Leaderboard

Caught one on the june bug magnum speed worm. 43 degrees when I caught him. Hit it on the fall.

Heads Up! I will be locking the forums at 8pm Pacific Thursday evening so we can perform a server migration. I expect this to take several hours as there's a LOT of data to move. While it's a slim possibility, it could take several days if we run into unexpected issues. I will do everything possible to make the disruption as short as possible. Thanks in advance for your patience! Glenn

Been quite a while since we've been out on the water! Able to take Pops out for his 80th right before my daughter had to head back to school. Only right he caught the first of the day. Fishing was pretty slow but we still managed a few. The three gen trips are always a good time...

First one of 2025!

Lots of possible ways to tackle this question, but I'll do it from a different angle. Big fish, and the percentage of big fish, is relative depending upon where you live and the waters you have access to, as well as the way you fish, etc. For my local lakes, I was able to gather the data from a local bass circuit that fishes most of the same waters that I do every month. They had data going back nearly 8 years and encompassing 98 tournaments, with total effort of over 16,000 man-hours during those events. I then looked at all the bass over 4 pounds they weighed in and calculated how long it took to catch a big bass (4 pounds or greater) from these lakes. In this regard, the data for the club came back as follows; About 104 hours to catch a bass 4 pounds or greater; About 207 hours to catch a bass 5 pounds or greater; About 489 hours to catch a bass 6 pounds or greater; and About 1,615 hours to catch a bass 7 pounds or greater They have not weighed a single bass 8 pounds or larger during that entire period. They exist in our waters, but they are simply unicorns. In a previous post, I mentioned I had adopted a "bigger bass" strategy this year to try and increase the quality of the fish I catch. From my catch records this year, I was able to determine that I fished about 130 days, and spent an average of 4 hours per trip equaling 520 man-hours of effort. From there, I was able to determine my catch rate for those same class of fish. My numbers came back as follows; About 25 hours to catch a bass over 4 pounds (~1 every 6 trips) About 47 hours to catch a bass over 5 pounds (~1 every 12 trips) About 173 hours to catch a bass over 6 pounds (~1 every 43 trips) About 260 hours to catch a bass over 7 pounds (~1 every 65 trips) So while I don't know exactly what percentage of my fish were "big," I do know that I caught "big fish" at a rate about 4 times better than the local bass tournament anglers, many of them having fished these waters for years and years. Considering this was my first year of ever fishing these waters, I consider my strategy and effort a success to this point. I also now realize that expecting to catch any bass over 8 pounds on my waters is simply unrealistic. It could happen, but I could also win the lottery, too. The odds seem to be about the same

why would other people's money or interests matter to you

I’m not really sure how to take that. so do you really mean why buy any brand other than Diawa or Shimano? I guess I have many different brands of reels. I like trying different equipment. I have not personally been so impressed by my Diawa and Shimano reels that I think everything else is inferior. Then again , I don’t buy the high end stuff. To each their own, it doesn’t really matter to me what other people prefer.

Thank you all for the kind words. It brings tears to my eyes reading all your replies. BTW, my name isn't Glenn. I was referring to the big dog here, asking if it were ok for me to post this in this forum.

Having lived through this with my son I can tell you go to Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN, nearest top hospital for you. You get 1 chance and remember you have the right to choose any trials now. Everyday is precious make the best of them with your family. Your BR family will be here and pray for you and your family🙏🏻. Tom

Last trips before the Arctic blast. Hitched a ride with a friend for about 90 min Fri, then put in 3 hours today in steady 20 mph winds gusting to 35 as the high pressure system barrels in. Was 57 when I launched, but just 45 when I left a few hours later. Cooling off fast. Avoided a blank both trips though - got 3 or 4 Fri and 2 today. Water 43-44. That’s it for at least a week.

I saw this pic and realized I forgot to post it to impress (should be in other species thread, but meh). This is by far the smallest fish I have ever caught - it was wedged in the bill/split ring, but I still landed it Still a pretty fish

Now that winter has truly set in and I’m suffering from cabin fever I find myself looking back at old photos. One thing that fascinates me is repeat catches. One- because they show the fluctuation in size of the fish and two- because they suggest that there aren’t as many big fish in some of the lakes as we think there are. Fish #1 First catch was October 29 2021. She weighed 5lb 4oz. Second catch December 3 2023 weighing 4lb 15oz. No improvement in weight probably meaning the pond can’t really support a bigger fish. Fish #2 First caught April 2024 weighing 6lb 7oz. Caught again later in the same year July 2024 at 5lb 11oz. Typical summer weight loss. Fish #3 Caught March 2023 at 7lb 10oz. And again March 2024 at 8lb 4oz. Pictures are a bit misleading, fish measured 22.5” the second time. Didn’t get a precise measurement the first time but I don’t think it changed much. This one has by far the most potential I’ve seen in a fish. Notice the relatively small head and lack of any blemishes compared to the second fish. That and the relative weight lead me to believe this is a relatively young, fast growing fish which could one day reach dd status. These fish were from the same lake as well so there is probably a genetic component.

It's hard to know what to say. To find the right words, if they even exist. Please know that we genuinely care. The road ahead of you looks scary, but I wanted to let you know that we are here for you and your family every step of the way. Hope things get easier. A-Jay

well you just returned to block - I won't read your crap again. Would that you were man enough to say you to my face. When people ask for a recommendation, may offer one on topic if I have one. By definition, offering unsolicited advice defines control freak, dumb control freak is nutso. There's a big difference between making a positive contribution on the forum and randomly trolling with a negative opinion, such as the premise of this thread OP.

I read the title as NOTICE OF PLANNED OUTRAGE and thought, Oh this oughta be good! 🤣 Thank you, good luck

It might get down to 28 tonight. It's supposed to be 41 and sunny tomorrow.

Y’all catch fish?

Zillion TW HD

As someone who is considering a FMJ......I'd use a JDM Zillion HD TW. Perfect reel for that rod imho.

I just got this, picked it up the other day, too cold to fish! LOL 94 Champion 186 with a 95 Mercury 175 EFI. She needs some love, but I plan on taking it out as soon as weather lets me.

Yeah, the Shimano jerkbaits are the only ones I've found that really bring something new to the game, and that's flashboost technology. It really does seem to work, as I've found their flashboost World Pop and Armajoint big swimbait both to be very effective baits. The foil insides flashes with seemingly no movement needed. It's suspended using two tiny springs. The Shimano jerkbaits suspend more consistently out of the box than the Megabass models, and the hooks that come on the Shimano baits are the best OEM hooks I've ever seen. Shimano sadly wouldn't sell me extra OEM hooks though. Overall the Shimano jerkbaits are less finessey than the Megabass ones. You can rip the Shimanos a little bit harder, especially the standard depth models. I still feel like the Vision 110 is the king though, it just out produces in my experience and I'm a jerkbait fan. I don't think there is substitute for the Vision Jr lineup. For standard size jerkbaits, there are lots of substitutes though.

They close schools now if the wind is blowing, somebody must have sued them along the way

I figured since I’m there at least weekly, and I know most of the guys in the fishing section by sight and name, why not get paid to go there? Since I live in Alabama, I can relate to the above…

Oh nooooo! Love this^ Have you set up a support group therapy call hot line? You know like the red phone under glass like Batman and commissioner Gordon have, or a cool light in the sky thing with the Bass Resource logo……

O.H. Ivie? 😉

Russell Lane shares his go-to strategies for using soft swimbaits in the winter. Find the baitfish, target aggressive bass, and land more catches this season! You’ll learn how to locate baitfish and key fishing spots in the winter and effective use of Livescope for pelagic fish. Watch now and boost your winter fishing game!

Great googley moogley😆🤣

We got quite a laugh out of the 1.5 inches of snow received here is Greenville, SC. Of course our perspective is from being natives of Minnesota for decades. Our housing complex here in Greenville sent a notice out that - kids should not play outside because snow may slide off the roof and hurt them. That dogs should not go outside because road salt might irritate their paws, and that we should open the cabinet doors in bathrooms and kitchens so that warm air can get to the pipes and keep them from freezing. Grocery store shelves were wiped out for almost a week before this “Snowmegeddon” hit, and people had their generators out and tested them to make sure all was in working order. Lastly, they called school and work off all day on Friday due to the inch of snow. It was 45 degrees the next day on Saturday and all was melted by noon. However, many schools and some businesses were still closed the following Monday. Haha, but the warnings of 90 degree days in Minnesota are just about as silly. Somehow we survived both climates all these years!

Yes and the big ones are caught on spinnerbaits

Gee wiz it's hard to say exactly but I'd say we catch a fair percentage that I'd call big - for me it's basically anything over 4 lb in NC feels like a pretty big fish/the kind of fish that could win you a tournament pretty well on most lakes I fish. I think of 2-3 lbers as good fish for the fight and the thrill and we catch a fair number of those and then there's the dinks of which I also catch a fair number every year. Id say probably somewhere around 30%/30%/30% or something like that for big/good/dink. Usually every 3rd fish or there abouts around here is a 4+ give or take for me probably. Sometimes there are droughts and sometimes when it rains it is pouring. But that's probably about how it shakes out for the year. It COMPLETELY depends on which bodies of water I'm fishing the most - all those who said that - agree.

Tom, you ascended Mount Olympus a long, long time ago, Once you're there, you're forever golden. I actually have some footage of you arriving. Yeah, I was the Mount Olympus videographer for a few years.

Thanks man. Saved that one out of a field just this last June actually. Had been parked for over 20 years. It is far from perfect, but I have been driving it A LOT, and it is a ton of fun. I literally cannot get a tank of gas without someone wanting to talk to me about it. And it is just an old, unrestored farm truck! Lol. This one is my baby, though. 😉

Abu is a joke now. Not even sure how they are holding on the way the economy is. Their bread was the Ambassadeur. Well they just started making them in China. I think we all know how that will play out? The butter was the affordability, and marketing towards beginners. Remember when you would walk into a Walmart and see Black Maxes, Pro Maxes etc.... Complete combos as low as $60, often times included a few baits for free too! I loved mine so much i bought several, easy to use, simple, and dirt cheap. The new Max X is poorly made, uncomfortable and MSRPs for $90. They also stopped putting them in stores, havent seen a single one in Walmart yet, and they sold a bunch of product only because they were in Walmarts across America. Revos were also less than $80, and most of the rods varied from $50-100. The old school round reel and budget fishing was their thing, and they did it better than anyone. Had the market cornered, and decided to throw it away to compete against Daiwa and Shimano.... Imagine Kia selling a car for as much as a Mercedes, While still only offering Kia quality. The new rods and reels are ridiculously expensive, subpar materials, horrible reviews (especially rods), lack of customer service too. Guys get broken rods and call cs, no one answers. Email? maybe if you are persistent for a few weeks youll get to talk to someone. Their new pro rods MSRP for $200 for example, and they look like garbage. Check it out, the color scheme is something else..... Its Pure Fishings fault, look at Spiderwire. The most hated on braid there is. Berkley? Lures cost $10 and have bills breaking constantly, or they are in the hot seat for copying another bait for this years i cast. Fenwick? Rods snap like twigs. Pfleuger? Terrible reviews, the life long users ditched them and couldnt take it anymore. No one buys a plastic Abu reel for $120, or an aluminum framed one for $200 over a Tatula, LFS, SLX, Curado, Zillion, etc.... Nor will they pay $120-200 for rods when Dobyns, Falcon, Shimano, and Daiwa are the same price. Im very fond of the Abu combos, rods, and reels i own. They have great memories, and shaped my bass fishing to what it is today. But i cant imagine ill ever buy another one of their products, especially for the outrageous prices they ask. And the lack of quality they currently offer. Pure Fishing is the reason so many worried when Dobyns got bought, and this is why. Lews is the new Abu, tons of marketing to beginners. Stocking DSG and Walmarts to the max, promoting all over social media/youtube. Offering affordable rods and reels, doing sales all the time. Thats why so many people are buying Lews, even though Shimanos and Daiwas are often better.

Only when they let me

Very sadly, my percentage is dropping each year. I moved to this well known Ozarks lake 13 years ago. There were 7 pounders being caught and 6 pounders were common. It's been years since I heard of a 7 pound LM or 6 pound SM. These past two years I've accounted for two 6# LM and two 5# SM, I'm a catch and release guy. The number of tournaments seems to increase yearly, and I think of the study done in Alabama which concluded that between 40% and 50% of weighed in tournament fish do not survive, and those are the largest ones caught. Add that to mishandling for photos and all the fish fry seekers. These days 4# is a big fish and they are getting scarcer; mostly 1-3 pounders being caught. There is more than enough forage. Sad to hear of similar declines in other lakes.

As I always say, they don't call him Big Fish Pat for no reason 😉

You're a heckuva angler, Pat.

My last giant bass over 15 lbs (15.4) was caught at lake Casitas February 2008 on a swimbait, nearly 17 years ago. I was fishing near the off limit buoy line the separates Aires creek from the main lake using a big Black Dog Tail Wagger Trout lure. I heard a splash behind me and made a long cast to the swirl spot and the bass struck the lure immediately when it hit the water. Never would have made that cast without hearing the splash. What are odds dividing 17 years into 1 bass….,(.003 % ) very low and lower today! Tom

I threw a 5in Senko on it the last time I was able to fish. I was using it on an 843C NRX+. It would cast just fine but I didn't catch a darn thing.

I don’t go by the size of the bass. I go by the enjoyment I get for catching them which is pretty much the same everytime.

Unless you are in a tournament, I don't think weight should matter. A 2lb bass is beautiful and a 6lb bass is beautiful, both can be really fun to catch. I hate to see anglers taking the time to stop and weigh every fish they catch. It is stressful to the fish and really unnecessary. I think we as anglers put too much emphasis on fish weight. In the deep south people think all there is is giant bass, simply not true. We have all sizes of bass and more large bass predators like gators and raptors. Granted percentage wise we have more large bass simply due to a longer growing season and strain of bass. That being said, most bass caught are smaller younger fish because those are the ones that want to come out and play with lures. Most of the really big fish you see in photos were caught with a guide using live bait, like wild shiners. To answer your question: I consider a big bass 5lbs or more. My percentage to catch that size is really only about 3-5%. I only do just fun fishing so that may skew the numbers. Some guys are truly just trophy hunters with special gear, and like the musky guys up north it takes patience and perserverance, sometimes just to get one bite.

Yes, I've used four '19 Stradic in the salt 5 years, small-frame salt finesse to large-frame near offshore, and especially salt kayak. The small frames are making an annual salt finesse trip next week. X-protect labyrinth seals is what makes them salt-proof. The seal design slings water outward, away from the reel mechanism. As long as you're using the reel, there's no way for water to get inside. They're not completely rubber-sealed, so they can't be dunked and left submerged - then, salt water will get through the seals and inside. But even accidentally dunked, as long as you pick it up and use it, salt water can't get inside. Make sure you have a rod holder on your kayak that keeps the idle reel elevated above standing water in your kayak cockpit. Believe me, you'd rather use these reels than a rubber-sealed surf reel such as Van Staal or IRT.

Kya likes the snow. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15kQ8LrNcw/ A-Jay

Percentages should be based on bass population size. You can’t catch big bass if they aren’t where you fish. When our SoCal Lakes had high population of big bass in the 80’s-90’s DD bass made up a good percentage of the lakes population. Today the DD bass are rare making a very low % of the population well under 1%. A big bass today is 7 lbs a good size bass 4 lbs. catching bass between 4 lbs to 7 lbs doesn’t happen more the 25% of 8 hrs time on the water. Tom

Totally agree. The relative rarity of my four-pounders marks them as big bass...for my latitude because right now, I could drive my car across all the waters I'll fish come spring and spring is a long time coming. So, thanks, Jimmy, for acknowledging that a four-pounder is a bigger deal in Maine than Texas. Ours aren't as big, but they sure are pretty. I didn't understand why @AlabamaSpothunter commented about the health of Maine bass at first, but after looking at hundreds of photos of southern bass and comparing them to my bass, I came to see what he saw. For whatever reason, Maine bass are thriving. Here are three different-sized bass, but all so plump and healthy: Out of reactions already, but when I read @A-Jay's 40%, I literally said:

Unless I am fun fishing with my wife in the Old Town Canoe or perhaps in search of lunch #walleye, every time I launch the Pro-V Bass, I am specifically targeting 'big bass'. My own size scale for the Lake Menderchucks Smallies is: 4lbs is a nice one, 5 lbs is a big one, and 6 plus lbs is a trophy. I have no interest in sore lipping a bunch of 2 lb trophies in training. I have many completely fishless trips. I Do Not catch a ton of bass, especially compared to many of the proficient sticks on this forum. Feast or famine comes with the territory. But when I get it right my 'percentage' is mostly respectable. I'm usually fishing for ONE Bite. Sometimes I get more. So if 5lbs is a Big fish for me, I'd go with maybe 40 %. But the trophies can & do add up over time . . . . . A-Jay

You Carolinians are getting some crazy cold, it’s not that bad on this side of the mtn

A quick Before & After to close this one out. It went back together easy, very pleasant reel to work on. Cleaning was the hard part, the level wind was especially bad. I'll probably install a carbontex drag system later this year. First 3 are before of course, last 4 are after.