Leaderboard

I wish more anglers judged fish by their length rather than their weight. Length is a far more intuitive metric than weight (funny how we mock fat people, but put obese bass on a pedestal). An 8-lb bass might have a 1-lb shiner in its stomach, but if it regurgitates that baitfish during the battle you're going to land a 7-lb bass. However, with or without the 1-lb baitfish, the length of the bass will remain unchanged (7-lber = ~23"). Roger

You'll get different opinions on this but I'm going to say Very Bad Habit. I used to do it and I snapped Off Way Too Many Fish ! If a decent fish is heading the opposite direction - you can pop you're line a lot easier than you think. Additionally, any fray, nick or weak point in your line has less of a chance of survival to begin with but less chance to hold if you thumb the spool. Set the drag correctly and let it do it's job. Short story ~ one night after a fairly frustrating day on the water, I was complaining to my Dad that I hadn't landed many big fish that season. He asked me - "How many fish have you snapped off on the hook set ?" I said "5 or 6 I guess" He replied "Those were your Big Fish" I never thumbed the spool again. A-Jay

Please don't use the word cute again when talking bass fishing, lures, etc.. Lol your man card has been taken away for at least a week.. Now get in the kitchen and make me a sammich...

I dont think fish are on a diet in the summer. I'd fish if the time were available today. I'd fish during the storm tomorro as long as theres no lightning I'd fish anytime my wife or work lets me cause the fish are hungry pre, during, and post frontal in the summer imo are all good

I realize this is not what the cool kids do ~ but I use one of these quite a bit. A-Jay

I try never to lift anything bigger than a dink. If I can reach the fish I will lip it in the water.

Well, I was down south today with a couple of hours to kill so I went by a Cabella's then by a Bass Pro Shop. Both of these stores are a couple of hours from my home. There's a Dick's here in town and a Gander Mountain about 30 miles away but both of these places were pretty useless for me. Both Cabella's and BPS were great! There was a gentleman at BPS that was great to work with and when I told him that I was investigating whether I wanted a lefty or a righty, he said let's set a couple up and go outside and give it a go. So we spent some time looking at baitcasters and picked two identical rod and reels and outside we went. I got a lesson in how to set them up and how to cast them. Turns out I think I like the right handed model better. It felt better "palming" the reel in my left hand than my right. In fact I kept my left hand on the reel when I was casting. For you golfers out there I had almost a Vardon overlap thing going on with my index and little finger. I know I had a lot more accuracy when I was doing it this way. So, anyway I spent close to 2 hours with this guy and when I described my price range etc, he tells me he could sell me several reels there........but for my money he suggested a Lew's Speedcaster SS1.......that normally is out of the price range I wanted to spend but he tells me that Lew's has a $20 rebate right now. So, here's the catch.........BPS doesn't sell Lew's. He said they are normally a $100 reel but the rebate was a really good deal. He said if you need it today, go back to Cabelas and pay $99.........if not then go online to tackle warehouse......that they have them for $89 and with a $20 rebate I was at my number of $70 for a reel. I told him this didn't seem right, he said don't worry about it........it's not like I work on commission. He said just stop in the next time I was on my way to my parents house and let him know how it's working out. You gotta be kidding me! So i bought $20 worth of plastics.......I bought him a pop....I got a BPS customer rewards card and I was out of there. Anyway, that's my story.

I'm going with - It all depends what's available on the water one's fishing. On Lake Erie - a 4lb smallie could be considered a dink. On Lake Baccarac in Mexico - a 6lb largemouth is definitely a dink. However, both of those fish are trophies on ALL of my home waters . . . . A-Jay

I beg to differ.

Look, you either like the rod or you don't! There's nothing wrong with people like to use these rods, and there's nothing wrong with those who don't. It's called personal preference. Some people are willing to sacrifice sensitivity in order to have a durable rod, and some people will take sensitivity over everything else. Ugly Stiks are exactly what they market themselves to be: a durable rod for an angler on a budget. However, there is a reason why you don't see any serious tournament anglers using Ugly Stiks. Compared to other brands, even some of the same price range, they aren't very sensitive and they're heavy. Ergonomically, they have minor faults as well. However, there is nothing wrong with that. A lot of people out there could care less about these issues. In conclusion, those of you who use higher end rods need to not look down upon those who like their Ugly Stiks. Conversely, those who use lower end gear don't need to make snide remarks about those who are willing to spend a little extra coin on their gear. It's called personal preference. Respect it.

Talk about laying up a softball! A nice fish is the one YOU just landed, isn't it?

I'd have to say yes, simply on the idea that I only had one fishing rod growing up. I now have many because I'm older, make good money, and spend too much time reading this forum and 'have' to 'have' more and better equipment.... sure could be worse...

Used a 500$ giftcard today I bought for father's day at 10% off in combination with the current sale. To say I stocked up is an understatement...

d**n...my wife is gonna be mad

I'll have to respectfully disagree with you that bass taste like grass. I think they taste like any other white meat fish.

You have your fishing license/permit don´t you ? You respect size limits ? You respect possesion limits ? You obey laws and regulations ? If all your answers are positive then the fish is yours for you to do whatever you want, screw the chest beaters ( mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa ). I have no beef with people following the rules. It´s been a loooong time since the last time I ate a bass, but that doesn´t mean I don´t eat or will eat bass.

Seems to be a societal taboo.

I agree^. the jiga has extra hardware/split ring which will pick up way too many weeds. the punch rig is more weedless. however punching is basically a vertical presentation. you'll be fighting weeds trying to work it horizontally from shore. i would def punch from a boat/canoe/kayak. going deep into weeds is very hard from shore. i'd probably pull a split shot along the tops of weeds for finesse, a 3/8-1/2oz T-rig beaver to go 1/2 way down weeds, or a weightless senko with a bead in front pulls thru weeds very easy. for me working extra extra slow is the key b/c it gives the bass time to surface 1/2 way up and take the lure. jump in a canoe if you wanna really want to go down in after the hogs. i fish a similar pond and the bite really turns on at dusk/dawn/night fishing b/c the bass surface and chase anything on top from frogs to buzzbait to senkos. the jika works better on rocky bottoms. http://www.***.com/how-to-pitch-deep-grass-with-bass-jigs/

I guess I'm too cheap to risk breaking a good rod. So i net them, lip them or grab the line to lift them. I never swing them into the boat just using the rod.

Stand on a skateboard, clip it to your dog's collar and throw a MilBone®. Same results...

I think with a Jika you'll be hauling weeds in all day or losing your rig on said weeds when it gets hung up. I'd throw the punch and save the Jika for when you have more open water.

Yes, absolutely. There are some lures you won't be able to use effectively, and others where you may need to get creative or make compromises, but it will work. Figure out what lures you will be using most, and work from there. You could catch bass year round with just 6-12 lures (4, if you really tried). Most spinning reels come with 2 spools (or you can get extras for BCs) so you almost have 2 setups there. We tend to over complicate fishing (all sports really) and the InterWb doesn't help.

Zebco, Van Staal, Quantum, Martin, Fin Nor, Martin, and Rhino are all BRANDS owned by W.C. Bradley Co. Original Van Staals were legendary. Opinions differ now. And best in the World is relative to what it needs to do. Google ZeeBaas reels if you want a top of the line, take it for a swim surf reel. Then come tell me about the Van Staal. There are several best in the worlds relative to what you want a reel to do. I'd love an Exist 1003 or a Cardiff 2000HGS for trout fishing. Wouldn't use either in the surf. Do your research before talking nonsense like everyone else.

FYI, Dr Ruth was a sniper in the Israeli army, she was noted to be a crack shot. Her army career was cut short due to a cannonball injury, she admits she never killed anyone.

Prior to FMC buying Jaguar the cars had a reputation of being constantly in service, if it rained just leave it in the garage, lol. Once FMC bought them that all changed, went from an unreliable car to one the more reliable ones. I think Jag is now owned by an Indian company. I do believe the parent company often makes a difference on the product, both good and bad.

I usually just sorta palm it with my middle finger kinda touching the rod and index on the trigger and my left hand on the butt. Both sidearm and overhead. So as I release the bait my thumbs already right above the spool as I roll the reel so it's pointing towards the ground. Bait hits the water, I can then strip off line (t rig, jigs) or just start cranking since I don't have to change hands. Roll castings the same except one handed. Backhanded, pitching it's usually the same grip and it never leaves the reel.

Let the fish dictate to you what they want I usually start pretty fast and then if that doesn't work then try slower. There is no right of wrong way to work a frog.

This is only a dim memory, but I seem to remember hearing that Nanofil is fickle with knots and that there is a "Nanofil knot" that is recommended by Berkley for that line. I have never used Nanofil, so I'm just repeating what I've heard before. As for drag setting, I usually set mine to approximately 1/3 of the breaking strength of the line. So if you're using 10lb test, set the drag around 3-3.5lbs. On my jigging rods I will set the drag at nearly maximum, but the drag is still approximately 1/3 the line strength (10 or 12lb drag on 30lb test braid.) Many will recommend the drag be set to only 1/4 the strength of the line. I set mine by feel, but using a scale is the only way to be sure of what your drag setting is. Adjusting the drag while a fish is on should be a last resort, and rarely leads to good results. Set it properly to begin with and let it do what it's supposed to.

I prefer to judge a fish by its length.. I think anything in the over 18"+ range is a big fish You could fit yer fist easily in their mouths.. thats big

My standards based on the lakes I fish, area of the country (WNY) I am in, etc.... Small keepers: less than 2lbs Decent: 2-3 lbs Above average 3-4lbs Big: 4-6lbs Trophy's: 6-8lbs Fish of a lifetime: 8+ lbs

Its different for every lure, for spooks if they slap it or strike and miss I like to just stop it completely and wait... After 5 or so seconds if they haven't struck again I'll give it a few twitchs. Then if that fails I just start my normal retrieve again..

I've got five swept handles and they are phenomenal. Every reel I own will eventually have a HawgTech handle

Yeah. Absolutely. 7' MHF baitcaster. Springtime fish jerkbaits and lipless cranks, during the spawn you can flip and drag just fine with it, during summer you can fish about any bait you want with it, fall it will handle spinnerbaits and lipless just fine. Winter, I don't know.. I'm fishing through an 8" hole in the winter.

Ya should be concentrating on where, big bass are caught on everything from Crappie jigs to huge swim baits.

Are you originally from Alabama?

Pogo sticks are the best way to chase Sasquatch's. I believe it is on page three of the Big Foot Manual. Which for a short time you can be the proud owner of, for three easy payments of 49.99 plus S&P. The "Big Foot Manual" is written and illustrated by Bass Resources own Raiday Nay Shay Fishay. It is the definitive how to guide on how to catch Big Foot at all his shenanigans. But wait! Act now and we will also include a pair of Tipptrucks stank drawers as a special bonus gift. Just pay separate S&P.

Got this one off my dock on a Duo Hacker Slaver Chug Popper....... Got this one today off the dock on a Strike King Zero in Dirt...I had this fish last night on the same popper as above but she shook it lose after getting into some weeds. So we all know what the mission was today...

Throw some fresh Wisconsin cheese curds in on that deal and I'm in.

I Know - it's definitely unconventional - but what did you think the fish time you saw someone cast a 5 bait Alabama Rig ? I'm not sayin' - I'm just sayin' A-Jay

Alone, check Siebert Outdoors. http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/Rage-Tail-Structure-Bug-104.htm Pretty sure he still has some! Jeff

1/2 ounce. I know what you mean - a craw is a darn good trailer but so are many other baits. <<<<<<< That avatar fish (over 10lbs) ate the same 1/2 ounce jig with a 7 inch senko trailer. A-Jay

When I cast a lefty, my right is palming the reel. When I cast a righty, my left is either palming the reel, or I move it to the butt grip for a two handed cast, while my right is on the trigger.

She did escape from the game ranch up here a few weeks ago. The only way I could tell. The feed bucket was still full the next day. Plus there was a 5x5 hole in the fence. If it is Raiders sister in law. If you must approach her. You must like you would a sacred dog. Talk in a very soothing manner, and bring a 5 gallon pale of briskets and gravy. What ever you do. Do not scare her off. She wont run but more then 1ft, But here self defense will kick in. Now I bet your wondering what is. She will sit on you in till you stop breathing. To confirm it is raiders sister, and not big foot. Look for a cow bell around her neck. Plus a ear tag that reads. Tipptrucks exotic big girl game ranch. Her tag number is 666. If you bring her back alive. I will give you a case of beer.

Little bit shorter and wider that could be my sister in law.

Rather than posting on a subject you have little knowledge of, I would suggest cracking a book or two to see if you could figure out how life really works instead of how you want it to work. Perhaps the first thing you could spend some time studying would be a simple book used by many high school government classes. Pay special attention to the Bill of Rights and what it has to say about the due process of law. It's fairly easy to see that no one is guilty of breaking a law just by getting a ticket. After you have a rudimentary knowledge of how the criminal justice system works, there is one last thing to consider. When a conservation officer sees a person who is in the act of fishing, he has the right to expect that person to have a fishing license. In a child like world, it might sound reasonable that this officer would simply let anyone slide if or when that person stated that they were just "teaching" someone else to fish. So what happens when this conservation officer hears the same excuse from the next dozen people he checks? And just a little FYI, I always have my fishing license with me. It sits right in my wallet from the day I buy it until the day I purchase the next year's license. The only times I've ever had to remove it was when a CO asked to see it, and I gladly provided it to him with a smile on my face. It means that my license dollars are at work.

A couple more from tonight..... Both of these were caught on SK Zero on a NRX 802C with a Conquest 50 mounted on it....just a blast.

add me to that list of right handed but use left handed bait casters. I've tried to switch, but just doesn't feel right. And to the original poster, do what feels right to you. I've seen more companies make LH reels now and you've got a really nice selection to choose from. Good luck.

I've snagged gizzard shad close to 2 pounds on jigging spoons in the hot water discharge at the power plant lakes during the winter. That one is about the average size we see during the winter there, and bass will surely eat them that size.

I so much prefer summer fishing to winter fishing!

Hope I don't come off as an ass, but I really cringe at the thought that fisherman would come here for questions on their state/local fishing regs. I see it as a responsibility and an obligation to familiarize yourself with the regs where you fish. If I'm mistaken and you've read the regs and want opinions on interpretation, I apologize for the tone. What do your regs say?