roadwarrior

Thicker line diameters tend to "jump" off spinning tackle, but if you leave a 1/4" of margin when you spool the reel, you can probably get by with #10 which will also work on your baitcaster.

Well, here in the Memphis area we finally got a little rain as the cold front moved across the region. We were 15" below normal and have probably gotten 2" in the past 24 hours. But the front is past us now and temperatures are back in the mid 90s, approaching 100% humidity! Man, it's stiffeling here.

That's hepful... : I fished P-line for several years and liked it, but back then "line memory" was something you couldn't do anything about without going to braid. When I found Yo-Zuri Hybrid, that problem was solved. Then the company came up with Hybrid Ultra Soft, which in use, has virtually no memory! Both Yo-Zuri Hybrid and Hybrid Ultra Soft are bonded (not coated) fluorocarbon/ nylon copolymers. The line is highly abrassive resistant, low stretch, low visibility, extraordinarily strong (#6 (.010 diameter) = 11.9 lb test; #12 = 19.5), impervious to water and UV light, relatively inexpensive (1000 yards for $6.88 at BPS), low memory and it floats! For spinning tackle I recommend #6, for baitcasting #12.

Nice fish, great story, congratulations! 8-)

Do you ever wonder what you could do personally to help support BassResource.com? It's simple really...Support our advertisers! At the top of each section is a sticky listing our sponsors. Before ordering anything fishing related online, why not see if it is available from one of our sponsors? BassResource.com is free to you and me, but maintaining this Forum is NOT free! Guys, there is no cost or obligation. This is just a reminder that we can give a little bit back by doing business with people and companies that are here supporting this program. Here is the link to our current sponsors: http://www.bassresource.com/fish/advertisers.html Thank you all! -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior

Way to go, File Mob! 8-)

Great story! Nice pic, too.

Welcome aboard! I hope you stay with us, and I did support you, but if this turns into another p**ing contest the thread will be locked quickly or deleted. We have already had two threads on this and we are NOT going to have another. Billy, my comments are not necessarily directed to you...just a heads up.

That drives me CRAZY! The problem around here is two-fold: #1 Spring through fall is NOT our season. I fish Bull Shoals for smallmouth, but it's hit and miss. (I had a great trip in 2002!) :-/ #2 On the Tennessee River, even on our "BEST DAY", we never catch numbers, never...

Welcome aboard!

8-)

Try to buy what you can from some of the BassResource.com sponsors. Brad sells Fat Ika: https://shop.jbcoutfitters.com/categoryNavigationDocument.hg?categoryId=9

Maybe after you have been here more than a week, you will find the site easier to navigate.

Pre-spawn, post spawn and randomly, all the time! It's part of where they live and they cruise around a bit. You don't fish the gravel per se, but ambush points and transition associated with the flats. If you are drifting a river, you will come over these areas quite often, nearly every inside bend.

You are welcome in all sections of BassResource.com, but the "Young Anglers" section is only for members under 18. Except for the Administrator and Moderators, that section cannot be seen by older members. So, it's something special, just for you!

Hmm... That's kinda the theme around here. Check the other sections of the Forum ("Tackle," "Rods, Reels, Line, etc."). In addition to currently running threads, you can go back a couple of years and read every topic that has ever been posted if you like. You'll find a few "Tips" here and there. This is where to start: http://bassresource.com/beginner/beginner.html (The heading is under "Fishing Articles" at the top of the page).

I think 3 lbs is where bass get interesting. Part of it is the mass of a 3lb bass, but it seems like they fight harder and longer. A 3 1/2 lb smallmouth is a fine fish.

Well, my favorite lures to fish are jerkbaits, but my best producers are: #1 Fat Ika #2 6" Senko (not knock-offs) #3 Micro Munch Tackle El Gordo tube Recent favorites: GYCB Kreature & Mattlures Baby Bass

Spend some time in the "Smallmouth" section of the forum, there are a lot of threads that you will find VERY interesting. But to start with, here are a few suggestions: In low light, topwater (Spooks & Sammys) work well, but I prefer fishing jerkbaits (LC Pointer 100, Rapala Husky Jerk and Rapala X-Rap). The #1 artificial for smallies, in my opinion, are 4" single tail grubs; a close second would be 3 1/2" Gitzit (specifically, Mizmo Kent's Classic or squash green). The GYCB Hula Grub is another option. In still water (lakes not rivers) the Fat Ika rules. That should get you started. Good luck! p.s. You're not going to like this... I REALLY think line diameter makes a difference with smallmouth bass. I fish Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #4 (8.5 lb test, .009" diameter) or #6 (11.9, .010") on spinning tackle.

Hard to tell how big it was, but I seriously doubt is was as big as Randall's fish. Remember too, big bass look a lot bigger in the water than they turn out to be.

Fundamentally, we're talking about current and structure. Surprisingly, water in a river moves at diffeent speeds and sometimes, in different directions. From a fishes perspective, current is a conveyor providing nourishment at any moment. Basically, all that is required is finding the best spot(s) to take advantage of this buffet. In addition to funneling food to the fish, current in structure also provides protection and escape. Structure serves several purposes: deflecting current, creating ambush points and camouflaging fish for both protection and stealth. Generally, whenever current is an option, smallmouth will stage near structure and IN current. From a practical standpoint, this means the fish will position itself in front or to the swift side of boulders, humps and ridges. They may be found anywhere in a deep pool as bait fish are sucked into the depression. Transition between rocks and sand, mud and gravel or shallow and deep attract bass. Almost anything (everything) that interrupts water flow is a potential target. At certain times inconspicuous gravel flats will also hold smallmouth bass and NOT just around spawn time.

Welcome aboard!

Exactly.

Okay...I think points have been made and restated so no one should feel like they are being cut-off, but enough is enough, so let's move on... This thread is closed. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

Great story!