roadwarrior

Lard_Bass, 1. Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft was designed specifically for spinning tackle. In use, there is virtually no memory. 2. Set the drag as you would with 12 lb test line. I suggest putting 3 lbs (25% of breaking stength) of canned goods in a platic bag. The drag should release as you GENTLY try to lift the bag. 3. #4 is the smallest line they make. 4. Yes, I use Reel Magic and KVD. 5. Palomar Knot is what I use. 6. I don't think it makes a difference, but I prefer green. (I happen to be using white exclusively becasuse I found it on sale!) Good luck!

Although I don't really think it matters, I have been using white just because I found some on sale! My preference and suggestion to you is green, it's a better match to most water.

Welcome aboard!

Nice fish, Dan!

rocket09, Welcome Aboard! I have also heard that Maine is tremendous for good size, and particularly for numbers. Does anyone know anything about smallmouth fishing there?

I seen you posted your River Rat piece. Thanks Craig!

Thanks! That's what I'm talking about.

For the first time this year TVA is on point! Pickwick Dam is running 4+ generators and releasing 49,700 cfs from 5:00 AM through 10:00 PM tomorrow! Watch out little brown fish, here we come! Woo-Hoo!

Welcome aboard! Craig DeFronzo (earthworm77) : www.micromunchtackle.com

Okay, I finished the column and it's much better in total. I thought the sportswriter was just boo-hooing the "outside" coverage. Now I get it and Patriot fans should, too! Enjoy the ride boys. I was at the Victory Parade in Kansas City in 1970...That was a loooooong time ago.

Well, I got half way through the column before I fell asleep...I have NEVER liked the Patriots, but I like Brady and am rooting for them this weekend. I will be on their side if they make it to the Super Bowl, too. I HOPE they win the whole enchilada, but I still don't LIKE the Patriots. It's not deep seated; it's not about "expecting them to pull it off;" it's not about "been there, done that;" it's not about "boring"...I have NEVER liked the Patriots and I still don't, but I'll be watching this Sunday and hopefully 2/4/07 as a New England fan. "Just can't get no respect."

Man, that sucks! I hope you can at least postpone the surgery. I look forward to meeting you soon. -Kent

Exactly... Your 13 looks a lot like the other guy's 13.

BassBeat101, Welcome aboard! Thatg's great advice. Focus on one technique at a time. The focus of the beginners box is to start out catching fish. You can develope presentation over time.

Bull Shoals can be great, but you'll need a guide. The walleye tend to stack up on a few points, but this is a HUGE lake and picking the right point can be VERY challenging. I have had several tremendous evenings fishing jerkbaits, but it's feast or famine and without the right guide you'll probably starve.

Small world, hun? We will look into a sticky. What I would stress to those that aren't fishing the Fat Ika is this: The profile, sink rate or float and the action of the tentacles makes this lure somewhat unique, but I fish it just like a Senko. Same places, same speed (slow) and same techniques. This has been my biggest producer for the past two years, in both quantity and size...but especially size.

I have never fished the gobies, but I bet they would be killer up there. (We don't have gobies around here.) As far as other products, I fish the El Gordo(tube) which is one of my favorite soft plastics.

Fat Ika are as versatile as a Senko, they can be fished a number of ways. What I have found that is NOT particularly successful is fishing them in swift water. Although you may catch a fish or two, there are simply better options. The "action" is lost in current, they resemble a floating turd.

I don't think there has to be a "lead up," but I think there needs to be a "pool" of potential candidates. In California there seem to be a number of 20 lb bass, several of which are believed to be 22 lb 4 oz or better. One or more of those have been caught and will probably be caught again this year or next, at least that is a possibility. Smallmout bass populations are different. The "pool" of 10 lb bass is minute and a fish must weight 10 lbs at some point in its life if it is ever going to reach 12. I'm not sure there are enough 10 lb bronzebacks to produce a World Record fish. David Hayes caught a freak of nature, but Keith, you may be right. Perhaps someday Mother Nature will create another.

"Favorite" might be a better term. My favorite is G. Loomis, but I also fish St. Croix, Lamiglas and Fenwick Techna AV.

WOW!......again.

Pictures can be deceiving, both big and small. The bass in earthworm77's avatar looks HUGE to me, and it is a very nice bass, but still under 12 lbs. Now I know Craig weighs his fish and is honest as the day is long, but if had claimed a new Florida State Record, that picture would go a long ways in authenticating the catch.

It is a freak and that is why it is so unlikely a new record will ever be caught. There are only a handfull of 10s that have been recorded. The biggest fish behind the Hayes' smallmouth is 10 lb 14 oz, 1 lb 1 oz smaller. In order to break the World Record, the IGFA rules require two additional ounces or in this case 12 lb 1 oz. The only way that is going to happen is if someone lands a 10 something that recently gorged itself on a 1-2 lb skip jack

GYCB Fat Baby Craw

Our very own earthworm77 is the owner of Micro Munch Tackle. Those are the jigs I fish.