I think maybe the hookset was the problem with the mono, but there's no
way it was the problem with the power pro. I think the problem there was
too much pressure and the hole in the mouth getting opened up a little.
I'm going to work on easing up on the fight and keeping my rod low (in
the water) till I get them close enough to bag.
=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0Thanks for all the help, I'll let you know how
it goes next time I hook a big one. I plan to fish again this coming
Friday night.
Rich P
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3 D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
No! Your new ideas are wrong, and I'll tell you why right now.

First question I'll ask is, are you thinking you're going to apply
Bluegill, and Crappie finesse techniques on large Bass? If the answer
is yes, you'll never succeed in becoming proficient at catching large
bass.

It is sometimes avoidable of a bass acquiring a large hole in their
mouths, the sides of their mouths are like paper, and any large hook
will tear a hole. Within a second, or two, the hole can easily be the
size of a .38 caliber bullet.

Toying with the fish will get you nowhere! You give him just one
opportunity to get off, and he will. This means never letting up, never
giving him slack, never "playing" him, you fight him, don't play him.
In virtually all instances, you need to horse Bass, not play them, and
you need the proper, ultra strong equipment that can take this abuse.

You will not land all large bass, and that's a fact, but to increase
your percentages, this is what I think you need to do.

NEVER leave your rod low to the water when a fish is on! Your ignoring
the most important aspects of what a fishing rod was designed, and
supposed to do.

By keeping your Rod low to the water, your Rod now has no ability to
absorb shock loads from the fish, has no ability to automatically keep
tabs on slack, and has no ability to absorb shock which can break your
line, and even damage your fishing reel.

Try this test once: Attach a house brick at the end of your line, stand
with the brick in front of you with the brick on the ground, hold the
rod at a 45 degree angle, and now, without moving the rod up, or down,
try cranking up the brick. You'll then understand the great importance
a rod plays in fighting fish.

Dump the 10 pound test. There's nothing at all wrong with monofilament
lines, provided you're using good high quality name brands, and of the
proper test. For bass, I'd recommend no less than something like 17-20
lb Dupont Magnathin , or the like. For slop fishing, I'd say this is a
low end borderline for test.

Yes, you are going to sacrifice some casting distance, it is unavoidable
in many instances, especially if your trying to cast light lures like
some rubber frog baits, poppers, etc.

If your using light Spinning Gear which is generally not ideally suited
for Bass fishing, consider upgrading to a larger sal****er type Spinning
reel which will be better compatible with the heavier lines I mention,
or convert over to Bass Casting gear, such as a Shimano Calcutta, Garcia
Abu Ambassador 5000. Both are good reels.
I've got a friend in MN who once showed me a couple of large cardboard
boxes full of lesser reels which just didn't hold up for long, and
literally disintegrated under the abuses of big bass fishing. Reels
like those fancy all graphite Quantums (621's 381's etc), and cheaper
Daiwa's.

All my Bass Casting rods are ALL Heavy Action (St Croix Legend mostly).
I've found virtually all Medium action Rods to be way too wimpy for good
hooksets, and for having the ability to turn, and properly fight big
bass. By big bass I mean minimum 4 lbs, and up.

Yes I know, a 6-7 lb'er in florida perhaps isn't considered a "large"
bass, but a scrappy 6 lb'er in minnesota, and I guarantee you,, you'll
have your hands full big time!

I'd also closely examine, and consider trying other hooks for your
fishing. Some of these offset bend hooks may not be properly driving
home into a bass's jaw with good pressure.

Always remember, a big bass has only one goal when you hook him, and
that's to get away from you as quickly as possible, at no matter what
cost, whether it's wrapping himself around a log, some weeds, a boat
dock, cattails, lily pads, anything he can find, and also making a
quick moment of slack in the line. Just a fraction of a second of slack
will be all he needs in instances to succeed in finding freedom.
I hope these guidelines help you in better success, Mark