roadwarrior

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 don't know about the weight either, but she's a beautiful fish!

#4 Yo-Zuri Hybrid 8.5 lb breaking strength, .009" diameter

This rod is THE BOMB!

I like thin wire for weightless soft plastics, thicker gauge for most weighted presentations. The 4/0 EWG Offset Worm Hook is an all-around size, but I carry 1/0-6/0. I fish several brands: Gamakatsu, Moaner (Mustad), VMC, Owner and Trokar.

Most big bass are caught between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Naked: Both T-rigged and when using the Rage Rig Ilift the bait, let it sink on slack line then rest for 10 seconds or more. With the Jika Rig, move the Craw with a slow drag, stopping and jiggling the bait when it hits something. I do not fish this bait on a shakey head. As a jig trailer: I like a slow drag with an occasional lift. Image how a live crawdad crawls along the bottom and over things. That's what I am trying to replicate.

Although I hate braid, it has improved my jig fishing significantly. I'm using 50 lb Suffix 832.

Woo-Hoo! Great post and pics!

4/0 EWG

Spend some time in our library, "Fishing Articles" at the top of the page. The first thing I would note is the the ""where" is far more important than the "what". Find the fish and almost anything will work even when your selection might not be "the best" for the situation. Generally, fish will either be focused on "bottom baits" or "moving baits". If you can find the fish, throw nothing but a Senko and a Redeye Shad and you will catch some bass!

C'mon...Just having some fun. Instead of Shimano insert, Rage Tail Baits, G. Loomis, St. Croix, Yo-Zuri, Gamakatsu, NorthStar, Siebert Outdoors or any other brand you like. I'm not sponsored and don't really care what everyone chooses to fish, but for those looking for suggestions, these are some of the brands I fish. So, back on topic, here are a few suggestions: Mike at DVT breaks down comparably priced Shimano, Diawa, Pflueger, Abu Garcia, Lews, BPS and Pinnacle spinning and/or baitcasting reels. On a spreadsheet or chart, rank 10 specific attributes. For example: design, engineering, craftmanship, quality of components, weight, strength, smoothness, etc. Some of this cannot be "quantified", but professional opinions carry some weight in my opinion. This format could be used across product line so we have a basis for consistant comparisons. Obviously, there will always be "personal bias", but a systematic approach would at least minimize the degree to some extent.

Jigs, soft plastics and spinnerbaits: Always Topwater, crankbaits and small swimbaits: Better in spring, summer and fall Frogs: Mostly summer

Yep... What's really surprising is that after literally hundreds of posts by me and members of the Shimano Posse, we still have so many members fishing other brands!

http://www.tva.com/river/lakeinfo/index.htm

Great post, very professional! The Curado E series are readily available around $110 and you may find one even cheaper! Great reels, especially at this pricing point.

Yo-Zuri #6 is 11.9 lb breaking strength and .010" diameter. Fill your spool to within 1/8" of the lip which is considered "full". Slow down your casting motion so that the rod fully loads up. With these simple adjustments your distance will improve dramatically.

I think you will find that a baitcasting reel is more comfortable for fishing "moving" lures. My spinning tackle is used for weightless soft plastics and live bait. My preference is a baitcaster for other applications.

The Avid AVC68MXF is a great all-around rod.

Translation: EVERYONE is invited!

Nope, just members and all their friends!

Watch out! Here comes Mizzou-Rah, Mizzou-Rah, Mizzou-Rah...TIGERS!

Threadfin shad are generally referred to as "yellowtail" around here. This is the main forrage in the Tennesse River system. Yellowtail get their name from the chartreuse coloration on their upper sides and back: http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=493

Reels: Spinning: Symetre 2500FJ Baitcasting: Citicia or Curado 50E

All-around rod: Spinning: 6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action Baitcasting: 6 1/2' or 7' Medium Heavy/ Fast Action