roadwarrior

Sweet!

"Catching bass is easy, finding them is the challenge." ... Rick Clunn Bigger lakes have guides and baitshops that are a wealth of knowledge. First I would like to know which part of the lake is most active right now. What structure or cover seems to be hot; the depth that fish are being caught and finally, which class of lures are getting bit. If I don't know anything about a lake my first target is the dam. Next are primary and secondary points. Along the way we will discover other areas of interest, vegetation, wood and transition. The quest is to narrow down the options and focus on things where you have experienced success in the past.

I have never had those issues with Tatsu.

Alpster built me a deep cranking rod using a Lamiglas SR705R blank. It is THE BOMB!

My #1 presentation for the last two years. This is how Big O taught me to fish the Rage Blade back when he had just built the prototypes: On that first outing we rigged a Rage Tail Eeliminator http://www.ragetail.com/news/color-charts/rage-eeliminator-color-selection/ for the trailer, but over time I have found the Structure Bug http://www.strikeking.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=662&Itemid=1061 more to my liking. I specifically like white on white. So, as to technique: Look for structure and cover where you might otherwise fish a spinnerbait or crankbait. Cast out and let the lure fall to the bottom on slack line. The moment you hit bottom begin a slow retrieve ideally occasionally ticking the bottom. When you hit ANYTHING pop the bait and let it fall on slack line. That's it!

Welcome aboard! Several of our members, including myself, will be down March 15-20. Come over and say howdy.

Tatsu is perfectly round and uniform throughout the spool. It has the least memory of any fluorocarbon or monofilament I have ever fished. I have no isues with breaking strength nor knots. I have Tatsu as my mainline on three rigs and as leader on 8 or so.

Welcome aboard!

T-rigged, weedless. Fish them as an alternative to a jig or other soft plastic.

Although it is VERY comfortable to me, ghoti is using a different brand that he thinks I will like just as well. I don't recall the brand right now, but if he sees this post I am sure he will respond.

We have NEVER left anyone on the bank.

From a day or two ago: Well, my advice would be to go all custom and we have several accomplished builders on the Forum including Mike at DVT, a sponsor. http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/ He built a Senko rod for me and ghoti, BassResource Moderator has built me three. Alpster, long time member of the Forum built another. Two more were built by Mr. Batson http://batsonenterprises.com/, BR sponsor. Let's start with one rod for jigs to see how well you like a custom build. Starting with the blank, I will suggest the Rainshadow Eternity2 ETEC76MH-SS http://www.rainshadowrodblanks.com/product-line/eternity2-bass-casting/; Toray reel seat and Alps Titanium Guides. I like a spiral wrap and split grips (10" handle). My rod is matched with a Shimano Aldebaran, but you should also consider the Metanium or Conquest for this rod. I'm spooled with 40# Seaguar Smackdown http://seaguar.com/freshwater/braid.html and 15# Tatsu leader http://seaguar.com/shop-direct/shop_seaguar/tatsu.html

The line does not sink, it floats with surface tension. That means it doesn't pop up like a bobber, but it will stay on top of the water when the line is slack. There is absolutely NO impact on any presentation, including topwater.

From top to bottom: Zara Puppy LC Sammy Pop R MegaStrike Cavitron Norman Fat Boy Bandit 200 Strike King Red Eye Shad Rage Swimmer Siebert Outdoors Cosmic Spinnerbait GYCB Senko & Fat Ika Rage Tail Cut-R, Structure Bug and Craw Siebert Outdoors Jigs That will get you started!

From top to bottom: Zara Puppy LC Sammy Pop R MegaStrike Cavitron Norman Fat Boy Bandit 200 Strike King Red Eye Shad Rage Swimmer Siebert Outdoors Cosmic Spinnerbait GYCB Senko & Fat Ika Rage Tail Cut-R, Structure Bug and Craw Siebert Outdoors Jigs That will get you started!

GYCB Kut-Tail is the only worm I use, but for the last two years it's been all about the MegaStrike MegaTube Craw http://www.megastrike.com/megatubes. I fish both of these baits on a MegaStrike ShakE2.

For leaders I think Seaguar InvizX is fine for spinning tackle and AbrazX for baitcasting. However, for mainline Tatsu is THE BOMB!

Best season in 25+ years and you want to fire the coach?

Most guys like it, but some don't. I recommend #12 for baitcasters, #6 for spinning tackle. The performance is GREATLY improved with KVD Line & Lure Conditioner.

Thank you!

Yeah, and in honor of the builder I am matching this rod with a Diawa Alpha.

Google Guntersville fishing reports, there are a number of reporting sites from local guides.