

I think the main reasons river fishermen don't like braid are these: Abrasion resistance is poor; the line is difficult to manage in wind and we usually create our own when moving on a river; the line is difficult to break when you need to break-off, which is often in river situations; the line digs into the spool, burns and cuts fingers when we deal with hang-ups; knots are a hassel; smallmouth "seem" to be line shy and visibility comes into play; and most importantly, there are better alternatives for the way we fish. On the positive side: I think braid might be the answer for heavy vegetation and for fishing expensive lures that you DO NOT wish to lose. Fishing $30+ Huds in open water for largemouth is an example. Another is fishing frogs on pads. So, for certain applications, braid is probably the best choice, but I'm still not going to use it again!

Regarding colors: Choose your favorite! Mine are all dark: Watermelon w/ black flakes, watermelon w/ red & black flakes, green pumpkin w/ black flakes and black w/ blue flakes.

The Fat Ika is my #1 bait. My hook-up ratio is something north of 95%. Once hooked-up my landing ratio is SIGNIFICANTLY better. The bait, as Raul noted, should be Texposed and skin-hooked. Due to the taste and texture, bass tend to hold this lure longer than most...in some cases indefinitely. The Senko is a very easy bait to fish, but the Fat Ika is even easier. Be patient and fish it slow, like you might imagine the movement of a crawdad. Rigging: 4/0 EWG Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hook. Tentacles forward (skirt up). Weightless & weedless. I fish the bait on MF spining tackle and Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (.010" diameter, 11.9 lb test). Presentation: Cast parallel to the bank, along weed lines or on structure in water <12'. Allow the bait to settle to the bottom and sit for at least 30 seconds. With a slow, horizontal sweep, move the bait 6"-12" and let it fall on slack line. Leave the Fat Ika on the bottom for at least 10 seconds between movements and continue this retrieve until you feel you are "out of the zone." Bass will sometimes strike on the fall or occasionally pick it up while it rests motionless on the bottom, but generally the strike occurs when you move the bait. When you feel a strike, dip the tip of your rod while QUICKLY reeling in slack. When you feel the fish snap your wrists, setting the hook with your rod tip and not moving the positin of your reel relative to your body. This is called a snap-set or quick-set. Maintain pressure, keep your rod tip high and reel when you can, but let the fish run when it wants to. I think your landing ratio will improve with a little patience. Good luck!