roadwarrior

Great fish, nice pic. Congratulations! 8-)

I everyone is killing them with a Spook, buy a big LC Sammy in Aurora Black (blue) and put a hurtin' on 'em!

See my response in this thread: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1186461502/11#11

Maybe this will help, maybe not: These are the St. Croix I OWN and will describe: Avid AS66MLF: Medium light as described. Moderately fast action, but with a very soft tip. Can be used for all light MOVING lures and live bait. Is NOT appropriate for soft plastics, jigs or anything requiring a quick/ firm hook-set. Avid AC66MF: Closer to Medium Heavy Power of other brands. Moderately fast action, but with a very soft tip. Can be used for all medium weight treble hooks AND spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and blades. Is NOT appropriate for soft plastics, jigs or anything requiring a quick/ firm hook-set. Note: Once the tip is loaded, this rod is VERY responsive and has enough backbone to control most freshwater fish. Legend Elite ES70MF: Medium Heavy Power as compared to other brands. Fast Action and a FIRM tip. EXCELLENT for soft plastics and light to medium weight jigs. Could be used as an all-around rod. I would think the baitcasting twin EC70MF would have identical characteristics.

Well, if you are open to another suggestion, you might give Yo-Zuri Hybrid a try. #12 is 19.5 lb test.

This thread is running on this page, two lines down: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1186461502

Well, I just count bass over 5 lbs. On average, one fish every four hours, but they sometimes come in spurts and there are always droughts. This is my best time of year for big largemouth, so the production has been much better lately.

Those are some fat girls. Congratulations! 8-)

Much depends on the type of line you use and where you fish. For example, fluorocarbon is an inert crystal and does not get old. Still, the line can be nicked or kinked from backlash. Monofilament is effected by both water absorption and UV light which weakens the line which means you might need to change it out frequently. Braid will last indefinitely, but is susceptible to abrasion. I use fish Yo-Zuri Hybrid and Hybrid Ultra Soft which is a bonded (not coated) fluorocarbon/ nylon copolymer. I change the line "as needed", but it never gets "old." Kinks from backlash can weaken the line and that MUST be replaced, but otherwise I don't change my line on any schedule.

I was rooting for the lion!

Various bass: http://www.quickoneplus.com/fish/species/page.asp?page=bass

The local paper picked up this article from the Associated Press: "The number of people who participated in recreational fishing (freshwater) declined by 15 percent between 1996 and 2006. Spending on fishing trips, equipment, licenses and other items declined by 16 percent. The steepest falloff- 30%- was among Great Lakes anglers. Saltwater fishing declined by 18% during the same period." Wow! Those are some big numbers.

Welcome aboard! And congratulations! 8-)

;D ;D ;D 8-)

Welcome aboard! Soft plastics, weightless & weedless.

Most of my best largemouth bass have been caught on the hottest, bluebird days of summer between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. I suggest soft plastics and recently, Mattlures Baby Bass.

Depending on where you live, you have probably caught some spots (Kentucky bass) and just didn't know it. To the casual observer, they look just like a largemouth bass.

"Dark" Mainly watermelon with black flakes, watermelom with black & red flakes, green pumpkin with black flakes and black with blue flakes. In the fall, when baitfish are schooling and are the primary target, clear with black flakes is another option.

IPa1nL, What you experienced has nothing to do with "consideration or respect." That behavior is just aggressive and downright outrageous. You need to report this to the authorities and press the issue. Otherwise, someone is going to get hurt.

Well, Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #4 is really 8+ lb test, but still relatively light. I have boated numerous 20+ lb drum, buffalo and catfish on this line. It is my "standard" line for fishing live bait on the Tennessee River. Most of my biggest smallmouth, including the two in my avatar, were boated using #4 Hybrid.

You're fine, those are just some other ideas. If you are fishing still water (lake) in relatively shallow water (<12') I would suggest picking up a pack or two of the GYCB Fat Ika. This is my #1 bait. Tubes are also a "standard" for both largemouth and smallie fishing, I would want some of them, too.

I don't know the rod specifically, but that's what "testing" is for. You are certainly on the right track.

Good for you guys, that sounds great! 8-)

I fish both and like them equally, but I have a STRONG preference for one over the other for certain applications or techniques. For me finesse = spinning gear; power fishing = baitcasting gear. My spinning tackle is spooled up with .009" or .010" diameter line. On my baitcasters I fish Yo-Zuri Hybrid #12 (19.5 lb test).

I don't think it makes that much difference, it's really a matter of personal preference. I happen to prefer longer rods, really 7', but I have a couple of 6 1/2' and a 6' ultralight, too.