roadwarrior

;D ;D ;D It's a slow day here at the office, just having a little fun... : 8-)

Welcome aboard! Get a Boga Grip ($120) or if that's more than you want to spend, the BPS knock-off ($30). Boga Grip: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=20679&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults BPS: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=93413&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

Not at all. My point is: I don't change lures when I have decided that a specific technique should work. Sometimes it just takes time. On the otherhand, as I have stated in other threads, targeting suspending fish is the toughest fishing you can possibly do. I might be willing to waste an hour or so under the conditions you described, but if I wasn't pretty successsful catching at least "keeper bass", I would move on and take another approach.

Slow & powerful: CTE200GT 5.0:1 23 IPC This reel can be worked as slow as you like, much slower than the 23 IPC might suggest. For deep cranks, 3/4 oz Ledgebuster Single Blades and Mattlures Baby Bass this is THE BOMB! Fast & powerful: Calais 200ASV 6.2:1 26 IPC I bought this to fish buzzbaits and it can be worked MUCH FASTER than 26 IPC implies. For tournament fishing this is THE PERFECT reel. You all could land a little bitty "keeper bass" before it even knew it was hooked! This is my "all-around" reel which I use for nearly all treble hooks and regular spinners. As specific advice, I recommend a fast reel for everything. Slow reels are specialty reels and for me, live baiit gear.

Nice bass. 8-)

Welcome aboard! Here are two threads for you to read, then go to the top of the page where you'll fing "Fishing Articles." Inside is a section for beginners- read every article and go to every link. It's fun and you will learn a lot! http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1180501296 http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1182371999

Well, although I have limited experience (6 weeks) fishing swimmbaits, when the bass have been very aggressive I have only caught about three bass per hour and my overall average is about 1 per hour. This includes several 4-6 hour periods where I caught nothing. So, if you're going to fish swimbaits, maybe that's all your can fish.

Inside instead of outside the loop?

Well, I have been scoring consistantly with Mattlures Baby Bass. The issue is reaching the baitfish and this is where the lure really shines. With the assitance of a little breeze, 40 - 60 yard casts are achievable. When the bass are busting on top, target the center of the action and start reeling when the lure hits the water. When your're just a little late, cast past the last spot you saw the bait and let the lure sink for several seconds before retrieving. When there is a break in the action, work the structure on or very near the bottom.

I clean and oil everything that moves on the EXTERIOR ONLY. That includes the main shaft.

Don't let the nibbles concern you. "Nibbles" are little bass or bluegill, you're not missing a thing. Better bass inhale the bait, even the so called "soft bite" on the fall.

The length doesn't really matter, it's just personal preference. Your rod is probably Medium Power/ Fast Action which is fine. Down the road you may want to add another rod with Moderate Action which is a little more forgiving when fishing treble hook lures. Take a look at this thread for a more detailed discussion: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141187546

Rods are for "catchin'," reels are for "fishin'." To be specific, I think a "good" rod with a "great" reel is the way to go if you need to compromise your selection. Even if you are looking at the high end, on average, my reels cost twice as much as my rods.

Well, I understand your point if we were just talking about the strike, but with the right set-up (rod-reel-line-lure) a fisherman can "feel" the structure/ cover he is fishing. I can tell you about the bottom (mud, gravel, sand); the contour (drops, humps, ridges and pools); the rocks (rounded, sharp, independent or piled); the vegetation (grass, cane, brush or timber) and sometimes, I can feel the fish before it strikes!

You would be miles ahead hiring a guide for at least a day.

Here's a thread that discusses the C-rig extensively: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1120348381

I bought the original, first production run. The reel was "rough" and seemed unbalanced and awkward. That was several years ago. I have been told that the newer models are much nicer, but that's something I'll never know... Burn me once, shame on you. Burn me twice, shame on me. Unless someone you know has a US REEL that you can try-out, I suggest sticking with the new Shimano Stradic which will be out in another month or so. Otherwise, there are or will be some big discounts on the current models. The Stradic is a MUCH better reel than the US REEL I had.

Fat Ika? Welcome aboard! (I'm kinda fond of the bait, too.) :

Welcome aboard! Nice fish, pics and story...Congratulations!

Nice smallmouth! Man with the opportunity to catch fish like that I'm surprised you waste any time of those green trout. :

Okay, but I still think the Stradic is the "Best Value." Now, for too much money...Stella 2500FB. Great reel, it's my favorite.

***** Those are suppose to represent five Gold Stars and they're for YOU! 8-)

I'll guess 6- 7 lbs, but whatever it is... That's a nice fish! 8-)

First let me say, I REALLY like fishing with technique specific equipment, no question about that. BUT...I think you can fish just about every technique with one rod, spinning or baitcasting. Two rod and reel combinations would certainly cover 95% or more of all my fishing. So, I'm in the camp with those who like better equipment even if that means less gear. Specifically, I would suggest spending ALL of this year's tackle budget on one combo and fish the heck out of it. Next year buy #2. For me that would mean a Medium Power/ Fast Action spinning outfit and a Heavy Power/ Fast Action baitcasting rig. A third set-up that I would add down the road is another baitcaster with Medium or MH Power/ Moderate Action. And that would be it, you do not NEED another rod. One last comment, on topic: "Is (Are) high priced rods really worth it?" My response would be ABSOLUTELY! 8-)

You will.