roadwarrior

I fish a Fenwick Techna AV (AVS70MM). I think it is a fine rod, but it should be returned to the pricing point it has been at for years ($160). Specifically, it compares well with the St. Croix Avid series and maybe some other +/-$150 rods, not $210. (When the Techna AV series was introduced it was priced at $210 but discounted to $160. It appeared they were initially trying to match this rod against the G.Loomis IMX series, but at a slight price concession. Later and up until this year, the full retail price was set around $160.)

Great post! Nice fish and pics, too.

Glenn says you can't catch big bass on spinnerbaits. And his wife agrees! 8-)

Welcome aboard! I prefer spinning tackle when fishing light lures (finesse). For heavier lures and thicker line, baitcasting equipment (power fishing). Those suggestions are the simple solution.

Wassup with dat? Aren't you ever going to post pictures of some decent fish? : Great post. Thank you!

You beat me to it. I was going to suggest that it might make a nice present for someone.

Take it back for exchange, I'm sure you can work something out with the retailer. In the future, put your receipt in the reel box with the warranty and schematics. If something comes up you will have all your documentation in the original box and easily accessable.

I recently bought this one on sale: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_44423_100011010_100000000_100011000_100-11-10

Welcome aboard!

Time for a new reel.

Well, you may be confusing "Power" and "Action." http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141187546 For soft plastics and jigs you need a rod rated at least Medium Power and Fast Action with a firm tip.

Woo-hoo! 8-) 330 hun? Not one of my colors, but it can be! :

Welcome aboard! Over the years I have used many (most) of their products. The only thing I currently fish under the Pure Fishing (Berkley) umbrella is a Fenwick Techna AV rod. I don't use any of their other products or equipment.

You have identified the major difference between smallmouth and largemouth fishing: cover vs. structure. Largemouth relate to stucuture, too, but a variety of cover out of current also appeals to the green fish. Largemouth are lazy. Slow presentations often entice a bite from big bass. I suggest focusing on soft plastics, specifically 6" Senko, Fat Ika and Micro Munch Tackle El Gordo tubes. In low light, jerkbaits appeal to LM as much as smallmouth. Grasslines seem to be particularly attractive to the green fish, much more so than to their bronze cousins.

Man, I would certainly agree that color is not particularly important most of the time, but sometimes we have all been in situations where and exact shade, contrast or feature is critical.

This thread is really about fishing the Big Ika. Before making too many adjustments to your Fat Ika presentation, you might want to just give it a little more time. This is my third year fishing this bait which I rig skirt up with either X-Point or Gamakatsu 4/0 EWG Offsert Worm Hooks, weightless and weedless (skin hooked). My hook-up ratio is very high and once hooked up, my landing ratio is even higher. Equipment is important with all soft plastics (and jigs). Your rod should have Fast or Extra Fast Action with a firm tip.

It really is silly. There are no industry standards. Yo-Zuri Hybrid and Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 have a .010" diameter, the same as Ande Premium and many other 6 lb test lines. I suggest you look at line diameter and breaking strength when comparing lines, not the "labeled" pound test. #6 for spinning tackle will provide breaking strength of at least 11 lbs. Set your drag appropriately and you will not be broken off. #12 for baitcasting gear has a breaking strength of at least 18.5 lbs.

8-)

Rapala makes some fine lures at reasonable prices. I especially like the Original Floater, Countdown, X-Rap and Husky Jerk. The_Muddy_Man sent me a couple of Jointed Rapalas that I am looking forward to using. He has had good success with these lures and I'm sure I will, too.

Okay. At that pricing point there are many other alternatives, but trying something new for $20 isn't exactly life threatening. Personally, any product that's being hyped by an "independent" reviewer that turns out to be sponsored by the manufacturer would be crossed off the list. Lyin', cheatin' and then gettin' caught! Not a very promising start in my view.

1. Structure in deeper water, immediately adjacent to even deeper water. 2. Bigger baits/ lures. Specifically, jigs and soft plastics. 3. Slower presentation

Welcome aboard! Great fish, nice pics. 8-)

Rod & reel suggestions Here's a place to start: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141187546 Tackle Here you go: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1180614839 Line Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft, #6 for spinning tackle, #12 for baitcasting

In the thicker diameters, original formula Hybrid is about 1 lb test stronger according to Yo-Zuri. So, if #12 original Hybrid = 19.5 lb test, Ultra Soft ~ 18.5. However, in the lower diameters (#4 & #6) the differences are something much less than 1 lb. My experience suggests that the difference is negligible for all diameters.

Welcome aboard! We have several Missouri members, I hope someone will be able to answer your question.