roadwarrior

I suspect the numbers aren't readily available because they are pretty low. When you move beyond the top money makers, the rest of the guys probably don't catch many keeper fish. CJ's estimate is about what I would guess, too.

Well, Yo-Zuri Hybrid & Hybrid Ultra Soft are both bonded, fluorocarbon/ nylon copolymers. They both significantly overtest, are highly abrassion resistant, impervious to water and UV light and float! The original Hybrid has low memory, the Ultra Soft has virtually no memory in use. So, I keep it simple: For spinnining tackle: #6 (11.9 lb test) Hybrid Ultra Soft For baitcasting gear: #12 (19.5 lb test) Hybrid Ultra Soft

FIN-S-R, Yep, I use the Ratl'N Vibe. That's my #1 Rat-L-Trap type lure, too!

I'm not poking fun at anyone PERSONALLY, but I just have to smile when I watch all the tournament guys running back and forth, up and down the river at 70 mph. I guess they're moving about looking for the fish...while I just sit there catching 'em! The Fat Ika has been my most productive lure for the past two years, especially for big bass.

Shadcranker, This is NOT the bait for you. The Fat Ika is fished weightless, EXACTLY as a Senko is designed to be fished. What is different about this bait is the profile, how the bait falls, the action of the tentacles and the feel of the bait to the fish when it is picked up. If you had actually read the articles referenced you would know that this is a bait that works best when fished slow. A typical cast and retrieve will usually take three to five minutes.

The Shimano Symetre is a great reel for $80, but the Stradic ($120) is what I consider the "Best Value" in the Shimano line-up. Both of these reels have built a reputation for quality and durability. Smooth, silent and strong are the concepts that define Shimano fishing reels. You will not be disappointed. 8-)

There are some links referenced in the second thread, read them all: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141053342/0#0 http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1167774211/10#10

Good luck Ben!

Well, ten is probably how many I need, too! How many lures do you "use"? Not counting jigs and soft plastics, I doubt that I will use ten different lures at Lake Fork. So, I'm just trying to narrow the selection down to one-hundred and fifty hard baits and about the same number of soft baits. That's reasonable, isn't it?

Welcome aboard!

I've stayed out of this thread just to see what everyone had to say. It all sounds pretty tame to me. From all the responses, it's obvious that most guys have a "favorite". That's fine. Good for you! If you have already latched on to a particular brand, you are probably going to stick with it. If you're looking for another manufacturer, there are many to choose from. Do your research and make your decision, it's NOT life threatening!

Year around: 6" Senko Very close second, Fat Ika

No. There is no telling what you are actually buying. I would pass.

Garnet, Feathering, right? That's the way to go, but I never have been able to master that technique. I suppose that's due to either a lack of coordination or a dumb index finger, I don't know. (Next topic for a new thread...Backreeling...I don't do that either. Do you?)

If you are right-handed, you can control your cast with your left hand by touching and sometimes grabbing the line. For fine tuning you may want to lift the tip of your rod to modify the trajectory of the cast and in some instances, create a "soft landing." Most of the time these maneuvers come into to play to prevent your lure from crashing onto the shore, rocks, bushes and logs! With a little practice, this technique will become second nature.

8-) You guys are too nice. Muddy, you can be my PARTNER anytime. KU_ ...what can I say? I am glad to be associated with guys like you, and I mean nearly everyone here at BassResource.com I'm glad some of us will finally get to meet each other in a couple of weeks, I wish everyone was able to make the trip! Is it March yet? Let's go fishing! Hey GMAN! The next Bud's for YOU!

Welcome aboard! I had your experience the first, last and only time I fished in a club tournament. I put up with that crap for two days and caught three bass. Although I never really got to fish, I still finished in the top five (which says more about the other fisherman's skill than mine). Never went back, never looked back, never going back.

Does anyone know what the average DAILY bag weight was for BASS or FLW last year? (At these levels of competition, I'm asking overall, including ALL participants, not just winning bags). In a club tournament, what would you guess to be the average (full season, single days) winning weight? If you exclude the spawn, what is your guess for the two questions posed?

Catt, Not nervous, just bored. January and February are (usually) my BEST months for smallmouth on the Tennessee River. This year it has been a bust: #1 too cold to fish; or #2 too much water; or #3 not enough (any) water! I have fished the Tennessee four days since November and have caught exactly -0- smallmouth over 5 lbs! Anyhow, I've just been playing with equipment and trying to put together 1 bag only for the boat. (I'm still bringing some "extra gear").

Salute!

stumpyfd, Green blends with most water, it's in effect, camouflaged.

Welcome aboard! Whether you get the exact answer you are looking for or not on this thread, stay tuned. We have EXTENSIVE discussions on equipment everyday. Don't be intimidated, every pricing point is covered and your particular criteria is of interest to many (most) of our members. My generic response is to look for a combination rod & reel in your price range at the major retailers, ON SALE! (They are ALWAYS on sale). These packages are the best value, you will get the best bang for the buck with a combo. Also, check the Flea Market on this Forum regularly. Our members have new and "gently used" equipment for sale everyday. There are some GREAT deals on fishing equipment right here.

kpeace, Welcome aboard! Stick around, you might find this place pretty interesting.

So, the generic Lake Fork bag in March includes: Spinnerbaits Jerkbaits Crankbaits (lipless & tight wobble) Jigs Soft plastics Got it! Thanks again.

No agrument with the 78 & 100, but my favorite lure to fish, not just my favorite Pointer, is the 128. I fish this big bait on a Lamiglas SR705R glass rod. This combination allows for maximum distance on the cast, further than you might imagine! You can really cover some water with the Pointer 128. Additionally, I caught by biggest smallmouth on an artificial bait using this lure.