roadwarrior

My way: Equipment: 7' spinning tackle, #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft, Gamakatsu or X-Point 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hook Rigging: Skirt up, T-rigged, weightless and weedless Presentation: Cast on or near cover or structure in water <12' deep. Allow the bait to sink to the bottom on semi-slack line. Let the bait sit for up to a minute, then move it with a short (6-12") horizontal sweep. Allow the lure to fall back on slack, line. Let it sit for fifteen seconds and repeat until you feel you are out of the zone. (This is exactly how I fish a Senko, too).

Wow! Congrats on the fish...Great pics, too!

I haven't specifically seen that kit, but in general you are better off buying specific lures individually. Assortments tend to have lots of stuff you will never use.

Welcome aboard!

There will be a story coming out shortly from another member that will blow your socks off. As for me, I have caught the same fish on consecutive casts a number of times. On two occasions I have battled a big fish nearly back to the boat, come unbuttoned and recaught the same fish a little while later. You would think they would be shy over short time periods, but that is not always the case. My best story happened more than forty-five years ago. I caught a one-eyed 6.5 lb bass on a beginners Zebco combination. When I got it to the boat my seven year old brother knocked it off with the net. My dad cast an identical lure to the exact spot where I had gotton my initial strike. He landed the fish which to this day is his personal best. He didn't have it mounted, but the fish is still in his deep freeze!

Welcome aboard!

Baconstrip, You need to be a little quicker on your hook-set. Don't let the fish run with the bait. When you feel the tap-tap, lower the tip of your rod and reel down QUICKLY. Snap your wrists without raising the butt of your rod. This action is verty effective and should reduce the incidence of gut-hooking dramatically.

Hmm... 8-) This has been my #1 lbait for the past two years. I had some success with the lure last week at Lake Fork, too.

Soft plastics: #1 Fat Ika #2 6" Senko #3 Micro Munch Tackle El Gordo tube

Your equipment and lure selection will work well. I also recommend the GYCB Fat Ika, single tail grub and Hula Grub.

You can do all your fishing with a Medium Power/ Fast Action rod. However, if you can afford two rods, a Fast Action, firm tip is preferred for soft plastics and jigs; Moderate Action or a soft tip is generally preferred for all classes of treble hook lures.

When Fenwick introduced the Techna AV it was $210 and discounted to $160 to compete with the magic $150 pricing point. The Techna AV in my opinion is comparable to the St.Croix Avid series, but at $210 you are only $35 away from a G.Loomis IMX series rod which are FAR superior. I would NOT pay $210 for the Fenwick. So, back to your pricing point: I recommend the St. Croix Avid. This is a great rod with high end components and a blank that is favored by many custom builders. You will be 100% satisfied with Avid rods. I fish them, too. (AC66MF & AS66MLF).

I have the MBR844C which is my jig rod and striper rod. It is powerful and fast which may be exactly what YOU are looking for. However, I think the MBR843 might be a better "all-purpose" spinnerbait rod. Lighter lures cast much better on a "3" rated blank. I think you would find it suitable for a number of other applications, too.

We found a few in Texas. I'm probably a few weeks ahead of you here in Tennessee, but Rat-L-Trap type lures, spinnerbaits, flukes, and hard jerkbaits are working fair to good. I probably fish soft plastics too much, but they are red hot for me right now (Fat Ika, 6" Senko). I'm not getting a broad based bite, just bigger fish...I hate it when that happens...it's just early. By the way, my partner at Fork, flechero, slayed 'em on a small swimbait (really a sassy shad), buzzbait and T-rigged lizard. I will probably break out the buzzbait this weekend to see what happens. I'm going to fish GYCB Laminated Lizards, too.

From what I have seen on the Forum, it looks like all the big fish moved to Georgia, Florida, Texas and California! If there are any left in your pond I suspect they are still deeper and sluggish. Things will pickup shortly. Traditional spring baits are the ticket.

I would send the reels to Shimano direct, accompanied with a BUSINESS letter describing the problem in detail and the fact that these reels have already been exchanged with Cabela's three times. State SPECIFICALLY that you would like the reels replaced DIRECT per your mailing instructions. I suggest calling the Marketing Department and getting a SPECIFIC name and address for mailing. Be sure to note the name of the person you speak with. I'm sure you will receive a great deal of personal attention in correcting the situation. I have always receive prompt and courteous service from Cabela's and am VERY surprised that they have not been able to resove this problem themselves. However, three chances are too many and another would not be in the cards for me. Go direct.

Welcome aboard! I seems to me that you should pick up a few bass with all the action you describe. They may be feeding on schooling shad. Try some minnow immitating baits (Rapala, Silver Buddy), white spinnerbaits and a buzzbait. I wouldn't give up on the Rat-L-Trap either.

Superior design, engineering, craftmanship and components. Lucky Craft lures consistantly deliver the performance that is expected from the lure. These baits are good-to-go right out of the box and maintain their integrity over time. I don't know if all LC lures catch more fish than the comparable lure of another brand, but they are always a pleasure to fish. Some of this is intangible; it's the "fun factor" that ranks Lucky Craft above other manufacturers.

I don't sharpen hooks either. When they need attention, they need to be replaced.

Hmm... I'm surprised no one has responded. I hope you find a club soon, it's time to go fishin'. BTW, Welcome aboard!

Wow! Great way to start the year...Congratulations!

Jerkbaits are effective anywhere you would consider fishing a topwater lure with exposed treble hooks. They are also VERY effective on or near structure where you might fish a spinnerbait or crankbait.

I had the privilege of sharing part of the journey with Ronnie and the Mooks. Dominick and Ron (Brutus) split up the ride both to and from Fork with me. These three guys are fine gentlemen and a pleasure to be with. Special thanks to Alpster for making it happen. Salute!

When the Mississippi River reaches Memphis, the ice is gone! : Nice fish.

Excellent!