loodkop

I can only speak about local waters but one of the theories is that predators are naturally curious and will investigate a commotion to see if there is a feeding opportunity. A trick to attract bass is to scatter a handful of gravel over shallow water. This excites the minnows which excites the bass. Poorman's hydrowave. Chris

Hang tough. I just bought myself a new reel as reward for 3 months without smoking. It gets easier everyday. Chris

we will also be praying

Thanks for the advice guys. Now I just need to figure out the side imaging on my fishfinder to find some structure to deep crank. As it is midsummer in the southern hemisphere I suppose it should be a good tactic to try. Chris

Comparing an ugly stik to a NRX is like comparing a small family saloon to a sportscar. Both will get you to the water. Just because my budget is limited to a family car doesn't mean I can't admit the Porsche performs better.

I agree. The tribute lure is more than special.

I have rediscovered an old green curado in a 3.8:1 gear ratio. Does anybody still use reels this slow?

I will probaly die before catching a muskie, stiper or salmon, but yes the yellows are good fun. Most of my yellow fishing is done with light tackle 4-6 spinning or the flyrod and in moving water. We have several groups working for yellowfish conservation but it is not high on goverment agendas. Chris

We don't have stripers but calling does work for some of our local predators. I like to use the trolling motor lifted halfway out to beat the water into foam over drop off while stroking a redeye shad. Using an oar or the nethandle to make a commotion also works. We also use special rods to call catfish out of thick cover.

We have 9 large yellowfish(barbus) species in SA with some more in our Northen neighbours. Ihave caught 6/9 and are hoping to add the other 3 next year coming the 1000 mile trip with our interprovincial bass champs. Yellows are great sport and pound for pound it is much stronger than tigers, bass or trout. Chris

I have hooked into 3 crocodiles, an African fish eagle, a rock that turned into a hippo as well as a large snake on a deerhair mouse. My Pb however must be the jersey cow I landed on my spare outfit while wading a small farm pond. I had left the spare rod on the side leaning against some brush. The cow was solidly hooked on the left corner of the mouth after munching on the scrub. It took nearly an hour to corner the cow and retrieve my favourite (at that time only) rapala. - I have also managed to hook my unsuspecting and sunbathing wife trying to cast a fly for smallies on windy day but that is a long and complicated tale. Chris

I have used the original rapala minnow on a c-rig with much succes. I think it is simply a presentation most bass have not seen before. I use a 7# crankbait rod to protect the small trebles. Chris

I have been reading and learning for a couple of weeks, without introducing myself. I live in South Africa and fish for bass as well as anything else I can catch on artificial lures. At present I have logged over 70 different species. I have also been making lures for more than 15 years and hope I will be able contribute to this great site. Chris

Thanks for the advice received. Rick at Jacobs made me a mold. I I have tried to attach a couple of different species showing the range we need to catch. The catfish weighed over 15# while the minnow was a large specimen. The tilapia is what I need the grubs for. Thanks again. Chris

Thanks for the advice received. Rick at Jacobs made me a mold. I have tried to attach a couple of different species showing the range we need to catch. The catfish weighed over 15# while the minnow was a large specimen. The tilapia is what I need the grubs for. Thanks again. Chris

I will do a post with some pics as soon as my teenager can teach/help me.

We do a sport called Artlure in South Africa. In short points is based on the number of different species you are able to catch in competition. This means that on the same day I might use a jig with a 10/0 hook to catch catfish and tiny piece of plastic on a size 30 hook with 1lb fluoro to catch guppies. We use the small grubs for various smaller species.

I need a small (1/2 inch) curlytail grub mold, in aluminium for use with a hand injector. None of the internet suppliers I know about currently stock one so I would probably have to have it custom made. Does anyone know who will be able to make this?