roadwarrior

The "cost" is mostly about time, not money. Unless you fly, the total outlay could be as low as $450 if you can carpool and share lodging. Here's an estimate assuming you arrive Sunday and leave Friday (5 nights, 4 days fishing): Lodging: 150 BR fee: 50 License: 25 (10 days, out-of-state) Food: 75 Gas (?): 100 Misc: 50 This assumes you bring your own drinks! 8-)

My observation is just the opposite. Threadfin shad gather in large schools and swim straight until they are attacked. Smaller groups in moving water appear to be stationary against the current. I think it's all about the right depth. Otherwise, steady retrieve. BTW, I do agree with bumping and digging bottom, but that is more about getting a predators attention than the strike itself. When structure or cover affect the lures path and action that is usually good, but again, I don't think this class of lures needs to be "worked" by the fisherman. 8-)

Nice fish, great pic! 8-)

Good news! According to the TVA website, Pickwick is still spilling, but the gates are closed at Wilson Dam. Great water flow through the turbins, 91,000 cfs! 8-)

This came up on another thread, but seems appropriate here. Do you remember this story and these pics? http://www.trophybassonly.com/id226.htm 8-)

These two of Fish Chris and his monster smallmouth are my all-time favorites: http://www.trophybassonly.com/id226.htm ;D ;D ;D

Yep, that's BEEEEEEEEEEE-U-TEE-FULLLLLLL! There's a comparable spinning reel too: http://www.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/reels/spinning/Stradic_MgFB.html ;D ;D ;D

This is the one I would get: http://www.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/reels/spinning/Stradic_MgFB.html 8-)

We have several well know members who use spinning tackle exclusively. RoLo and Chris Fish are a couple that come to mind. These guys seem to do a little better than average. Regarding casting distance, the World Record was set with spinning tackle. On a personal basis, I like baitcasters for heavy lures, but if we just compare distance for average weight baits (3/8-1/2 oz), I think either type of gear is very comparable. Rod length, power and action are far more important. 8-)

http://www.megastrike.com/ 8-)

Seeing is believing and we obviously have a few non-believers! If you can produce the tapes, I think that would be a TREMENDOUS marketing tool. For those of us that know your reputation, that would be the icing on the cake! 8-)

I appreciate the suggestion. That might be the answer. Have you caught some quality smallmouth on a big swimbait? If so, which one? 8-)

My undergraduate business studies focused on economics, finance and accounting. My MBA emphasis was in finance. After graduation, I started out in banking. My professional advice is to focus on Accounting, work for an accounting firm to acquire a CPA and go from there. The CPA designation equates to a "Made Man" and will open many doors. 8-)

Well, it's prime time for jerkbaits...Pointer 128, Baby Bass.

I have had some luck with GYCB Swim Senkos, but have not fished a classic swimbait. I could be a pioneer, but I don't really think that's the ticket.

Welcome aboard! 8-)

I want to fish artificials and target big fish. 8-)

I fished soft plastics last year a minimum of two hours on most outings. I caught a lot of spots and largemouth, but smallmouth were few and the ones I caught were small. Now, don't get me wrong, soft plastics are my strong suit and I appreciate the observation. It didn't work out last year, so I want to try some other things. Regarding crankbaits, the Rat-L-Trap type lures is an option. Deep divers are out for the most part, they will all be lost. The guys I fish will be fishing live bait and I just can't interrupt them to go after lures: Use it, be prepared to lose it. p.s. The GYCB Single Tail Hula Grub was my best producer last year on the river. This bait has performed significantly better for me than tubes. Regular grubs are very popular too, but I can't keep the Kentucky bass off them. 8-)

Something's wrong here. 3/8 - 1/2 oz is a "normal" lure weight. There should be no issues fishing these weights on a MH rod. :-?

I have been having good action at both ponds and the river, either side of sun-up. Get out early and see how it works for you! 8-)

The issues involved in sticking with a plan are complicated by specific events, like busting bass for example. A quick switch under those conditions is probably the right move. However, more generally, we never know if success is the spot, lure, time or presentation. Jig fishing can be the worst. An hour without a bite, then BAM! What if you had quit or changed tactics after 59 minutes? On the other hand, the bite last weekend was a few minutes into the first drift. No confidence issues there! So, I appreciate the insight and will keep my "event" options open, but still maintain focus on one technique at a time. I think this is how I want to roll, but would you fish something else or would you mix it up with more variety 15 or 30 minutes at a time?

Tennessee bronzebacks have a strong preference for smokes with their beer and whiskey! I can assure you, casual contact with nicotine has no impact on the bite. 8-)

So all the other reel makers just use random bearings they find rolling around? Hmm...I'm a little surprised this crap actually found its way into print. :

I'm fishing with several Rage Tail baits with the coffee scent. The jury is still out, but the lures are HOT whether it's coffee, JJ's Magic or MegaStrike! 8-)

My focus this season, besides hooking up with the New World Record ;D ;D, is to spend more time fishing artificials. This is how I might break it down: 1st hour: Topwater 2nd hour: Jerkbaits 3rd hour: Spinnerbaits 10-2:00 : Jig 2:00- Dark: Minnows if the lures haven't worked Thoughts? 8-)