roadwarrior

Welcome aboard!

I use Gamakatsu or X-Point 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks.

Nice fish GMAN, but it looks like a smallmouth to me, too. Although some fish are dramatically striped, I have caught many with no markings what-so-ever.

Man, that's as good as it gets. Congratulations!

Looks like a great outing to me, too.

Great fish. Congratulations!

Welcome aboard! If you haven't seen this part of the Forum, check it out: https://www.bassresource.com/beginner/beginner.html

I fish Gamakatsu or X-Point 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks most of the time.

There are only two baits worth considering: Fat Ika or 5" Senko. If your only goal is to catch a few bass, these two lures will always produce. That's not to say that other lures might not be a better choice on any given day. For example, in low light and when fish are very active and/ or chasing shad, reaction lures are usually FAR MORE productive. There are times when you can't buy a bite on any finesse bait. I am NOT suggesting that anyone should restrict themselves to these lures exclusively, BUT...until three years ago the Senko was my most productive lure EVER. It's still a VERY close second, but for the past few years, the Fat Ika has been King.

I think 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks are a better size, but it sounds like your 5/0 worked just fine. Congratulations!

At least 25%. It's kinda like "estimated weight." Most "5 lb bass" weigh either side of 3 lbs. Almost all 7-8's that aren't weighed are less than 5 lbs. A 5 lb bass is BIG, a 10 is HUGE. The bass some of our guys have been posting are truely incredible! It's unlikely that more than a very select few will ever see a bass like Randal's 15 lb 12 oz monster. Fish_Chris has caught a few, but just looking at the percentages here at BassResource.com, that's 2/10,000 (rounded).

CTE200GT (5.0:1) Strong, silent, smooth and reliant. My first reel was purchased in 2001 and used mostly for striper fishing. Converting that to "bass years" would make it well over 100 years old! I had ReelMech service that reel and a brand new twin last year. I asked if there were any noticable differences in the reels. He commented that neither reel had any signs of wear and nothing was replaced, just cleaned and lubricated. Disclaimer: The reel does NOT float. : http://fish.shimano.com/

Welcome aboard! I eat well balanced meals and do not take supplements.

Your 5+ is already getting those bug eyes. Cool.

Modern, high tech hooks are chemically sharpened. Dull hooks should be replaced. This is a pretty interesting site, take a look: http://www.xpointhooks.com/

The Steez, Revo, Curado and Citica are "all new" this year.

Always Tex-posed.

Hmm... I was thinking outdated technology, low quality components, loose tolerances, poor craftmanship, a reputation for unreliability and an indistinguished look. I think David Green, ReelMech, services these reels. I would be interested in reading his review. p.s. I couldn't tell if frogtog was joking, if he was making fun of them or if he was serious. If it was an endorsement, I missed the point. Buying fifteen reels hoping they (as a group) might last five years or just sending them in occasionally because they break is NOTHING I want to be using.

Two suggestions to try: 1. Use a bigger/ sharper hook. For the lizard and crawdad, Gamakatsu or X-Point 3/0 EWG Offset Worm Hook. For the Grub, a comparable jig head. 2. Use a "snap-set" for your hook-set. Lower your rod tip and reel down QUICKLY. When you feel the fish, snap the tip of your rod with your wrists without moving the reel position relative to your body.

I would focus on jerkbaits exclusively, specifically Lucky Craft Pointer 100. I have had some VERY strong recommendations for the Slender Pointer, but I have not fished them much...yet.

Now, how would you know that if you have never used the reel? Then too, even if a reel is fantastic right out of the box, you won't know if it's really a "great" reel for a year or two. I'm not bashing Abu Garcia, it just doesn't make a lot of sense (to me) to tout any equipment until it has a track record. My 1977 Ford Granada ran fine for a month or two, but it was NOT a great car. On a different note: There is no "best rod/reel/combination," there are simply "favorites." My best/ favorite is a G.Loomis GXL PR844S/ Shimano Stella 2500FB. However, for soft plastics or jigs it's not worth a poop! (The tip is too soft).

Well, I have a high regard for flechero's opinions, especially regarding rods. In 1997 I bought my first "better" rods, a medium power/ fast action spinning rod and a heavy power baitcaster. These All Stars were VERY special to me. However, after picking up my first St. Croix a few years later, I gave my All Stars away. To be fair, equipment should be compared at pricing points. As flechero said, "dollar for dollar they are some of the best values to be had."

I'm with you! 8-)

Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (11.9 lb test). Set your drag properly and you should NEVER be broken off by a fish.

Well, I'm in the Technique Specific Club, too. However, you could do all your fishing with one rod & reel and two will cover about 95% of everything. Here are a couple of specific suggestions: #1 6 1/2' or 7' spinning combination, Medium Power/ Fast Action. This might be all you need, but it will certainly cover all finesse applications. #2 6 1/2' or 7' baitcasting combination, Medium Heavy or Heavy Power/ Fast Action. This can cover all power fishing and heavier lures. If I were looking to add #3, it would be a Medium Power/ Moderate Action baitcaster for most treble hook lures, buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. This is my "all-around" rod and mine is actually Fast Action with a soft tip. Take a look at this thread, it should help: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141187546