roadwarrior

The short answer is "Night & Day". If you decide to move up you will be selling or giving your old equipment away sooner than later.

I have only fished the Pinnacle Optimus XiHS for a few months, but it has the potential to be among the best reels I have ever fished. Time will tell.

Custom paint jobs are for collectors, it has VERY LITTLE impact on "catching" fish. I consider the Megabass Ito Vision 110 line to be works of art, not just great lures. As a collector, these are the cat's meow!

CONGRATULATIONS!

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/Bagwell/bagwells_bass_tactics_12.html?utm_source=AUGnews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=0820 Very interesting article, but I have to take issue with the thesis. Although there are many situations where silent enty may be the best choice, for the majority of my fishing a big splash is a better option. Specifically on the Tennessee River lakes, noise is a constant. This is a commercial river which means lots of barge traffic, medium ships and big yachts. More noise from recreational speed boats and pontoons and of course, big fleets of "fast boats" during tournaments. My point is this: I feel that a BIG splash attracts more fish than it scares away.

Welcome aboard! I fish your section of the lake/ river quite often and just want to remind you to be VERY careful. Honestyly, I am NOT a fan of little boats on the river, particularly kayaks and canoes. Keep all of your gear secure and stay alert to the river traffic. Rogue waves are common and seem to come out of nowhere.

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/08/20/george-strait-announces-rides-away-album-live-from-att-stadium/?intcmp=features

Tuf-Line Tournament 8 is my new favorite. Others include Kanzen, Sufix 832 and Tuf-Line HeviCore

About 2 1/2 pounds, but never more than 3.

I like those choices, too!

Spinning tackle = Yo-Zuri Hybrid #6 Baitcasting (MF or MHF) = Yo-Zuri Hybrid #12 Baitcasting (MM) = #12 Sunline Super Natural Monofilament

Right now it's the Rage Structure Bug. Otherwise, jerkbaits.

Focus on the ledges.

Big O on Pickwick

No, that calls for a stronger line. Maybe 20 lb braid for spinning tackle, 50 lbs for baitcasting.

Congratulations!

A-Jay has recommended the Crush Flat 75X Squarebill for smallmouth: http://www.6thsenselures.com/#!crush-flat-75x/c1rev

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/130634-rod-selection-the-basics/ Monofilament for treble hooks. I like #12 Sunline Super Natural. Fluorocarbon for single hooks. Baitcasting = #12 Seaguar AbrazX. Spinning = #8 Seaguar InvizX Alternatives include Yo-Zuri Hybrid and Izorline

Congratulations!

The cold winter temperatures killed a large percentage of the yellowtail in the Tennessee River. Fortunately threadfin reproduce quickly, sometimes spawning multiple times during the year if conditions are right. In the meantime the river system offers a bounty of alternative forage. As far as fishing goes, the impact has been favorable for those of us that occasionally fish live bait. Right now the baitfish are hard to find and capture, but if you can get them, it's Katy Bar The Door! http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/141661-pickwick-719-720/

LES70MF is THE BOMB!

Balance is so much more important than gross weight. A perfectly balanced rig creates the illusion of weightlessness.

Great job!

The bite is still on!

Had a great day a couple of weeks ago: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/141661-pickwick-719-720/#entry1577941