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Sooooo...I don't think I caught the fish that shook me off the other night, but I did catch a nice one! My best friend was here for this catch as well and we both agreed that this probably wasn't the fish we saw. It could be, but to me this fish didn't come close to the sheer size I saw when the other one jumped. Even in the case that this is the fish I lost, it's still the second biggest fish I've ever caught at 7 pounds even. When we got to the pond this morning, I offered to let my best friend and my brother take the canoe out since it doesn't fit three people very well. I walked down to the dock while they were getting the canoe, and caught a nice three pound bass on my second cast, using a Castaic BD gunfish imitation topwater. A three pounder is a nice fish any day for me, and the other guys were super jealous that I had caught one so early. They launched the canoe, and I kept fishing. They weren't twenty feet away from the dock when I fired a long cast to an opposite bank and got slammed. Not only was it a topwater blowup and on a long cast, I had a spinning rod with 8 pound line. It was an incredibly fun fight. After I landed her, the bite shut off like light switch and the other guys never even had a chance to set the hook. I realize that I caught her on a small private pond, but I still had a blast doing so even if it wasn't quite as hard as catching a 7 pounder on a lake. Annndddd I can't get the pictures vertical ?

I got out this morning right at day light here in arizona. Almost to hot now to fish during the day. But i started off throwing a 9" MS slammer with nothing to show for it. Saw a few small shad bust out in the middle of the river. So i was like hmmmmm thought to myself that i should tie on a lunker punker. Well glad i did. Tied on the 8" punker and hit two nice ones. They were randomly busting every 5-10 minutse and both that i caught were right in the general area i saw a fish bust. Caught over 13 ft of water right dead center of the river on long casts Got both fish on video which i will be posting later.

To all our Mothers...Those who are with us and to those who are not... Thanks Ma

Just got done with a weekend trip to lake seminole, Didnt catch anything the first day and my boats motor about flew off the transom, so I had to get towed back and fix that.... but the next day I caught four banging a sqaurebill off stumps! That lakes awesome, for sure gonna go back this year. This was the biggest one I lucked into, sorry about the picture being flipped sideways...

I remember an older kid who stopped me in the hall and asked, "Do you want a piece of abc gum?" Immediately, I was suspicious - upperclassmen don't deign to speak to those beneath them. "What's abc gum?" "Already Been Chewed!" he yelled in my face. Then he spun me around and gave me a wicked noogie. Chalk that up to a rite of passage. Let's fast forward fifty years and float me on Quabbin Reservoir. The weather had been kinda funky for a stretch and this day was supposed to be cloudy with variable winds. Maybe the smallmouth would like an abc TRD. One great feature of Z-Man's proprietary plastic, ElaZtech, is that dozens of bass can chew on a piece before it needs to be replaced. It's likely the jig will be lost long before the appeal of an ElaZtech bait is gone. I've read that you can remove a TRD from a Ned head jig and put it back on bassackwards for a few more fish. Game plan for the day was to check my milk run of flats, ridges and humps, but I wasn't expecting particularly active late pre spawn smallies (water temps: 55.4º - 56.1º) without sun and wind. At the first location, a sandy, rocky ridge that drops off into deep water, I tried a deep Shadow Rap Shad, a T-rigged Hula Grub and a Biffle Bug on a football swing jig. What they wanted was a TRD on a 3/32oz. Ned head cast from Do-its Midwest Finesse Jig Mold. At another spot I was really ready for them to go nuts over a Super Fluke Jr. walking the dog a foot under the surface. They ate a Ned rig that was dragged, paused and made to tremble on the bottom at depths of 10' - 20'. On a long time favorite rock hump with a precipitous drop off one side, I hoped the smallies would be on top looking for prey. That meant the Fluke or Duo Realis Spin Bait 80 would get 'em, right? Wrong. There were a couple of good fish here but I needed to go over the deep edge to show them a bait. The first took the TRD differently than most of the other bass' bites on this bait: during a pause, I saw the line jump. I reeled down and swept the rod to the side. Remember, when using fine wire hooks (.031) and light line set firmly but don't overdo it. She weighed 4.89 lbs. I lost a second fish, another good one. I had been bumping rocks and hadn't taken the few seconds to check the hook. The point had turned. When I got home I stripped to bare skin and gave myself 40 lashes with a 7" Senko for this lapse of diligence. So, in all it was a fun day. There were five smallies landed beside the ones who got their pictures taken. I would have preferred the fish to have been up and active enough to have taken a livelier presentation than the drag-and-pause, but I'll tell you this, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls: When the fish are non-aggressive . . . Ned rules!

Well we got on a few fish today, finally! Not enough to make the top 21 cut for day three, but enough to jump from 64th place to 34th out of 160 boats. It was an absolute grind and we spent 6 hours on the point we found fish on yesterday for all but one of our keepers. Remember the 3lb smallmouth I posted a photo of from practice? That's her in my left hand. Same cove, same part of the laydown, and the same mark on her nose. Tuesday she ate a pit boss, today she ate a TRD. Our other four keepers were on a rocky point in 15-25FOW. A 3.3" swing impact fat on a 3/16oz football head on a lift/drop retrieve accounted for 3 of them, and we caught one of them on a ned rig. Our day two total was 12lbs even, bringing our total weight to 18-5. I caught the last keeper today with 15 minutes to go, that stuff is too darn exciting. Learned a LOT this week!

Finally get to take a picture without the Huk jacket. That one had the length of a 5 pounder and the belly of a 3 pounder. Looks like the spawn is underway on Lk St Clair. Another swimbait fish.

Aaaaand the topwater season begins for me...a not-too-bad one on the LC gunfish:

Perhaps a Skeggard could work. https://skeggard.com/ A-Jay

A-Jay

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Normally only caught on livebait because that is the easiest way to catch them... The hardest part isnt catching them.. it's finding em ! Every recommendation you're about to receive is based off experience of another anglers success. There is no secret swimbait or lure... Big fish can be had on anything from worms and jigs to spinnerbaits and topwaters... Finding the big one depends on your timing and location.. I can go throw a Roman made swimbait on a megabass combo and it doesn't mean I'm going to get a hog...

I would do this And if it breaks do this

Caught a few nice bass yesterday pictured , about 15 total on Webster lake . Bass were caught on Texas rigged craws in 18 fow and spinnerbaits in the shallow weeds . I also managed to catch my 1st ever Muskie yesterday , it was on 24 inches long but it was still really cool , about 30 minutes latter I caught another 20 inch Muskie . 2 in one day is pretty cool even if they were small ones !

Your only hope is a steel block and wooden mallet to beat it back into shape. If it's cracked at all it'll break and then you need to weld in a new piece. You won't get it perfect but it will be better if you take your time.

You don't need to zero the brake dial when adjusting the spool tension. There is no magnetic braking being applied until the spool is moving. Try it both ways and you can see it has no affect on anything. Been using them for years this way. Set spool tension so you have about 2mm of wiggle and you're good to go. Then set brakes high and work then down.

Thanks for all the replies guys, very helpful! This week, checked the trim tab, it's still straight as the day I got it, tightened the bunk bolts as much as I could with a ratchet, the bunks and the carpet still look okay to me. Yesterday, I fished Raystown where it's that golden upper 50 water temp time between prespawn and spawn, the jerkbait/ spinnerbait bite wasn't happening like it was last weekend, so ended up pitching some laydowns and getting a few good ones. When I got back to the ramp at the end of the day, decided to check things out on the trailer, and mess around with loading the boat a bit. Backed the trailer, got the boat, and, this time, as I approached the trailer, I moved from the drivers seat to the middle seat in an effort to center the weight a bit. Also, when I got to the trailer, I turned the motor slightly to the left as I drove up the trailer. The boat centered nicely on the trailer, and I got it up to about a foot from the bow roller, where I hand winched it the rest of the way. I am going to mess around with this procedure the next few trips.

The wealth of knowledge on here is insane. Thanks guys. RoLo -- the issue of "tail wagging the dog" exactly describes what I'm seeing. Thanks for explaining that. I haven't seen any rolling. However, I am using the 4.5" version with a 3/0 hook (1/8oz). I will try upgrading to a 5/0 hook and see if it reduces the lateral waddle. Is this phenomenon seen with the Swing Impacts? And if not, do you presume it's because the paddletail is smaller and less aggressive? From that I recall, the Swing Impact produces a pretty fine left/right vibration of the tail, but the head doesn't move a whole lot. WRB -- fished on a jig -- you mean like a swimjig? or just a plain old jig head? I've tried it on a 1/4oz war eagle jig head, and the whole thing (head included) wobbled pretty vigrously.

I have been making my own but whitish and bluegill are the best colors. For rods I either use a 6-9" MH with 12lb Floro or a 7' MH with 15lb Floro depending on the situation. As for trailers paddle tail swimbaits that are about 4" have worked best overall except in open/clear water then a 4" grub works. Below is a pic of my two best setups overall; whitish/blue with a PLIne Kick-R minnow, and a sunfish colored bait with a 3.8" Keitech in Pro Staff Special. The white bait catches more fish and works in different places but the bluegill one catches a lot of 4+ fish. Allen

For $20.09 at a local chain store: Baby brush hog, sprayed grass Baby brush hog, GP and purple flake Baby brush hog, blueberry Baby brush hog, African special Zoom fish doctor, junebug Zoom Ol' monster, Cali 420 Bomber bushwhacker spinnerbait, 3/8 oz., white/chartreuse Rapala shallow crankin rap, no. 05 6' tape measure (for taping bass) Mini split ring pliers ( x2 pairs )

Let me start by thanking you for your service. I served between '80 and '85. I wish I could have served longer. Fishing with disabilities is a challenge, Between the rocking boat and the repeated action of casting it is hard on the body. I used to wade the outer bar drum fishing at the The Point and on Ocracoke on 4-5 trips a year. I used to fish 10-20 tourney's a year. Now I try to make it to the beach at least once, and still get 5-10 tourneys in. (It's the only way this broke body can satisfy my competitive spirit) My lower back is garbage. Too many years walking steel and chasing pavers. For surf fishing I've learned to catch without the wading. For bass fishing, my solution was to go to an IPilot minn kota, I no longer have to stand on a foot pedal to fish a bank. Point the boat, hit the button and go. I have tried a seat and don't like it as it restricts how I use the rod, plus it takes room off the front deck as i always seemed to always bump into it and almost get tossed out the boat... I fell on a barge back in '92. I damaged my Rt Shoulder, Elbow and wrist. A week from Tuesday I'll have my 5th rotator cuff surgery on my that shoulder. My Left shoulder was fixed in '13, and I had tendons reattached on my rt elbow in '06. Fishing spinning rigs is a challenge as to the way the arm is stressed holding the rod. My solution here is to reduce the amount of spinning fishing and stick to casting rigs. This really hurts me when surf fishing for blues and spanish with my 9 and 10' spinning rigs. I still tournament fish 5-10x a year... I'll push it until I can't do it anymore. Fishing has been my love since I caught my first fish over 50 years ago.... I truly can't imagine a life where I'm not fishing the surf or launching on a lake before sunrise.

I was fishing Lk St Clair yesterday and the swimbait bite was on. For those of you looking for a Keitech rod I use a Daiwa Zillion 7'7" MRB I find this a perfect swimbait rod. With the regular action blank I just keep reeling through the bite and the rod will load up. I like the 7'7" rod to be able to launch long casts. If the Zillion is out of your price range check out the Daiwa Tatula option from Sportman's Outfitters for $109 and free shipping you can't beat that. I have included a link to it below and a few pics of 4+ pound smallies for your pleasure http://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/daiwa-tatula-freshwater-baitcast-fishing-rods/

Lake was a mossy green. Sun was shining no clouds. Used neon green strike king buzzbait, black red spinner bait, black/silver scatter bug shad, Texas rigged Crawdad, Blueberry, Electric Blue Culprit worms 2/0 offset hook. Caught nothing.

Looking forward to more fishing with my middle son. A sorry thief stole our motor so we've not gone much since then. He's saving up to get a newer boat also. We do more salt than fresh together because he'd rather do that but once and a while I'll get him out bass fishing. It is really a blessing,esp. since we both are learning to swallow our pride and give in to each other.?There were times though.....?

I did a video showing of my stuff for this summer.

NEVER! name your dog "Fetch", and then try to teach him to fetch. It simply will not work! Hootie

She took her time, about a week and a half past due but this morning we have a new foal.

What's up, fellas? And 'ettes, I suppose. Long, long while since be dropped in, lurking around occasionally. Felt like saying hello, where's that Francho dude? Bluebasser? Surely Roadwarrior is still throwing Senkos and Ikas causing mental anguish to those that can't fathom how he does so well? anyhow, wanted to say hiyas. I should be around more frequently. No more insane travel, and all.

Touché

Surely You Jest Roger

The Big Hammer is designed for a fished jig, doesn't work good with a keel weighted hook. Head moving side to side is a natural swimming action for good swimbaits like Hudds, snaking or rolling isn't good. Tom

Try here if you have not ordered http://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/shimano-curado-i-low-profile-reels.html They give great service and you will like the reel , lock down 2 brakes , Adjust the spool, 40 lb braid and it is fool proof I may just get another

Don't worry about upgrading your rod.. like someone else said go out there and give it hell! I learned a baitcaster on a 6 1/2' M Cherrywood rod. I fished it for 2-3yrs until I could afford a better rod. I'd be lying if I told you that the difference between a $25 rod and a $100 rod isn't that large (it most definitely is) but I caught a lot of fish and had a blast usin' it. ??

If you get a Tatula rod AND reel you can claim 2 shirts.

The new Ford GT is magnificent.

If I were spooled with Berkley Big Game mono line, those are 'precisely' the parameters I'd choose, right down to the 6' 10" length (my pet length, but I usually have to settle). Roger

Never name a dog 'Come' or 'Stay' either. Come 'Come' or Stay 'Come' Come 'Stay' or Stay 'Stay' Incidentally, I always thought 'Grandma' would make a most excellent dog name. The stories would be killer like . . . "Remember the time 'Grandma' dropped heat right in the middle of the kitchen floor ?" Priceless. A-Jay

Well look what the cat drug in! Good to see ya!

MAJOR Back surgery about 5 years ago. Made me able to live my life again but left me with nerve damage....(the nerves were already damaged beyond repair....surgery did not not cause it) that left me with balance issues. Do NOT do well in a high decked bass boat. Never fallen in (yet) but that kind precluded me from buying one. As I type this, I am putting a floor in a 16' extra wide jon boat that will be just the thing. Will I ever fly across a lake at 70 mph? Nope. But my little 25 hp Evinrude and 55 lb Maxxum will do just fine. Helluva lot less money, too!

I would list all of mine but I'm not going to because I can't spell anymore.

Come on over to Lk St Clair. They've been biting since April

What doesn't make sense is that it loaded ok for the past 4 years and now it's having issues. Something has changed. If the trailer bunks appear ok, did you add any weight to the boat? is this happening at all ramps or just certain ones? Is there any chance the flotation foam could be waterlogged?

Almost all boats have torque steer to the right under acceleration. If you're a big guy & the only one in the boat your weight contributes to the problem. Try lining the nose of the boat up & then steering a little left as you accelerate towards the bow roller. Practice a few times when the ramp isn't busy to see if that helps. You will have to steer left of center to compensate for the pull to the right. Hope that helps.

Hot streak still rolling... Took another win up on Conowingo yesterday with a 5 fish limit weighing 19lbs 4oz. These 3 certainly helped the cause. Water was really muddy from recent rains but the flipping bite was great...It was a single rod day and I probably caught 30+ keepers throughout the day. My co-angler also go 3rd in the Co division with around 12lbs, good day all around. Flipping a Black/Blue Rage Bug into the nasty stuff accounted for every single fish for me, definitely need a restock now!

Here is my buy one, get one Pline tactical haul...right next to my lucky craft Christmas haul. Shows how much I needed the L/C's. I will say having baits in the package lying around makes a man feel good.

Hey new guy here in Kalamazoo. I'm just getting back into fishing after about 10 years off. Just bought a summer home on Fine Lake in southern Barry county that really reintroduced me to bass fishing. Only caught a couple large mouth last weekend as it was my first outing on the lake. Can't wait to spend my weekends on the water again!

Chronarch MGL on Smoke rod using paddletail 3#7oz. Started fishing 10:00am didnt catch this bass, first/only, til 2:45pm.

Got out on the Mississippi on Friday with my dad for our first trip of the year. Had a blast and was pretty happy with the results, being that I've never fished that pool of the river before. Boated around 20 in 6 hours and lost a handful of others. Hoping to head back tomorrow and learn a little more before our tourney this weekend.

Chronarch MGL on Smoke rod using paddletail yo yoing off bottom. Right at 18" little over 3 pounds I freed this robin from some braid that it got tangled in. Knotted around its neck and both feet/legs it was in a perdickerment. I only had long nose pliers with wire cutter so it wasnt very easy being gentle around its neck took about 45 minutes to get all braid off of it. It looked away camera shy and all.