JB, PNJ, any other Lake Eire BASS Fishermen

[lizardsrule]

OK I've been looking at the rods, and reels and deciding on what to take to Erie this weekend. I have quite a good selection Anyway I am trying to figure out what would be the best setups for Erie. I plan on taking 6 combos for the tournament. Here's a List of what I was thinking, but would definately like your ideas. First off, while theorizing on it( I know Big Trouble there) I was thinking the 7' rods would usually be a better choice, because of the deep water fishing that can occur for the smallies, so I took that into account. I have many 6'6" rods to replace any in the 7 foot size.

1. 6'6" Medium Baitcasting Crankbait rod ST Croix. I won't leave home without it
2. 7' Heavy St Croix Baitcasting Rod. I can pitch with this rod if we are doing so, but I can c-rig, with it, and t-rig also or PNJ.
3. 7' MH Baitcasting G Loomis for t-rig or really deep cranking. I also can double as spinnerbait buzzbait rod.
4. 6'6" MH St Croix usually rigged with a buzzbait, but not sure if that's a good choice of baits there. Can switch to spinnerbaits also.
5. 7' Spinning Medium Fenwick(just won this 2 weeks ago, haven't used it yet) for drop shot, and smaller t-rigs, weightless plastics, smaller cranks.
6. 6'6" Spinning MH St Croix. This is for Mojo rigs and light weight plastics. Obviously can be used for many other things also.

I have a 7'6" Baitcasting G Loomis Flipping Stick, that might be good for some of the deeper water c-rig or PNJ or T-rig. Didn't think I'd be flipping much, so I was not planning on taking it. I can pitch better with the 7' anyway. I also have a 7' Spinning Heavy St Croix rod. Thought about repalcing my 6'6" MH but not sure if appropriate or not.

I guess it comes down to what bait selection you would have pre-rigged for this tournament. I can switch up as needed. So I would appreciate you telling me what 6 combo's you would take, especailly the bait selections cool: Thanks in advance for your help.

Lizards

[zooker]

the only question i have what is the gear ratio of the reel on the 6'6'' mh if it is a 6:2 or higher i say leave it as a buzz bait rod. if lower than 6:2 replace it with a faster reel..

zooker

[rrw4258]

Lizards,
I only live 15 minutes from Erie (Sandusky)!! The fishing for Smallmouths and there has even been alot of LG Mouth being caught in the bay. When fishing Erie I use 14 - 17 lb. test. My favorite lure for Erie this time of year is a Culprit Gobie rigged Carolina style. Find a good rock pile out on the deep part of the lake and drop it down. You might also get some good Walleye off of it, but mostly bass! If you have anyother ?'s just ask.

[pig n jig]

Lizards, I am thinking you would not need a heavy action rod, especially if your targeting smallmouth.Maybe if your fishing heavy cover for largemouth, but chances are your boater will be fishing for smallmouth instead. I would have a suspending jerkbait(clown color), Tube bait (green pumpkin),chartreuse bladed spinnerbait,a zara spook jr ( white belly for sunny, chrome belly for overcast)a 5" green pumkin Zoom lizard for mini carolina rig/ texas rigged, alternating a zoom cotton candy centepede bait on the mini carolina rig. I would use the 6'6" Medium St. Croix rod for the zara spook jr, suspending jerkbait, if possible with 10lb test flourocarbon line for the jerkbait rod. The 6'6"-7' MH rods for the spinnerbait, mini carolina rig,tube bait.I think I am wrong for posting this because What I would use and what you prefer to use are most likely 2 different for you to fish comfortably. In saying that , you are better off fishing your strengths over what I reccomend.Remember if the guy up front is boating way more fish than you are, take the time to watch what he is doing to fish the same way he is to put a limit in the boat, then you can try for a kicker fish by changing to a different lure that can be fished in the same manner that are producing the fish. P N J