Under the Radar

I'm down south and the Arucu Shad is my goto lipless CB. we use the 75 most of the time, but the JR when the ell grass gets too high and the 75 starts hanging up too bad. A half day of ripping that 75 out of the grass is a bit much for this old man. Color? match the hatch (the local forage) Watched my partner lose a 75 to a 6+ tonight when his line broke. I've got some I've fished for 2 years and had to replace the hooks on them and the color is starting to show more than a little wear, but they are still catching fish. Good luck

TyTy, are you sure there are shiners where you're baiting them? Dumb ? but had to ask. I've had some fair amount of luck using purina game fish chow. It comes on 50# bags so storage might be a problem. I will soak some of it in a medium plastic bowl for about 5 minutes or until it absorbs most of the water in the bowl. throw a few pellets out and see if they sink. If so then I'll throw a lot more out and wait. come back in 30 minutes and throw some more out but dry this time. Usually you can see some activity at or near the surface. You'll know they are there and cast away. Try to bait up a few spots. Good luck

A little more info would be helpful Marty. Shore bound or Boater? River or lake? you get the picture.

OK Reds, You learned to walk before you learned to run. So the info you've got so far is all on target. I think you may find that after all is said and done, you'll probably end up catching more fish on shorter casts parallel to the shoreline. I have a bass boat a 2 man inflatable, and a canoe. My fishing time is probably 50/50 boat & shoreline. The first rods I load up are the baitcasters, unless I have a specific technique in mind that requires a Spinning rod. Get mad enough to get determined and you'll do fine.

Simple answer " They work" Actually the Black Profile is easier for the fish to see outlined against the sky. Assuming the the buzz baits are usually fished in low light conditions. Good luck

Gene, The head of Lake Nottely is about a mile and a half NW of Blairsville nestled between 515 & Murphy Hwy. If you get to Blairsville don't miss the catfish house ?

SH, I think you're missing a key component here. There is a bullet or sliding weight between the swivel and the rod tip. So don't worry about reeling the swivel through the rod tip.

My vote goes to a Positive State of Mind

Thanks Catt, Words of wisdom if there ever were.

Chris, Don't know 'bout the Mattlure, I was throwing the BBZ Shad on an ole BPS Extreme M/H 7' w extreme B/C and it was OK. And I tried it on one of my Powell's paired with a Curado D, that was better but then I put it on a 7' Crucial M/H Spinning paired with a Symetre 2500 spooled w/ power pro 20#. This I like a lot better, & it's a bit more versatile for me. Just my $.02

BN, I've had the 375fc for a couple of years now, and do OK with the MK 30#. If you don;t have already, you may want to order the skags for it. They will save you a lot of frustration on windy days. Mine gets used on small or elect only ponds, but couldn't be happier with it.

Congrats Paul, I'd be so stoked I probably wouldn't sleep for a week.

Great Fish, Congrats to Him.

Not sure why you'd be using a steel leader of ANY kind. Getting rid of that would be the first thing I'd change. Good luck & keep us posted.

Try the steel Fish hooks. ;D

MH if you like the Powell's, You wiull probably like the Powell Max 686CB Mod Fast 6'8" Heavy w Mod Fast Action Mine is fitted with a Curado E7 and 12# mono. I fish a lot of 3/4oz CB's and am ripping them out of the Eel grass most of the time. it does a nice job on 3/8oz CB's as well.

Kent, I don't have a clue for you up there in TN. but down here in Central FL, the colors are wild shiner and the gold w/ black back, in the JR and the 75. haven't tried the new biggun's yet. i've got a box full of other colors, but these 2 are my best producers and goto's. Last year I letterally wore the finish of a couple, & those that have fished them will tell you that is difficult to do. I believe the tighter wiggle and higher pitched rattle are the difference for me. I still throw a "trap" once in awhile, but locally the arucu is da bomb.

You need a FL freshwater fishing permit but I think you're referring to the Boat Launch Permit. and Yes a decal is req'd on your boat. the cost is determined by the length & horsepower of your vessel. You can contact them by Ph (407-623-3300) to get an estimate of permit cost. Their address is: 460 E. New England Avenue Winter Park, FL 32789 If you need any more info PM me.

You are truly a blessed man Paul. I would really like to hear Emily talk about these trips in about 30 yrs or so. Have a happy & Safe New Years.

Fished Lake Virginia, Osceola & Maitland from noon til 5:45. Wind SSE 5-15 Water temp 69 Air temp upper 70's 20 fish between me & JP, 6 fish on swimbaits and the rest on CB's. 4 fish between 2 & 3 lbs. 1 nice one took me into the weeds and unbuttoned. Still all in all a nice day.

Paul you are truly Inspiring.

The 7:1 will probably serve you better. I use mine mostly for wormin & light jigs. Also in the arsenal are 2 101D's @ 6.2:1 these I use for more general stuff cranks, topwaters, jerkbaits & spinnerbaits. The 7:1 is an awesome reel, I really don't think you'd be happy with the 5:1 unless you use it for a specific purpose. just my $.02

There was a discussion just a few days ago. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1228350087

Congrats I know you'll enjoy it. Maybe even take mama out for a ride once in awhile.