Finessegenics

Watched some Live this morning but I couldn't catch it this afternoon. The weights are so close, at least on BassTrak. It seems like anyone who makes the cut for tomorrow can have a huge day and potentially win; Roughly 6 lbs separating 25th and 1st.

I haven’t fished the premier, so take my opinion for what it’s worth; not much. I’d go with the Mojo. Mojo is made from SCIII blank which is *supposed* to be of a higher quality than the SCII which the premier is made from. I have the old SCII Mojo and a newer model SCIII and in terms of feel, the SCIII is a lot crisper if that makes any sense. There’s no comparison between the two. Same with my SCII Eyecon and Bass X. I prefer the SCIII over them both. Like I said though, I haven’t fished the premier and its all subjective. Mojo and Premier use the same guides. Premier is made in WI and Mojo in Mexico. Just some extra information.

Squarebills. Can't think of another one. They are not a numbers bait for me but every time I throw one, it seems like I get an above average fish on it.

Hackney giving up some juice on the live mix. Nothing ground breaking but interesting to hear these thoughts about color selection and such.

Crossing my fingers I'll be able to find some open water before ice season ends (Mar 31, plenty of time), so I can legally target bass. I never had any success in the few outings I've completed this time of the year. How do you do it? I'm thinking since the river I fish is fairly large and deep, from the shore, the bass or any game fish for that matter, is out of reach for me.

Easier said than done!

Hartwell looks like a beautiful lake. Would love to fish there one day

LOL he's a stud but had a rough 2020 season and an inconsistent 2021. Either way, just about a million dollars in earnings 117 tournaments with BASS. Doesn't seem too bad to me.

Still a popular bait around here for walleye. Though the new ones are probably not like the original

I have the Fuego in 8 speed, solid and robust reel. Haven't used it much as I hardly did any largemouth fishing last season (it's on my punching/grass setup which sometimes doubles as a frog rod). I don't think you can go wrong with it for any presentations. 100$ rods, lots of options as others here have mentioned. I'd feel comfortable fishing any of them, but I'm partial to St Croix. I heard the updated Bass X feel a lot better than the older generation, but they are over your budget.

Glad to hear, it will be soon enough for me!

I've experienced bass holding onto the tails or ends of elaztech products as well, but I do use scent so it could be that. I like liquid mayhem, I've only been using the garlic crawfish scent. I should try adding the scent to the whole bag, I usually just apply it to the baits individually.

You’re actually set up perfectly imo for only having 3 rods. I don’t know what the lakes on Vancouver island are like but I’d add a spinning rod with light line to throw some smaller baits? Wacky worms, light jig and plastics…you can ditch the 3rd rod If it doesn’t get any use and work with the spinning. If light line is not your jam then your arsenal is well rounded. Side note, How’s the bass fishing in BC in general? I don’t hear much talk of it

The Classic is a 3 day tournament! And even for 3 days my bag is a little light, I know

51 lbs 4 oz

Most definitely. I’d say loosen your fighting drag for carp; I’ve broken off a few leaders/hooks because of big carp (what I assume at least) making really really fast runs after picking up the bait. They make the bait drag scream and then when you engage the fighting drag, it’s almost like too big of a shock to the setup and the carp has won a few times over my knots. Just be careful

Since that post I’ve actually changed it, but still not sure if I finalized it: I removed Aoki and Queen and put Stracner and Hamner. I moved Queen to Santee but now I feel like I won’t make use of Aoki this season…maybe on Oahe cause that’s a bit of a crap shoot.

Doesn’t sound like you need a crazy big reel. But I second the need for a baitfeeder reel. Makes bait fishing so much easier. If you want something affordable, take a look at the Okuma Avenger ABF. Make them in just about all sizes if I’m not mistaken. I have a 4000.

I don’t like this sort of thing because when you start naming them, you leave people out. I’d want to fish with a lot of BR members. Everyone’s niche seems very cool and I’d want to experience it. @TnRiver46 for some southern smallmouth @A-Jay Don’t think I need to explain this one @pdxfisher The Columbia River seems so unique and underrated as a bass fishery. Would love to go there some day. @Way north bass guy Georgian Bay! Never seen that beautiful part of my country. @Spankey super knowledgeable about river smallmouth! So many more that I could name, it’s ridiculous and I feel guilty leaving them out but oh well. Pros are hard too: Jeff Gustafson Frank Scalish Gerald Swindle Brandon Palaniuk Ike

Mooching?

I don’t know much about fly fishing, but trolling a lure with a fly rod sounds unique! Good stuff

I always thought going with the current was more natural since the predators are usually set up with their nose in the current, so a bait coming towards them looks more natural. It probably doesn’t really matter, try both ways! For rivers I’m more of a drifter and there’s only one way you can in that scenario.

So this is my DTL team so far. Subject to change, I’m thinking of including Arey instead of Queen. Whether you play DTL or not what do you think? Cherry Walters Cobb Aoki Lehew Marc Frazier Nania Queen

My provisional DTL team looking very similar to yours. I’m scared I’m stacking it too much though, but I feel the anglers I have in mind have their best shot of finishing super high at Hartwell. I’d thought it would be hard to pick 80 different anglers but now I feel like I’m leaving some good ones out.

Nice!!!!!