roadwarrior

No, but there is little advantage in using #8. #6 rates 11.9 lb breaking strength, #8 is 13 lb. I'm a fan of going the other way, I prefer #4 (.009" diameter). This size in green is almost invisible.

Maybe you guys should work out a deal with ReelMech and have the reels shipped direct to him for an initial tune-up. :

Is there a doctor in the house? Thank you Raul.

Welcome aboard! I fish most soft plastics by lifting the bait with a slow, short (6-12") horizontal sweep, letting the bait settle on slack line. With this motion I am trying to imitate a crawdad moving over a rock. With a lizard, I drag the bait slowly on the bottom. In grass I sometimes fish a Kreature like a jerkbait. The point is, there are a number of ways to fish a T-rig, weighted or weightless.

Specifically, Avid AS70MF/ Shimano Stradic 2500FH.

I'm going to give them a try, but I don't see how they could be "better" than Gammies or X-Points. I am also VERY impressed with the VMC treble hooks.

Welcome aboard!

Small lures are for small fish. That's not always true, but big lures attract bigger fish more consistantly. I prefer Lucky Craft 128, full size Zara Spooks and Ledgebuster 3/4 oz Single Willow Blade Spinnerbaits for aggressive bites. Still, standard smallmouth lures work well: 3 1/2" Mizmo tube (Kent's Classic), grubs, single tail Hula Grubs and my favorite Fat Ika. I never downsize, even when that might be the better option.

As a sidenote, my brainiac daughter says the 25th Amendment does NOT grant the authority to the Cabinent to remove a sitting President. So, just as you might think, that part of the "White House drama" was simply "made for TV."

Wrong. The World Record Smallmouth is perhaps the most extensively investigated record in the history of freshwater fishing. What sets this record apart, however, is that the ACTUAL fish is still available for inspection or additional investigation. David Hayes has the fish! It is, WITHOUT QUESTION, a smallmouth bass. That is an ABSOLUTE fact. Furthermore, analysis of the scales indicate it was thirteen years old which is probably why it was able to attain such remarkable size. (Smallmouth in northern waters can live much longer, but southern fish rarely reach ten years of age). Here is another picture of Mr. Hayes, 50 years older, taken by the IGFA when his record was re-certified: http://www.outdoorlife.com/outdoor/fishing/bass/article/0,19912,1179686,00.html This article reviews the entire story.

Slug-Go or frog on a heavy rod spooled with braid.

Photo print preach? Send me a PM with your address and a description of what you want. I have most of all the baits that came in the original pack, but I really have no idea what I specifically own. I will DEFINITELY never use one again, so you may have them for free.

Welcome aboard! Start here: http://bassresource.com/beginner/beginner.html At the top of the page you'll see "Fishing Articles." We have an extensive library and links to much more. I think you will find all the information very helpful. Enjoy!

Although the smallmouth/ spotted bass hybrid is commonly referred to as a meanmouth, technically a meanmouth is a smallmouth/ largemouth hybrid: http://www.fishin.com/articles/meanmouth.htm However, there is NO QUESTION in my mind that the fish we are discussing is a pure smallmouth bass. I have already posted a picture of David Hays' World Record (mounted), the smallmouth Fish Chris caught has the same basic shape (extended belly). Here is another picture: http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/outdoors/fishing/articles/smallmouth-world-record-reinstated.html

No. As a general rule, don't buy any bait advertised on an informercial. Send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll mail you some Banjo Minnows for free. You can try them and see what you think.

The term is "skin hook." Bring the hook through the bait and "pinch-up" the plastic to hide the point. This will reduce your hang-ups dramatically. Also, the hooks I reccomend (regardless of the brand) are 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hooks. I fish Gamakatsu and X-Point.

avid, I use to fish kahle hooks, but once I "discovered" circle hooks, there's no going back. Hook-up ratio approaches 100%. Fish coming unbuttoned is rare and mortality is reduced to virtually zero! Everyone fishing live bait that intend to release their catch should use nothing else. One caveat: You have to adjust your style. NEVER "set the hook." Circle hooks set themselves as you, the fisherman, maintain steady pressure. If you set the hook, you will pull it out almost everytime.

Welcome aboard!

I was thinking the same thing! :

I don't watch much TV, but this, and "The Unit" are my shows. They both have sucked lately. I really don't know what's going on in 24, but it's become a soap opera. It seems to me that the writers have gotten so involved in the "drama" they have forgotten that guys like us want ACTION!

That's great! What a beautiful pic...it seems like I've seen that somewhere before? :

Congratulations!

Fat Ika, Senko, Laminated Lizard and Slug-Go. If there is lots of grass, the GYCB Kreature is another option I would try.

The Ultra Soft has virtually no memory in use. The differences between the original Hybrid and Ultra Soft are most noticeable spooled on spinning tackle and when it is cold. BPS still has 1000 yard spools of original on sale for $6.99. I picked up two #6, a #4 and #12 so I'll be switching back and forth between Ultra Soft and original going forward, I like them both.

Well, I would suggest Fat Ika, but you sold them all to me! : Don't worry, it's just early.