roadwarrior

Anytime, anywhere you think a Senko would be a good choice, the Fat Ika is an option. Although I realize there are many ways to skin a cat, I never fish either lure weighted. 8-)

Just try to get "replacement cost" for comparable new rods. That's the best you can do. Although I'm sure your old rods had some sentimental value, 15-20 year old rods aren't worth anything from a purely fishing point of view. >

We have a different take on the Tennessee River. ALL smallmouth under 12lbs 1 oz are released. 8-)

This is the other knot I tie, mostly for big lures: Pitzen Knot, also known as the Sixteen-Twenty and Duncan Knot http://www.rockymtnfly.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59:tying-the-pitzen-knot-&catid=25:featured-articles&Itemid=61 8-)

I have an older Metanium and domestic Chronarch. They are both great reels. However, the new Curado CU200E7 is a fantastic reel and would be my recommendation. 8-)

Up through the lower jaw and out the upper jaw. This keeps their mouth shut so they don't drown. Don't be frugal, smallmouth like lively baits. Put on a new minnow if yours isn't frisky. 8-)

My point, and I think J Francho's too, is to use the least weight you are comfortable fishing. Lighter weights allow the tube to "float" down and spiral. 8-)

I guess I overlooked this one: Re: fat ika Reply #3 - Aug 13th 2007 The Fat Ika is my #1 bait. My hook-up ratio is something north of 95%. Once hooked-up my landing ratio is SIGNIFICANTLY better. The bait, as Raul noted, should be Texposed and skin-hooked. Due to the taste and texture, bass tend to hold this lure longer than most...in some cases indefinitely. The Senko is a very easy bait to fish, but the Fat Ika is even easier. Be patient and fish it slow, like you might imagine the movement of a crawdad. Rigging: 4/0 EWG Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hook. Tentacles forward (skirt up). Weightless & weedless. I fish the bait on MF spining tackle and Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6 (.010" diameter, 11.9 lb test). Presentation: Cast parallel to the bank, along weed lines or on structure in water <12'. Allow the bait to settle to the bottom and sit for at least 30 seconds. With a slow, horizontal sweep, move the bait 6"-12" and let it fall on slack line. Leave the Fat Ika on the bottom for at least 10 seconds between movements and continue this retrieve until you feel you are "out of the zone." Bass will sometimes strike on the fall or occasionally pick it up while it rests motionless on the bottom, but generally the strike occurs when you move the bait. When you feel a strike, dip the tip of your rod while QUICKLY reeling in slack. When you feel the fish snap your wrists, setting the hook with your rod tip and not moving the position of your reel relative to your body. This is called a snap-set or quick-set. Maintain pressure, keep your rod tip high and reel when you can, but let the fish run when it wants to. I think your landing ratio will improve with a little patience. Good luck! 8-)

Hmm...:

Here ya go: http://www.animatedknots.com/palomar/index.php 8-)

Alberto's Knot http://www.stripersonline.com/Pages/Articles/article_arby_albertos_knot.shtml 8-)

I suggest a couple of spincasting rigs for your venture. These come into play more often than you might think. My partner guides and has had good luck with the Zebco Omega: http://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&source=hp&q=omega+spinning+reel&btnG=Google+Search 8-)

Here ya go: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/outdoors/images/060320bigbass.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/outdoors/20060320-1251-bn20bass.html&usg=__-BEeKOpFOihHYMUz7FgmGgq6sGs=&h=343&w=220&sz=17&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=Jeo0CYOf9i5lUM:&tbnh=120&tbnw=77&prev=/images%3Fq%3D25%2Bpound%2Bbass%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26channel%3Ds%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DX%26um%3D1 8-)

The best "bang for your buck" in the high end, is the low high end: $100 - $200 for a rod and the same range for reels. Some of the best deals can be had in our Flea Market. An example might be a Shimano Citica/ St. Croix Avid AVC68MXF, but the choices are many. Nearly every manufacturer targets this pricing range with a variety of gear. 8-)

As steezy noted, 2 casting and 1 spinning: 6 1/2' or 7' Medium Heavy Power/ Fast Action baitcaster for single hook lures. 6 1/2' or 7' Medium or MH Power/ Moderate Action baitcaster for most treble hook lures. 6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Fast Action spinning rig for weightless soft plastics and light lures. 8-)

Girls find their stuff special, whether they say so or not. They carry a full line of clothing at reasonable prices. For Christmas, birthdays or other special occasions, you might want to give Victoria Secret a try.

C'mon guys...If you want to look at lightly clad "average girls", visit the Victoria Secret Website. The Christmas catalog is online. It looks like red is a popular color! ;D ;D

Seems to me there are simple equipment rules for catching: 1. Razor Sharp hooks 2. A rod stiff enough for a strong hook set when fishing single hooks 3. A Rod soft enough to absorb the shock when fishing treble hooks. 4. A drag system sensitive enough to control a surge. 5. Generally, line that is thin, stealthy and strong. A fish should NEVER break your line in open water. 6. Not mandatory everywhere, but very helpful sometimes: a rod strong enough to "move" a fish. You only need three rigs, the rest is just for fun! 8-)

Start by using ONE REEL ONLY. I would start with the Core. 4 brakes on, 2 off; cast control tight, but not cranked all the way down. Practice casting at a 15-20 yard target, but don't focus on accuracy at this point. First train your thumb and learn how to cast the reel. 8-)

I really depends how you are rigging. If you use an inserted jig head, inserted weight or T-rig, 1/8 oz may be enough. If you choose a C-rig, you want to keep the weight on the bottom and will need at least a 1/4 oz barrel weight, maybe 1/2 oz. 8-)

No worries. All the retrailers are familiar with the Quantum replacement policy. :

I was hoping you would get better response, we have several guys the fish the lake on a regular basis. This is my post from last week: Depends a lot on the weather. If it's warm, the bass will be in the grass and shallow water. Two years ago we had our Roadtrip at Guntersville, but the weather sucked! I caught a few on a Xr50 Blue silver/ Orange and a Senko. Glenn caught a few on a spinnerbait and Keri had luck with a Rat-L-Trap. Maybe some of the other guys will have more suggestions. Good luck!

Well, I agree that you don't really "need" technique specific gear, but it sure is fun to have exactly the right tool for a specific job. I consider myself a "collector". Tackle is much worse...at least I use the rods and reels once in awhile!

Gosh...Seems like a very popular theme right now. We currently have two threads running on this page discussing the topic. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1256616535 http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1256695186

Same theme, a few lines down on this page: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1256616535 8-)