Bama55

Thanks! Looks like I'm going to have to hit up roadwarrior for some smallmouth fishing. I live about 45min from Pickwick and as bad as it sounds, I've never had the chance to fish there.

I'm not really new to the forums. I signed up about 2 years ago and I lost the link I had and pretty much forgot about this place. I found it again a couple weeks ago when I googled bass fishing. This is a great place for guys like me who are just starting to learn about bass fishing. Thanks for letting me be a part!

I went on a fishing trip this weekend and I lost one of my rod & reels. Browning spinning reel on a 6ft Lighting Rod. Not only was it my favorite set up but my grandfather bought it for me. I still have a sick feeling when I think about losing it. I used mainly for crappie, fishing with grubs on jig heads, roadrunners, beetle spins and every once in a while a 4in t-rigged worm. I've got a $75 budget to get a replacement. This is what I'm considering (mainly because it's only $50). Link Do any of you know of a better set up in my budget? Thanks! (i just realized that I put this in the tackle forum instead of the rod and reel. Could someone move it?)

In Mississippi I pay right at $10 for an annual license. At two of the places I fish its $6 to launch a boat. The other places are free. I fish some in Alabama with my dad and it's $54 for a out of state annual license.

Well, my plans fell thru and I ended up having to keep my two boys. I still took them out and we fished off the bank. They are only ages 2 and 4. We didn't catch much, but they still had a great time. Thank y'all who sent PMs anyway. The winner of the tournement only had 15lbs. It was a rain day and hard day to catch fish.

I'm just getting into bass fishing and need some help. The company I work for is having a tournament at Bay Springs in northeast Mississippi Saturday. Any of you have any advice or tips on what I should try. I'm adding a link to a map of the lake and if any other info about the lake is needed, just let me know and I'll see what I can find out. The only experience i have is fishing texas rigged lizards and worms in my grandfathers pond. Also, we are putting in at McDougal Branch if that helps at all. http://tenntom.sam.usace.army.mil/pdf/rec/lakemaps/baysprings.pdf

Sorry to hear that. I took my kids up to Tishomingo State Park in TiIshomingo, MS. We didn't have much luck. They caught 5 bluegill and I got one largemouth, about 12-14in.

You're welcome! Let me know how it goes.

I'm from the area and I don't have a chance to fish very much. I asked one of my co-workers for you, he is every familar with Wilson and here's the reply I got. ________________________________ Right Now Wilson Lake is on a tear. If you were fishing a tournament against these guys down here and you don't have 20lbs In five fish there is no use coming to the scales. I fished one two weeks ago right below Wheeler I had 18 lbs and finished 7th. Ist place was five smallmouth 22Lbs .85, 2nd was 22.67 and 3rd was 21.97. Hog Island which is about I mile from the dam may be holding some good fish, just buy you a map of Wilson Lake it's marked. BE CAREFUL IF YOU DECIDE TO FISH BELOW WHEELER DAM YOU CAN LEAVE YOUR PROP UP THERE IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL. Just remember what you are fishing for, the word is Small Mouth, Don't throw a DB 22 and expect to catch a smallmouth bass. Most of the Smallmouth have moved from the tail races and have moved to the points. Largemouth have moved into the shallows and the creeks. Town Creek and Shoals creek is usually hot this time of year. Throw finesse worms and Spinner Baits,{white on white]. If you put in at Fleet Harbor make sure you fish inside the harbor I've won two tournaments in there and never cranked my big motor.

Check this thread out, it should help you... http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1120348381

IMO, when fishing heavy cover it's better to peg your weight. It will help the bait can get though the cover. If it's not pegged then your bait might get caught up and the weight just slide on down the line. If you're working an open area it's OK to let your weight slide. I like to use some type of stopper about 6 to 8 inches above my bait to keep the weight from sliding too much. I believe it's just personal preference.

I saw Bill Dance's show at lunch and he was fishing with one of these. Have you ever fished with these? If you have what's your opinion? I was thinking about picking up a few.

Bama boy here, ROLL TIDE!!! I actually live in MS, just across the state line from Red Bay,AL. I'm originally from Clanton.

Thanks for the info. I hadn't heard of an Academy store close by, I have to drive 25 minutes to the closest Wal-Mart. I went to their site and saw that there are a few in Birmingham, that's about 2 hours away, but as I stated about the BPS it's on the way to my grandparents. I'll check it out the next time I visit them.

Thanks for the comments. I went back to basspro.com and found this one... Bass Pro Shops® Bionic Plus Baitcast Reel and Bionic Blade XPS Rod Comb I assume this one would be better than the first one I listed because it's $40 more. Which one would be the best to go with? I think I'm going to order the Bionic Plus with the Bionic Blade. Also, do any of you know when the Bass Pro Shop is going to be finished in Birmingham, AL? I saw on their site where it's under construction, I just didn't see anything that said when it would be done. That's on the way to my grandparents house.

I'm just now really getting into bass fishing. I've fished for bream and crappie most of my life. I already have a few good spinning combos and I'm wanting to get a good all round bait cast combo. 95% of the bass I've caught in my life time have been on plastic lizards and worms, all within 5ft of the bank. I would like something that's good for that type of fishing and something that I could use crank baits and spinning baits with too. I'm a young guy with a family and I don't have too much money to spend. I was hoping to find a good set up for around $75 or less. I found this one on basspro.com, would it be a good one to go with? Bass Pro Shops® Tourney Special Also, what gear ratio should I look for and what type of rod would work well?