helms83

Wow, thats some luck!!! Happy it worked out for you!

Congrats BC! You have taught this 27 yeard old alot, lol!

Wait...we're different!? see you guys later....

You are correct that a lower gear ratio is needed for deeper diving cranks as it takes longer to reach the effective depth. Too fast of a ratio will leave you in your target range for less amount of time. Since you are only diving to 6ft, it won't take very long to reach the desired depth. Having a slower gear isn't as big of a concern. However, what is a concern is the tuning of the crankbait, meaning the speed at which they are tested and made to work correctly at. Most cranks are tuned at 5.x:1, so they are made to work correctly at this speed. The effect of your gear ratio on the correct tuning of your crank depends on the maker, but I have found that when using a 6.x:1 and above makes the wobble and correct swim pattern alter and lessen the imitation of the shad, causing less strikes. IMO, you can't go wrong with purchasing the 5.x:1 now to use at 6ft cause when the deeper cranking season comes, you'll want the slower speed anyway.

bowfish - I just moved from Clarksville, lived there for 5 years while stationed with 101st. It's hard to say, as I'll be moving to southern WI after I get back, and never fished the water that way.

Thanks Gleen. I'm headed back over to Afghan.

Well, it's sounds like you at least have a 6'6 MH fast to a 6'6 H extra fast by your description. Nine Miler is right on, so basically, it's powerful and reacts quick to your movements. How senstive does the rod feel? This rod sounds like it could be used for deeper waters, heavy cover, etc; anywhere you need to be able to control the movements, and have the hookset react quickly. Again, like Nine Miler said, worms, jigs, spinnerbaits, etc. work well on this setup. But stay away from anything with a treble hook, as this rod is too powerful and setting the hook can cause you to rip through the fish's lip. A good reel ratio would be anything above 6.x:1, this way, if you needed, you can work the fish quickly out of cover. I would use a line that stretches as little as possible, again you want the hookset to react quickly because of the distance between your rod tip and the fish. So at least a flourocarbon line. If this will be a worm/soft plastic rod, I would lean towards a braided line. Depending on the cover you will be fishing (logs, grass, etc; anything that can cut into your line) will dictate your rated line test. Heavier cover, heavier line. Hope this helps!

Wow, great pics! Looks like an awesome trip!

Whats the cost of the two lines?

I want to fish here one day!

This is just sad.

Goals vary from weekend anglers escaping reality to the Bassmaster Classic, and include everything in between. Some want the title, the recognition, free trucks/boats, or the money. My goals: -Gain and share knowledge with fishing community -Build a good relationship with fishermen all over the US -Write for a magazine or online source about fishing -Compete competitively in tournaments (at least mid-level tournaments) -Win enough money from tournaments to support my hobby; I don't want to make a living fishing, I only want to win enough to help buy gear, pay for tournaments, improve truck/trailer/boat -Give back and promote fishing to the community by running a club, organizing youth events, 'paying it forward' to others with gear, tournament fees, fishing trips, or even a boat, etc. -Have a few sponsors (only a few I truely believe in) What are your fishing goals?

I have read all the articles on here, watched Bill Dance's show on the technique, and read other posts. But I cannot get a bite on this lure! I have several colors, with the three different blades, different tandems, and different sizes. Sometimes I'll use a trailer, sometimes I take it off. I change the retrieve from slow, to moderate, to yo-yoing, etc. Any help?

I was going to get the Sebile, but oupted out to get a storm swimbait. I think for $10 it swims great. But I haven't been able to use it to catch anything yet.

I don't have a clue. Never seen anything like that.

lol

AHHHHHHHHHHHH-HA!

That's why i like this site. I have read most of the articles on here, plus what people post. I've been trying to have a better look out when things go wrong. Mainly just saying what happens is part of the game and I'm paying my dues. The other day I went to my small pond from 1-4. I started on the north side, there were tons of baby bass and blue gills along the shoreline. So then I got excited cause it was confirmation that there are bass in this small pond (I have caught a few small dinks, but i thought they were few and far between. So I just sat there with my line out of the water just watching how they behave. They weren't scared of me, but were curious. Then I saw larger shadows swimming, they were bigger bass (would guess no bigger than 3lbs, probably 1-2lbs)!!! I cast past them with all kinds of lures, baits, and retrieves; couldn't get even a little attention. I do mean I tried everything. So I moved to another position for a different angle, but no such luck. I did catch two dinks, and lost one. All were caught on Rage craws. The cool part? I was positioned about 5ft above the water level on the shore, the water is very clear; so I got a good view of my craw as I retrieved. I swam it about 6-12" from the top and watched as a bass darted towards it, inhaled the craw, and try to swim away. I set the hook and just watched as the fish darted every which way in the water. It was simply cool to watch.

I don't want the crankbait, but today I noticed a guy at work was being a little harrassed (not unusual in my line of work). But I stopped the harrassing, I chewed the harrassers' out, pulled the guy aside to talk to him one-on-one, letting him know that if it continues to come and get me. Definently the type of guy who gets more than his fair share of rubbings and needs someone to help him out.

After my deployment, I'll have enough money to buy a boat. I was looking at buying a used boat, as I have never owned a boat. But then for the price, I was thinking of buying a Bass Tracker Pro 16; this way I have a warranty and can be ensured it runs smooth. But since I have never owned a boat, I was considering just purchasing a fishing kayak until I learn about boating. Any tips for when I return in 2012?

I think you guys are convincing me to go with the braid on the Carbonlite. Any tips on which brand?

I've only had my carbonlite for 2 weeks, but I've caught more than ne fish on it with no problems. Love the reel as well. Hope it works out for us both!

Ok, I'll have to look into this.

That's a nice fish, I hope to catch something above a pound some day, lol!

I think so too, especially Falcon.