K_Mac

I use Gamagkatsu offset EWG hooks. Catt, Roadwarrior, and many others recommend the straight shank hooks, and I respect their opinion, but I have a very good hook-up percentage with the wide gap, and a hundred or more from 1/0 to 5/0 in stock. As Catt mentioned using the right hook for the thickness of the bait is key. On most bigger worms I use 5/0. http://www.***.com/Gamakatsu_Offset_EWG_Worm_Hooks_Black/descpage-GOSWG.html

Mike a person stating that killing fish just for the sport is unethical is simply giving their opinion. That opinion is what the OP asked for. Whether you or I agree with that opinion makes no difference at all. The difference between shooting a carp and knowing statistically that a certain number of released fish will not survive is this; a fish that is shot, whether it is eaten or not, has zero chance of surviving the encounter; a fish handled properly and returned to the water has a very good chance of surviving most the time. Catch and release has made a huge difference in fisheries across the country, making fishing better for all of us. Selective harvest in many situations is also a good thing. I think bow fishing falls into the later category. Just my opinion.

There are many different ideologies and world views represented here. It is naive to think we are all going to agree on much of anything other than bass fishing is fun. One of the great things about this forum is the ability to discuss issues related to fishing. Yes, we all know who "they" are, and intelligent conversation about fishing ethics only makes "us" stronger in my opinion. You are entitled to yours.

Same here. Sometimes not being responsible for boat position is a good thing.

Not knowing your friends financial condition it is impossible for me to know if it was foolishness or just enthusiasm for something new. If he can afford the boat, why does it bother you? If he can't afford the boat why does it bother you? Does his not taking your advice bother you, or are you jealous of him starting with a new rig? Does the fact that fishing is NOT rocket science bother you? To answer your question; no it does not bother me. Maybe you can help him learn some of the countless things he probably doesn't know, while fishing from a new rig. Sounds like a good deal to me. Ratherbfishing has a good point; maybe you can buy the boat cheap if the enthusiasm wears off.

Well said. I agree with the others that saving is more important than MORE high end tackle. High end tackle is a fine thing if you have the means. It is a luxury and not a necessity. Do things right at this stage and your chances of being able to have a life-style that allows you time and money for the finer things goes way up. Preach4bass put it succinctly: delayed gratification. Self discipline will put you head and shoulders above your competition. Good luck.

Grunvet you are welcome. I agree that there is art to fishing. Watch KVD pick a spot apart with a crankbait or Dean Rojas throwing a frog around cover, especially when everyone else is doing something different, and you realize you are watching an artist at work. That is not to say that understanding the science of how fish exist in different environments isn't a critical part of fishing. Roger has made a life-long study of that science. I respect his views, even when I don't agree with them, and I'm pretty careful about challenging his knowledge. As Forrest gump would say, "that's all I have to say about that." BTW welcome to the forum. The occasional cranky old guy notwithstanding, it is the best bass fishing site on the Internet IMHO.

My last trip I had dealt with blue gills all day, I had even hooked a couple pitching a wacky rigged 5" Senko knock-off. On the last stop of the day I had what I figured to be another gill swimming with my bait. I set the hook and felt a solid thump. It was the biggest fish of the day at just under 4 lbs. Hook set are free, and you never know...

I fish from a boat almost exclusively anymore, and still manage to hit something from time to time with similar results.

I have caught and seen others catch missed fish, but not many. An wacky unweighted Senko/Senko knock-off is also what I use. Slightly off topic, it seems to me that while bass may have some short-term memory, not so much long-term. We have caught the same 19" fish three of the last four trips to one of the local strip pits. She has a very distinctive lip injury, but seems to be very healthy otherwise.

Grunvet what Roger and your 4th grade science teacher also understand, and you seem to have missed is that when it comes to lakes, water temp to oxygen level is not a simple equation. I would suggest a study of the different types of lakes and how aging and nutrient levels affect oxygen levels. Eutrophic lakes (usually older lakes) with high nutrient levels and generally high levels of vegetation will stratify with little or no dissolved oxygen below the thermocline during summer months just as Roger described.

You are using proven night baits, and it sounds like you're fishing in spots that hold fish. If you have the "what and where" the other variables are "how" and "when". Most people have a tendency to fish too fast at night in my opinion. A big dark worm or jig worked slowly has caught me many fish at night, including my two biggest. Just like during the day, there will usually be periods when things are slow, but if you are there when it turns on you will be hooked. Keep the faith.

Mine is a 7'MXF Pro Qualifier rod matched with a 6.4:1 Pro Qualifier reel and 12# CXX (moss green). If I could only take one combo (heaven forbid) this would be it.

Chris, Rod socks are what I use for transportation, home storage and when rods are in the rod box. Rod sleeves probably offer better protection. Either way they save headaches.

I don't have a huge front deck either, and I have learned to take the extra second to hook the bait in the keeper and make a turn or two of the rod while holding the line about midway between reel and tip. It has become habit and makes having a bunch of rods on deck a lot easier and safer. Good luck.

I haven't had many chances to night fish lately, and I sure miss this. A jig, creature or big worm on the edge of a deep weed line is my current favorite.

Keeping pressure on the fish with your rod tip on or in the water will make a huge difference. As Bluebasser said, you may still lose an occasional fish, but keeping them in the water will improve your odds dramatically. Finding big fish is the hard part. Good luck.

There have been many advances in materials in recent years, but innovation in design is rare. This reel seems to raise the bar a bit. When they get down in the $100 range I will be able to afford them...

Yep. Treat them as you would any other plastic bait. I used to use lizards a lot more than I do now. It is still my go-to C-rig bait. On many steep rock banks there are irregularities in the face that hold fish. If you can find these at the depth fish are holding, let the good times roll. A jig, t-rigged or wacky rigged plastic (either weighted or not), would be my choice.

Two items: a black 1/4 oz arkie jig and a bottle of black #11 Uncle Josh's pork. Went night fishing on Bull Shoals and caught fish on off-shore structure. A complete game changer.

I lost a true monster night fishing on Bull Shoals Lake many years ago. Now I will admit that I did not see the fish, but based on the fight, and commotion created as she spit my jig I guessed her to be about 10 lbs. Over the years as my experience, wisdom, and clarity of thinking has increased I have re-evaluated this episode many times. I now believe this fish weighed between 15 and 22 lbs.

On public water in Illinois using a motor bigger than the limit will get you a ticket. I don't know what idling with a 150 would hurt, but that is the rule here. I have a 9.8 HP motor that I use regularly on several HP limited lakes in my area. I make far more commotion at WOT, a blazing 7.5 MPH, than you would idling with your 150, and a couple of my friends have tried to make that case. Both have paid $75 fines.

That is exactly the engine I have on my boat.

LWD, I will share my thoughts for what it's worth. First don't believe everything you hear at the ramp. As hard as it is to believe not all fishermen are as honest as you and me. I have been told some truly unbelievable stories of numbers and size. I enjoy the conversation, but take most of it lightly. Next, there are some really good fishermen out there. Most of them have spent many hours on the water putting into practice what they have learned from countless more hours of study. There is no substitute for this. Last, enjoy the process. Continue to work to improve, knowing fishing well consistently takes time and effort. This is what makes it such a great sport in my opinion. Good luck.

Well said.