roadwarrior

Exactly, Russ. Roger, I agree that points are "so obvious" that most fishermen beat them to a pulp, but my general observation is that they fish them too fast, meaning they don't spend enough time at any particular place. Often (usually) guys fish them too shallow or treat them like just another portion of the bank. The "point" Roger is referring to (I think) may be 100 yards or more out from the "point" where land and water meet. Regarding primary and secondary points, In large lakes, primary points are generally related to the main channel and the deepest parts of the lake. Other than the point itself, there is very little associated structure and no cover. Fish found in the main channel are either suspending or moving from one location to another. Fish species that relate to the structure would include largemouth bass, but fish that are know to follow baitfish schools in open water are far more likely to be found close to the main channel, thus primary points.

Wow! I'm a big fan, too. I'm also dialed into "The Unit."

SCarter, The Sustain makes no sense to me. I think the Stradic is a fine reel and a much better value. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1167753132 Also, be sure to read the tackletour article within the thread. This is a review that speaks for me.

Fish like WD-40, I'm not kidding.

Current member, soon to join RoLo...Ex-member.

Fat Ika, weightless & weedless 6" Senko, weightless & weedless

On rivers my favorite structure is a submerged ridge, in current, on the "outside" portion of a bend. Current is strong and the water tends to be deep along the inside of the ridge. This is the perfect ambush point for smallmouth bass. Boulders, rock piles, ledges and pools are especially interesting, but anything that creates a current break is a potential holding area for aggressive smallies. These bass tend to "stage," alert for baitfish that come to them. The stike is usually aggressive, very aggressive.

GYCB website prices: 5" Senko $6.48/ 10 per bag 6" Senko $4.99/ 5 per bag Fat Ika $7.48/ 10 per bag I haven't noticed prices going up at all, in fact, most prices are going down. As far as I know, Shimano prices have been constant for at least six years; G.Loomis longer than that. Lucky Craft "retail" prices are down at least $2, but I buy them ALL THE TIME on sale for an average price of around $10. I don't know, if you are patient, fishing equipment is ALWAYS on sale.

In most waters, especially in heavily pressured lakes, deep structure offers a unique opportunity to target bigger fish that rarely see a lure. In their natural setting, largemouth bass generally prefer a shallow, grassy environment, but as other options become available, especially in man-made reservoirs, bass adapt. To find structure that potentially holds our prey, topo maps and good electronics are key. However, obvious structural features should not be overlooked. Perhaps the most common examples are primary and secondary points. These points are sometimes rounded and gradual or steep and sharp. Bass may be found scattered across this structure, but the focus should (usually) be the outer edge having the greatest access to deeper water. To fish a point, the boat position should allow the fisherman to cast into shallower water and retrieve the lures toward deeper water. The positioning is away from the perimeter. When fishing an extended point, the presentation should begin away from the shore, moving in. This pushes fish up as opposed to pulling them out into deep water so that your presentation has the best chance of engaging the greatest number of fish. I have found that largemouth bass tend to concentrate around secondary points. Smallmouth bass, walley and stripers seem to have a preference for primary points. I generally have better luck finding largemout on flat, shallow, rounded structure; smallmouth on steeper slopes with a greater degree of transition. Ideally, if largemouth are the target, a combination of structue and cover in deep water is ideal. Finding submerged grass, bushes or timber on a point can be heavenly!

Before focusing on a bunch of lures and techniques, spend some time in the BassResource Library. You will learn so much more there initially than from the topics posted in the forum. This is where to start: http://bassresource.com/beginner/beginner.html Good luck and... Welcome aboard!

I have two. One on a St.Croix Legend Elite ES70MF, my soft plastics rig. The other is on my main smallmouth combination, G.Loomis GLX PR844S. The fat smallmouth in the avatar was just over 7 lbs, the other fish was nearly 4" longer, but only weighed another pound. Back on topic, did you look at the Steez? I bet they match up pretty closely.

Man, I had no idea guys really knew what was going on in this sport. I am impressed, I thought it was all set up and choreographed. Any of you guys remember Dick The Bruiser? How 'bout his tag team partner The Crusher? I guess that was awhile ago, "back in the day."

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! Sorry, I cant't help. I fish Shimano. I bet the Steez is a fine reel, but I'm pretty happy with the Stella 2500FB. If you looked at the Stella, was there something you didn't like?

Muskie were inadvertantly introduced into the Spring River in Arkansas where they have found a suitable habitat to thrive. The prerequisites appear to be a consistant, year-around flow of cold water and an abundant supply of forage, primarily rainbow trout.

RODBENDER, Man, I would like to give it a try. If you have room for me sometime this spring, I would like to fish with you. I'm just a few minutes north of the Mississippi border in Germantown (Memphis). Let me know if that might work out for you. I can meet you at any of the lakes you mentioned.

Take a look at this thread that ran a few of weeks ago: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1166315137

[moved] [link=http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1168221496/0]Fishing Tackle[/link] [move by] roadwarrior.

Step it up a notch! Good for you. One more tip: If the DNR doesn't respond, call the Attorney Generals office. They are bureaucrats and have nothing better to do than mess with other agencies in the state. I assure you, your State Senator's office will also respond. Calling is the first step, but a written letter (snail mail or e-mail) will ALWAYS get them involved.

I guess you guys worked out your differences. Thanks for all the posts. You guys are some very lucky fishermen. Enjoy!

Fish Tank, No way, buddy! You don't get off that easy. I don't care if you support my view or the other side...really. Please add you thoughts, but preface it with your credentials*. *(NOT required by anyone else, you are entitled to your opinion. I'm just interested in Fish Tank's background. Am I being clear? This was NOT meant as challenge, I'm just curious).

Terminology. A "slash bait" might imply faster action. They are slightly different, but not significantly. All lures have different action, the X-Rap is very quick. Sometimes that might be important, but it's just like the subtle differences in any other lure category. BTW, Last September I had my best day ever, in terms of numbers, fishing the original X-10 in white. Seven bass in ten casts, fourteen in an hour. Last summer I had my best day ever on the White River, fishing at night for German brown trout, X-10 rainbow trout pattern.

Vyron & Supermat, I don't think so. Very few guys on tour have EVER caught a 10 lb bass, KVD has only caught two (I think). A 10 lb bass in tounament is VERY rare. But to the point, tournament fishermen could probably be trophy hunters and it might not work the other way around. Trophy hunters would be TOTALLY bored with catching the kind of fish tournament fishermen target. It is truely a different sport or certainly, another mind set. Cephkiller, I think your post is on mark.

Stop and go. The X-Rap is a jerkbait and the pause is what counts.

Welcome aboard! Fish deeper structure. I don't fish for bedding bass.