roadwarrior

Definitely a fish attractant... On the Tennessee River the Big Momma Brownfish prefer Haggard to Jones, but Toby drives the girls crazy! I prefer Patsy Kline, Jennifer Nettles, Teri Clark, Sarah Evans, Miranda Lanbert and Carrie Underwood. Turn it up and play it loud! http://blog.newsok.c...-youtube-views/

I have the Optimus XLT The reel is new to me, but my initial rating is a DEAD SOLID 10! http://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/p-78-optimus-xlt.aspx#page=page-1

All of the pros at Bassmaster University agreed, monofilament for jerkbaits. I use Sunline Super Natural #12.

Props for Guntersville: http://www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/freshwater/where/reservoirs/quality/

The simple answer is matching an artificial fly to whatever specific bug the trout are feeding on: exact color, profile and size. If you apply this concept to bass fishing and the bass are chasing shad, you choose a minnow bait that matches the shad.

You da MAN!

Geez... So after two years, an outstanding bass reel designed for casting light and medium weight lures isn't holding up to the torque needed for saltwater fishing? Man, that sucks.

If you mean "catch & keep" I agree completely. For all of us C&R, it doesn't mean a thing.

Looks like an average day for you. Where are the BIG O fish?

Nope, I don't know anything about the river.

Don't know, but why limit yourself to Burkley? My favorite shakey head bait is the GYCB Kut Tail. Siebert Outdoors also makes a shakey head you should try: http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/index.php/zenith-shakey

I don't know anything bout Academy, but I have found that calling customer service and being VERY PLEASANT works wonders. Maybe you get the reel replaced, maybe not, but it doesn't hurt to ask. On other suggestion: Tell them the reel was dropped, what's broken and just leave it at that.

I don't claim to be anywhere close to the level of any professional. For the most part, this has been my experience on the Tennessee River and some of the regional reservoirs. Threadfin are known as "yellowtail" around here and represent the overwhelming percentage of forage. That's not to say other species are not important, but bluegill, crawfish and multi- species "minnows" represent significanly less biomass. My observation is that farm raised minnows are more productive than the natives! Why? Maybe because they are just something different. On the other hand, Dwight Hottle and his Jenson Yellow Perch Jig is "proof" of the match the hatch proposition: http://www.angelfire.com/biz2/jighead/rabbithairjigs.html So, situations vary and I could be wrong!

Too funny! That's great!

The big one got away! My buddy had a monster on in the deep pool under the power lines. We got caught between a rock and and a hard spot as we were screaming towards the jetty. As we tried to manuever out, the fat girl dove under the boat and was gone! Otherwise, we caught some good fish, both brown & green. Good day had by all. p.s. We both tried fishing an Alabama Rig. I fished a shallow presentation for a drift without a strike. Later, in deeper water along the channel, we both fed the rocks in short order. Overall, it was a bust.

Match the hatch? That's great advice for trout fishermen, but not for bass. Often we find bass focused on bottom forage (crawdads) or baitfish. When it's predominately baitfish as in this case, moving lures are the ticket. However, if, for example, threadfin are the "shad", that color (sexy shad?) is not necessarily the best choice. Profile, speed and presentation are probably most important, but I think you also need "color" that stands out from the crowd. "That color" may just be your favoritge color, but for me it's either green or American Shad. Sometimes a little flash is key. My specific suggestion is the Sworming Hornet with a Lake Fork Tackle Magic Shad trailer. Fish the lure by letting it hit the bottom, reel FAST and let if fall on slack line. The blade on the bottom lifts the lure. DO NOT "pump" your retrieve, that only moves the lure forward. The fall is what is important. 100% of your strikes will be on the drop.

I think you would be MUCH happier with Yo-Zuri Hybrid #12. In use, #12 has very limited memory or coiling. That is not the case with #15.

My dedicated jerkbait rod is an Avid AVC66MF. I would be suitable for all of the techniques you listed.

So now... One of the "Elite" has the same game that Tebow had. Do you still think Tim can't be a NFL quarterback?

Green Pumpkin and Watermelon

The problem is probably minor, but I would take it back. Shimano will replace the reel.

Citica matched up with an Avid AVC70MF makes a great "all around" rig. If you are not in a hurry, both the rod and reel come up on our Flea Market occasionally. This combination should run (gently used) +/- $175.

Take a look at the Avid AVS68MXF

Depends on how much you want to spend. Take a look at the Shimano Symetre, Stradic CI4 and Stella 2500FE. That will get you started!

Great! Guntersville in late April can be THE BOMB!