roadwarrior

28 unanswered points in the first half? Second half should be interesting.

Stripers are a staple at both Bull Shoals and Beaver Lake. I caught my PB on Beaver in January several years ago fishing gizzard shad on a balloon.

I had a kyak for a couple of years, but it didn't work for me. Until it was brought up on this thread I had forgotton how difficult it was to work some lures. My biggest issue was constantly being pushed out of position. Back on topic... I too think the Sammy is the easiest lure to walk. I still carry spooks, but rarely use anything but the Sammy, PopMax and Cavitron.

The biggest advantage is balance and components. The original Smithwick Rogue is a VERY effective lure. My biggest issues have been the hooks, balance on casting and sinking over time. The aerodynamics drive me crazy! Foot-in-mouth disease is a common complaint, especially if you are fishing at night. I think LC Pointers were the first to introduce a ballbearing based system for weight dispersement. Casting is noticably different. The hooks are sharp and do not need to be replaced. Pointers will suspend perfectly right out of the box. The "secret" ingredient is a slight vibration when the lure appears to be perfectly still. Then we have my favorite "collectable". Megabass Ito Vision 110 is a work of art. Perfect in every way. Besides the beauty the next best feature is the Katsuage hooks. I won't claim they are far superior to other jerkbaits in terms of "catching", but I just love collecting them!

Nice fish. Congratulations on the win!

Nice pic. Hope you are able to get right back at it.

Too much dancin'. Nice fish, great pic!

I wasn't really considering cost, just effectiveness. Will a pure fluorocarbon make a difference? Is the Tatsu strong enough in general and does it have enough "shock" strength in particular? There are several experiments going on here, so we'll see how the lines perform.

It's not an argument, just a discussion. I'm experimenting with #10 Tatsu right now which is thinner than Hybrid #4. We'll have to wait and see how this works out, but I promise that I will report results. Initially I will be fishing the line on the Tennessee River this fall. We'll just have to wait and see how well it performs against those little brown fish!

Okay... The bottom line is #4 at .008" diameter and 8.5 lb breaking strength. Unless you are looking for a line record, this is the best line for most guys looking for a stealthy presentation and some dependable strength. I catch lots of big bass on this line and have only been broken off once. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/68635-huge-disappointment/

.001" larger diameter than Ande #4 .001" thinner than Ande #6. http://www.andemonofilament.com/linespecs.php Although there are no "standards", I think Ande should be. This is the only IGFA certified line. Additionally, more World Record fish have been caught using Ande than all other brands combined. If you are looking for a line record, this is the only line to consider. However, for those looking for a stronger line with similar diameter, Hybrid might be the ticket.

The heavy ShakE2 is VERY effective in stong current, too!

The Smithwick Rogues are all effective.

SALUTE!

What do you guys think she weighs? The head or the fish?

David Allen lead the tournament on day one. This was his first professional competition. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_123/bfl-pickwick-9913.html Good luck buddy!

Congratulations! I hope you like your new location. -Kent

I don't know...I'm think'in that Big O might know a thing or two about a worm he spent a few years designing and testing. Whadda you think? Is a 100 fish over 10 lbs a big deal? I'm not comparing myself to The Man, but I have probably caught more than 50 over 5lbs on the Thumper. My preference is to clip the tail, but that's your choice.

Keep it coming!

Too cool!

I'm using a 6/0 EWG Moaner and 8/0 EWG Trokar. I like the Trokar better.

For enthusiasts, technique specific gear is fun to collect. However, three rigs cover all the basics: #1 6 1/2' or 7' MH baitcaster for jigs, some soft plastics and spinnerbaits #2 6 1/2' or 7' MM baitcaster for treble hook lures #3 7' MF spinning rod for lighter lures and a variety of techniques One more suggestion: I think you would be much better off pooling the money and getting just on or two rigs, then another maybe at Christmas or next year. The MM baitcaster can wait.

I have had my best luck with a fluke rigged on a three-way swivel. I'm using a #3/0 Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hook with about 1' leader and about 18" of leader to the weight. The size of the weight depends a lot on current, but 3/8 or 1/2 oz will generally be the ticket.

A few surprises yesterday. Not only did the Titans win but Kansas City, NY Jets and Cowboys all won. I thought the only games these teams could win was if they played each other! That leaves the Raiders with the only legitimate a shot at 0-16.

Rig one up on a ShakE2 Pro Series and see what you think. That burger stands up and looks like it's ready to take on all comers.