roadwarrior

Wow!

In theory the fish should be coming your way or pulling out drag. However. sometimes a big fish will stage and you just can't move her, usually when fishing spinning tackle. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/68635-huge-disappointment/

This was a charity tournament for the local high school team, helping with traveling costs. The turnout was pretty good and the locals kicked butt! As it turned out this was a "trailer" event, so most of the better sticks put in below Joe Wheeler Dam. My partner has been on big fish down river from Wilson Dam, so that was our plan. Unfortunately our best spots were dependent on current and TVA gave us nothing. We started the morning with a double which was pretty cool. We caught fish throughout the day on just about everything we threw. We just could not find bigger fish. Our take was 20+ cookie-cutters 2- 2 1/2 pounds. First place was just under 25 lbs with the big fish, 6 1/2 lb smallmouth. Second was 24+ and third was just behind that. All three bags were caught below Wheeler. Leon Tidwell did well fishing near me with just under 22 lbs. My partner is his son in-law and they fish together a lot. We should have done better.

BassResource does NOT condone ANY illegal activity. Trespassing is a criminal offense. Posts advocating subverting the law have been removed. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

Wilson is 100% Alabama. The Alabama license allows you to fish all the way to the Pickwick Dam. This includes the portions of the lake in Mississippi and Tennessee.

Liver & onions

Corned beef & cabbage Mashed potatoes and brown gravy Green beer

That will be perfect!

I would not throw it unless you are marking baitfish.

Well, since I have a similar collection, I'll suggest that you add Daiichi XPoint to yours! http://www.ttiblakemore.com/home/vm?page=shop.browse&category_id=6&TreeId=72 I have never sent hooks back, but note the Double Back Guarantee.

In small water the issue is a lack of dissolved oxygen. Heavy rain can result in oxygen depletion.

Tatsu

Corned beef & cabbage!

Well, I understand where you're coming from on this, but I would suggest at least considering another tact. Most of "Team Depends" have spent a decade or four fishing different brands and whatever is the New Best Thing! That's fun and you do get a more rounded view. However, for those that care, it's an expensive journey. My suggestion is to use what others have learned the hard way. The options are many and today's competitive market offers several great opportunities at every pricing point. Shimano, G. Loomis and St. Croix have been my primary choices for many years. Recently I have had the opportunity to test and review several of the Pinnacle Tournament Series Rods and Reels. The DHC rods are VERY nice and a GREAT VALUE at $160. http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-optimus-xlt-dhc-review.html

#12 Sunline Super Natural

Premium adult beverages retain no value once consumed.

Spinning tackle: Yo-Zuri Hybrid #6 Baitcasting gear: Hybrid #12

Generally baitfish is going to be the main forage, crawdads are a special treat!

The Omega would make a nice gift.

: X2

"Buoyant" is a better term. For example, Yo-Zuri appears to "float" due to surface tension, but once submerged it will NOT float up. For fishing purpose this line will not draw down topwater lures nor raise any bottom contact bait.

New bait I have not yet fished: http://www.megastrikefishingproducts.com/shop/mega-stick-soft-plastic/

Nope, I just picked up a few at BPS last weekend and that is the standard hook Rapala is using.

You don't "need" a thing. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/130634-rod-selection-the-basics/