roadwarrior

Well, I wasn't very clear I guess. I use #12 on all my baitcasting equipment and this is what I throw for virtually all "reaction lures." The smaller diameter line is what has woked for me when fishing soft plastics and live bait. I assure you, at least in this very specific instance, it is REALLY NOT about confidence. The difference is line size has had a PROFOUND impact on my fishing success. BTW, This thread is about smallmouth, but line size has been equally important when fishing for big German brown trout on the White River in north central Arkansas.

I think what is important is perhaps surface area and vibration sensed through the lateral line. I would not harp on this issue if it hadn't been so important to me. Line size has been the key to success on a couple of very specific occasions. The proponderance of evidence in these instances was so overwhelming, I have never questioned the results or conducted further experimentation. As far a human smells on baits go, I am also convinced that all fish swimming in Tennessee and Arkansas enjoy the taste and aroma of tobacco & beer!

Graphite works fine if you : #1 Rarely use the reel. #2 Take extraordinarily good care of it. #3 Never catch big fish or get hung up. #4 Consider it a back up or a disposable.

Gosh ww2farmer, We seem to have plenty of very positive comments on BPS products and BPS combinations are probably the MOST recommended systems here a BassResource.com. Personally, I think (and have recommended) BPS combinations ON SALE to everyone at a particular pricing point. I think buying a combination from a major retailer is the VERY BEST value in fishing equipment, period! My standard advice for anyone able to spend about $150 on a rod & reel is to by one of these combinations that has a retail value approaching $250. That's a great deal and very good equipment for most fishermen. There might be some advantages that we sometimes address for those that are looking for and can afford higher end gear, but that is NOT a prerequisite here. So...I appreciate your POSITIVE comments and hope NO ONE will respond as you have suggested, in a negative or one-up-man-ship manner.

My answer was "actual different lures used." With the exception of soft plastics and jigs, I just realized that I don't fish many lures.

Yes, I agree 100%. I do this, too...100% of the time. But... I also fish Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 on spinning tackle and #12 on baitcasting equipment. I have NEVER been broken off by a fish using this line! You don't have to use my line, but choose some line that will NOT break, there are many. There is NO REASON to EVER be broken off by a fish.

I fish them like a tube with short, shallow hops. In relatively open water I sometimes fish them on a 1/8 -1/4 oz jig head. Most of the time I fish them weightless on a #3 Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hook, weedless with a 1/8 oz weight, unpegged.

This is the only grub I fish: http://***/cgi-bin/order/30-20

He controls North America, all of Canada and the United States; has established a strong foothold in Japan and Western Europe including the island nations in the Mediterranian Sea; recently spotted in South Africa and Australia. Beware! His influence is spreading worldwide.

I think The Bait Monkey is disquished as a vetenarian, holed up south of the border, claiming to be a Mexican national. He weaves his evil magic through the internet, preying on the weak, turning wants into needs. Money is no object, he spends yours at will. You cannot escape, you're only hope is to minimize the damage.

ghoti, Man, I like your plan. It seems very well thought out to me.

Welcome back!

Dark.

Not true. The circumference of the line is significantly different. Specifically, for example: Yo-Zuri Hybrid #4 has a diameter of .009" and a circumference of ~.02826" Yo-Zuri Hybrid #8 has a diameter of .011" and a circumference of ~.03454" The difference is 22% which is not as noticable in terms of diameter alone, but appears significant in terms of circumference and volume.

Last weekend I reorganized my tackle for the Lake Fork trip next month. Still way too much! So, I would like to put together a "Boat Bag," with ONLY the lures and SPECIFIC colors that you have had succes with. Do you find Fork to be "color specific?" Besides soft plastics and jigs, what lures would you HIGHLY recommend for the third week of March?

I think it's safe to say, everyone except LBH has WAAAAAY too many lures, but how many do you actually fish? Here's my guess for 2006: Jerkbaits: 2 LC, 1 Husky Jerk, 2 X-Raps, 0 Rogues Spinnerbait: 1 Buzzbait: 0 Topwater: 4 Crankbait: 5 Jigs: Many Soft Plastics: Many more! 6" Senko, Fat Ika, El Gordo tube, Mizmo 3 1/2" tube, GYCB Kreature, Kut-tail, 8 1/2" worm, lizard, Single Tail Hula Grub, grub and Roboworm. Me thinks me need to broaden my horizons...

;D ;D ;D ;D Happy Birthday! ;D ;D ;D ;D

You guys are CERTIFIABLE... CRAZY!

You da MAN!

You know, I don't spend a lot of time beating up brand names UNLESS I have had a VERY BAD experience with them. My two Abu Garcias did not work for me, at all. What I am concerned about is that at this pricing point, the Revo seems to be a very attractive reel, but for a lot of members it is still an expensive investment. For guys that have been around the block and just want to try "something new" that's fine. If it works out, great! And if it doesn't, so what? In general, if the purchase is "important" to you, I recommend buying a reel with a solid history. I don't own a Curado, never have, but the general concensus among those that have suggests that this is a reel you would be very happy with and can count on. To me, trying to find a new or gently used "last year's model" Curado just makes more sense.

Welcome aboard!

Excellent!

Live bait. Big, fat, lively shiners on a split shot rig. #6 Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hooks. #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft fished with spinning tackle. If smallmouth or spots are options, that's the ticket.

Burrr... 28 for a low tonight and only 55 degrees for a high tomorrow!

I'm "traditional," too. I wouldn't even consider a left hand baitcaster myself. Anyhow, the Flea Market has great deals all of the time. If you are not in a hurry, I still think that is where you are going to get your best deal from another member. A great "gently used" would be a much better choice than buying something you don't really want.