bedman

I use a baitcaster with a rod that has a real fast tip. This allows me to cast by just rolling or flipping my wrist. It makes it really easy to cast around shore cover and is easy on the old arm during a day of fishing from the bank.

To add to this thread, what setup do you guys use for a Horny Toad? I am thinking of going to braided line and a heavier action rod because I have trouble setting the hook with a Horny Toad. I have been using monofilament, but I'm thinking that it has too much stretch when I set the hook, especially if I get a strike a long way from the boat.

Also worth mentioning is how fast the jig falls. I've caught fish before were they wanted it on a real fast fall, so I threw a heavier jig. Other times, they wanted a slow fall, so I would use a light jig with a pork trailer. A lot of people have a philosophy that bigger is better with jigs, but I have had success with downsizing jigs to produce more bites. Also, my preferred trailer is a Paca Craw because of the nice kicking action it gives.

May I also suggest that you keep the rod low and to the side when fighting the fish instead of keeping the rod high. A lot of people are taught to "keep the rod tip up". This pulls the fish to the surface where he can jump and throw the hooks. I try to keep the rod to the side with pressure and wear the fish down without it jumping when fishing baits with a treble hook. It doesn't always work, but it's something else to try. I agree with most of the posts suggesting a line with more stretch and a more forgiving rod.

I would like to add one comment to this subject. I fish with my partner out of his boat, and on windy days, I actually have the advantage because boat control becomes very difficult. I usually always fish beside him on the front deck of the boat, which makes it easier for him from a boat control standpoint. He no longer has to worry about the back of the boat swinging around in the wind. It is also beneficial when landing fish, unsnagging lures, and flipping cover. One warning - good communication and awareness is essential when fishing side by side. It only takes one jerkbait to the head to ruin the day.

I agree with doing all the reading you can, whether through books or the Internet. While I just began posting recently, the material and postings from this site have helped me immensely over the last year. With that said, let me say that there is no substitute for practice and experience. You have to get on the water and apply what you've read. I believe bass fishing is a collection of skills and techniques, all of which have to be learned, practiced, and refined. You cannot improve these skills without practice. I would suggest to start small, such as fishing ponds and small lakes. It's easier to develop a pattern and learn new techniques. This has worked well for me over the last few years. Go fishing whenever you can, whether it's a giant reservior or a 1 acre pond.

Pine Lake is a neat little fishery. It is fairly shallow, sort of like Beech except the docks are wooden posts, not pontoon. There is much more development on the lake and the docks are real good for flipping. A lot of big fish are caught there every year. There is also undeveloped coves that are real shallow that are good for bedding bass. Many of the anglers I know prefer Pine over the other lakes because it seems like every fish you catch is real good quality keeper.

I caught a nice 20 lb. carp at Pine Lake last summer They were hitting lizards (still don't know what the bass were hitting). I made it out to Beech and Pin Oak a few weeks ago and only caught a couple of keepers.