Jimzee

Yep, that's what it was. A good drag system and good line went a long way.

Pitchinkid was just talking about that the other day, classic roadtrip moment. ;D

I need only 5.5 pounds of drag pressure. Most of my reels are capable of 8 or just a hair over with the exception of my Pixys. They come stock with 3.5 - 4 pounds of drag until I upgrade the drag stack, they are then capable of 5.5 - 6 pounds. I never understood why so many reels coming out now with higher drag ratings than the rod can handle. I imagine it would be very handy for slop fishing and getting fish out of thick cover faster, I can see that being helpful. I however can't see many rods lasting very long under such a heavy load especially when paired with heavy braid like 80 lb. Take a cinder block and tie it to the end of your line after you have that 24 lb. of drag pressure cranked down on your reel. Now let the cinder block fall from about four feet and tell me what happens to your rod. (For the record, don't try this...your rod will break unless it's an Ugly Stick and then I'm not too sure.)

Thanks for the kind words guys and gals. I feel like I should let everyone know there is no way I could have landed this fish on my own. Pitchinkid was there the whole time beside of me doing everything he possibly could to ensure that beast didn't get tangled into the motors or anything else. He took a few battle scars on his hands from trying so hard to get her into the boat about a half dozen times. On the last try, he was finally able to fit his hands in behind her gill plates and with a huge grunt, lifted her aboard. There is no way I would ever been able to do that on my own without harming or even possibly killing that beautiful fish. A huge thank you goes out from me to you buddy, you are a great fishing partner to have. Not to mention in the final minutes of the tournament, he was still catching fish to cull the smaller ones we had. You da man!!

Boy that would burn me up if I had someone trying to tell me what kind of a bait I could throw. Can he even do that? I totally obey the laws and regulations to the best of my ability, but for someone to tell me what bait I could or couldn't throw if it wasn't posted would send me into melt down mode immediately. > What a tool!! Great job on the rainbows and the "extinct" smallies BTW.

Those rods pictured are the 2009 models. Looks like they have a different cork on those rods. Probably some of the first runs until they decided to use the burl cork. I think I would rather pay the extra money to have the burled cork.

That's a great pic right there.

I'll be out there for sure. Great pics!!

I would just like to sit back and watch you work. Great fish Paul!!

Ready for a 54 incher!! ;D

Have any of you guys ever just had a day where everything just seems to fall into place perfectly? I had one of those days today...started the day fishing my first tourney, very nervous and excited at the same time. Pitchinkid talked me into tourney fishing this year and lets just say I think he has created a monster. Conditions were cold muddy water with clearer water back into the creek arms and sunny skies. The first fish of the day ended up being the biggest of our bag at 5.17 lbs. just missing the big fish mark of 5.38 lbs. That fish set the pace for the rest of the day and I had no idea nor was I prepared for what was about to happen in the next few minutes. Pitchinkid had just finished boating a solid three pounder when I casted over toward the bank with a 1/2 ounce spinnerbait. All hell broke loose as I set the hook on what felt like a runaway dump truck!! The drag started peeling off my Alphas Ito reel and I couldn't stop it. I told Pitchinkid that I would at least like to see it one time so I would know what It was. Well, I got my wish...a tail about 12 inches wide broke the surface and then I knew, big musky!!! Looking back now after the 15 minute long fight and complete struggle to lift this thing on board the boat, I realize how lucky I was to land a fish this large. It missed the state record mark by only two measly inches. I have never had anything fight as hard as this fish did. It was crazy!!! She went 50 inches long and 41 lbs. 11 oz. of Ito reel wrecking mass. And by the way, to end the perfect day, Pitchinkid and I won the tournament too. WOO HOO!!!

Speechless...

If there are any thoughts of going back to this lake again for another road trip, let me be the first to cast a vote in favor of it. It was almost shocking the day we got there how aggressive the fish were. It seemed like you could do no wrong with any kind of bait. I was burning a spinnerbait, slow rolling it, letting it fall at dock edges and just killing it on the retrieve, all resulted in fish. The only bad day I had was the few hours I went out with 5 Bass and Burley. The weather that day was pathetic to say the least, but they were catching them. (Must have been standing too close to Burley resulting in some kind of funky mojo preventing me from catching fish) I know we hit the lake at a bad time for the weather but the same happened in Guntersville last year. That's the chance you take in planning something so far in advance. I would be willing to take another chance for next year. It's an awesome fishery.

Done

I agree 100%

Can't post my mafia name here but you will know it when you find me. ;D

I'll give you a hint, it's only available in Japan and has been for the last four years.

Every chance I get.

Loomis Drop Shot Casting 822 6'10" Med

When are we gonna see those black beauties of yours?

d**n, can't beat that.

Looks like someone was holding out on the Kentucky trip. Those are some fine looking fish and great looking waters. Keep after them!!

Hopefully is the best jig fisherman ever because we are in a tournament together this Saturday and Sunday.

Swiss football for sure. Great looking fish Daniel.

Perfect tip down presentation rod. Don't have to deal with smacking the water like I do with longer rods.