BANG

Thanks, I think I'm gonna try a Zillion. Now waiting for another Dobyns sale. Got my eye on a DC 610 4c for docks dishing swimbaits. I think I read Dobyns wasn't coming to the Classic in Knoxville?

Trying to educate myself here, why are there so many different reel models? I have a few Tatula SV TW's, and I want to get a few more reels. I'm looking at an Alphas SV, a Zillion SV, and a Tatula TW 80. I don't know what each reel is better suited for, as far as use. Just looking for ideas and input. Thanks. Oh yeah, just about all my rods are Dobyns.

My understanding is yes, how much it effects feeding I don't know. I believe the moon phases affect fish and their eating moods, but it's not the only thing. I firmly believe the moon phases effect all living things to some extent, even people. I just think it's one of those things thats easy to overlook or realize that it's happening, partly because its hard to prove.

What's your experience/opinion on the "moon phases" especially this time of year?

RW, I obviously don't "know" one way or the other, I wasn't there in 1955, few were. My doubts are based more on what I see than what I've read. But to add to that I'm not accusing anybody of anything, and I'm not suggesting to dismiss the record.

I went through some old magazines recently, found a Bassmaster from 1997 that had an article about possible World record Smallies. In the article it gave a story by Billy Westmoreland, he said one Christmas eve he hooked a big one, got it to the boat 3 different times but couldn't get it netted. He swore that the fish had to be close to 15lbs. I believe there is another World record out there, in fact I think there is several. I agree somewhat with Roadwarriors theory but consider this. Your basing Largemouth and Smallmouth "pools" on whats been caught but consider the green fish for many, many years has been the more sought after fish. Until rather recently the smallie has been "step-kid" in terms of mainstream exposure. Yeah sure Smallies have always had hardcore"fans" the anglers that really know what they are about, but they haven't had the number of anglers after them either. JMHO Something else to throw out there also, I've always been skeptical about the record. Look at the fishs gut, it looks full of eggs to me. The fish was caught in July, I realize smallies "can" spawn several times a season but the fish is obviously an old fish, don't older fish slow down in terms of spawning in old age?

In my experiences when I find a spot with bigger smallies I won't catch any small ones then. Anybody have the same results? Roadwarrior, when you get into bigger smallies do you ever catch any big Largemouth with them?

Thanks guys What kind of baits do you use during the releases? With that extra current the bait just wants to wash down stream behind the boat and quick

Roadwarrior, this seems like your area of expertise judging by other posts that I have read. What do you look for when your flow is being generated heavily? Do you prefer lots of extra current or just a little more? I fish a fairly shallow river in Northeast TN where 4' or less is the norm, do Smallies look for shelter out of the strong current anywhere or do they prefer deeper water. I ask this because here when TVA is generating heavy fishing is super tough, and I think that is because I haven't learned how to adapt cause the fish are still gonna eat! Thanks to everyone for any input!