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I caught this 4.1 pounder today on a 5" Baby Bass Senko wacky rigged. He was just short of 20 inches. My heart raced for 30 minutes. (-:

Al Lindner gets my vote for "Best Fisherman" Rick Clunn for "Best Bass Fisherman"

Went out to a new to me lake yesterday for the second time this week and had a pretty good time. Caught 18 total with 4 in the 19-20" range in about 5 hours. I will definitely be going to this lake again....oh and all the big girls were caught on zoom horny toads All the fish were super fat and healthy.

Dude, your such a rookie..theyre NEVER cool with it.

So, how do you fish a senko?

Day at Pond X Here's the line up

Sapphire Blue Rage Craw

You can find a Metanium HG for under $300 pretty easily. Put the white brakes in and let it fly.

"that's fine" woman code means do it and die

Nah, it'd be weird if you didn't like fishing any type of topwater. Actually, that'd be sick and I'd recommend seeing a Dr. 'I recommend taking two Sexy Dawgs and don't call me in the morning, go fishing.'

40 yds by itself is a pretty hefty cast, so 40 more than you I'm not so sure about. Impossible question to answer without being there, too many variables. The reel may have better bearings, more line on the spool and thinner line diameter, his reel may be adjusted better. Rod length can play big part, but one brand at 7' can cast as far as another brand at 8'. Fast taper will cast a lighter bait farther, but I personally think a fast or moderate fast will cast a heavier bait farther. The profile of the lure may have a bearing as well, some lures cut thru the air better, the weight of the lure may load his rod up better. He just may be more skilled.

I have all 4 in 50 size and on the water it's hard to tell them apart.

It's an odd thread because I totally missed getting my point across. It was intended to show anyone looking to getting into using a. One person vessel that they can get by with out electronics. A crank bait or two and a fishing rod/reel gan provide most of the same information I tend to over explain thing and end up confusing many people, including myself. The din din, mama should have been part of a PM and not in the post Sorry guys. Don't feel bad if you didn't understand, I didn't and I wrote it!

Got out today on Highland Lake and froze our butts off! Felt way more like October than August today, and fished like it as well. Pretty slow until the afternoon, and then caught a 3lber and then this 5 lb 13 oz beauty. Love that place. Shane, I'm trying to free up a Saturday as soon as possible!!!!

I don't even take those seriously anymore..

I always liked talking with jack Yates (fishfordollars). He was a great guy and super sharp! RIP brother.

^ and that's exactly what you should do OP. With all due respect to the other posters- and I do respect all of you, especially Raul- you have absolutely zero need to spend more than your quoting on a rig . None. You have a budget of "x" and you don't need to spend more than that on a part time hobby, which at this point- no matter how passionate iu are- that's what it is. Being in college and on a budget, plus just getting into bass fishing at 18...... you're not fishing tournements, and you expressed no desire to. You just want to catch some fish and enjoy learning the trade. I'm not sure if some of the other posters think its better for you to just not fish at all, until you have a 2-300 dollar rig, but that's asinine. Its about getting out there and enjoying nature and developing the skills (and addiction! ) that further your desire to get better and better. Are you eventually going to want to spend $200+ on a bass rig? Probably! Lol. It comes with the hobby. But its that way with any hobby. You start out with what you can afford, and then as your skill develops ( and hopefully your financial security increases) you can afford to move up. The reason I posted the old 70s pic of Bill Dance is that those guys used equipment that was cutting edge in their day- and we would consider it armature crap today. They did just fine. Thousands of bass are caught every day on Walmart Shakespeare combos! Of COURSE the entire thing is more enjoyable when you have top of the line gear..... but you know what? I DRIVE a helluva lot more than I fish- and I do just fine in a 98 Cherokee- I don't need a Ferrari to get to work. That's where you're at right now- just getting to work. Find a 6'6"mh rod, a good (research a bit) reel in a 6.x:1 ratio, and put some decent line on it and go fishing man! If you find that you love it and can find the time and money to invest in it- so be it. Then you can buy better gear. Until then its just posturing and wasting money.

I've always enjoyed the reports Paul Roberts wrote. Fun read.

I don't fish tournaments, which means that I am going fishing and would be grateful to have a non-boater with me. Since I was going fishing anyway, the only thing I would expect from my co-angler would be an assist in launching and retrieving the boat. As for tournament anglers, with the exception of entry fees, you should not expect to receive a penny from your co-angler. It's your boat, and you have elected to compete in a tournament. Co-angler or not, the cost of operating your boat is yours, and yours alone. Any contribution from the guy in the back seat should be appreciated, but not required.

The biggest key to becoming a better crankbait angler is to pay attention to the vibration. Try to block out distractions and tune in to what your bait is doing. Feel the vibrations the whole cast and retrieve. Use the force! Concentrate on the vibration and keep a positive attitude. The more you pay complete attention to the steady vibration of the bait the easier you can detect a difference or change in the vibration. You can tell when your bait comes in contact with cover or when its about to. You can feel the rush of water that means a fish just rolled on your bait. Sometimes you just loose the vibration which means the fish has your lure or when you feel slack. Most strikes are not bone jarring but a slight difference in the vibration and almost feels like an interruption in the vibration. Most guys say well with a crankbait the fish hook themselves. Well, unless you spend hours sharpening your hooks and if the bass turns with your bait more than likely your missing fish. If you do not react to the strike you can have the sharpest hooks but guess what they can still spit it. You don't set the hook like a jig or worm but I sweep my rod to gather any slack and line stretch just that tension is enough to drive the hook but if your sitting there waiting for the fish to hook themselves your going to be waiting a long time. If your using a dead pulling crankbait where all you feel is the pull and not the vibration you will never feel the difference in vibration and will never have a clue how many fish hit and spit your bait. Color is a factor to what bait to use in what water color or clarity but your first step should always be vibration. Depth control, lip style, line size all need to be factored in also. When figuring out what retrieve to use I try to make an educated guess of what I think the activity level of the bass should be then tweak the way I work the bait as I learn more through the day. I feel that a single rattle or no rattle work best because it gives a bass more of a direction of where the bait is. Sound from rattles kinda spreads out and doesn't give much of a direction just an are of noise but vibration gives more of a pinpoint direction. Baits with tons of rattles in them call bass from an area and in clear water to slightly stained water can be very effective. You need to understand that rattle noise and vibration are two separate things. You can't put them in the same category. Vibration gives a pinpoint direction and rattles give a general direction. Rod position will effect the depth of your bait and will change the amount of feel you have. I try to point my rod to my bait and as the bait runs deeper follow it with my rod. If I keep my rod high it will loose depth if you point your rod to the side you will have a hard time feeling that rush of water I was talking about. Casting distance will effect the amount of room the bait has to reach its deepest running depth. Its kinda a game of angles if you get good at it you can hit structure or a depth zone with some consistency. Different lures that are identical will have different running depths so you need to play with them to figure out what depth they run. The depth on the lure package in most cases is an average running depth. Lur Jenson and DT lures are the few that have an accurate running depth not an average but always factor in casting distance and how much running room your bait has to reach that depth. A Bill Norman bait kinda slowly works its way to the depth and about when the bait reaches the boat is the max depth it will run. It took most of the cast distance to work down to that depth. As a bait gets close to the boat it looses depth and starts working its way to the surface. So if I make a long cast with this bait and reel it in about 30 feet out away from my boat is the max depth that bait will run. The DT baits are different because it digs as soon as you start reeling and in a short distance gains depth. Most baits don't do that and take more running room to reach the same depth. The wider the wobble the more resistance the bait has and the less depth the bait can go. This is crankbait season and I hope this helps you this season ;D

I am a recent contributor to bass resource but I have read a lot of articles on some of the affiliated websites discussing co-angler etiquette and that is fine but I want to present all of you boat owners with a challenge. Now, just so you have some background on me; I am a boat owner and I am aware of the burdens of owning a boat. I have also fished as a co-angler in the past and found it to be a natural and "right thing" to do, to offer some money to the boater for gas expenses or whatever they desire to spend that money on. Well, after the latest post on another site I found myself to disagree with the so called etiquette of a co-angler. Personally, I think it doesn't exist! Common courtesies and ethics to come into play but I do not believe that you or anyone is bound by such a thing just because you fish out of the boat with someone else. Money offered at the end of the day for one thing is the biggest load I have ever heard of and I used to pay! So you want to know what made me change my mind? I will tell you this; if you are planning on buying a boat and taking on the responsibility of being a boat owner, then you better be prepared to float that bill by yourself because at the end of the day, that co-angler did not beg you to buy that $50K bass boat. That is your problem and yours alone. It is not fair you say? Well, you were going to be taking that boat to the lake with or without someone else pitching in. Now, if there is a mutual agreement arranged ahead of time then that is understandable but do not get caught having expectations of your co-angler throwing you a piece of hat little bit they may have. Co-anglres are typically co-anglers because they do not want the burden of a boat right away. Not to mention, who wants to offer anyone anything after they have been left out to fish "no mans" land all day?! I am sorry but I have no sympathy for the guy that doesn't get money from me or anyone else in the game...Should I share some of my winnings too if I win as a co-angler? Hmm? So you want to talk about it like its shop talk and that is fine but if that is where your head is then you are in the wrong sport. Basically, I think that we take too much away from what this sport is all about by paying attention to all the nitty gritty and it is time for a wake up slap to the face, If you want to buy a boat go ahead and expect to take on that responsibility all by yourself because the title co-angler does not sound anything thing like co-signer. By the way, if you were counting on that little bit of money to help you through he day, maybe you should not have bought the boat to begin with. Now that I have made some of you mad and other left scratching your head I want to ask you how you would treat taking a kid fishing? I know, it is a little different but only a little. The concept is the same really.....no different at all. It is about getting out there and getting an education in the outdoors. Fishing may have its expenses and we as responsible anglers must be aware of the responsibilities that we endure.

I was talking on the phone to an old friend who had randomly called me after three years. I changed out my rig to throw a live worm so I could toss it out and let it sit while I talked. During the hour phone call I noticed several folks down the shore a bit kept making catches while my line didn't so much as barely twitch. After I hung up I put my phone down on the little table beside my chair and....there was my live worm squirming around. I had thrown out an empty bait hook.

http://japaneselure.gostorego.com/reel/shimano/shimano-baitcasting/shimano-scorpion-xt-1000.html Killer price. I agree the Curado and Scorp are fairly similar, but the Scorp is a little better. It feels smoother, tighter, and less stressed to me. It's definitely noticeable in my hands. Could just be my reels though. I wouldn't spend the extra cash on a Core unless you're dead set on magnesium. You're going to want to upgrade the handle, and likely spool bearings either way, so use the additional funds for that. I know for certain MY Scorp makes less noise on the cast and retrieve than MY Curado.

I am biased, as I am a Shimano fan. Would recommend you look at the Chronarch CI4+. Well built, smooth and casts really well. Suits the needs you mention, and comes in 6.2:1 and 7.6:1 retrieves. Costs around $ 269.99 from most outlets, but may be available at a little less if you shop around. Buy one, you won't be sorry

OK - I'm in. Been out doing some R & D on a Brand new Pinnacle rod & reel - so far ~ so good. 5 decent ones~ All Bronze Lengths are; #1 - 21.5 #2 - 19.75 #3 - 21.0 #4 - 19.25 #5 20.25 Total = 101.75 inches of Brown Bass A-Jay

Just like member "thehooligan" I am a huge fan of the 50 series shimanos. I currently have 4 and each has been supertuned and each has some upgraded parts. I am using the core 50mg7, the scorpion 1000xt, the chronarch 50e, and curado 50e. The differences are very slight and the prices jump considerably even when considering a lightly used reel vs new. I was told the weight of the spool in the core and scorpion are the same. Obviously the handle length and knob size is the same as is the frame. The spool bearings are basically a 9 with the scorpion and as close to a 10 in the core. The reels differ in weight by about 1.4 ounces. The drag star on the core is not plastic like that of the scorpion, probably aluminum or some higher quality material. The spool tension knob is smoother to adjust and slightly larger on the core. Performance wise I think the core will cast a tad further with your typical bass baits (say a 3/8 oz jig) but only a matter of feet. The retrieve may be a touch smoother and the gears are slightly faster. Free spool is slightly better on the core. Also the part compatibility for the scorpion is essentially the same as the curado and chronarch 50 sized reels. I purchased my core for $285 new and my scorpion for $200 in mint condition. I wanted the lightest and smallest sized reel Shimano made to mount on my Cumulus to achieve the lightest outfit I could put together. That is the only way I was able to logically justify the near $100 price difference when I bought the core. The other differences are very minor and are hardly noticeable. It is a tough decision I know but you would probably be happy with either for most bass applications...

Is this for people that refuse to learn how to use a baitcaster? It might be easier because there wouldn't be any backlashes?

So if I watched this video correctly, (and I think I did), he makes a cast in the distance of X creating line twist. He then cast the same exact distance (for the sake of argument and his description, we will assume he did this), flipped the spool and removed the line twist from the portion of the line cast out after the initial cast. The issue I believe I'm seeing with that is what if your next cast is longer/shorter than the previous (Which is almost certainly will be)? The "excess" line on the longer cast will then have line twist due to the spool flipping and/or the shorter cast portion of line that wasn't cast out originally will retain its line twist and inherently stay and continue to be twisted because it wasn't cast out exactly the same or duplicated on the initial and second cast to remove the line twist. Wouldn't this cycle repeat itself over and over creating twist upon twist?

Nice review on a rod and reel I didn't know existed until yesterday. It does look very nice in the picture I looked at. Thanks.

My favorite part is when it said he couldn't even drive his Ford Taurus to the store.

Big Lebowski, Caddyshack, Tin Cup

One day I cast a soft plastic lure out and forgot to engage the spool and before I switched hands I gave it a few pops and something grabbed it, I switched hands and tried setting the hook and created the mother of all birds nest...

Went to spot pond in Winchester after work today, this place is huge. Only managed one small bass. Not sure how good this place is gonna be but I'm definitely gonna come back. For those curious it's shore fishing only, to get to it take exit 34 off 93 then take the first right and you can park on that street. There's other access to it but that's where I went today

Hi, thanks for the review on the Shimano Zeles Baitcaster combo. I purchased the Zeles combo from Gander Mtn for $64 after tax and will be picking it up next week from the store. I hope it works out well! I'll post my review as well. Are you familiar with the Black Max combo? I have that one now currently. How would you compare the Black Max to the Shimano Zeles? Thanks, Mike

Horrible movie but can't change the channel at the moment cuz it has that effect lol.... Night at the Roxbury

I dont have the 360 but have a couple of birds. An 1197 up front and an 898 at the helm. O would agree get the biggest you can afford. Dont be affraid of a unit with a couple hundred hours on it. Most of that is the owner trying to just figure it out on demo.

I actually loosen the drag all the way back when I'm done fishing, just forgot to set it back when I started fishing.

But it was on Empire, so it MUST be true! Other Empire headlines today: http://empirenews.net/amish-preacher-invents-electronically-activated-inflatable-breast-implants/ http://empirenews.net/obama-signs-executive-order-amending-constitution-allows-unlimited-terms-as-president/ Can you blame him for believing it?

I read the title and thought to myself "Man, I have got to get some of what that guy is smoking" haha

any of these ponds have little creeks or streams that feed in? would be around them where the oxygen levels are a little higher, often times in this heat i have a little better luck if i can find a nice drain pipe that puts off some shade for the fish, but with pads they have some shade. i'd be frogging this place like crazy myself, letting the frog rest in the openings/pockets of the pads for a bit before moving it.....

My sentiments exactly... except my first RT bass was on the Rage Shad Thanks for everyone's comments and support,it keeps me 'pushing' and let me know the work and innovation is appreciated. Great group of friends here at BR

the big lebowski

A woman goes to see a veterinarian. "Doctor, I hope you can help me. My dog has been humping me constantly. Is there anything you can do?" "Well," the vet says, "The first thing we should do is neuter him, that should calm him down" "No", the woman says, "That's not what I had in mind. Do you think you could trim his nails and fix his breath?"

How do you know Helen Keller was a terrible driver? She was a woman.

Would You marry Again? - A husband and wife are sitting up in bed reading, When the wife looks over at him and starts a discussion.... WIFE: "What would you do if I died? Would you get married again?" HUSBAND: "Definitely not!" WIFE: "Why not - don't you like being married?" HUSBAND: "Of course I do.." WIFE: "Then why wouldn't you remarry? " HUSBAND:"Okay, okay, I'd get married again." WIFE: "You would?" (with a hurt look) HUSBAND: (Makes audible groan) WIFE: "Would you live in our house?" HUSBAND:"Sure, it's a great house.." WIFE: "Would you sleep with her in our bed?" HUSBAND:"Where else would we sleep?" WIFE: "Would you let her drive my car?" HUSBAND: "Probably, it's almost new." WIFE: "Would you replace my pictures with hers?" HUSBAND:"That would seem the proper thing to do." WIFE: "Would you give her my jewelry?" HUSBAND: "No, I'm sure she'd want her own." WIFE: "Would you take her golfing with you? HUSBAND: "Yes, those are always good times." WIFE: "Would she use my clubs? HUSBAND: "No, she's left-handed." WIFE: Silence.... HUSBAND: Oh sheet..." =

Southern bass prefer Tabasco scented lures.

No problem! As someone that came from trout fishing the tiny creeks in Arizona with ultra-lights, the casting setup was foreign to me as well. Don't be intimidated by it. When you're learning, be very conservative with you brake adjustments. Also, when you do inevitably backlash use this video. I really wish I had known about that technique earlier as it would have saved me loads of frustration early on. As far as M vs ML for drop shot, I would refer to the opinion of others as I am not an expert. My Medium rod for drop shot works great for me, but may not be so great for you. Good luck!

Try fishing our lakes, no spots are "secret". You get in the merry go round on the good stretches and just fish. The cream rises to the top. I am NEVER the first person to fish ANY of the spots I like to hit, thanks to my slow boat.....yet I find a way to catch fish, cash and win my fair share.

Classic mind game! LOL! The guy probably has no intention of fishing it, but he succeeded on getting into your head. That said, there are no "secret" spots anymore. I'm convinced of that. Once satellite imagery became widely available, all the "hidden" spots were exposed to everyone. Many spots that I once knew for sure nobody knew about, are often occupied by one or more boats on any given day now. And I spent a lot of time finding them on my own before technology made it easy! However, I've now learned that with few exceptions, tournaments can be won in multiple ways on any given body of water on any given day. If you've found only one spot you can bank on, you haven't fished that water enough. In many lakes I fish, the problem I have isn't finding and defending a couple of spots, it's figuring out what areas I'm NOT going to fish - simply because there's too many! In one lake alone, I have over 1,800 waypoints marked - all of them will produce fish at some point. So I have no problem finding an unoccupied spot and catching fish from it - and nobody can get into my head either. Now go out and start marking!

I've had the same experience before. Keep in mind that just because he knows where you were fishing doesn't mean he will fish it the right way. I normally just go somewhere else and fish if someone beats me to a particular area. Normally you can find other fish in the lake doing the same thing somewhere else. Keep checking your area throughout the day and get on it when it's open. It's not worth losing sleep over, that's for sure.