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Ok, I think he gets it. He hasn't responded but hopefully he has been reading the responses and absorbing some of the very valid points that have been brought up. I just want to remind people, he is a kid. Just pointing that out, especially to those throwing around the "elitist" comments. While they may be well intentioned (I'd like to think that), I would be willing to put a paycheck on the fact that NONE of us can honestly admit they didn't say things or do things when they were 16 that they wouldn't take back in hindsight. Feel free to disagree with me, but I have never met a perfect man.

I don't use anything on braid, don't use anything but hot water on mono, don't see the need for those products, tried them and never saw much of a benefit.

As much truth as there is to "let the fish tell you," it doesn't really make sense as an answer when someone is asking a question like this. I think what most users want is some pointers or personal experience, in other words, what has worked personally for YOU in the past. When the bite is tough but I know fish should be feeding on topwaters, I will throw a small popper. Also, I like throwing poppers when there are a lot of emerging forms of cover that come up out of the water. For instance, I will throw a popper, work it for three or four pops, and pause it next to wood, or lilly pad openings. This works extremely well when fish are holding on cover. I also really like throwing poppers when fish are in somewhat of a lethargic mode. I like throwing buzz baits mostly during spring or when I know bass are on the move and feeding heavily. Do not be afraid to work it fast, fast, fast. Also, don't be afraid to work it slow either. I would say that here in NC where I live, the next month or maybe even two will be GOLDEN for buzz bait fishing. I also like to throw buzz baits where there is a lot of emerging forms of cover. I also find that it works extremely well when throwing into shallow flats. You can really cover a lot of water and fish can see the bait really good in these situations. When fishing a lot of leafy cover and vegetation, I will throw a frog of some type. If I would have otherwise wanted to throw a buzz bait but the vegetation is too thick, I will throw a horny toad. If I am around lilly pads, want to fish more of a popper style bait or I am looking for a bigger bite, I will throw something like a spro frog. Spooks and other walk the dog type baits have worked best for me when the fish are really keying in on shad. I have actually had more success with this bait, personally, when the water is a little bit clearer. From my experience, this is a really good all around bait and works wonders on open water. It is a really good search bait. You should definitely experiment. The fish in the particular body of water may also just prefer one bait over the other. As others have said, "let the fish tell you." However, the above I believe are pretty good general ideas of what you can look for---they have certainly worked well for me. ---Carlos

This bolded line really gets to me.... I mean really?? YOU felt that was enough??? Who the heck made you the judge and jury? I sure as heck am not gonna have someone, let a lone a 16yr old, tell me that I can or can't take fish home that I catch.

I think you may have hit the nail on the head. I see way to many of these "bucket fishermen" threads. The underlying tone in many of these sounds like " I C&R so I am better than you". No one ever comes right out and says that, but that's what is sounds like me. And I can't understand what the statement "they look like immigrants" has to do with anything. I practice C&R 99 percent of the time. I take small fish out of fish management areas (because that is what the FMA is for) or I'll keep a fish that will most likely die if released. If I see someone obviously not following the rules then I notify my local FWC office and let them handle it. I don't have a badge and I'm not a Judge so it's not up to me to get in the middle of it.

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There are a lot of good points here. We have no right to say anything if other anglers are obeying the law. We could be placing ourselves in danger if we criticize someone for keeping fish and he or she turns out to have a hair-trigger temper. Reporting the event to the authorities is always the best bet. We should take care of our fisheries. For some fisheries that means catch and release for the most part. For others, selective harvest is necessary to maintain good fishing. There is one other thing I want to add that some have touched on in this thread. Some, but not all, of these bucket fishermen are very likely poor and are one step away from being on the street. I think we should try to see the world through their eyes sometimes. If you've ever hit rock bottom you know what I am talking about. If your children were mal-nourished or you had to choose between food and Grandma's life-saving medication the decision to catch a number of fish over the limit to allow you to achieve those goals might be a very strong motivation. I'm not saying it is ok to destroy our fisheries, or that these people shouldn't be looking for a job, but often, things aren't as black and white as we like to see them. A little compassion and thankfulness that we aren't in those shoes is in order at times.

look kid, I am not going to be rude........I will say, if that is you in your avatar then most "buckets" have been fishing more than you been alive....maybe you should talk to them and ask how they are doing, how are the fish biting.....ya know show some respect. I fish some lakes here around me where the old black farm hands will ask to hold your boat rope while you park ..... and you know what, you let them do it and you give them a few bucks. Its called RESPECT, they give it so you give it back to them...its always PLEASE , SIR , and THANK YOU ..them to me and I to them.......on the bucket deal I have caught catfish on jigs or chatterbaits before and kept for the sole intent to give to a bucket guy......... they were THANKFUL, not cause someone gave them something cause they havnt caught jack crap in 3 days and were hungry!!! you need to get off your elitist attitude and be thankful for what you have......... I mean you got sponsors right kid? I would hate to know that company is giving you stuff knowing you are sabotaging other fishermen instead of promoting the sport you say you love. END OF RANT.........

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This ..........................I only wish I could remember all the stupid things I said or did as a kid, but there were so many it's all one giant blur of stupid. At least the kid cares about the pond and is out fishing, he'll learn. It's probably a good thing he posted what he did here, and some of you guys gave him heck for it, now he'll think twice next time.

My standard T-rig set up is with a tempered glass faceted 7mm or 8 mm bead, painted Top Brass bullet weigh 3/16 or 1/4 oz owner 5103 size 3/0 to 5/0, 8 to 14 lb FC line, 3 or 4 power 6'10" worm/ jig rod, Ardent or Daiwa reels depending on the line, weight and soft plastic combination. I fish hand poured soft plastic worm from 6" to 16" and a variety of creatures on this rig in water from 1' to 40' Next to jig a T-rig versitle for year around presentations. Tom

I agree completely. Right about the same time this thread was started, another was started suggesting that live bait fishermen are "lazy." I would say that 97% of bass fisherman are good, honest, humble people but that other 3% have an awfully high opinion of themselves and what they do. This arrogance is disgusting and makes all of us look like idiots.

This weekend Buggs Island/Kerr Lake, 800 miles of shoreline and eight major creeks, was heavily stained up lake and my friend told me that the Clarksville area was a disaster with dirty and debris laden water. Tried to find clear water but none to be found, especially in the backs of creeks in the upper middle of the lake. We had lots of rain and snow previously and the water is now entering Buggs depositing lots of mud and debris. Water was clearer near the dam and in Nutbush Creek down lake. Now if a body of water such as Buggs can get dirty from water runoff I would think a pond would get clobbered with runoff and become stained to muddy. But wait a minute. Is that true? I would venture to say that a pond that does not have grass around it or is fed by a drain field would absorb more dirt and debris than one that has vegetation around it and is spring fed. Depending on the current and the drainage system, a pond may clear sooner than a large lake. As for which one clears off first, I would vote for the pond unless fresh water starts to enter the larger lake from the river(s) feeding it and pushes the dirty water out of the system faster than the dirt has time to fall to the bottom in a pond. I vote for the pond to clear faster. As for your lady friend that got away, I bet she is still in the same area waiting to spawn. You guys in the Carolinas are ahead of us in Virginia for the spawn and up this way we expect the ladies to hit the shallow waters this week and then go on their beds next week when the Dogwoods bloom. By then your pond should be in good condition to fish. Let us know when you catch her and post a picture.

A Texas rigged Skirt & Plastic combo can be really deadly. Fish it deep, fish it shallow, fish it in any cover or fish it in open water; you're only limited by your own imagination. (and the size of the weight) A-Jay

No lazy angler will ever be consistently successful. A really good live bait angler puts in some study before just chucking out a bobber. The best bait live/artificial won't get any bites where there is no fish.

Why does it matter how someone catches their fish? If they pay their license fees and obey the rules, then why is it any concern of yours?

The only thing that keeps Lake of the Ozarks from being a better fishery than it is, is all the hoopla stupid drunken nonsense that happens every summer weekend there. Take away the 50' cigar boats and ocean yachts and its a top notch bass lake.

I can tell you jerkbaits work for smallies but not largemouth, right A-jay?

LOL, ok he responded at the same time I did.

That is a sweet combo A-Jay!!! Like it a lot...

I had a bit of trouble with one of my Chronarchs but my revos were not too bad. I licked the handle and they went on quick fast. Que the smart elec comments now lol

Pistachios.......Tuckahoe Joe does it while fishing spinnerbaits!

Walk around it throwing a Bomber Square-A in white or brown/chartreuse. Or a wacky rigged Senko into the deeper holes.

Stopped by Black Hills this evening, good spinnerbait bite going on. Caught one 21 1/2 inch, then lost the spinnerbait. So got lazy and fished for awhile with soft plastics with no bites. Talked to Ken for a few minutes, after he left tied on another spinnerbait and proceeded to get a 21 inch then a 19 inch largemouth back to back.

I have looked at the same rod and asked glenn about the durability of the telescoping rod and he eased my worries on it. I was going to buy one the other week but didn't get time to go to Bass Pro to get it. You can go either route (fixed or telescoping) but don't be too concerned with the durability of the telescoping rod. I am going with the 7'6" MH telescoping rod mainly for my deep cranks (3/4 oz and heavier) mainly b/c I need something to throw big cranks on but need it to fit in my rod box (Tracker 165= small rod box) and the telescoping fits the bill. For my shallow/medium/lipless cranks I will use my 6'6" M Crankin Stick.

Good work man. That'll catch fish for sure.

Np. They will have another sale in 4-5 months or so. Check out their FB page too. They have give aways there alot too.

Depends how much you want to get into it. I have a rod and tackle box set up for bass and another rod and tackle box set up for trout. If you use a spinning rod for bass, all you really need are some smaller lures like in line spinners and that will get you started. I prefer using an ultra light rod for trout fishing though. I have my trout reel spooled with 4# Floro. Catching freshly stocked trout with a medium action rod is just to easy and takes away the fun for me. And if you catch a 4+ # native trout in a river on an ultra light rod, the adrenaline will rush and you should have a good fight in store.

The coolest looking RT bait in the water has to be the smokin' rooster. Looks awesome, but the fish in my lake hate it. I guess I gotta go with the Rage craw or the Rage grub. The grubs are an awesome trailer on just about anything.

Agreed. Things vary by state but where I live you could actually be the one that gets in trouble for doing something like this. We have a law on the books here that prohibits interfering with someone who is actively hunting or fishing. There was a case several years ago where a guy took it upon himself to release a large bass from a shore anglers stringer. He was arrested and it wound up costing him a $500 fine. Sabotaging someones gear would definitely get you the same treatment.

I went camping with my family and friends last summer. One of the guys on our site came to do a little fishing but had no clue what he was doing. Bought all kinds of stuff and some worms. He was skunked on the waters right in front of our campsite. I befriended him and "showed him the way". One fish drew some of the others over including my kids. About five of us spent the next few hours talking, drinking beers, smoking cigars all while casting out worms and waiting for the bobber to drop. One rod/reel amongst us all mind you! His girlfriend even took some of the perch we caught and cooked them up! They left more excited about the sport, I got to do some unplanned fishing alongside him and it was all over a hook and bobber. Time and a place for everything people.

Space monkey hands down. One of the best producing plastics I've used. Regardless of color I love the action and apparently the bass do too!

Fish in the river are hitting jerkbaits fished slow. Allen

In Wisconsin the catch and release rate for Largemouth and Smallmouth bass is well over 90%. I would guess it's like that most places nowadays, because of the CPR mindset. If you want to maintain a good fishery some fish need to be removed. Whether it is a pond or a lake or a river, fish need to be harvested if you want a larger average size. Especially in the overly fertile waters here. I have no problem with people keeping their limit of bass, as long as they are within the law. Will I keep a limit of bass? No way. Why? because I catch my fill of walleye, perch, crappie, or northern when I want a fish fry. That's a lot better eating than bass IMO. I've fished tournaments where there are people waiting at the launch for us to release our fish, so they can try to catch them. I've even been asked if they can have my 5 fish bag. To those people I say (___) off, go catch a carp. To the OP, I don't think I would be going around wrecking people's gear because your a little upset about 5 bluegill... get real man. If your that angry, call the warden.

so much about this thread disgusts me. if people are breaking the law, fine, report them. But pulling that hook bending stunt makes me sick. You crossed your boundaries regardless of the situation. Perhaps you try and educate them on the fishing laws theyre breaking, ignore them and report them and let authorities(or land owner) handle it, but sabotaging them is real foul. not all "bucket" fishermen are breaking the law, and just because theyre on the shore and keeping fish doesnt make them bad people either. They have the same rights you do, catch and release may be your choice, doesnt mean it has to be the next persons choice...

Went out this morning. There was all kinds of activity all over the lake. In the past few weeks it was pretty much dead still. Today there was fish breaking the surface all over. I even got a topwater hit. I missed the fish but its a good sign. Caught a nice one a little later on chartreuse spinnerbait.

Sounds like a matter of 'mind your own business' to me. They are fishing just like you if they are not breaking the rules. Sounds like a clear case of high-horse bullying to me.

Garth needs to start the Tour bus up... You can see it in his face he misses it...

If im with young kids or just want to "beer" fish, ill do it!!

No. Just a different method. Different strokes for different folks.

First off CP I commend you on taking him fishing in the first place. You are a fine example of what fishing is all about. If it weren't for our peers a lot of us either wouldn't be fishing or would be like your friend. You may find you have established a life-long friendship. Be patient, teach what you know and the new things you learn. He will make a lot of mistakes and really try your patience but when you two are older you can look back and probably have some good laughs. You will have plenty of time to fish but maybe not a lot of opportunities to share it with others. By the way.....as of this post, you have made 403 posts. YOU'VE WON A PRIZE! PM me your address and I'll see that you get it!

Why not just point him to bass resource and he can learn all he needs to know about bass fishing. Plus we gain a new member. It's a win win situation.

If they weren't breaking any size or creel regulations, what you did was uncalled for and could have been dangerous. If they are not breaking rules, they have every right to keep their catch.

Some waters are like banging your head against a brick wall.......it feels good when you stop.

I agree with all these posts. Helping him pick out his equipment & showing him how to use it will be fun. As far as helping him catch a fish & enjoying it, I get more enjoyment when my wife catches fish more than I do when I catch one. It's a great feeling, specially when I know she is learning what to throw, where to throw it, & how to throw it. You're a good man for doing this for him. You never know what kind of impact this can have on him.

My 2 cents is this......if you think catching a fish is fun. Wait till your buddy catches one with your help. It is one of the best feelings you'll have. Helping someone who has less experience will actually make you a better fisherman. You'll pick up on things he may be doing that isn't right, but if you pay attention and help him correct it, you'll realize that your own skills will improve. Have fun, get him set up with some Texas or Carolina rigs. It will make it easy for him. Good luck and have fun.

Okay CPBassFishing. I'm feeling generous tonight. If it is okay with your parents send me your address over in a PM and I'll send you some lures and some new mono to put on his reel. Set him up texas rig on worms and lizards and such. That should keep him busy.

Anyone can dominate a pond using soft plastics. Don't get stuck on one bait but don't switch every five casts. Take your time and like they said, stay quiet! What works for me is almost always a texas rigged worm. Don't ignore spinnerbaits though!

Really? I find it one of the fastest and easiest knots to tie without creating a giant tag end to cut. I've also used palomar with no issues too but SDJ knot is faster especially with trebles and wire baits.

Next time you talk to the guy tell him you took his advice and have been killing it on that rig ever since.