roadwarrior

Some guys are more comfortable using a baitcaster or spinning tackle for certain lures or techniques, but there is no "functional" reason why either type of equipment can't be used.

Assuming the trolling motor is mounted on the bow, control your drift with the boat facing upstream. This is the ONLY way I fish. When fishing the Tennessee River, we try to keep the bait and the boat moving at the same speed. If you are fishing artificials, you may want to keep the boat stationary which can also be done by facing the boat upstream. Your bait/ lure should ALWAYS be fished downstream even if that means a "neutral" drift, but never upstream. If you are fishing a very specific spot, I suggest using an anchor. You can lift it occasionally to move a short distance.

Check out www.micromunchtackle.com

I haven't fished the line, but I sure like your rod & reel! That's a fine rig.

Contact George Welcome either through BR or go directly to his website. I am sure he can point you in the right direction.

Okay...I'm ready when you are. So, what is the simple way?

You may need to make adjustments in both location and lures. Although I'm still catching a few bass on soft plastics and jigs, I am having much better luck on "minnow" type lures. This is the best time of year for jerkbaits and Rat-L-Traps like baits.

Point: A small version of a peninsula in a lake Creek: stream; smaller than a river Hump: raised portion of the lake floor; high point in the bottom; a subsurface hill; a hill covered by water Channel: The depression or cut where the original creek or river flowed before a reservior was built

I adjust mine before I start fishing. I probably "pull a little line" during the day just out of habit, but the answer is no, generally no adjustments for me.

I had excellent luck fishing the Rapala X-Rap (XR10) last summer. I think you might want to try the Rapala Countdown, too. I have fished the Lucky Craft Pointer 128, 100 and 78 with good results, but if you are not fishing from a boat, you will not be able to retrieve any of these lures if they get hung up. So, the LC might be a bit expensive for shore fishing.

Check with Brad Coovert, here on the Forum (member & sponsor). Go to the "Flea Market" for contact information.

Woo-Hoo! That is a very nice looking bass. Congratulations!

Structure in deeper water is consistant. That doesn't mean that all structure holds fish, but structure that does hold fish will consistantly be productive. River lakes have current if the lake is generating electricity; if the turbines are operating. Generally speaking, this fact alone will impact your success. Points are always a place to start, main points are generally more productive for smallmouth. Humps and ridges near or surrounded by deeper water is another suggestion.. Bass may be further back in coves this time of year, but don't overlook the structure around the mouth of the cove where an old creek used to flow into the main river. This is often deeper water and you may find yourself in what appears to be the middle of the lake. These areas do not get a lot of pressure from other fishermen. Another, more obvious type of structure that generally holds fish are docks, even those in very deep water. This is another example of what I mentioned earlier: Not every dock will attract fish, but those that do almost always hold some.

There is no reason to be concerned about a bill falling off or a lure becoming defective. Either save your receipt or charge them on the retailer's card. I buy the vast majority of my lures from BassPro on my BP card. I return ALL lures that break, are defective or become defective, regardless of the reason. I have NEVER been denied. The lure companies produce a lot of junk, and they know it, but the cost is so low for replacing lures that anyone returns, it is not economical for low cost producers to improve their product. Smithwick Rogues are my best example: Relatively low cost jerkbaits that are VERY productive. However, at least 20% of their jerkbaits are initially defective or BECOME defective. I love the lures, but I have the ones that do not perform correctly replaced. That always means EXCHANGE, never money back.

I don't know... I've seen pictures of a couple of your "partners". Remember, this is a "G" rated, "family friendly" forum!

ROLO, Today is my 29th anniversary. I wish my wife fished...Nah...That's not going to happen.

72% prefer largemouth, 23% smallmouth. What was surprising to me was that the percentage voting for spots was so small and that sand bass got a vote! I like green bass, but whenever I have the option, I will always fish for smallmouth.

I'm thinking Lake Fork, TX either side of March 20, 2007.

I used braid exclusively fishing for striper on the Tennessee River. These are the reason's I don't anymore: 1. When floating a river in tight and turbulent water (especially when fishing with two or more guys at the same time), there are many situations where breaking the line is necessary. Braid is too hard to break, smaller diameters dig into the spool and the line can cut or badly burn the fisherman. 2. Although braid is very strong, it is not very tough or abrasion resistant. The river I fish contains the "Rocks from Hell". Braid will cut and fray. 3. We fish an area immediately below the Pickwick Dam. Moving into "the boils" is a fast, quick run the last two hundred yards or so. The wrapping issue is huge in the wind that is created. That is (was) a problem much of the time. So, I'm not opposed to braid and I see why it would be the line of choice for many fisherman in most situations. I'm just illustrating a situation where it is not.

I would emphasize "the pause". It should be complete. When you pause, move your rod back towards the lure so that it becomes motionless. This will improve your presentation immensely.

My fishing partner is my best friend and we are in our sixth year fishing together. Unfortunately, he has taken up guiding with a group of men with a large following. His partners have lost a lot of enthusiam for guiding as they are getting older and most are retired. As a result, he has had the opportunity to step in and guide nearly everyday. His son has recently joined his construction business, so he has really hopped on the guiding business. As a result, we haven't fished in six weeks and it looks like I'm going to have to pony up and buy a boat if I want to chase those brown footballs around the Tennessee River. On a happier note, when we do fish together we compliment each other perfectly. He is as possessed as I am, it's not unusual for us to fish from first light to black dark. We both focus on big fish, have comparable equipment and share all our tricks. I have learned a lot from this man and I have introduced him to a whole new world of "structure fishing" and extended his fishing season throughout the year. (My buddy had never fished for smallmouth in January and February. Now, those are two of our best months!). I really miss being on the river this time of year.

ReelMech says back them down. I back mine down to totally "off".

Get a new rod. That is a SIGNIFICANT part of the problem. I suggest either a 6 1/2' or 7' graphite rod, medium or medium heavy power/ fast action.

Oops! Can't help, but I suspect George Welcome can. If he doesn't respond here, send him a PM. George is one of the top guides in the country (especially for Florida) and a great guy to boot. I know he will have the answer for you.

Fish_Chris, You da MAN, but if you fished ANYWHERE else, I think you might find that braid is not always the best choice. As soon as I start catching bigger bass than you do (?), I"ll expand on this topic, but for now, you still da Man! Hey Craig! How 'bout the pics I sent you in January '05? Those babies were fresh off the press. I still haven't had a better day!