roadwarrior

WOW! Nice fish, great pics!

100+ and no rain in the forecast: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Memphis&state=TN&site=MEG&textField1=35.1056&textField2=-90.007&e=0

If you don't know the river like the back of your hand, STAY OFF THE RIVER AT NIGHT. This is especially true around the dam, it is VERY DANGEROUS. A much better option is to fish the riprap just outside the harbor down to the first creek. I have caught tons of fish, both largemouth and smallmouth along that bank.

Small swimbaits: Keitech Swing Impact Fat, Shadalicious, Hollow belly or Swimming Senko Rage Tail Baby Craw Rage Tail 7" Thumper or Anaconda Rage Tail Single Tail Grub Rage Tail Lizard GYCB 5" Senko and Fat Ika GYCB Kut Tail in a MegaStrike Shak-E2 Bandit 100, 200 or 300 Red Eyed Shad Norman Fat Boy (Redear) PopMax

I feel that the reel is far more important than the rod. A smooth drag is key when targeting smallmouth. To stay within your pricing parameter I suggest keeping an eye on our Flea Market and be on the lookout for a "gently used" Avid AVS66MLF/ Symetre 500FJ or 1000FJ. For those with a fatter wallet, the CI4 1000 would match nicely.

Spinning tackle is the better choice when fishing light line, weightless soft plastics and especially for those targeting smallmouth bass. The drag system is far superior when quick spurts come into play. Smallmouth almost always surge when they see the boat which makes a smooth drag with quick release so important.

C-rig your favorite lure with a 1 oz weight

No. I have never heard anything good about those ponds.

Just to be clear on how I fish the Cavitron: 3/8 oz exclusively, no trailer Pitzen Knot I begin the retrieve the moment the buzzbait hits the water. I never let the lure sink unless, of course, I have a little bit of "professional overrun".

I completely disagree...The highest quality, most sensitive rod will improve your jig and soft plastics fishing significantly. I fish a LES 70MF spinning rod and a BCS 893 baitcaster. More generally, I recommend 6 1/2' - 7' MF or MXF.

Maybe Bobby will see this thread and respond. Otherwise, send him an e-mail and I am sure he will take care of you. BTW, I only fish Cavitrons and have never had an issue.

Welcome aboard!

Me too!

6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Moderate Action

#4 or #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid

It's really all about the lure/ bait. For the most part, spinning tackle and Yo-Zuri Hybrid #4 or #6 is the ticket. If you fish a 3/4 oz Ledgebuster, heavier gear is the better option.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/06/26/university-presidents-agree-on-plan-for-college-football-playoff-system/?intcmp=features

There appear to be several points. I would set the boat where the family swims on the ouside and you cast on the other side of the boat with your lure/bait in 15-20' of water. If you can locate a sharp drop-off into deeper water, so much the better!

Shallow: Norman Fat Boy (Redear pattern); Bandit 100 Medium: 1/2 oz Red Eyed Shad (Blue & Chrome); Bandit 200 & 300; LC RV2.5 & 3.5 Deep: DD22; LC Stacey

I expect the heat this time of year, but the drought is tough on my garden and the local ponds. Normal precipitation is about 3 1/2" for the month and 28" year to date. We have had just a little over an inch in June and less than 14" for the year. I was really hoping Debby would track north and give us some much needed rain.

Sounds like you guys had a blast! :respect-059:

http://www.orlandooutfitters.com/knots/knot.asp?id=12 Pitzen Knot, also known as a Duncan Knot or 16-20:

CTE200GT

The Gold Star Plan is painless and there is no discounting old products. I recently replaced an old original Legend Elite. Total cost was $85. http://www.stcroixrods.com/category/service_and_warranty