Crestliner2008

O.K., first off, what are you wearing? Try to wear something similar to your surroundings if possible. Wear soft soled sneakers (they don't call 'em "sneakers" for nothing!). Take your time walking out on the point. Do like you would if you were stalking a deer. When you get into position, sit down. Don't move at all. For a long time. When you feel that you need to empty your bladder, that's the time to make one cast - without moving your position! Cast well out beyond her normal position on the point. Use a large plastic bait, such as a 6" or 7" Senko, Texas rigged with 7/0 hook on 20# test fluorocarbon line. Cast it out, let it sink to the bottom. And start to wait again....as long as you can! 10 - 15 min. is not too long. Then "stitch" it in about 4" - 5". And wait again. (If you do not know what stitching is, do a Google search.) Keep your rod tip Very low. She will take. Trust me. In your situation, patience and stealth is all you have going for you. Just give her something totally irresistible and take your time. If you feel you are moving too slow....SLOW down some more! Remember one thing. Whenever you see a bass, they also can see you. Normal response then is for that bass to "shut down" until she feels the threat has passed. Good LUCK!

1/8 oz. plain jig head (size #4 or #2 hook) dressed with a 3" chartreuse w/sparkle, single curly tail grub. Rig the curl in the same direction as the hook. Cast up & across current so that your jig swings into current breaks or eddys. You will catch bass!

Welcome aboard! You've landed on the best, I can assure you. You must have some fabulous smallie fishing up there! Hey, I love the fly too . Is that one of your hand ties?

What really works with any kind of fishing - or nature related activities of any kind - is what goes on between your ears. If applying scent to a bait builds your confidence and increases your concentration, then do it.

Another vote for the Sammy...biggest size!

Love those Ika's! ;D

Hmmm....maybe one of those 18" long buzzers Bill Dance uses!

Great lure for smallies in rivers too!

How about that Bill Dance model with the hook 18" away from the prop! Looks like just the ticket for a buzzbait. Never tried them though. Has anyone?

I think if you stick with what rw is saying, you'll be golden. I have found, however, that when I'm smallmouth fishing (clear water), the greens and watermelon shades get me the best results. When I go after largemouth - usually in a bit more stained water - the pumpkin and real dark june bug colors "seem" to produce better for me. And by all means, fish it on the bottom, similar to a pitching jig.

Go to www.in-fisherman.com. There is a wealth of information on lake types there, as well a lot of other solid information as well. There are several "types" of lakes, reservoirs and rivers that you need to know.

I just don't do it. Never had a need. All bass do not spawn at the same time. Some are in pre-spawn; some are in spawn; some are in post spawn. There are enough fish to be had, which are not on a bed, to target, without disturbing our future.

Why not remove the barb on your hooks?

I fish the CT River in MA, but not in CT. The fishing in this river is excellent! What fish species are you interested in? There are stripers, shad (in the spring) smallmouth & largemouth bass, walleye, pike and just about anything that swims in freshwater in the northeast.

I don't worry about where to mount it; I don't use one! I use the "Stay N' Charge" system. Have had it for 2 full seasons now with no problems or worries. When I get home from fishing, I'm done for the day; both my batteries are fully charged and ready to go.

For me it will be the shaky head and then the spoons fished deep. Not necessarily in that order.

I use a small black clip to attach cranks. It give them more free action and makes changing lures a lot easier and less time consuming. Been doing this for a lot of years. Have never noticed any detriments.

Just my opinion, but that might be a big mistake. At least give a few hard jerkbaits a whirl.

Hey rw - I fish deep (20' - 40'), clear water humps alot during the summer and want to try the Ika there. I really don't need the Texas rig though; the bottom is mostly rock and sand. I fish open jigs here all the time with no hang-up problems. Ya think a circle hook thru the tentacle end (exposed) would work? Or maybe just a straight shaft worm hook?

The Q will always open the 3rd. Saturday in April - IF the ice is out of the coves. As far as the best gate to shorefish goes, that depends on what species of fish you are targetting(?).

Start off with 3" curly tailed grubs on a 1/8 oz. plain, ball head jig. Once you get bit often enough (it won't take long!) you'll develop confidence to step up to the 5" Kalin grubs on 1/4 oz. jig heads. From there you can expand your arsenal to hard jerkbaits, Senkos & Ika's. Be careful though! River smallies can be addicting!

Wendel's Musky Harrasser.

I'd use a 2" curly tail on a 1/16 oz. jig head. Have caught thousands of panfish - bluegill & crappie - on these. Colors would be dictated by the waters you fish. I've never known them to fail.

Shimano Symetre.

The first thing I'll do is look for bait. If I mark bait balls in 10' - 15' of water, then I'd opt for the hard jerks, Thoroughly covering the 5' thru 15' depths. If the bait is deeper, the tube or drop shot would get my nod. Will depend on the water temperature, whether I fish a river or lake, water clarity, etc.. Most likely here in MA, I'll be hitting a local small lake, at ice out, to check out my gear and boat. The CT River here would probably be my best bet though. We'll just have to wait on the weather and see. Tell you this much....ice out had better get here FAST!