roadwarrior

WOW!! Great story and pics!

So, let's be specific: When would you fish a straight shank?

Only $126,000? You better get a bracelet to go with them!

I would be patient and find something on our Flea Market. I have purchased most of my rods & reels right here!

Talk about turning chicken pooh-pooh into chicken salad: http://jewelrywisebl...olate-diamonds/ We're getting bombarded by commercials promoting these stones during today's NFL broadcast. They're not cheap either! http://www.kay.com/en/kaystore/le-vian%C2%AE/1000550000/100020/1/0/0/0/100020.100023.100055?cm_mmc=google-_-keywords-_-Collections-_-chocolate_diamonds&gclid=CIfv0vjrn7QCFQsGnQodjxYAcA

No...The fish is either stripping drag or coming your way, there is no middle ground.

Which one is a Shimano?

Not locked, but link removed. I don't know what makes these rods special, but you are welcome to tell the story as long as you are not affiliated with the company. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

No...I don't think straight shank hooks work very well rigged weedless.

Well, I'm not a braid fan in general, but it has improved my jig fishing significantly. I still haven't decided between direct tie or a fluorocarbon leader. I'm fishing #50 Sufix 832.

I had DVT replace bearings on a Curado 200E and 50E. However, I did not like the noise. I oiled them lightly which probably reduced their maximum performance, but I'm a happy camper! As long as your at it, replace the brakes with Carbontex drag washers, too.

My rig is similar, BCR893/ 50E/ Hybrid #12

Well, although the CT State Record largemouth is 12 lbs 14 oz, I don't think most guys in the Northeast routinely catch double digit bass. Just to have a fair shot at 10lbs would excite me.

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

I like playing with a variety of knots. For most single hooks I tie a Palomar Knot; Pitzen (Duncan or 16-20) for treble hooks; Blood for similar diameter lines and Alberto's knot for leaders. I'm intrigued by the Snell Knot, but I rarely use straight shank hooks. What I have concluded is that regardless of the scientific strength testing, every knot works just fine for freshwater fishing if it is properly tied. Fish Chris has made this point on several posts. He says he is not very good at tying knots, but very good at determining whether he has a good knot ...or not! His point and mine is this: If it ain't perfect, it ain't good enough. So, I suggest testing a few knots to determine which you find easiest and quickest to tie. The knot you choose is not nearly as important as your skill at perfecting the result. Not just functional, but pretty, too!

Snell knot: http://www.animatedknots.com/snell/index.php

Another Happy Camper!

You might try the same technique with a double fluke rig, too!

For heavy vegetation on top, give the Rage Tail Shad, Toad and new Menace a try.

You might try the Gamakatsu Octopus Circle Hook. I use #4 & #6 for smallmouth fishing. If you decide to go this route remember this: DO NOT set the hook, simply lift the rod tip and apply maximum tension to the line. 95% of the time the fish will be solidly hooked in the jaw joint.

60 degrees is the magic number for smallmouth on the Tennessee River. At this temperature the fish are relatively shallow and VERY aggressive. The fish stay active as the temperature drops. The coldest water I have fished on the river is 44*, but the lakes experience colder surface readings. The downside to the colder water is shad kill. When that occurs, "catching" comes to a complete halt.

Man, those are some fine looking fish!

My favorite new color is Blue Glimmer.