roadwarrior

Fat Ika hunh? I think you're going to like that buy. Congrats!

Woo-Hoo! That's great.

Welcome aboard!

Yep, that is exactly the kind of environment I was talking about, but unfortunately for me, I don't get to fish the Great Lakes but once a year. If you have the right situation, I'm sure the Silver Buddy would work as well as you described. Unfortunately, most of the rivers and lakes I fish makes this impossible.

H is for Haggard.

Never! I fish the Silver Buddy and the Cordell Gay Blade for white bass mostly. The presentation is a long cast and steady retrieve, maybe an occasional pop and sometimes a slow or extended hop. Actually touching the bottom or any structure for that matter is a recipe for disaster. I would like to fish this lure for smallmouth if the situation were right, I am POSITIVE this would be an excellent lure for those pretty brown fish. However, unless you are in a situation where you can target suspending fish in relatively open water, you're going to lose this lure...fast!

Every time I see a story about the "big one that got away" because the fish broke the line, I asked myself, Why? If the fish is not caught up in heavy vegetation, wraps your line around a tree, cable or rock, how can a fish break your line? Even a new World Record bass isn't really all that heavy or strong in the great scheme of things. If mighty saltwater species like 200+ lb tuna and 800+ lb marlin can be landed with a rod and reel, it seems to me that something weighing considerably less than 25 lbs should be landed in freshwater. There are a variety of reasons why fishermen select different line diameters and corresponding strength. Rod "power" and "action" are chosen for a number of reasons including lure weight, presentation and, to some extent, the size of the target prey. If pure strength for a given line diameter is the primary consideration, braided lines are the solution. However, for many anglers, me included, there are other overriding considerations. Still, the primary function of the line is to provide a connecting medium between the hook and the reel that allows the fisherman to retrieve his bait and sometimes a fish! If the line cannot meet this minimum requirement, it is unsuitable for fishing. Although balancing various elements that are desired when choosing a line may seem complicated, there are a couple of things you can do to to insure that any line will perform better. Number one is properly setting you drag. Not estimating what you think should "probably work," but actually measuring the setting. Generally, the breaking strength of your line should be within the range of guidelines suggested by the rod maker. (I will address higher breaking strengths in a moment). Never use lines with a rating below those recommended, they will not allow the rod to fully load without breaking the line. You diminish the capabilities of your rod in this instance. The drag setting on your reel should allow slippage at 25 - 30% of actual line breaking strength with no more than 75% of maximum flex in your rod. This can be measured with a scale attached directly to the line on a rigged rod or indirectly using a plastic grocery bag filled with the appropriate weight. When using the indirect technique, lift the bag GENTLY with your rod. This will give you "the feel" to make adjustments on the water in the future. If you have decided to use heavier line (30/8 braid for example), the flex in your rod comes into play when setting the drag. Technically, the rod by definition should maintain its structural integrity at maximum stress. By setting the drag for release at 75% of flex, you establish a margin of safety that allows for VERY aggressive hook-sets and hawg wrestling! You still need to examine your line closely and often for nicks, frays and weak spots, but if your drag is properly set, you will not break your line while fighting a fish. Trusting your line to deliver eliminates one more element in the pursuit of your next "Personal Best". Good luck and good fishing.

I think you will get better responses in the section of the Forum.

Live bait is just another option, similar to any other class of lures. Well, except you will generally catch more fish and bigger fish! : "I like fishing, but I like catching more!"

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! If you are not in a hurry, we have a section titled "Flea Market" that has equipment for sale all of the time and at very good prices.

Welcome aboard!

Wow! That's great. Congratulations!

That's a great deal on my favorite bait. Stock up!

What is the state record and where was it caught?

Welcome aboard!

Well, if you were fishing the B.A.S.S. or FLW tournament circuit, I would agree, that's a hawg! But since I noticed you're from Alabama, I think you will have another picture to share sometime soon.

Welcome aboard! Maybe BassChaser57 has it right and the breaking news is here at BassResource.com!

Hmm... I would reconsider your purchase. If you can't get any service when you are trying to buy something, how much service do you think you'll get if there is a problem down the road? Seems like just another good reason to stick with G.Loomis to me. I don't know exactly what the comp would be in the Loomis line, but I'm sure they offer one.

Sometimes adults have bad days. You need to sit down with your mom and discuss this, just like you are doing here on the Forum. I'm sure you two will work this out. Also, if you are really fishing all the time, maybe your mom just misses having you around.

Welcome aboard!

Well, I am NOT beating up any retailer in particular, but let's face it...All they are looking for is someone that can fog a mirror. "Showing up" is 95% of the job requirements. I have shopped at most of the big retailers from time to time and ocassionally run into someone with a clue, but that is the exception to the rule. At my local BPS I have had the good fortune to meet a couple of guys that know a little bit about fishing. Still, just because a company is an "outdoors store" doesn't mean their employees are outdoorsmen. At the other extreme is the local "bait shop." The mom & pops are owned and usually run by FISHERMEN! They may not have everything you're looking for, but for the most part, everything they stock is tackle that will help someone actually catch a fish (and come back!) That's my kind of store.

Budweiser

Welcome aboard!

Well, for emergencies and unexpected showers, I carry a cheapo poncho in my tackle bag and it works just fine. However, if you are going to be "out in the elements" for extended periods of time throughout the year, you really need to kick it up a notch. Cabela's Guidewear can be worn all day, everyday and will last for years.