roadwarrior

In your part of the country, smallmouth are (probably) still in a winter pattern, holding on structure in deeper water. I would rule out the flats, it's WAY to early for spawn. For deeper water presentations I would throw tubes, grubs, Hula Grubs and maybe a lizard on a split shot or C-rig. I doubt that the smallmouth are active, but if you find them this time of year, anchor down! They are probably stacked up together.

I don't know if this applies to fishing rods, but the golf clubs that the pros use have NOTHING in common with standard sets offered to the public. For eample, Tiger's #7 iron may be 1 1/2" longer than "normal" and be fitted with a #4 clubhead. Each club is "custom made." Now, I'm not saying Tiger couldn't score -8 with clubs right off the rack, but I assure you, that's not something he will be using at the Master's Tournament!

First of all, meticulously inspect your equipment both visually and using a Q-Tip. Perhaps your reel has a nick or your guides are cracked. If your gear passes inspection, strip the line beyond the nick or respool. A potential cause of line failure might be the result of backlash. The physical integritity of the line is compromised by kinks in your line, especially with fluorocarbon. (Flurocarbon is actually a crystal). That is what I suspect the problem is. However, if that is not the cause and breakage reoccurs, you may have a fundamental problem with your reel and you will need to have it inspected professionally. Although I am not a fan of Vanish line, it doesn't sound to me that this is the problem.

So, Where are the Share Lunkers holding? :

GITZIT

Welcome aboard! This is a VERY nice reel and flechero is a VERY knowledgeable angler. I second his suggestion.

I don't have any national statistics to reference, but my personal experience on the Tennessee River fishing for smallmouth would be quite the contrary. On an average day, I would estimate that live bait may outfish artificials ten to one, but some days the discrepancy would be much greater. In 2005 my partner and I boated a total of fifty-two smallmouth over 5 lbs. Throughout all of the months that we fished for the bronze bass, I fished artificials for two hours per trip when the fish were on a strong bite (prime time!). Although I caught quite a few bass on artificials, only two were over 5 lbs.

Happy Birthday!

Your BPS will probably have them soon. The Memphis store is stocking them.

From our very own, earthworm77: www.micromunchtackle.com

Wow! Congratulations, especially on your biggun', that's a fine fish.

I work with some guys that are HUGE into sports and sports trivia. B-ball, pro and especially college football, baseball, NASCAR, golf, etc., etc. Not ONE person has mentioned "The Classic." The few times I have brought it up, all I get is a glazed look. Nobody cares! Well, I mean the target market is incredibly small.

Welcome aboard! Click on "Fishing Articles" at the top of the page. Read EVERYTHING in the "Beginners" section. The transition frrom saltwater to freshwater should be pretty simple.

Go to "Tournament Talk." This topic is still hot: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1172443428

I fish St. Croix rods and have VERY high regard for the company. However, they did a diservice to themselves when they introduced the Triumph rod. It is made in China and the quality control is awful. The rod has a reputation for simply falling apart. I think it is a shame that St. Croix would even put their name on this piece of junk!

So, if you are not fishing tournaments and would like to catch lots of REAL BIG fish, you MIGHT want to look at live bait as another option. There are days, lots of days, when live bait will produce when nothing else does.

If you want to try a Fenwick, I suggest you buy one Techna AV instead of "a few" Eagle GTs.

Hey Russ! What about that Techna AV? Are you still throwing swimbaits with it? I don't have a preference between baitcasting gear and spinning equipment, per se, but I have a STRONG preference for specific applications and technique. Generally, I fish baitcasting tackle for big baits and "moving" lures. For finesse and lighter presentations, it's spinning tackle for me.

Welcome aboard! As you can see, we all have our favorite brands. If you are not in a hurry, the Flea Market on this Forum has great deals, often. I would keep an eye on that section. I fish St. Croix, G.Loomis, Lamiglas and Fenwick Techna AV. My preference is G.Loomis. As you will see over time, I also have some bias towards Shimano reels. :

It just goes to show you why there are literally hundreds of different styles and sizes. For soft plastics, I use Gamakatsu or X-Point 4/0 EWG and 3/0 EWG almost exclusively. When fishing live bait, Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hooks, #6 for smallmouth, #2 for striper.

Me thinks having the right equipment can turn a fellow around...or may be this is an imposter!

Wow! That was a very nice thing to do.

Here is a simple solution: http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=63971&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=3&hvarSubCode=3&hvarTarget=browse In your price range and easy to use. If you decide to become more involved in the sport, there are better options down the road, but this will get you started.

Hey George! Good morning.

Welcome aboard soldier! You need to specify how much you want to spend.