Big Bassman

I use both the strike king and bagleys. I've always been a balsa bait guy, but don't have anymore hangups with the KVD square bill than anyother. I have used the coffin bill balsa in heavy timber and didn't seem to have any issues, however I don't throw the coffin bill as much as other cranks. I'm looking forward to trying the new Rapala coffin bill though. I have been throwing their DT Series balsa pretty regular and like them.

You my friend, are what is known as "A LUCKY DUCK"! As you collect all these trophy bass be sure to post a pic or two, it will help us northern boy's get through winter.

Hey tfultz, great vid and very sweet Pelican. Thanks for sharing! You are obviously a man of talent and detail!

There are a lot of really nice bass boats around for 8K! Check your local craigs list and don't be afraid of ebay either. Do your homework and you should be able to find something to your liking! Good Luck

I too have one of these little boats and use it for farm pond fishin. In fact, I am sitting in it for my avatar to the left. It's perfect for those small waters. Put it in the back of my pickup with all my goodies and can 4 wheel drive back to those boonie hard to reach ponds where the big guy's are just waitin for me! I have never modified mine, but have gotten many great ideas from this thread and will have to install a few of them. Thanks!

I'm with RW post #179. That being said, being an old guy and applying the "Buffet Theory" I have also accumulated much fishing tackle over the years including collector type items. It goes with the territory! I sure love looking at everyones tackle though, and wish all posters & members happy and highly successful fishing! Thank you all so much for sharing, it helps pass the cold weather months.

Agree, great site! Wish I had found it years ago.

Welcome aboard Arki from "The Great State of Iowa"!

Bass will hit just about anything in the spring. Cranks, Spinnerbaits, and Jig & Pig are all right up there. However, whats most important in the spring is when you go and where you go. Make sure to go as often as you can, and start as early in the year as you can. We are having crazy springs and you don't want to miss out on those really big bass. They are starved and when they start eating they go absolutely wild! When you go, try to fish water that you're pretty sure has mature bass in it. If you can get a hold of a topo map check for areas that have deep water like river channels near points leading into shallow water. In other words, put youself in the most likely spot to catch a lunker bass and your odds will skyrocket.

When I first started bass fishing seriously I always used real pork trailers as well. Many times I would trim the excess from the bottom of the chunk and give it more action. As plastics got better and better over the years I use them exclusively now. Thanks Nick for reminding me, it's hell getting old!

Learn new sonar unit which will be an all year thing! Drop shot and fish more plastics. When I think back on all the years I have bass fished I realize I have concentrated on one or two lures & techniques each season. In other words, one season more spinnerbaits, another maybe more jig&pig or plastic worm. I have always either had more success with a particular type of bait or just fished that bait more regularly in a specific season or year. Last year it was spinnerbaits, killed fish all year! Not sure why, but whatever bait I'm tossin at the time if I start nailin fish I generally stick with it until it becomes less productive and then I try something else.

Save it for a new outboard.

You will find this sport very addictive and enjoyable, welcome aboard! Been fishing over 60 years, ain't nothing better!

If you're not in a hurry, wait for TW or Cabelas for a sale. Sometimes TW will give 20% off plus you get free shipping! As long as you go black & white combo instead of color you should be able to easily stay under $450 and get a 4.5" or 5" screen as well. I purchased a HB 597 Ci DI Combo for under $500 that way.

+1

Love balsa crank baits of misc. makers. I agree with whoever said get a few and try them. Once you get comfortable you can expand on what you like and try something different once and awhile. With our buddy the "Bait Monkey" around, you will be addicted in no time! There are many good baits available now at reasonable prices.

5/16 & 3/8 in dark green w/green metal flake trailer, black w/blue trailer, and brown w/orange trailer. Usage depends on lake and water clarity. Agree with jigs good year around. Sometimes use a jig with long worm trailer in bright blue or grape color and swim it as well.

Hey Brian, I have never fished this lake but the week you're coming is perfect for big bass in southern Iowa. The big brood bass will be working into the spawn areas from deep water so just look for those types of areas, particularly if the river or creek has a bend in it and runs next to a point or unusual structure near the spawn area. The map you furnished sure makes me want to fish it, looks like there are at least 3 sweet spots. As far as lure choice goes, jig & pig, crank, or spinner bait should work well. The biggest 5 fish limit I ever caught was in southern Iowa on a state lake in April, weight was 33#. Unfortunately one bass was only 3#.

I started in a wooden jon boat, then customized a metal jon boat for bass fishing, in the 60's went to a Quachita fiber glass bass boat, in the late 70's bought a Venture bass boat, and now my ride is a 94' Nitro 170DC pictured below.

I know I am new here fellas, but I am sooooo proud of your commitment to bass fishing and support for the "Bait Monkey", our true friend and lasting fishing partner! And SB, I can relate to the ever spiriling "rod needs reel" or "reel needs rod" senario. I quit counting how many times that has happened to me, but in the end I always feel good about the final result. You can never have too much of a good thing! Congrats on all the quality savy smart buys you boys have gotten lately!

Thanks JF for the vid! Will try this knot for sure.

You can never have too many rods, reels, or baits! First of all, you have to have spares in case there is a need and you don't have time to purchase new. Maybe perfect fishing weather or tournament this weekend? Anyway, spares are an absolute must! Second, if you pass up a good deal you will always regret it! And third, already mentioned "womens math", the amount of money you will save over a lifetime of bass fishing will be incredible! One also must remember the security and peace of mind along with the mental stability you and your family will benefit from. As I have previously stated, YOU MUST EMBRACE, LOVE, AND CHERISH the BAIT MONKEY! He is now and always will be a bass fishermans best friend. He only does what he does because we mean so much to him! One is the Master and one is the Slave, you decide!

Nice job Tom!