roadwarrior

nboucher, Your post is 100% correct. Always make adjustment for "actual" vs "hypothetical" conditions. If you know about specific structure in the pond you are fishing, focus on that, too. Most of the ponds I fish don't have any "cover", but if yours do, that is something else you will want to focus on. Another point I'll touch on is the time of day. In general, predators are focused on baitfish not bottom dwelling prey this time of year. This is why I think "minnow type" lures are most effective in the fall. I have been having very little success with soft plastics in the morning, but both jigs and soft plastics are still working for me, midday.

I suggest starting with all the brakes on and cranking the tension knob down to where your lure will not free fall. As you practice and become more comfortable with the reel, begin reducing the tension by a click or half turn. Over time you will train your thumb and casting will become much easier. Don't get in a hurry backing your brakes down, that can wait.

My local ponds contain a variety of minnow species, but bluegill appear to be the prime baitfish. They always feed on zooplankton in shallow water at some point in the day. In a pond, all bass, including the biggest bass, must search for food. They may have a favorite spot and patrol a general area, but throughout the year they will roam the entire pond for baitfish. The vast majority of the bass I catch, especially big bass, are hunting or staging in the deeper water just of the bank shelf. They will strike bluegill and other minnows in the shallowest water, but they generally don't stay there. As I have suggested in other posts, cast parallel to the bank, out five to fifteen yards. The bass are (usually) there.

Missouri State Records: Black crappie 5.0 lbs White crappie 4 lbs - 9 oz

In the Mid South we have World Record opportunities for the following: Smallmouth, Kentucky bass, white bass, (land locked) striper, most species of catfish, German brown trout, rainbow trout, walley, black & white crappie and all species of "bream". That's a pretty full plate and I didn't mention "non-game" fish (gar, drum, buffalo, carp, suckers, skipjack, etc.). I don't have a burning desire to chase a lot of other species, but when I have the opportunity or if I lived in a different region, sturgeon, muskies, steelhead, salmon and lake trout would be high on my list. Saltwater fishing is a whole different ballgame. I do that once or twice a year, but that's enough for me. Mostly I don't like the equipment and frankly, I'm not that interested in fighting a fish that is stronger than me! Been there, done that...it's just not for me.

Congratulations!

Now, that's what I'm talking about! Forget about those green bass, you got da Man! Buddy, that's a fish.

That's cool. Congratulations to your friend.

How 'bout more tha 300'? Technically the water near Bull Shoals is VERY deep. A couple of years ago I was fishing a Lucky Craft Pointer 128 for walley off a sheer cliff. I was sure I had the WORLD RECORD hooked-up around 11:00 at night, black dark. This fish put up one heck of a fight. It fought so hard it turned into a gar! I fish a few spots on the Tennessee that are sixty feet deep or more, but I would guess the deepest I have actually caught a bass would be either side of 30'. (Water mixes in a river system, there is no thermocline). I typically fish ponds in 5-20' of water, rivers and lakes 10-30'.

Well, even if you don't use it for your video, check it out. Even those that don't like country will probably like this song. BTW, Chicks dig it!

I would send it to Shimano. They are a GREAT company and will probably either fix it for free or replace it.

Carrie Underwood- Before He Cheats http://lyrics.astraweb.com/display/688/carrie_underwood..some_hearts..before_he_cheats.html This song is hot!

Shiner fishing: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1161466772 Note: My rigging described in the thread is how I fish for smallmouth on the Tennessee River. It is quite different than the other suggestions because the environment is completely different than that of Florida lakes. For example, the line I use would be totally inappropriate for heavy vegetation.

Lady Bass, This IS the section for bragging. The "competition" was brought on by BASS fisherman, not Russ. Plus, I think it's all good natured and just meant to be fun. I know Russ doesn't give a hoot about competeing with anyone at Lake Fork, he doesn't ever even fish competatively. Most importantly, Russ shares EVERYTHING with all the BassResource members and takes the time to offer very specific help to many. I guess all I'm saying is, "lighten up", this whole conversation has been togue in cheek. No one is being belittled and Russ is not challenging anyone.

Wow! Forget about Fork, that's a pig!

No. I deleted your post and told you EXACTLY what is required for advertisment. You were not banned and were NEVER threatened. It was just an honest mistake. If the Administrator approves your post, it will be reinstated. No appology required.

Well, I fish year around so I'm not sure this adresses long term storage. For me, verticle storage works just fine. I am not sure about the "long run" but it has been working for me for about eleven years. I think "technically" you should remove your reels and store everything seperately, but I don't do that. I think it depends on how often you use your equipment.

Research? Okay...That's fine... ALL crappie and "bream" WORLD RECORDS are from these lakes. For SIZE or QUANTITY...there is nothing to talk about. There is NO place in the WORLD quite like these small lakes. Again, I don't actually fish for them, but when it comes to crappie, this is EXACTLY where it's at. Guys in other parts of the country can have a whole lot of fun with these fish, but if you guys are serious about catching some real crappie, C'mon down! If I am invited, I'll join you.

That's cheating. ;D

I'll leave this here for awhile, but maybe you would get more response in the "Northeast" forum. or "Other Fish Species".

Next spring you and your buddies need to take a roadtrip south on I55 about three hours. Make it a four day trip and fish Arkabutla, Sardis, Enid and Grenada in Mississippi, just south of Memphis. I don't fish for crappie, but you guys will be in hog heaven! Three and four pounders are not common, but you will probably catch a few. Who knows, you might catch a new World Record. That's where they live and it's not far from you.

I have an Ocean Kayak that I keep for fishing The Secret Pond. I only use it for a few hours, a couple of times a month. If I fished it anymore than that, I would DEFINITELY get rid of it! My yak is uncomfortable in the extreme. I would HIGHLY discourage anyone from buying one without fishing in it for awhile. Maybe you will find it acceptable, but I don't recommend one.

Excellent post. Deep water structure is my favorite target, too. It's not just the bigger fish, it's also about fishing places where there is very little pressure. You look like a fool out there in the middle of the lake or river. I like that... a lot!

Most of those ex-members are a one time post. They are usually deleted, but sometimes they are overlooked.

Well, okay... I used the "grocery sack" technique last weekend. Once you set your drag perfectly by weight, you will be able to "feel" exactly how the drag on that particular set up should be calibrated. You will not have to repeat this over and over again. We are looking at a "range" anyhow. Now, if you want it pretty close to perfect, you will have to do use this procedure on each rig, but it's fun and only takes a few minutes.