roadwarrior

The problem depends on what lure/ bait you are fishing. For most soft plastics, you need a firm tip, for treble hooks Moderate Action is better. I think you will get more bites using thinner, less visible line, but the hook-up itself has little to do with the line you use. I never use stinger hooks, either. My number one suggestion with single hook lures is to use a "snap-set." When you detect a bite, lower the tip of your rod while QUICKLY reeling down. Snap your wrist to sharply raise the tip of your rod without raising your reel relative to your body. NEVER double set the hook. Assuming your hooks are razor sharp, the hook will effectively penetrate the fish.

Well, maybe the bad luck is behind you...I hope so. Let's hear it for another 20 lb bag!

*** MODERATOR NOTE *** Play nice. Stay on topic. If you have a personal dispute, use the PM function, e-mail or just drop it and move on. I deleted the last couple of posts to calm things down. Your cooperation is appreciated. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

WOW! Good luck. Keep us posted.

CTam9, Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! Soft plastics have been good for me during the heat of the day. I have recently had some success with swimbaits.

I think you need to fish another part of the river. It sounds to me like the water you are fishing is unsuitable for smallmouth bass. Otherwise, doing what you have aslready done would have produced some fish. Perhaps "tidal water" has a differnt ph, salt content or oxygen levels than other portions of the river. I would fish somewhere else.

I don't want anything "free". I would rather pay full bore retail than getting anything for "free". "Free" costs WAY TOO MUCH! As others have already said, there is no such thing as "free"....STAND CLEAR!

I like Rogers response, but to be specific: narrow, steeply sloped, stepped points surrounded by much deeper water. Bass or any other species cruising this structure tend to be feeding and VERY aggressive. Larger fish will sometimes stage in ambush at different depths on the steps. Besides the opportunity to catch big fish, the "fishing" over this type of structure is just plain fun. p.s. "Structure" is permanent or at least a long lasting physical feature. Vegetation (broadly defined) is generally "cover" even though it sometimes takes on the characteristics of structure.

It's hard to estimate weight from a picture. If the bass was 24" it should weigh about 8 lb 7 oz, but frankly, that bass doesn't look like it to me. Just eyeballing your bass verses your rod, it looks more like +/- 20" = 4 lb 10 oz. Whatever the weight really was, it's a fine bass. Congratulatiions!

Also, along a weedline I have been having some success fishing it like a spinnerbait with a steady retrieve and an occasional twitch.

Maybe not topwater, but I had some good luck with Mattlures Baby Bass under those EXACT circumstances two weekends ago. The bass were busting schooling shad in deep water. I cast into the school of baitfish and slow rolled the lure through them. I think any minnow bait would work, but you need something that you can cast a long ways to get to the baitfish. I'm pretty sure a Rat-L-Trap type lure would have worked, too.

Welcome aboard! Watermelon with black flakes or your favorite color!

Rods & reels are just tools. When selecting the "right tool" we aren't saying another wouldn't get the job done, but selecting certain equipment might be more efficient, making the job easier. I fish both spinning tackle and baitcasting gear, I like both and only prefer one over the other for certain techniques. In many situations, spinnning tackle is the best choice.

JaseOne, Welcome aboard!

Agreed. If you really want to learn to fish a lure or lure class, you have to concentrate on fishing that particular bait.

Take a look at this system: http://www.weathershack.com/

I specialize in forecasting the weather outlook for states in the Mid West and Mid South: July 1, 2007 - September 21, 2007 Sunny, hot and humid. Highs in the upper 90s to low 100s. Chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms. :

Welcome aboard! Call the DNR: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr

Welcome aboard!

If you are looking for a "lubricant" it works very well, has the consistancy of Vasoline and is easy to use. As far as an "attranctant" goes, I have experimented with many (most) and have been using MegaStike for a couple of years. I find NO difference in bite count with or without an attractant, any brand.

Dude! Those are some mighty fine pics, and the bass aren't too bad, either! 8-)

#29 However, the best driver is #24, like him or don't. #8 is driving better, but last year he was nothin' but a wreck waiting to happen. He was a VERY reckless and dangerous driver.

No, just Hybrid and Hybrid Ultra Soft. I think the difference is mostly the percentage of fluorocarbon in the formula. The original Hybrid is a little more translucent, the Ultra Soft is limp by comparison. Regarding the sale at BPS (1000 yards for $6.88), it must be over. It is no longer advertised on the BPS website.

Man, 23 1/2", that fish should weigh several pounds more than 4-1... On average, a smallmouth that length should weigh around 6 lb 5 0z. Nice fish, great story! 8-)