roadwarrior

Wow! I have NEVER heard anyone make a negative comment about a Chronarch, NEVER!

***** Those are suppose to be Gold Stars! Thank you, George. 8-)

"Polls" don't seem to be very popular around here anymore. 10,274 members, 19 votes... Well, 9 votes for Shimano vs. 8 for the field. My vote is included. 8-)

Welcome Aboard! Be sure to post this thread in the "Central" section of the Forum, too. The Texans are pretty good at responding there. I'm sure you'll get some specific suggestions, but remember, bass are bass wherever they live. Lures you have that worked a few years ago in Tennessee will work just fine in Texas.

A couple of years ago when Takahiro Omori won the Bassmaster Classic, I started experimenting with red hooks. I bought and still have a few lures with red trebles, but the experimental part was really focused on single hooks fishing soft plastics. My (unscientific) results were neutral. That is, I found ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCE using red.

Well, I think there are a lot of good reasons to tweak your hook size and I do sometimes, but a "good overall hook size" is a 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hook.

I would never change to another bait or technique to catch little fish. Just one bite away from a great day! 8-)

Welcome aboard!

I would suggest at least taking a look at the Shimano Curado and Chronarch MG. Both reels have established a very strong following and have a solid history of dependability.

I would fish soft plastics ONLY.

Well, you probably need Daiwa in the poll and maybe "Other" just so everyone who wants to participate can vote for their favorite. I'm still trying to decide. :

I have been working on my jig fishing for two years with some limited success. I know this will make me a better fisherman, but the learning curve has been steep.

In low light I like "reaction" lures. These would include spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, jerkbaits, shallow running crankbaits and topwater. Recently I would include the GYCB Kreature fished like a swimming jig or spinnerbait. During midday, I have had VERY good luck with soft plastics and recently, Mattlures Baby Bass.

I find the most important difference between the two bites is the holding period. Bass will hold a soft plastic MUCH longer than a jig. I think the texture of soft plastics feels right whereas lead does not. I find jig fishing challenging and I think it requires a much quicker response.

Get off the bank and fish STRUCTURE in DEEPER water. Examples would be steeply sloped primary points, ledges and drop-offs, rock piles or boulders, ridges, humps and pools. If current is an option, fish structure IN current. The fish you are catching are referred to as "bank runners" or "buck bass." Bigger smallmouth are rarely (never) associated with these schools except during pre-spawn and spawn.

Welcome aboard!

Great fish! On average, 21" = 4 1/2 lbs. Fat Ika should not "fall apart". Unlike a Senko, the Fat Ika is supported by the hook and a bass generally engulfs the entire bait without pulling it down (that is what usually breaks up a Senko). 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks will help a great deal. Even on days with a strong bite I can usually fish one bait for an entire outing (1 1/2 - 2hours). I hope this suggestion helps and I'm glad the Fat Ika worked out for you.

My two favorites: MBR844C & PR844S. My next G.Loomis will be a PR844C which will replace a St. Croix as my "all-around" baitcaster.

Wow! That's another beauty. Keep 'em coming... 8-)

This is a thread we keep as a "sticky" in the "Important Topics" section in the top half of this section: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1151590913 BTW, Welcome aboard!

I use Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (11.9 lb test) on spinning tackle, #12 (19.5) on baitcasters. I fish all soft plastics, light lures and some live bait on spining tackle. Most hard baits I fish on baitcasting gear.

Woo-Hoo! 8-)

Welcome aboard! You're welcome to ask any question you like, but I would suggest looking around the Forum before getting started. This is a thread, a few lines down, still running on page 1 that addresses your question: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1184265374 Another suggestion is looking through the "Fishing Articles" at the top of this page. Inside you will find a section titled "Beginners" which I think is very helpful: http://bassresource.com/beginner/beginner.html Good luck!

Agreed. Senile1 mentioned a Moderate Action rod which will help tremendously. A soft tip will load up when it's time to set the hook. I also think razor sharp hooks will improve your hook-up ratio dramatically.

Suspending bass are generally inactive. These are the hardest fish to catch. Unless they are under baitfish and actively stalking a school, they are not worth spending your time on.