Leaderboard

Seriously?

Really loving my newest addition. 7' MH St. Croix Legend Elite with a Metanium HG. Only complaint is that the Elite doesn't come in a 7'3-7'4 MH .

I took my kayak to a local river today to look for a couple of bass. The water is high and muddy but I find it easier to fish those conditions this time of year because it puts the fish on the banks and tight to cover, at the pace I fish this time of year it helps a lot. Checked the water temp. this morning and it was 51 degrees, blessed to be in the south. Started with a texas rigged baby brush hog and right off the bat I put a 21"er in the boat. There was a lot of brush in the river from flooding and I was having trouble working it so I switched to a small 3/8oz flipping jig. Caught one small one on that and no more than 15 minutes after the first fish I put a second 21"er in the boat! That pretty much set the tone for my day, I went down the banks flipping to any brush, rock, or laydown and ended up catching around 20-30 bass. Most were only 12-15" but I did have the two 21", an 18", a 17", and a nice one on an A-Rig (also my first A-rig bass) that I didn't measure. What a day!

Probably won't get out for at least few weeks so everything came out of the boat, plus UPS dropped off a new rod . Finally grabbed the XX Spinnerbait Special, I think I'm going to pair it with the Scorpion DC and use it for dock skipping in addition to spinnerbaits...But any of the reels in the pile might find a home on it. The rods from the boat (except the new one), can you tell I like St Croix? Although MB is starting to make it's presence known . And why not throw a fish in there too, a dink from last Sunday on Lake Anna...Caught on the rod I'm likely reassigning now that the SS is in my lineup. Unfortunately not many fish bigger than this made in the boat, but being on the water without the cold weather gear on Dec 27th was good enough...

Last year, I tried to fish new techniques. I knocked quite a few baits off my list, but there were three that I couldn't get bit on. They were: chatterbaits, spook-style baits, and frogs. I threw them and threw them and threw them but I couldn't get bit. I didn't throw them in the trash, I kept fishing them out of frustration and desperation more then anything else. And, you know what happened? Fishing lots of different baits has really helped me become a better and more versatile fisherman. Go out there and gain some confidence in new techniques guys! It'll pay off.

Hello Brad and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ I believe that you'll soon find that this site truly lives up to it's name. There So Much information here ~ answers to all types of questions just like the one you've asked. Tackle preference (especially rods & reels) is a topic that is cover here in the forums several times a day. Additionally, you can easily find a ton of information on this & just about everything else, by clicking into the "Fishing Articles" section at the top of the page. There's also some tackle reviews available there that can help you narrow down what you're looking for. And Last but not Least, the Bass Resource Fishing Flea Market Forum is a great place to find solid deals on tackle being sold by other passionate bass fisherman. Enjoy A-Jay

2015 was exactly what I made of it and it was good. The only "bad" year will be the one I'm not a part of. There's not enough of them left to waste. My one & only goal for 2016 (fishing wise) is pictured below everything else will take care of itself. A-Jay

2015 highlights: Didn't break anything expensive Didn't drown Fished a tournament with my 6 year old daughter Joined the 20+ lb club for a tournament bag on my home lake 2016 goals: Don't break anything expensive Don't drown Fish more with my kids

I have no regrets or cons for 2015. I lost some big bass, but I caught even more and I learned a ton. My highlights included: -Catching two 5 pounders and a 7.12. -Fishing jigs and texas rigs nonstop -Learning to target big bass -Learning to slow down and fish an area thoroughly -Fishing the Ned Rig 2016 Goals: -Jerkbaits -Crankbaits -Spinnerbaits -Chatterbaits -Big bass I wrote this a year ago: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/why-we-fish.html . Never would have imagined the things I was able to knock off my list in 2015. Here's to 2016!!

Smithwick Rogue Rapala Husky Jerk Allen

TBH I think @k3bass has a decent point. I contributed for years to several other forums, and I know the frustration people (and myself) usually feel and express when someone new logs on and asks a question that has been answered a million times. That's because for them a forum is a tool to obtain information, whereas for us the forum is a hobby, pastime, etc. That new person hasn't seen this topic posted and answered here a billion gazillion times- it's a new thing they're considering and desiring information on. @A-Jay's reply is spot on.

Maybe not the same question EVERY DAY. I put this list together and pinned it at the top of page in this section for reference: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/165790-the-best-rod-thread/

No one can go back in time to change what has happened, so work on your present to make yourself a wonderful future. As the New Year approaches us with hopes anew, here is to wishing you and your family a wonderful year ahead. Happy New Year!

Mojo Bass 68mxf on the low end legend tournament bass 68mxf on the high end

Went out fishing in SE Florida with a guide I had previously used and who is the best in the business, and needless to say the results were amazing. A combination of shiners, frogs, spoons, worms, and lipless crank baits caught us over 70 bass. These were the best pictures of the day, but we caught a lot more. Best LMB went 5.93 pounds on the last cast of the day and the biggest pea went 6.03lbs. Countless 4-5lbers were caught as well. These peas put up quite the fight on a medium action spinning rod! By far, the best fishing day I have ever had.

You will feel that way again..and better..when you find the one thats true to you. Work...work..fish..keep busy and lay off the sauce for now.

Iodine worked!

Honestly, my year went as well as it probably could have. There will never truly be a "perfect" year in this sport. You will always have bad days, and if we could, we'd probably all want to be out there every day. And if you don't have bad days each year, you probably didn't learn as much as you could, so take the good with the bad! I was able to fish a ton this year. I am finally comfortable taking my dad's boat on my own with out worrying about towing or the launching/loading process. I learned a lot about being versatile in presentations this year, there is a reason certain baits have a "time of year" so don't be stubborn and give em a shot! I have always been much less confident, heck ill call it scared, of water cooler than the low 50's. This year, we went out in early december and my best smallmouth day all season in 42 degree water. This was my second year tournament fishing, it been one heck of a ride. In the FLW college series I placed in the regional qualifier, then the regional championship in order to make the national college championship which is this coming spring. In each of those tournaments, it came down to a strong mental game, good decision making, and execution. My partner and I make a great team, he's a heck of a fisherman and we compliment eachother's strengths and weaknesses well. I was extremely proud of the outcome. The best of the year and the best catch of my life: I met a girl in June, got her out on the boat by July, and... she loves it. She has gone out about 8 times with me this year and has yet to put the rod down, even on the tough days. Over the trips we got her a PB largemouth of about 2.25lb, a couple of close to 4lb smallies and a PB pig of a smallmouth at 5.4lbs. It's amazing to share a passion of your with someone like this, I cant wait until next year.

If there is no smoking posted, I don't vape, that's how I approach it. I totally understand that, if folks are abusing the situation, it would be a problem. I, when I vape, do so in such a manor that doesn't bother anyone. I do it away from others and don't blow my vape at anyone, that's just rude. Mid there is ever a question if I should or shouldn't, I don't. If someone doesn't have a problem with it and they say something to me, I stop. Like I've said before, I'm not a "clouds bro" vapor person but know they are usually the ones that bring negative attention. Respect for others is not very common but I do my best to be very respectful in everything I do!!

I agree about the vaping inside a public area. Can't you just wait to go outside to get your fix? I don't vape around my kids at home, why should you at the mall/restaurant/store etc? It's rude, inconsiderate and should be treated the same as smoking tobacco in public. Also some of the flavors people vape aren't that pleasant smelling.

Very informative. Thank you.

I have a telescoping one and not only do I almost never lose a bait, but I get dozens of baits others have lost out of the trees and weeds.

The same setup used for spinner baits of similar weight. M or MH fast action, normal speed reel (6.1:1 etc). Copolymer or braid with leader for abrasion resistance around wood. Personally I don't subscribe to the pulling bait away from a fish theory. If your getting short strikes change size, color, speed or another variable.

For me 2015 was a great year of fishing! I caught some of the biggest PB fish in 2015 with 1 bass over 8 and another over 9 pounds. I caught a 38 inch redfish the biggest I ever caught. From mid June to mid August I was absolutely blessed out on the St. Johns river having found one spot in a river side channel where thousands of bass boiled up on bait fish every day actively all afternoon until just before sundown for 8 weeks straight. I averaged 30 to 40 bass each afternoon, and in one 4 day stretch I counted more than 150 bass caught and just as many missed. I needed 6 arms and 6 rods and reels all going at the same time out there. I would not be surprised if 2015 was a year I caught the most bass in one year too, but who's counting? I caught a lot of fish in 2015 and if 2016 is anything like 2015 I'll be one happy camper. I've already started on overhauling and updating rods and reels and restocking lures and getting some new stuff too.

I carry the telescopic one on my boat and it's already paid for its self three times over just getting my stuff back. I've probably claimed at least 7 or 8 lures that were just hanging in trees that other guys lost as a bonus..

Here's my two cents worth. Electronics are more important than the boat for locating fish, and the types of bottom that hold fish. Getting into a larger boat, with the same electronics, will not do much to improve your catch other than being able to fish in a bit harder weather. I'd rather be in a "marginal boat" with good/great electronics, than a luxury liner with inferior electronics.

Good luck to you, filling one addiction with another doesn't really fix the problem though.

Kids last only so many years before they become adults. Fishing is fishing. I've got one in college, one in high school and two more in middle school. Plenty of time. Each of the last three boys are soccer players, so plenty of OUR time will be traveling and such. Fishing will have to take second/third place until they're all off to college.

Kinda had the same type of year you had, it just lasted 2 years. I coached my son's little league team and tthe beginning of the season starts at the end of March until the end of June. Next thing you know it, I'm catching up with work (work) and work around the house and the next thing you know it, it's fall. I can honestly say it was a blast coaching the kids. On track to do it for 2 more years. I miss fishing, but my son's LL years are 2 years coming to a close and I remember as a kid, LL was the best years of my life and I hope he enjoys them as much as I did. It would be a bonus and honor to share those times with him.

It doesn't matter if I'm casting, flipping, pitching, or punching I fish Texas Rigs & Jigs the exact same way. My T-rig & Jig rod, reel, & line are identical, the only time I deviate is punching & then both setups are heavier. I find that when my students are having problems hanging up it's cause they are trying to force the jig through cover...ya gotta finesse em through.

He will need to walk thru the carwash..to make sure they get the undercarriage.

I've experienced times when color made absolutely no difference at all, I would switch colors to the opposite end of the color spectrum, and that color woukd be productive. I've experienced times when I had to change colors constantly to continue getting bit, catch 3-4, change colors, and catch 3-4 more. This pattern would continue all day or night. I've experienced times when if ya wasn't throwing a particular color ya wasn't getting bit period!As for size of the lure, it depends on the body of water, some places I fish do not have a population of large bass (3 lbs +) so throwing large baits would be an exercise in futility! But then again I've caught large bass (6-9 lbs) on small baits! I make color and size selections based on previoys experience with a body of water and current conditions.

I also highly recommend the St. Croix Avid (X). Also, while the Zodias may have some advantages, the Tatula (which I also recommend) is essentially the same thing for $100 cheaper. Avid: Tad bit tip heavy (nothing really noticeable) Very sensitive Loads well, but rating is a bit low (Medium is sort of like a medium heavy) Lightweight Amazing warranty and customer service Tatula: Cheaper Also lightweight (3.9 oz. for 7' MH) Also sensitive Accurate rating in terms of power Comfortable grip Might be more aesthetically pleasing

Any plastic that can be fished on a T rig can be used as a trailer on a jig. Jigs give a bulkier profile and are more active when at rest. Different head styles come through different kinds of cover better, often better than a plain bullet weight will (football head through rocks). I pour and tie my own so it's actually often cheaper to lose a jig than a T rig since I don't pay for lead and buy my supplies in bulk, a jig cost less than a dollar to make. Since I tie my own, my color options are virtually limitless. They both have their time and place. Ignoring one or the other is leaving yourself seriously handicapped.

Round here Bill Lewis Rattle-L-Traps still out produce em all

Greetings Jeff and Welcome to the forums and thank you for your service

Sorry, my license only allows for one refill, thanks for the laughs. Happy New Year

Lots of Mom & Pop shops have home made spinnerbaits, because there is a pretty good margin on them. If there are any mom & pop bait stores near where you fish, throw them a bone and try their brand first. Hope that they are well made with decent components. Your spinnerbait judging criteria might be if they have a ball bearing swivel or not, quality sharp hook or not. thin strong wire relative to weight of the bait or not, etc. After you've done that for a while and you are starting to understand spinnerbaits, what they are good for and what they ain't, then branch out into regional or national brands. What kind of spinnerbait are you looking for and how do you fish it? Are you a throw & wind kind of guy? Do you throw and drop it next to objects? Do you run it into stuff and then drop it? How heavy a cover are you throwing into and how comfortable are you about losing a bait or two or three or however many? After you've thought out all these variables, make your own decisions. Me - I like Terminators & War Eagles. The baits that I throw most often are regionally available baits. Chompers currently sells the old J&J spinnerbait, with the chartreuse & white blades & skirts. I often throw an old Rogers Glass Eye half ounce single spin. Chartuese/ purple body & skirt - red glass eye and copper colorado blade #5 or #6. I own dozens of brands but these are the ones I throw more often than not.

For Chatterbaits I use a 7' 2" MH/F Phenix M1 and 12# Yo Zuri. For Swim Jigs it's a Loomis MBR 843C GLX with 20# braid. Mike

Megabass Levante is AWESOME. It's a bit outside my price-range; otherwise, I'd go with it!

Cool. Ironically, we have friends in Huntingtown, down there. We visit on occasion. What's the hotspots, there, for bass fishing? I picked out St. Mary's for a trip. I was the only one who caught a LMB. The others caught some Red Ear, and that was it.

Jeff - Welcome to BR. Thank you for your service.

Native Yinzer here - I grew up in the South Hills!

Hey, Jeff. Welcome! I live in the South Hills section of Pittsburgh. Glad to another yinzer, on board, even if not a native one. If you're looking for lakes, the obvious I guess would be Erie, Lake Arthur, Keystone Lake, Pymatuning and Cross Creek Lake. As someone who just got into bass fishing, myself, this past year or so, I am slowly getting out and hitting certain lakes when I can, in the area, albeit smaller ones not mentioned. Next season, I plan to up my game and visit the above mentioned, though. Tight lines to ya!

Hello Jeff and Welcome! Thank You for serving Mike

Hello and welcome!

Welcome aboard, Jeff!

I agree, but would even say the $100 mark is when you should start looking at custom. You could conceivably get the exact same components (or equivalent) in a $100 rod; add the cost of building it, and come out at about the same price, but end up with a much better rod.

Lots of good suggestions here. I'm pretty laid back and easy to get along with (at least I think so), but even I have my stuff I like done. Help out unloading and loading if you can. Like another member said though, if you don't know how to do something, then tell me instead of breaking something. Learn to back a trailer if you can't already, it's so must faster at the ramp that way and you won't feel like a little kid holding the boat while dad parks the truck. Bring gas money, how much depends on the length of the trip, how much we run. One of those things that's good to discuss ahead of time so you don't have to pull the old "Oh I don't have any cash on me". Don't bring the whole tackle shop with you. Again, ask what your boater plans on doing the next day to help you cut down on what you need to bring. Treat the boat with respect (don't track mud/sand, step on seats or sit on the top of the backrest, spill dye or drinks in the boat, stuff trash between the seats). Offer to net fish and like was mentioned how the boater likes their fish netted. If you feel like you need to cast past the centerline of the boat, ask first, this drives some guys crazy. I don't care unless I'm fishing slow and my partner is fishing fast and casting across my line so I have to cut my retrieve short. Casting way back behind the boat is not a good idea unless you don't want that bait anymore. If you're going to do that make sure it's with a bait that's very unlikely to get snagged and if it does I'd suggest breaking it off without even saying anything. Finally, if you fish tournaments where you get paired up, it's just a matter of time before you get "that guy". It sucks when it happens to you, but when you do, just fish through the day and cut your losses at the end and vow to never be "that guy", when you get your own boat. It sounds like a lot but once you get use to it it will become second nature.