roadwarrior

The MBR844C is a very versatile rod and an excellent start for everyone's collection!

WOW! That is a great pic!

Good looking fish!

Woo-Hoo!

I have Kanzen spooled on two rigs and will post a review after fishing the line for awhile. All I can say right now is that it looks and feels great!

We have had some discussion on the board recently regarding the Carrot Stix experience. You might want to do a little more research before jumping on that bandwagon.

Casting distance is impressive, too!

oou.... The Metanium rocks!

I had to look it up

Well, I didn't think much of it...Dude must have been asleep in 1967. My brother, father and grandfather were fishing purple worms in the 50's and even us kids knew how to set a hook! That makes the whole story sound bogus to me. His jig theory is even more ridiculous. BTW, "The Magic Lure" in the early to mid 60's was the original Rapala. In addition to plastics worms we also had the Gitzit. I learned topwater at a very early age simply because my dad didn't like losing lures. The Devil Horse was my favorite "back in the day".

Well, a lot of that is just hype. Here in the Mid South most people have zoysia grass and/or Bermuda. The zoysia does better in areas with partial shade; Bermuda is a finer grass (think golf course) that thrives in full sun. Buy sod, not plugs...Both grasses spread over time, but not "as advertised". Neither is any better than other bluegrass in terms of "weed control". You will need at least one application of weed killer every spring. In the fall and late winter I apply crabgrass inhibitor, too. So, like any other grass, zoysia requires water, fertilizer, weed control and weekly mowing. The upside is a brilliant green yard during the hottest summer days!

Received my first issue of Bass Angler Magazine on Saturday. Man, am I impressed! Great articles, pics and tips from some of my favorite pros. Pick it up, you will like it, too! http://www.bassanglermag.com/

Dwight on Erie Big O on Falcon

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

Probably

Can't help with that rod, but for square bills and medium depth crankbaits the AVC70MM is THE BOMB!

Mattlures posted this recipe for swimbaits: Scale a bluegill with as much slime as you can save. Mix this with Vasoline for a consistency that will stick to the bait. Reapply as needed. For me, it's MegaStrike. Effective and VERY user friendly!

Cabela's Guide Wear will keep you dry and last indefinitely. Mine are 10+ years old and look just like they do in my avatar from 2005.

Well, this is just one anglers opinion, but Big O thinks it makes a difference. After fishing with him for a day, I don't have any unpainted weights!

My hair jig collection is large, but I don't really fish them much and as a result, haven't caught many smallmouth with them. I love the Bed Bug, one of my all-time favorite jigs! However, I never intentionally fish bedding bass and will be using a trailer on them, too.

I don't know why it would be too difficult breaking the reel down, but if you find that challenging, you 're really going to hate trying to put it back together! I'm not making fun of you either. I have 10 thumbs and would NEVER consider trying to service a spinning reel on my own. Mike at DVT is a great guy, BR sponsor and someone you can trust. p.s. BR members get a 10% discount!

Thanks for the update! I have two rods ready to go and will be thoroughly testing the Kanzen for myself this spring and summer. I'm most interested in the casting performance with 20# spooled on my Pinnacle Optimas XLT/ Perfecta DHC5.

Nice fish...Welcome aboard!

It's just like eating an elephant...One bite at a time. Focus on removing the first hook point you can reach, then move to the next. Be persistant, but do not rush. The highest probability of survival depends on you removing the lure which is probably going to take longer than you like. Just stay with it and keep moving forward.

On the rig you plan to use for lighter or more open water presentations, try the Tuf-Line Super Cast #20 for $4.99 (BR Special). For heavy cover (lilly pads) give the Seaguar Kanzen #30 a try.