roadwarrior

Welcome aboard!

Touche! Marty makes the point from an experienced angler's point of view, having "real world " experience under these conditions. I definitely understand what you are saying and I am wrong. I should not have posted a response about this situation. This is not something I generally deal with. I do not fish water where this is a big problem on a regular basis. However, I encounter toothy gar occasionally, but it is not a real consideration to me. The largest freshwater fish I have ever caught (by accident) was a gigantic gar. In that particular situation, I guess the teeth did not come into play.

Fishing for bass in water that has "toothy critters" is simply another risk you take. Personally, I would make no adjustments. I would fish #12 Ultra Soft. If you prefer 14 lb test and another brand, use that. Tying steel leaders on bass lures is detrimental to being successful at bass fishing. I would NOT exercise that option.

************* Moderator Note *************** The "Young Anglers" section is ONLY accessable to members eighteen and under. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

In my mind, "value" is determined by the "total package." There are several manufactures that build quality rods, I fish rods from four different companies and I respect the opinions of our members that sing the praises of other brands that they fish. Regardless of the specific legal warranty statements, several companies "effectively" have similar programs. Yet, one company stands above the rest and that company is G. Loomis. The Loomis warranty is straight forward, user friendly and simple. For the all-in cost of $50, you receive immediate replacement, for any reason, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. You start off with a well designed and engineered piece of equipment incorporating high quality, time tested components. The rods perform through the years as well as they did when they were new. If you encounter a problem, you have a solution. For me, it's all about customer service. G.Loomis has the best that I have every dealt with from any company manufacturing or selling any product. (Although I feel both Cabela's and BPS are close seconds.) For my money, this level of service makes the "total package" the "best value" in fishing equipment.

Go with Marty's advice and use a leader. For your baitcaster, give the Yo-Zuri #12 a try, I think you will like it just fine. I fish the Ultra Soft, but if that is not available, the Original Hybrid will be allright on a baitcasting equipment. My standard recommendations are #6 Ultra Soft on spinning tackle, #12 on baitcasting gear.

Be careful, this can lead to "other projects." I have a pretty big house, but MY room is only 10 X 6 or so. My boss says, "Why don't you help me with the "other" closets? Good job. Well organized.

************************* Moderator Note ************************* Once again, we are drifting off topic. I realize that many members have very strong religious beliefs, but... Please stay on topic. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

When ReelMech shows up, I'm sure he will have the answer.

I think both Lucky Craft and XRaps have VMC hooks.

I think the largemouth bite is much "softer" and less frequent in the winter. Smallmouth around here are VERY aggressive. This is the best time of year for an opportunity at the next World Record!

You guys are probably right for a wide range of uses, but I have one glass rod (Lamiglas SR705R) that I fish when throwing heavy treble hook lures and deep divers. It's a great rod and I HIGHLY recommend it for these technique specific applications.

Here in Tennessee the season starts around January 1st and usually runs until about December 31st. This year the weather has stayed a little warmer, so the season might be extended.

Jim B., In 1945 the Japanese culture had never had a taste of anything approaching a democracy. People can develope and societies can adapt.

No way! Those are some of the sharpest hooks I have ever seen on any lure.

I guess I need to visit the Forum a little more often, I missed this post. How'd that happen? Woo-hoo! Nice fish, great pic!

Welcome aboard!

cart7, I have never heard of ANYONE breaking a G.Loomis on a hookset, NEVER...Now maybe someone is going to say that happened to them, but I suspect there are some other circumstances or events that caused rod failure. At any rate, I suspect more than 99.999% of returns result from "accidents."

Most bass: 5" GYCB Senko, watermelon with black flakes. Big bass: 6" GYCB Senko, watermelon with black flakes.

Too cool!

Well, let's look at the bright side: Now you have a good reason to buy a couple of new Loomis!

Do you remember that thread about the aliens establishing colonies in the Great Plains? Rumors abound that they have settled in Lawrence. They are sometimes referred to as Jayhawks! Who's on the other side of the camera?

Welcome aboard! A 6 1/2 or 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action rod will serve you well. Match this up with a Shimano Stradic 2500FH and you would have something like one of these: http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=59174&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=3&hvarSubCode=2&hvarTarget=browse

Clarification: White bass: Morone chrysops Striper: Morone saxatilis Hybrid striped bass: Created from eggs produced by a female white bass fertilized by sperm from a male striper. These fish are created in fisheries, but do not occur naturally. The hybrid is sterile.

Gentlemen, Start your engines! PM sent