drew03cmc

We have hashed this out on here before, but I've seen guys land big fish on UL spin gear in no time flat to no detriment of the fish. Saying that, I don't float or wade fish with less than a M powered rod because I prefer getting them in and releasing as quickly as possible, not to mention, I throw baits that often weigh 1/2oz or better. Now, with regards to UL smallie tactics, even a 1/32oz head and half a Zero is 3/8oz. You can use 10-15# Power Pro and a 6 to 8# leader on a ML or M rod just fine. Heck, any decent casting gear will sling it forever. True UL tactics are out of place, 2 to 4lb test, etc. Save them for the trout and panfish.

Absolutely. I have a knack for fishing a bait until it gets bit, leaving it on the days and weeks it can often take. I'm practicing walking baits constantly. It's made me slow down and think about what I'm doing with both hands, kind of like rubbing my head and patting my belly. I hadn't heard Norm passed. I always enjoyed reading his exploits!

Nice fish, imagine her 3 months ago in that pond...

Man guys, I'm fascinated by the range of baits this thread has covered. I've never seen a Top Dollar, but do have a Spit N Image I need to swap hooks and splits on. Maybe I'll finally catch a smallie on a walker...maybe.

Thanks guys, gives me some food for thought. I'd love to tangle with a 4lb stream spot.

That fish is gorgeous!

Allow me, I can throw a baseball nearly 75 yards still, football, 40 or so, but I can cast as far as I need to.

Shoal does have nice spots. I've caught several over 14 and my PB 17, but I'm considering going fishing for some spots this summer and figured maybe some marginal smallie water may be loaded with them.

I am wondering which river system in the state of Missouri would produce the biggest spotted bass. I know they're looked down upon in some flows, but I'm legitimately curious. I've caught river spots to 17" from a SWMO stream, so I'm wanting bass of that size range.

Jim, to assume nefarious behavior takes all fun out of it. I'd rather assume I got my a$$ kicked straight up.

Dude, I have lived and died by the jig and craw. I'm considering taking only a short casting rod to walk baits, fish buzzbaits, etc. Depending on water levels, time, etc, I may take my kayak, but may go wade somewhere. It'll just be nice to be back on smallie water. I'm really curious about that Pop Max, as I know it will pop, walk, spit, etc.

The Pop X has produced on ponds up here already. I have a Dog X and a couple Giant Dog X as well. Are poppers more of a pool, eddy kind of bait to you? I can't see tossing it in swift stuff, especially while wading.

I've acquired some baits the past 2 months I was wondering what you thought about them. I have gotten some JDM Megabass Griffon Zeros, a Pop Max and a few Pop X. Do you all use poppers much on creeks and the wake baits have me pretty excited. How and where do you see yourself tossing these types of baits?

@ollie, read the book Sowbelly. It is what I initially formed my opinion, positive at that, on Long from. This article and video disgust me.

Oliver is a kick butt dude too. I've spoken with him several times and he just gets it. He catches some pigs. That article is eye-opening. Pretty sad.

If anyone has been keeping up, there's news about him that turns the big bass world on its head. I can't get the 10 year researched article to load on sdfish.com, but there is a video on Youtube where you can see him snagging fish during the spawn in San Diego at Poway. My son was looking at everything he does a few weeks back and now, he is pretty dejected about it. This makes me wonder who you all think is the best big bass angler in the nation or the world. Also, where is the next world record largemouth, smallie and spot destined to come from?

We, in KC, are getting hammered again. I just saw this thread and wanted to try and make it, but I think I'll save this hall pass and take the yak to a small stream in a couple weeks for some smallie therapy. I hope to get on the Piney or Gasconade later this summer when things have settled down a bit.

Look at the BPS MicroLite series.

Sold!

Price drop, $55 for the reels, $120 for all three rods, shipped.

Here are the rods. They're great rods and I'm listing at a price to sell quick.

Price drop

I'm selling some stuff due to unforeseen circumstances. I have 2 TD-X 103HVA, both have scuffs, scratches and paint loss, but both work great! I'd like $35 each or $65 for both. I'm selling 3 Damiki rods. Due to shipping, I'd like to sell all 3 as a lot, $125 shipped. Rods are in great shape, not fished much and are less than 4 months old. 1- 6'6" M Damiki Angel EX 1- 6'6" MH Damiki Dark Angel 1- 6'6" H Damiki Dark Angel I will post pictures in the morning after work. Thanks!

Ronnie, there is nothing wrong with purse pants. They're my preferred shorts as well. I, honestly, am concerned about a few spots I've seen on my neck and ears and need to schedule with a dermatologist. I don't burn, but once or maybe twice a year, but when I burn, I'm crispy for a week. I grew up playing soccer, baseball, ran track, sports 12 months a year, on top of fishing. I will do what I can to protect my skin and if I look ridiculous, so be it.

I have them, also a Kryptek Yeti SPF floppy hat and SPF 30 to 50 sun shirts. All I don't have is the sun pants and gloves. I'm genetically predisposed to have skin cancer. My dad has had it cut, burned and frozen off for over 30 years. I know if I don't do something now, I'll be there too.