authentic

I've recently discovered a great little smallmouth fishery w/in a 30 minute drive from my home. The next closest place to really target them is probably 3-4 hours away, so I've never really targeted them in the past. I have to say that I'm now hooked, they're nothing like the largemouth I've fished for all my life. Been out there 3 times in the last week. So far, all i can really get them to hit is the Fat Ika rigged backwards (thanks for the tips, by the way). Last night I caught 17 in about 3 hours, and probably missed that many more. My buddy threw everything else he had at them, and only got 3. These things seemed to be gorging themselves on crawdads. Almost every one that I caught had one in their mouth, or had one come flying out when they shook their heads. I'm going to pick up some Rage Tail Craws that I read so much about here, but what else would you guys try? Maybe, other than soft baits. I think I've found a new addiction.

I read a lot about Yo Zuri hybrid on here. However, I usually just read that it's great, and you should use it. My question though, is why? What are the qualities that make it good? Is it something you would use on your spinning reels? baitcasters? I'm just really curious. I'm just getting a grasp on when I prefer mono or braid or flouro. Where does this fit in the line up?

I took my new green mirrored (copper base) 580g man-o-wars out for the first time, last night. I think they're going to make a world of difference. I've always used the cheap-o walmart ones. I don't think I'll regret the change at all. Just make sure you go try on the frames you like. They all fit very different.

I just received my ebay pair of green mirror 580s this weekend. I love them. One thing I'd say for sure, is that you should go try them on before just ordering the style you like. In trying a few pairs on at Bass Pro, I discovered I've got an enormous melon. The ones I would have chosen didn't fit at all. I ended up getting the Man O War frames and absolutely love them. I finally get to use them for my main purpose of fishing, this afternoon. I can't wait to try something other than the $5 ones I've had in the past.

I'm very curious about this, as well. My budget is in the $100 dollar range, but if I could get a good pair for less, I'd be game.

Looks like I should be fighting off the bait monkey, in order to supply my boat & truck w/some of these necessities. I am one of those guys who got my boat & trailer w/no spare, however, last year I only pulled the boat about 20 miles from home. Before my big trip this spring, a new tire will be mounted. Thanks for all the ideas. I never had a boat, until last spring, so I'm still figuring out all the things I need to get.

I've been looking at the restocking the tackle box thread, and bait monkey threads. While the bait monkey has gotten me, as well, I'm starting to think my money may be better spent getting some of the other necessities at this point. You know, the less exciting stuff. My question for you is, what things, other than new lures, do you guys consider necessities or almost necessities in your boat/tackle box? I just really got back into fishing a couple years ago, and I haven't accumulated all of the useful tools. For example, I picked up a nice pair of pliers last summer, and it sure made life nicer. So, what do I need to get?

I'm curious, too. I'm hoping to buy a pair in the next couple weeks, but the more I look into getting a pair, the more unsure I am about what type of lenses would be best for me. Kind of need an all around pair.

It looks to be a legit deal. They're brand new w/tags for warranty exchange. These don't have the fancy glass lenses, but I thought w/the different lenses it comes with, I could decide what I really like, before laying down a ton of cash. I'm mostly curious if anyone has this style & how they like having the interchangeable lenses & how comfortable they are.

I think I can get a pair of these w/3 different interchangeable lenses for under $60. I know these aren't their top of the line lenses, but I'm also not going to convince my wife that I need to spend $100+ on a pair. Would these be a good choice? Or, are there some others I should look at? Right now, I just use a $10 pair from Wal-Mart, so anything's gotta be an upgrade. I'm just starting to look into polarized sunglasses.

Thanks Catchnm. I've always been a cheap guy, up until last year. I started getting some nicer equipment, and have realized how much it helps. I can actually get the HMG for right about $50, if I order soon. Also, there's a good chance of getting into some over 20" at the lake I fish, which is absolutely huge, for here in Nebraska. I know a lot of people who like the HMGs, I just wish I could find out more about the Quantums.

I can get a great deal on a Quantum PT superlite rod or a Fenwick HMG. I'm looking for a great ML all-around rod. Something that makes it a blast to catch all the 14" bass I get into around here. I can get the Quantum for under $70 and the Fenwick for under $60. I was planning on the Fenwick, when I found the deal on the Quantum. I can't find any reviews on it, but it's regular price is $230. I'm just not sure about the foam grips on it. I have some friends that love their HMGs. Just curious if anyone on here has experience w/either or both of these? Or, if you think there is a better ML rod in that price range.

Just curious how one would go about planning a trip like this? It sounds like something I would love to do. Up to this point, I've only fished my home waters (which don't have a ton to offer), but I'm looking forward to branching out. I've started looking at different trips up to Minnesota/Canada, but there's so much that my head starts spinning.