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This is just so rod manufacturers can make more money. Seriously, these pros represent rod companies, and they know that if they are allowed to use longer rods, then everyone else will want longer rods and that means higher sales for the rod companies! Jeff

I know this has been talked about before but couldn't find the thread to add on so.... Absolutely love the black Colorado blade one for night fishing. Caught 25 in under 3hrs one night and just tonight caught 12 in 2hrs. Durability isn't amazing but I have bent these back into shape multiple times and only have to replace one when the skirt slides off too many times and can't be salvaged. But for $1 ??? No better value out there.

I like a colorado blade in dirty water and colder water when I need to retrieve slower, or at night. Willow leaf I like in clearer water, when I want a faster retrieve, or when I want the bait to run deeper. Indiana is a good compromise of the two and the blade that I fish a majority of the time because it seems to work most of the time if they're eating a spinnerbait.

Two weeks ago I was up in Minocqua prefishing for the WI Bass Nation state tournament. I ground it out all week catching dinky bass. They actually took the size limit off for the tournament to match the lake, and thank god they did. My weight for the 10 bass I weighed in over 2 days was 10.20 lbs. That left me in 53rd out of 82. Sad thing was a solid 3 pounder would have moved me up into the teens, it was just brutal. Anyway, after dealing with that for 7 days straight, it was nice to come home and fish for some normal sized fish again. I was busy the first part of the week catching up on work that I missed, but I finally had a chance to get out at least a little bit Thursday through Sunday. I made up for lost time catching some nice fish. Thursday I caught a super chunky 17 1/2", Friday 6 of my 11 bass were over 17" with 2 over 18 and a few other 16's mixed in. Best 5 would have been pushing 17 lbs. Saturday I had 1 over 18" and one just a hair under 18". Sunday I only got to fish a few hours on a lake that's not a very good bass lake, but I managed to catch 5 with a really nice 16 1/2" but it wasn't quite photo worthy. Man am I glad to be back!

My future tournament partner. He likes fishing jigs and crankbaits. When Ian casts, the bass tremble. He needs to grow into his jersey though. I have to drive the boat. His feet don't reach the hot foot yet.

There's always been and always will be a lot of post of novice or beginner bass fisherman struggling. I know because I was and still am one. This is something I was thinking about this past weekend and thought I'd share. The thing that makes a novice into a seasoned angler is mainly time spent on the water. For most guys who work and have families it is hard to get more than one day on the weekends and that is normally not enough time to do what is needed to consistently catch fish. Here's a few thing I've learned from this great site that must be understood in order to succeed. 10% of the body of water holds 90% of the fish. The first step is finding the fish, this seems simple but can often be the most challenging but once you learn to eliminate water your chances go way up. Once you have found the fish you must now develop a pattern. The pattern may consist of depth the fish are holding at, the type of cover they are holding too whether its grass, rock, wood or so on. Maybe there is a certain bottom composition they are relating too. Once you figure this out you can pinpoint spots within the spots. The next factor is presence of bait. Whereever there is food there will be bass. You need to know the primary forage for your local bodies of water. This will help you determine your lure choice and a retrieve. It also may tell you in which direction to present the lure. Whether its uphill, downhill, parallel, with or against the wind. If you know the forage you can pick your bait to match. If there feeding on shad then fish shad imitating lures and its even better if you can match the correct size. I do want to state that other lures can still work like craws and worms and this will have to be experimented with. Once you understand and think you've found all these factors you can cover the lake or river looking for similar areas and use the same pattern. Of course nothing is set in stone and things change from area to area and also through the day but this is a great start and will help you try to stay on top of the fish. This is a lot to accomplish in one days fishing. Sometimes it can be done quickly and others it will take all day and by this time its too late to really capitalize on. This is why it is hard to be a weekend angler but if you learn to do this every time out on the water and keep a good fishing log it will get easier. If you can accomplish all this in one day especially on a bigger reservoir or lake you have really done something and can be truly efficient and deadly when it comes to bass fishing. Always pay attention to what the lake and fish are telling you and don't get easily discouraged. Bass fishing is a challenge which is why we all love it so much and always have fun. Thanks to this site for all the knowledge it provided and hope this helps some

Arnold Palmer passed yesterday at the age of 87. Not only was he great golfer, competitor & statesman but his philanthropy set the example for all of golf as well as the rest of us. Golf will never be the same without him. RIP Arnie.

This morning I was unable to get on the "Umbrella Rig" lake as the NE wind was too stiff. As a consolation, I stayed very local. This lake has a decent population of SMB as well as the usual Pike & Walleye By Catch. Well, I did OK. Got on some decent smallies right off the bat on a 1.5 squarebill but it was obvious early on that the 62 degree water & wind had the pike on the move & looking to eat. A SK RES was getting choked. Green cabbage weed in ten feet was the ticket. Here's the best one of MANY. Fun Day. A-Jay

In the March/April 1975 issue of Bassmaster Magazine, Ray Scott, in his Scott on the Line editorial, introduced the concept of fly-fishing tournaments into the fold of the Bassmaster Trail. “You can count on a one-day ‘Flyrod Only Tournament’ before the regular pro national tournaments in April, May and June. This maybe the most fun we’ve ever had at a BASS tournament. We expect most of the BASS pros to give it a whirl, we’ll probably see a few previously timid flyrod ‘experts’ jump in the contest since we’ll be using weapons of their liking.” The 1975 season added a new concept in bass tournament fishing – a one-day fly rod tournament that anglers could choose to participate in or not. The advantage that the fly rod event gave was an extra day of practice and also much needed points towards Classic qualification. Because of this, most anglers grudgingly fished the fly rod events. For the 1976 season, though, the fly rod competition was discontinued, probably due to complaints from the anglers. On the Fly Rod Front Bull Shoals also marked the first fly rod-only event of the season. The tournament was held the day prior to the regular tournament with 63 anglers participating. Eleven fish were caught and weighed with Ricky Green taking the top honors with two fish that totaled 3-04. His fish netted him an extra $1,400 dollars. Ron Deardoff and Austin James each took big fish honors with single fish weighing in at 3-03 along with second and third place honors. Russell Breckenridge (brother of Rayo) collected a fourth-place check of $300 with one fish that went 2-05, while Roger Moore held on to the fifth spot with one fish that weighed in at 2-04. Other anglers who caught fish were Bill Dance, Billy Westmorland, Rick Clunn, Jim Nolen and Walt Sawicki. In all the 63 anglers caught 11 bass. Kerr Fly-Rod Only Tournament For the second straight event, B.A.S.S. hosted a fly-rod only tournament the day prior to the main event. This time Jon Hall took the winning honors, besting 65 other anglers, with five fish that weighed 11 pounds. He caught his fish on a 4-inch blue Mann’s Jelly Worm. Dick Busby placed second with two fish for 8-02. He too didn’t conform to traditional fly rod baits, catching his fish on 1/4-ounce spinnerbaits in the trees. Although Don Shealy didn’t finish too well in the main event, he did bring in two fish for 6-07 and 3rd place. He was the only angler to utilize conventional fly gear, catching his fish on popping bugs. Ricky Green (5-03) and Tom Mann (5-00) placed 4th and 5th respectively. Santee-Cooper Fly Rod Only Event Although Don Shealy stunk it up pretty bad in the main event at Kerr, he came back at the fly rod only event held at Santee-Cooper. Shealy weighed an impressive 10-fish limit that went 17-10 and also created a new fly-rod only tournament record. He caught his fish His fish came on a combination of popping bugs and plastic worms. Bo Dowden finished in 2nd place with 12-14 and Johnny Morris weighed in 12-03 for 3rd place. Jon Hall, who won the Kerr fly rod event, placed 4th with 9-04 and Bill Dance placed 5th with 8-05. Source: Bass Fishing Archives Part 1 Bass Fishing Archives Part 2

One year I found them clearing some out for $0.75. I bought the last few they had and switched some blades on some. Cheapest fish catching investment I believe I've ever made haha. I wish they sold them in something other than 1/4 oz though

That's great if you live near a giant lake but most likely not a common situation for most weekenders and their favorite water bodies.

Anyone who works 5 to 6 days a week making a living outside of fishing industry can only fish 2 to 3 day a month or less than 30 days a year and still have a marriage and family. Recreational or weekend anglers can and do become excellent bass anglers by catching bass on a consistant basis because they have learned how to catch bass where they fish. This isn't rocket science. Tom

It's hard being a weekend angler,that's for sure,but it's a whole lot easier than being a weekend angler that predominantly fishes from the shore.We all have to put in our time on the water and make sure we learn from every single fishing trip we have.

On rod length vs. handling issues and potential damage...I have a feeling that many of these >8' rods will end up being two-piece.

I would hazard a guess that the longer a rod is, the better chance it has being inadvertently damaged or broken. Car doors, ceiling fans, doorways will all be drooling at a chance to munch on a 10 ft rod. I don't fish tournaments and fish from a small boat, so I have actually been going to shorter rods while so many others go long. I get it for flippin but for most other methods, a longer rod is more difficult to use and less accurate for casting.

Finally back to catching some nice ones again after a week long dink-fest up north. Smallest one pictured was just over 17"

Roll in the potential mix of wild cards and variables -conditions and circumstances- and across water bodies, and latitudes, and it's a wonder we figure anything out.

Thanks, I love the markings on them. It's funny how they can come and go though. Thanks, it wasn't my best outing up there quantity wise, I'm just glad that didn't matter! Haha I wish...especially with what I know is coming soon here :/ stupid winter haha. Not that Virginia is a balmy climate either I'm sure, but I'm guessing you don't have nearly as many days below 0 as we do.

Oh boy, that trolling topic is a good one. I used to catch a TON of smallmouth trolling. It was the primary tool with nothing more than a flasher, and the giant desert that is Lake Ontario. Find some reasonable breaks, catch three or so in the same spot, and anchor up, start dropping tubes. Oh yeah, the 10' rod thing.... bring it on. Dee just raised a fist through into the air from the grave! Jigger poling!

I've used the black single Colorado ones at night too. They are a great slightly smaller alternative to the ones I normally use and get bites some of the bigger ones wont. I do a couple of mods on mine. I use a black zip tie on the skirt so the band won't break and sharpen the hook a little with a file. Also it's not really a mod but at night I prefer rattles on my spinner baits and a trailer with a little bulk to help the fish find the bait. I always use a beaver or small paddle tail with a glass rattle or two inserted in it for a trailer.

How could you not like a guy who would drive this.

Just like any other bait, the color matters when it matters. Sometimes they'll hit anything you throw, sometimes it has to be that certain color or they won't touch it. A baitfish or dark color is going to cover a good portion of your needs though.

Perfect! Soon I'll be able to use my 12' surf rod to reach those pesky schoolers that want to keep coming up on the opposite side of the cove every time! I don't own a 10' bass rod and can't think of a reason why I would, but I don't care either way as far as them being allowed in the Elites.

I can think of a lot of things to spend $21k on, and one of them is not a seat on a plane.

You two don't need to bring common sense into this. You will really mess up the heads of those that think they need every rod in 1" increments, or that bass won't eat a lure without a flouorocarbon leader no matter how many A-rigs get swallowed. Knowing what bass like, their habits in general (studying your prey) will be a great assistance for any angler. Study your local bodies of water. (maps of depths trees rock streams rivers feeding it etc) A lot of this can be done off the water. Just like practicing with your equipment. You can get deadly accurate flipping etc in your backyard. Doesn't mean you will be as good as a guy that does the same studying and fishes regularly but you can find and catch fish.

I learned a very long time ago once you give a spot to a friend pretty soon after it's a community hole. It cost a lot of money to learn a big lake so if someone ask where I caught them I'll them the very general area & leave it at that. There are many who will only fish other people finds & will not look around for new spots. I fish alone during the week 99% of the time & never keep a bass unless I gut hook one.

give people help give people tips, NEVER GIVE PEOPLE YOUR SECRETS. lets say someone says theyre having trouble catching on a walking bait and ask for help, you can give them that and its great and a nice thing to do, now lets say they ask for a good fishing spots or "hey where ya been catchin em' " i will give help (the best i can) on any lure or on how to find fish to anyone that asks, dont expect me taking you to my best spot unless your family then i just blind fold you.

Read the real story http://bassfishingarchives.com/short-strikes/jack-smithwick-sr-the-warhorse-man

I will try to answer your question the best I can so bear with me. @bchase44 Bass will travel as far as necessary in order to follow there food and also the conditions they prefer or need to survive in. Im also assuming that when you say structure you are actually referring to cover like grass, rock or wood. While these are good they mean nothing unless the structure around it attracts bass. I cant say for sure how far the bass travel in your lake but as I said they will travel as far as necessary. The main thing to key in on is how far does the bait travel during any given day. This is something you can only learn from your own observations. My lake is 45,000 acres and there are many different areas or sections that different groups of bass travel throughout the year but this is because they have everything they need in say 800 acres so there is no need for them to travel the entire lake.

Picture someone that's only fished with a float and worm on a hook reading about a monster shoepick someone caught out of the snot grass on a whopper plopper.

There is nothing that keeps me from getting a longer rod now if I want one. Just cause pros cant use them doesnt mean I cant. Ive thrown senkos lipless cranks on 9'-10' rods already. People that limit their use to what pros use are just being lemmings. The fish though might like the little extra leverage advantage they will be getting.

There is also video of him (outside the ESPN offices) chipping a golf ball into a glass of water. Probably at the same time he made the commercial for ESPN. I believe that although there are golfers with better records, Arnold Palmer is the most influential golfer in history.

Hes smiling in both pictures ? With a BA fish in his hands.. looks happy to me.

I wonder how many of those road signs are really old...and how many are acquired via Midnight Acquisition, Inc..

A-Jay

With ten foot you don't have to cast, just drop the jig in the water.

I wish someone would have told me that if the hook in your hand has no play in it, then it is through something solid, and you should go straight to the ER. You can push the hook through and cut the barb, you can back it out and cut along the barb to free the hook, or you can tie a line around the hook and yank it out with a quick snap. When that hook has gone through something or is around something, then you might cause more problems by trying to remove it yourself. Found that out about 30 years ago when a treble hook went into my hand. In the ER they told me that the hook had gone through nerve tissue, but luckily it was not severed all the way and would heal over time.

I guess the extra length would be nice for casting distance but storage is gonna be a major pain....that creates a new market for guys to "need" to start buying boats with 10' rod lockers though.

I always struggle to find bass and my wife's butt never looks big in anything she asked if it does in. You mean like that Sam? I think I have this one down.

As Keith says, Marker buoys will give you an easy way to pinpoint a desired target and, once you find what you are looking for, frees you up from having to constantly watch the sonar/gps screen and trying to adjust the boat accordingly. Doing the latter is a LOT harder than it might seem. Note, depending upon the current and/or wind speed and the distance the weight must travel before it hits bottom, you may need to toss the buoy a little upstream or upwind to compensate. Otherwise, the buoy will have drifted off target. Oh, and don't forget to pick it/them up when you are done. It's easy to forget to do this-especially if YOU have drifted some distance away.

Just received my small order of Tungsten flippin' weights from Siebert Outdoors. That guy is squared away, 3 days from ordered to received. That's incredible service right there!

Bahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!! Negative ghost ryder! Lol, got a pretty good kick outta that.

Wouldn't happen to be made by Samsung, would it?

@Bluebasser86 Give a man a fish & you'll feed him for a day Teach a man to fish & you'll confuse him for a lifetime!

Round here we call em bream but I think its the same thing. Pretty much any the size of your hand are big enough to eat. Anything smaller is more work than its worth. Any more than 10 is considered a mess and enough for a good meal for 2 or 3

Nice . . . but double occupancy is a New Boat ~ A-Jay

I haven't been able to use this rod as much as I'd wanted to by now. But enough to know that it's the real deal. Had a trailer bearing fail on the way to my Potomac tournament that kept me off the water for that event (and cost me my AOY lead )...After that fiasco I've been focused on prepping for my next event which is a lake where the chatterbait won't play, so it's been on the back-burner. I've only been able to use the rod on a couple practice days for that Potomac event. The rod I was using previously was a Zillion Glass 7'2" MH/R which I really liked overall, but didn't care for the split-EVA grip as much...The 736 is lighter and more balanced than the Zillion and has a faster action, power is about the same. The 736 is also more sensitive than the Zillion...You're not getting the same feedback as you would with graphite, but you can feel everything the bait is doing just fine. Application-wise it does it's job well, you can really move a chatterbait through the grass and popping it free isn't cumbersome. It loads well for casting and even though it's on the long side, it's pretty good at skipping a chatterbait under docks too (to be fair though, the docks on the Potomac are pretty tall). I haven't caught a ton of fish with it, but it handles fish well...You've got power to move them for sure but the glass keeps a nice, even pressure on them. Seems to keep em pinned pretty well, I haven't lost any yet (it will happen though) and I've boat flipped every single one.

One issue not mentioned is that many factory rods are built with cardboard reel seat shims, insufficient epoxy between the blank and the components, and terrible quality cork (look at it closely and you'll see all the filling that has been done to make it look good. Add this very important workmanship issue to all the others and you'll have a top quality rod that will last forever if taken care of, and it will be exactly what you want. One issue of making it what you want is this: If you know you will be using line no heavier than 15 pound braid on a spin rod you can make the rod with smaller reduction guides than the factory does. The factory rods have to accomodate all lines, so will most often use larger reduction guides than necessary resulting in a heavier, less sensitive rod. Finally, there is a ot of enjoyment that comes when you finish the rod and take it fishing, knowing that this is your creation. This is much different than the purchasing of a rod and taking it out the first time.

BTW, where did you say this creek was?

At a BFL on Okeechobee earlier this year, I drew a boater who has been a guide there for 10yrs.. After the meeting we met to discuss the usual...where we will meet in the morning, can I bring him lunch, drinks, how many bags of ice etc. Then I ask my usual questions... Did you get a chance to pre fish? Do you have a plan for the day? Where we gonna start? What type of combos should I bring? Etc. He said to me..Quote..."I have to depend on your honor not to tell anyone where we're going, and what we're gonna do. I have 3 spots that I only go too during tounament's, I don't even take clients there, even if they're stuggling. I assured him that should not be a concern, I would never do that. We both had a limit by 8:30. He finished in the top 10, and I in the top 20 and both cashed. I have since fished that lake 3 times since in tournaments all as a co angler. We are the only 2 who know where it is and what we did and I didn't say anything and absolutely won't. Now, to me thats just professional courtesy...That man fishes for a living, I don't. So the question is, which I've been asked.. Would I fish it if I was by myself? ....Nope, won't do that either. Understanding It's not the same thing, but in a lot of ways it is. Mike