roadwarrior

Well,our "unscientific polls" generally total +/-60% Shimano vs the field. Some guys like other brands so how do you choose? It's easy for me. Strong, smooth, silent and reliant.

Yep, I have two and they are still favorites!

Welcome aboard!

If you want to get technique specific, go for it, it's fun! However, with the exception of heavy cover, two lines will meet all of your bass fishing needs: Spinning tackle: Yo-Zuri Hybrid #6 Baitcasting: Hybrid #12

Talk with the Store Manager or Fishing Department Manager and ask if they will order what you want. You will have to pay retail, but there should be no additional charge.

I'm curious, why would any freshwater fisherman need a drag approaching 10 lbs, let alone 20+? I posted this recently on anoter thread: Set your drag properly at 25%-30% of the breaking strength of your line, but not more than 3-4 lbs. There are several ways to measure the weight. I suggest putting 3 pounds of weight in a plastic grocery bag and tying your line to the handles of the sack. GENTLY lift your rod tip until the drag begins to release. Tighten the drag accordingly. Now pull your line out with your hand. Over time you will get a pretty accurate feel for the setting. Once set, I NEVER adjust anything when I have a fish on...NEVER. I fish #4 & #6 Yo-Zuri on my spinning tackle. My two main spinning rods are 7' MF. The drag is always set at approximately 2 1/2 lbs. Both smallmouth in my avatar and the Big Bass on last year's RoadTrip were all caught using #4 Hybrid. On baitcasters I am fishing #12 Yo-Zuri Hybrid or 50 lb Sufix 832 for bass, 65 for striper. The drag on my bass rods is 3 lbs regardless of which line I am using, 4 lbs on my striper rig. I'm not going to use "never" because that came back to bite me a few years ago, so I "rarely" get broken off.

Looks to me like the "best" color is you "favorite" color!

It's almost unbelievable what a difference the StrikeBack design makes. Top quality components is another attribute.

WOW! That is a very generous offer. Do we have some fantastic members or what?

Smithwick Inferno Tiger

This was the original question: all this talk about trophy fish made me think of the few lunkers ive been lucky to catch. you set that hook and its solid, you know its big! but whats the best way to get that bad girl into the boat. you dont want to horse it in. what are the fundamentals to ensure you make the best effort on landing the fish. I think we have had some great replies. Take the time to watch the videos Big O made, you will enjoy them.

No, I have not tried it but have heard good things about the line.

I replaced the small knob handles on my Core (s) with the larger knobs. If you have any use for them, let me know. They appear to be interchangeable, Core 50 & 100. Note: The whole handle had to be replaced to get the knobs, so that's what I have, two handles. Back to the OP: I don't really know, improvements surprise me! I like the green on Curados and the black with red accent on the Cores. I'm also a fan of gold (CTE) and silver ( CH50MG, Calais). I'm sure I will like the next generation, too!

You will enjoy just looking around Mike's site. If for some reason you don't find EXACTLY what you are looking for, Siebert Outdoors will work with you to create your dream jig. While you are there be sure to check out the Storm Series Jigs.

Lilly pads and heavy cover may require braid, but generally you can use what you like. Cavitrons and buzzbaits in general don't require special line or knots. My suggestion, as usual, is Yo-Zuri Hybrid #12.

Newest entry: MegaStrike MegaBug http://www.megastrike.com/#!products/vstc2=megaplastics Must Haves: Rage Tail Space Monkey, Hawg and Smokin' Rooster GYCB Fat Ika, Kreature and Flappin' Hog

Man, that's a beautiful fish!

500FJ The reel is solid and tight. I think it will be perfect for the ultralight! http://www.bassanglerswarehouse.com/Shimano-Symetre-500-FJ_p_1328.html

Woo-Hoo! Back at ya...

Welcome aboard! Here are a couple of suggestions: 1. Look around the site a little bit to get a feel for where things are. 2. Spend some time in "Fishing Articles" at the top of the page. 3. Scan through the first 20 pages of this section, I think we have 4 or 5 threads going right now on flukes. Now a short answer to your original question: Fish a fluke weightless and weedless in and around vegetation. I like to picture in my mind a minnow feeding. Twitch the fluke without moving it forward and you will see exactly what I mean.

Reel performance is what makes "fishing" fun. Rods may be a little more important in the "catching" department. For "value" I look to our Flea Market. Many of my rods and most of my reels were purchased from members, both NIB and gently used".

Wow! Your account of this test is fascinating to me. Carry on!

Ask and the owner replies' Too cool!

Lazy Ike

Great post!