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Anyone else like this show ? I know it's drawn out and somewhat predictable.. but man the opportunities Jeremy wade gets is unbelievable. Alot of risk involved. But he has to have the best job in the world. Travels around the world and catches all of those monster freshwater fish ? Some of those fish are crazy!!! Like the Wels catfish.. some of those could eat you no problem... and the Goliath tiger fish!!!?? They hunt in packs!!?!! Ha-ha. He lives a wild life. I love the show.. haven't seen any new ones in awhile.. I've seen all the episodes... twice.

Day 1 – Got to spend 5 days in Minnesota and had a blast. A very cold blast as well. Day 1 was great. Water temperatures were 51-53 degrees, 0-5 wind, and outside temps up to 55 degrees. First half of the day was rough. Spots that did well last fall were not producing, which had me a bit flustered. I decided to junk fish and hit a ton of spots until some type of pattern held. All active fish were in the 2-5 foot range. Had a great day for numbers and size. Here were my 4 pounders not in the top five: 4.1, 4.1, 4.3, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.12 and 4.12. My top 5 were 4.13, 5.6, 5.10, 5.12, and 6.8 for a total of 28 lbs 1 oz. I only caught 3 other fish that were not 4 pounds. The northern pike were very active as well. Every time my bait was too fast, the northern would let me know. I kept trying to make my Swimjig work and the northern would keep biting it. Finally, in my last attempt (definition of insanity), I was trying to cover water my last half hour of light with my Swimjig and then caught another stinkin northern that had most of the Swimjig down it’s throat. Took me 20 minutes to get the jig back without ruining my jig, having to retie, and clean up the boat. It was miserable. The 6.8 came from casting into weed pockets. Hard to fish this way since you only get a drop or two, but it can really pay off. 4.13 lb and 5.6 lb (with the serious face) 5.10 lb and 5.12 lb 6.8 lb Day 2 – Started with the trolling motor not working. Finally fixed the receptacle to the trolling motor after tearing the old wires out and installing a new one from fleet farm, I was on the water by 1. Only caught 5 bass the whole afternoon. Biggest two went 5.5 and 5.6. Both at random places and not at the places they were supposed to be... This fall fishing really keeps me guessing. 5.5 lb 5.6 lb Day 3 – Was unbelievably cold. Day started off at 35 degrees and 10-15 mile per hour winds which made it feel like it was 0 degrees. After fishing 8 hours straight, I only caught 5 fish again. 5 fish limit was around 22 pounds. Top three were 4.13, 5.3, and 5.4. The other two were ~3.5 pounders. Might be the coldest I have ever been fishing. 4.13 lb and 5.4 lb 5.3 lb Day 4 – Was cold. Started at 28 degrees but got in the 40s. No wind though so that made it much easier to fish than the previous day. It was freezing last night and I suspected this might affect the movement of the fish on this lake. Water temps were 49 degrees. After an hour, I was able to see that they were in the 5-8 foot range and stuck to that range for most of the day. Had another good limit. 27 lbs 6 oz. Fish not in the top five were a 4.0, 4.0, 4.1, 4.1, 4.6, 4.7, 4.11, and 4.11. The top 5 were a 4.14, 5.2, 5.8, 5.14, and a 6.0. Lost A LOT of lures to northern today. They were so active it is unreal. 4.14 lb 5.2 lb and 5.8 lb 5.14 lb and 6.0 lb Day 5 – This was my last day. The night before, the car wouldn’t start at the ramp so I had to phone a buddy to help jump the car. So I spent this morning going into town and figuring out what is wrong with the batteries/terminals. After this was done, I only had a few hours to fish in the afternoon. Fishing was super slow. Worst night of the week, but still fun to get out. After a well-rounded week, I decided to head home. Daughter wanted me back to watch her in her church singing program. Was too adorable to say no, so off I went. Tight lines! Shimmy

I took the day off and got out after sunrise. I caught several smaller bass on the Pop R and the morning bite ended. I went home and had a sandwich and went back. I was halfway around the reservoir without a bite and I hooked into this big gal on a white spinnerbait. The old cheap BPS Uncle Buck brand spinnerbait. 6.75 lbs. It doesn't get me into the monster bass club yet, but it's bigger than the 6.5 I've been stuck on for a decade. I will continue my quest for an 8, 9 or 10 pounder.

Great show. I watch anything fishing related, River Monsters, Monster Fish, Chasing Monsters, Wicked Tuna, etc. Love them all.

Jig and Pig, smothered in real craw,.... flipping, pitching, skipping, casting, swimming. If you are in a slump? fish it.,... could you be off of the big girls areas? They do command the best area, and the best spot within that area. The queen sized bass of any water also demands certain criteria that might offer a hit,...timing, stealth, approach, direction, speed, all need to be considered when you diesect the cover on structure that posseses the best presence of forage. The mere opportunity isnt as easy as it may seem, you may know all of this already, and be within all of these commands, and still receive less than even a look form her. She can be as fickle as a cat when you put down the best food at dinner time. Im no Doug Hannon by any means, or even a "pro" for that matter. But,.. I have been on a mission for over 30 years now, to find the biggest of the pond bass. And although the last 2 years I've been hindered by health issues. The 28 some odd years previous were spent at the least 3 times a week floating on some premium lakes and ponds, searching that same chance you are seeking. I have caught some beauties, even some double digits. Which has honed some of my techniques, tactics, and abilities. And, I have found that even with all the info I've collected, and used, to hone these criteria. The big girls still arent so agreeable,...cementing my thoughts that luck does play a large part of the equation. So many times I've tossed into the best spot on the lake, and watched her swim away under my boat into even deeper water. Producing some choice nouns, pronouns, and verbage that I cant voice here.,... while adding the situations information into my brains mainframe for future refference. Asking myself "what went wrong?,. what did I do wrong?,... did she see me?, was it the wrong lure at that time? did I move it to quickly? Is she keying in on a certain forage?",... and so on, for the next few days. Its almost enough to drive one to a asylum. You know you were at the right spot, you watched her swimming away into the abyss. You did everything right, but still watched her seemingly arrogant tail flick, propell her away. All the while realizing that a few hours later, little Jimmy with his spincast rod, bobber, and worm can hook and land her, maybe not with ease, but land her just the same. I understand that you may not be seeking the "biggest" of the lake fish, but what Im getting at is that even though thats not your quarry,..bigger fish are actually on their way to be her, and as they grow they too have some "quirks" that you need to be attentive to, some attitudes, that will make the hunt for them just a bit more than just pounding the shoreline. Im not saying at all that you have no abilities, or that I need to "teach" you. Im just a angler thats willing to offer the experiences, and tactics I've found that have helped me, to all. Some of you may be asking yourself, why would he do that, when so many anglers are quite the opposite, harboring their years of experiences to themselves., for a shot at the wallhanger of a lifetime before someone else comes along and beats him to it?,...Why? Seems crazy right?,... Actually it isnt at all,...because I know that, little Jimmy can walk down that ramp to daddy's dock with his bobber and can of worms at any time. You too have that same chance,...and thats key right there. Chance,...we all have a chance at our daily quest on the water, beit for a limit, or the wallhanger, or even just a few nice fish to round out a day. Every day on the water is actually just a chance, and its seems that whatever we are seeking at that moment? The good lord provides us with what we get,... by chance. It may be a few hours we need to wait for the success we're seeking, or a few days, weeks, even years. But,.. with persistence, determination, and available abilities, we can only shorten that timeframe,... again,,.. by chance. Keep your chin up, it will eventually happen, be diligent, giving up wont do any good, actually that does more harm then good, as the bite you may have been on will dwindle. Then you need to find another bite at a later date, starting all over again. Your dilema may just be timing, or any one of the many things that makes this sport of ours so appealing. As time goes on you will find your "groove" again and will be back on the good fish your seeking. I only know this as so many times amungst the past 30 odd years of hunting the "queen" its happened to me too. Slumps do stink, but they also eventually end, and I hope yours does soon. Good luck

They are under filling the spool and you are filling it a bit too much,. Leave about 1/8 of an inch of the side of the arbor exposed. Under filling results in shorter casts, and less line retrieved per turn of the handle. Over filling can result in more bird nests, but if you are casting okay without much trouble maybe it is working for you. I like to fill my reel spools about 1/2 way with 14 pound Stren mono then add whatever main line I want to fish with. That helps with reducing the expenses of filling up a reel with expensive fluoro,, copoly or braid

the problem with underfilling any reel is that you sacrifice your gear ratio and inches per handle turn. because now you are winding the line over a smaller circumference with each handle turn vs what you would be if the spool was filled properly. so I fill mine up to just below the spool lip, spinning or baitcasting.

stop looking, grab yourself some YUM Dinger... as good (if not better) as the original for half the price

I am on a big fish slump like no other! What I call a big fish is over 5 lbs. It was march of 2014 since the last time I caught one over 5! It's not like I don't fish a lot. I live less than 20 mins from bull shoals lake AR. This year I went to lake Toho FL in march then lake fork to in march then back to lake fork in late April and lake Sam Rayburn!!! All known for big bass and the best I could come up with is a 4'11" and a 4'7" out of Rayburn. As you can tell I tried really hard this spring because they say that's your best opportunity. I have tried to just quit thinking about it and fish. I have tried the big lures = big bass! I used a 9 inch swim bait. And caught 14 inch bass lol. I can catch good fish between 3 and 4 lbs. I don't know it's really getting to me! I keep thinking one day I'm going catch an absolute giant and it will come easy after that lol. But getting really discouraged. Seeing if anyone here ever went thew the same thing? The pic are from the Rayburn bass. They was real skinny post spawn bass

I had the opportunity to order a Morrum ZX 3600 for $239 total from a retailer and did so last night. Is this worth the purchase? I believe they retail for $499. I know TT reviewed it well but thought I would ask to see if anyone has used this reel. Thank you!

Now there is something I will never say.

We're "measurebating" now as J Francho likes to put it but the diameter of the line on your spool (effective spool diameter) is related to the pressure exerted by the drag via torque. Spool width also comes into play here (say two identical reels. but one wide spool and one narrow spool version). The more line spooled on your reel, the more consistent the drag pressure will be. Also, you bring into play spool turning speed, though this is probably much less an issue with bass and bass gear - but you never know when you might unintentionally hook a big striper or catfish (LOL). Just how noticeable or important eh -T9

@A-Jay Texas Rigged Jig

New toy arrived today. Megabass Phase 3 Bearing Down

We're not worthy! We're not worthy!

I might have spoke too soon. Its supposed to crack 60 degrees next week. The cover can come off the canoe faster than it went on.

What we got was lake effect, during a very cold night. Outlook is for lows around 50°, so any lake effect will be rain, which is a good thing.

Several years ago I got into participating in those month long, online tournaments where you post your biggest 3 bass for the month. Since I was competing with other anglers all over the country the 2 and 3 pound largemouth were doing me no good. The best approach for me was to fish a large jig and to learn to fish that jig at a snails pace. I traded "numbers" for "quality" as I would have many fishing trips where I would only get one bite. While my total number of bass caught plummeted my catches of largemouth over 5 pounds had never been higher.

A lot of the talk on here is bucket biology 101, which all fisheries biologists and pond managers warn strongly against doing. Without doing a fair assessment of the overall fish population through something such as an electro-shock survey with a trained biologist, you're really just taking a shot in the dark and could seriously hurt the fishery. I'm no expert, but I've done my fair share of reading on the subject trying to slowly gain knowledge for managing my own ponds. I HIGHLY recommend going over to the pond boss forums and talking to a few of the experts there before you do anything you regret. For example, my family acquired a new fishery a year and a half ago and I haven't made any changes to it yet, other than harvesting as many bass in the 10-15 inch range as possible (per a biologists recommendation to the previous owners). I will not be adding any new fish of any type to it without talking to a biologist first. What I'm doing right now is a long-term assessment of the overall health of the fishery by weighing and measuring every bass I catch and keeping a spreadsheet of those weights compared to the relative weight of a bass that size. This will help me determine if and when adjustments need to be made in our current plan.

What do you guys think do you think these are the same fish? Me and a friend can't decide but I think they are. The markings behind the gill plate look identical to me.

Keep fishing your strengths and what you have the most confidence in. If you are catching 3s and 4s then a 5 can not be to far away. You can increase your odds at a bigger fish by fishing ideal conditions and ideal cover or structure. Fish locations that you have caught 5 pound plus fish in the past. Personally I prefer to target lakes which give me the best chance at a true northern trophy. I sacrifice numbers for size. I can assure you that big swimbaits do catch big bass. I would recommend keeping a fishing journal. I have done so for almost 20 years. You wouldn't believe the amount of insight a fishing journal can give you. A fishing journal allows you to see patterns, and patterns within patterns that can and should allow you to dial in on big fish more often. This past summer from the middle of July through August I struggled to locate trophy northern largemouth over 7 lbs. I did not catch a single fish in the 7 lb class during that time. I usually struggle to find 7 plus pound fish at that time of year but it seemed harder then usual. I could only guess why and figured it had something to do with the drought we are having in the northeast. At times I questioned my lures, my techniques but ultimately remained confident. In September the fishing was amazing. Remain confident, fish your strengths, fish areas you've caught big fish before, fish as much as you can and I assure you will break out of your "slump".

Keep chunking & reeling I don't even consider this a "slump"! My last 6# was months ago but I known I'm on prime structure, in prime cover, & now it's just a matter of timing. Incentive: something that incites or tends to incite to action or greater effort, as a reward offered for increased productivity.

the Chernobyl episode is the weirdest. Probably seen all the episodes 3 times or more.

here's the backstory:

I use 3/0 on the Menace & 4/0 on the Bug using the Moaner weighted Stroker hooks (Rage Rig). I seem to get more bites on the 1/8 oz but sometimes they want a faster fall & I'll go to the 1/4 oz.

Stopped by daycare yesterday and caught a 2lber. Drop shot with a black plasmatail worm. There was another guy fishing there when I showed up but I didn't see him catch anything. Meh. I did, however stop by another spot today and caught three on topwater including 3 lber. Seriously some of the most aggressive topwater bites Ive ever seen. I'm going to see if I can get my boat into this place somehow as it was extremely promising. Will post more details after another trip or two.

Yeah me too.Ive fished more this year with less results.I MAY have caught more fish but less size.Due to family constraints,I have stayed mostly on the home lake,where 4-5 pounders are very common.The big fish bite has just been off.Its been bugging me.Cant figure it out. I know that they're there.Tempted to resort to live bait, ( bream ) they will easily out fish artificial baits,esp. for bigger fish.I don't have an ethics problem fishing with live bait I just try to stretch myself by fishing artificials as much as poss. Maybe I need a new bait the fish haven't seen.I also haven't fished with big worms as much this year,and they usually produce. Did catch a 6.3 in the home lake,and one skinny 23 inch fish in a park pond.2 best fish in the last year.Heres the 23 incher.

A lot of times in lakes and ponds that's very true, but for some reason river smallies turn on in hot weather. Caught my 3 biggest smallies in 95 degree + weather.

Not an issue with the TRD's & JJ's for me.

Hate to hear that man. If I lived up there I would have to get into ice fishing, although I have heard that some folks don't like it

MUUUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA goes the Bait Monkey

I went out last night in the rain in a friend's boat, metro lake. Obviously we were the only boat out there. It was pretty raw. Water was 54 degrees, air was definitely lower than that. Hands got cold and wet by the time it got dark. The fish are still biting though. We caught 12 bass and 3 pike in just over 2 hours and had a bunch of other ones that either jumped off or simply got off. Biggest was a 17 incher, rest were 13-16 inches. I think I'm done for the season now, its just too friggin' cold out there in the raw cold wind in a boat. Good luck to those still willing to brave mother nature.

Location and latitude is so varied that you cant get absolute answers . I expect a good bite all the way through November unless it gets unseasonably cold and I will be using whatever lures that work well at the location I find bass .It might be a deep diving crankbait , lipless crank , worm , jig , spinnerbait even a top water if the bass are on a late season feeding spree .Around here I consider December winter and my fishing usually stops by then .

Are you fishing from a boat or bank ? How big is the water you are trying to get bites.The bass are biting like theres no tomorrow at a 200 acre lake I go to . But first they must be located, which is one of the reasons I love fishing small waters .

Stating the obvious but here goes. I would venture a guess that nobody is going to shell out $750 for random gear, when they can spend much less and hand pick what they really want..on top of that, the guy your looking to buy this from you has to live near you. Personally, I would break it into lots of $25-$50 or so,take better pics showing the baits and include some shipping in there. You will sell it a lot faster, but it will be more work.

6'10' MLXF, but 6'8" MXF would be my pick for both techniques

and don't feed them after midnight.

A few thoughts here - once the waters in the low 50's and below. First one is - in the fall for me the bite is ALWAYS best in the afternoon - during that warmest part of the day. It's also OVER 90 minutes before sunset. I've beaten the water to a froth early & late in the day and have had very little to show for it. So now - when it's cold, 11 am to say 4-5 pm is when I concentrate my efforts. If I choose to go earlier - it's just to look for spots but I won't wet a like until the day warms up. The lake always looks great but the bass are not interested until later . For LMB there are a couple of spots I look for this time of year and rarely fish ANYTHING ELSE ~ First one is the last deep green weeds - doesn't matter what kind - just needs to be green and of decent size. The bigger the patch / area the better. If you know the body of water you're fishing well, this is less of a challenge. If not I'll go searching for it, using eyesight & / or my electronics to locate. If it's too deep to see - I'll use a bait (a deep crank, lipless etc) and run it down into it and see what comes up. If it's brown I move on - green I mark and usually fish. I either parallel the deep edge with my bait or sit up on the shallow side of the deep weed edge, throw out past it and work the bait back into the weeds. A 3/16 oz tube (open hook) or a lighter jig (1/4 or 3/8 oz) with a slow action type trailer work well here. The second spot and this is usually easier to find is INSIDE TURNS. I'll check any & all. Backs of coves, if the water's deep enough. Same baits Tubes & Jigs. There's no need to "Cover water" because the LMB are on very specific spots. So fish the spots. Not all will produce. You may go several in a row without a touch and then you'll come to one that's loaded. The wind blowing in on both of those is good - but not always needed. Sometimes the sunny calm spots are best. ALSO - deep green weeds on an INSIDE turn is MONEY ! For SMB - sometimes the above info applies - sometimes it doesn't depending on the lake. My best SMB lakes are deep and the smallies will usually relate to the steepest drops closest to the main lake basin. Same fishing time frame applies- and when they shut off - it's over. Big thing for SMB - THE SUN - gotta have it. Doesn't seem to matter with LMB but SMB in the cold water - if there's no sun - I don't even go. Seriously. A tube works, but this is where the BLADE BAIT has been like MAJIC for me. Because I can cover a steep drop in a few minutes - no bites, I move to the next one. If they are there - and feel like eating - they'll nail it right away. Some wind on the drop is good - if it's on an inside turn it can be very good and again - gotta have at least SOME SUN. I fish spinning gear this time of very almost exclusively. The clear water, lighter baits & deeper depths fished dictate that. Also tossing a 3/16 oz tube into the wind on casting gear is not happening - at least for me. 10 - 15 lb braid and a 8 - 10 lb leader is standard in my boat here. A-Jay

Either, really. Both are well suited. So pick the rod that feels best when you hold it. "Let the rod choose you..."

I don't know but if it can support an entire SUV and not flip, I gotta get me one ; )

The Project Z is nice when I want a sharper vibration. I believe baits with more thump seem to attract the larger bites. I build my own so I can get all the qualities I like in one bait and in the color I need. When I started painting blades it opened up even more doors. They've been the hot ticket for me lately.

I experimented with various umbrella rigs, this one I was thinking, since bass are so territorial...

last year I caught a largemouth on a tube. I removed the tube and tossed it over the side then released the fish. LOL he saw the tube hanging there and ate it again

I think pflueger is a little over rated. I have a couple. i also have some symetres, a nasci and some siennas and sedonas. All of the shimanos are smoother than my presidents. And i also hate the plueger knob, it feels so cheap

Congrats on your new PB!!!

Congratulations on your new PB!

A few Rebels to add to the collection.

I consider 60% a fair price. Separate groups are easier to manage. Good luck with your sale.

Yea I do but no ya can't borrow it!

Finally pulled the trigger on the first half of my river smallie set up. Got a St. Croix Legend Elite 7' Light Power Fast Action. Right now going to pair it with a Sahara 1000 until I can get a Ci4 1000 around Christmas. Hoping to put this baby to good use when it comes in next week.