Next summer I will be working with my dads company, and that means extra funds for the Baitmonkey.

I happen to know the location of some prime fishing grounds. So good infact, that myself and several others beleive there could very well be a state record LM living in there. This body of water is several acres and hasn't been fished for dozens of years (prehaps up to fifty) and has some BIG bass. I read the atricle about record bass in Doung Hannons Ebook, and everything he said that made good record waters lined up perfectly with this lake. I mean every last thing he said about where he would look for the big ones pointed to this lake.

Now, it is my goal to catch the NJ state record before I die. There is a problem, however. This lake is not open to public fishing, (or private for that matter) most of the lake's border is owned by the state, and they are making it into a public park. The completion of the park should be around summer 2008. Once the park is open the word will spread like wildfire, and fishermen will come from every direction to fish this lake. This will cause the lake to be over fished, and before long it will be just another pond. This being said, I have about 365 days to fish this pond before it becomes public, and I plan to catch the biggest bass in it before then. (the only reason we can fish the pond is that one section of the bank is owned by someone else, thus we are allowed to fish there and not on the states property)

So, the reason for this post is becuase I need some help buying a swimbait rod and reel. I'm using swimbaits becuase they are generaly known to catch the bigger bass, and thats what i want. I dont care if i only catch one bass the whole summer, as long as it is a new PB.

I plan to spend around $300 on bolth rod and reel. I want a 7 to 8 foot, heavy to extra heavy, casting rod (rated for lures atleast up to 2oz) and a round BC reel with a good drag.

However if there is a need to spend more, I will do so. I know that fishing for a state record is no place to cut corners, and even more so when you have only a year to do it. Hopefully I'll make some nice money, so that the price of gear will not be a issue.

I'll be using 20-30lb braid (probaly Power Pro) and mattlures swimbaits. Mostly the new panfish design, but i'll also throw some baby bass and older panfish design. I'll be fishing from the bank, and only from the bank.

I will be working 5 days a week, 2-5 hours a day. That means i'll have several hours before and after work, then weekends to fish. I'll only be working in late June, July, and early Augest, so most of my fishing for the bass will take place from Augest to December, then next spring starting at March.

Every minute I'm not working, (or doing something else) I will be fishing for the record bass or researching about the record bass. I have already read many articles on the subject and I am reading Mr Hannons E-book.

Anyone have any tips? If you know of a good rod or reel please post, and do the same if you know of any good articles or books opon this subject, or if you have any knowlage to share. Any help with be very helpful!

Thanks

Matt

Personally, I use the Redington RFXC 7911. Its an AWESOME swimbait rod! Very heavy backbone with a medium tip. I've caught a ton of swimbait fish with it and have never had a problem. It sounds like you've got a very unique opportunity... capitalize on it! Shoot me a PM if you've got the time, there are a few aspects of your approach I'd like to discuss.

Matt

www.calfishing.com/gallery/v/members/supermat

Wow did you catch those bass on that rod? If it can handle 10lb+ bass and is only 100 bucks, then i'll defanatly consider that one.

Take Mat up on his offer through PM's. He's my fun fishing partner and he's the real deal. He'll help you out. Much success to you!

Take Mat up on his offer through PM's.

Ok I will

Sounds like an adventure!  I wish you a chance at the record!

Are you dead set on round reels?  If so, why?

If not, you might want to consider the Revo S as a swimbait reel... it will cast and handle swimbaits just fine, has an incredible and smooth drag system (rated at 25 lbs.) only cost $99 and can be used for anything else you need after you land the record.    I am using my Revo S on the swimbait rod at the moment and think it's perfect for the job.

If you still want round, look at the Cardiff- it's not real sexy but it's one that Matt of Mattlures recommends which is a solid enough endorsement for me!

Yeah, probably 85% of the fish on the first two pages were caught with that rod. It really is sweet.

Matt

Go for the cardiff!

Btw, if y'all want to see Supermat(and some huge Bass), get a copy of BASSWESTUSA's Nov/Dec 2006 magazine. 8-)

Btw, if y'all want to see Supermat(and some huge Bass), get a copy of BASSWESTUSA's Nov/Dec 2006 magazine. 8-)

That is a pretty helpful article too!  Way to go buddy!

Allow me to say that Supermat and Fourbizzle's pic galleries make me excited about catching big bass....and scared to swim in California waters!!!   ;D

Wow did you catch those bass on that rod? If it can handle 10lb+ bass and is only 100 bucks, then i'll defanatly consider that one.

Man, practically any modern reel can handle a 10 pounder.

Now let 's see you 've got $300, Okuma swimbait rod give or take a few dollars $100 + Shimano Cardiff another $100, you 've got $100 left for 3 or four good quality baits, not bad at all. Or you can go with a Clarus for around $70 and you 've got extra $30 for another bait.

i like ur style, good luck !!!!!!!!

Btw, if y'all want to see Supermat(and some huge Bass), get a copy of BASSWESTUSA's Nov/Dec 2006 magazine. 8-)

Thanks Lightninrod! I'm pretty happy about it.  8-)

matt,you maybe able to help me out. i live in fla. but want to throw a 7to 9'' golden shiner swimbait that resembles the real deal.ive been on the web and found some sites rhat carry golden shiner swimbaits but none look like a golden shiner,only in color but not shape.i did find one wooden triple jointed bait that caught my eye.in your opinion does shape make much difference and what type of bait should i be lookin for i.e. wood or plastic.any insight or help would be appreciated,thnx,mike