roadwarrior

Welcome aboard! When it warms up a little I'll introduce you to some pond fishing around here if you like. -Kent

Zebco 33 is a reel not a rod. If that is the reel you have, respool with Yo-Zuri Hybrid #6 or your favorite brand in #8. If that doesn't work, your rod is simply to stiff for smaller lures.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/13845-guaranteed-to-catch-bass/ Cotton Cordell *** Blade And two more, "Honorable Mention" Rage Tail Baby Craw (naked) GMAN 1/4 oz Swim Jig with a Rage Tail 4" Single Tail Grub trailer

Some guys collect coins, stamps or sports cars they never drive! Other guys collect fishing equipment.

Dale Hollow can be very challenging. Your best bet would be to hire a guide for at least one day.

I hope this works out for you guys. GMAN builds some beautiful jigs!

That's a beauty! :respect-059:

Among Shimano fans the Citica is very popular and has had great reviews: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewicast11shimanobaitcasterspg2.html

Pinnacle has recently come out with a new line of spinning rods. Check these out: http://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/p-137-perfecta-dhc5.aspx#page=page-1

Well, I'm not buying this story, I think we're reading too much into it. I'm not arguing the fact that there is certainly a degree of diminishing return, but sensitivity is not just a matter of perception. Rather than placing the focus on just the materials used in constructing the blank, the taper and action of the rod is of greater significance. For "moving" presentations the quality of the rod is not as critical as it is for bottom techniques. For treble hooks I want a soft tip and a balanced rig that feels light, whether that is actually the case or not. I don't fish Ugly Sticks or Rhino rods, but perhaps they "will do" for a steady retrieve with a Rat-L-Trap or square bill. However, when we look at rods for bottom contact, jigs or soft plastics, it's a different ballgame. #1 is balance or the illusion of weightlessness; #2 is power& action; #3 is the quality of the components and craftsmanship. I want a fast or extra fast rod for single hooks, except for live bait. For these techniques. sensitivity is crucial. On a different note, and as much as I really hate braid, for soft plastics and jigs, swiching to braid might be the answer to improving any equipment you are using. My jig fishing has improved significantly since making the switch.

First of all, most of my baitcasters have always had backing, long before this article was written. I like my reels full all the time, so I replace line "as needed". However, I don't ever need more than 100 yards of fresh line, probably more like 60-80 yards. Back to the article, my best example is how I have my Pinnacle Optimus XLT spooled. I have the set-up specifically rigged for medium weight crankbaits. The backing is a few yards of of scrap, then #20 Fireline Braid, not Fused. I filled the spool to about 3/4 full, then finished off the rest with Izorline #10 (another experiment). I estimate there is 80+ yards of the Izorline and the knot never comes into play.

If you can get away earlier, join us on the BassResource Roadtrip: Otherwise, I recommend Pickwick and strongly suggest hiring a guide for at least one day.

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

http://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/s-3-freshwater.aspx I have been fishing the Pinnacle Perfecta DHC5-701CAMCB rod matched up with the Optimus XLT. This is a versatile rig, but my favorite application is medium weight cranks, especially square bills and lipless. If you are considering a high end combination at a moderate pricing point, this is for you! http://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/p-78-optimus-xlt.aspx#page=page-1 http://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/p-143-perfecta-micro-dhc5-rods.aspx#page=page-1

Be careful, this sounds mighty "fishy" to me.

No, but I'm a big fan of spinning tackle for certain techniques. This is not one of them.

A leader might be 60-80 yards long!

Never fished "pink". Maybe I will give it a try.

I'm experimenting with this concept on a couple of rigs: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/fishing-line-system.html

I have been "collecting" jerkbaits for some time. Last year I gave away all my Rogues, Husky Jerks and most X-Raps. I prefer Lucky Craft Pointers and Staysee, Magabass Vision 110 and Mc Stick.

If you want to keep it simple, Yo-Zuri Hybrid #12 will be fine for most of your fishing with baitcasting equipment. #6 Hybrid is what I would recommend for spinning gear. One tweak that was suggested by all the pros was monofilament for jerkbaits, but this might be something you will want to experiment with for all treble hook presentations. I have been impressed with Sunline Super Natural.

Just one? Okay, Lucky Craft Pointer 100SP MS American Shad

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

Well, if you fish from the back of the boat, you can probably outfish the front seat "trolling" a C-rig with a Rage Tail Eeliminator!

Dropshot is a great suggestion. I would also recommend fishing a shaky-head. Although it will come back with lots of trash, during the presentation the worm will stick up above the clutter. Another suggestion is to swim a jig. I have had some success with the GMAN 1/4 oz swim jig and a 4" Rage Tail Single Tail Grub trailer.