Todd2

So I read the whole section from the 1980 Bassmaster hardback book..Purple was considered number #1 and Black and Blue were tied for #2. The funny thing is if you read the whole section on worms, not much has changed in 40 years. No mention of tungsten and fluoro of course but the basics haven't changed in regards to the Texas rig at least.

I found this gem in my 1980 Best of Bassmaster that my older brother gave me years ago.?

Every time I declare victory over the Micropterus salmoides and think I've solved the magic color issue, the next time out I'm humbled on that color. Having said that...lol.. Pumpkinseed and tail dipped in Chartreuse killed it last time out. In general I think we all over think colors but if green/blue gives you confidence..stick with it. You'll fish it better.

I've tried more than I care to share. Keep coming back to Stren.

Yeah, if you don't weigh it a little right before swinging you can't be sure you've caught up with those ones that grabbed it and came at you.

It's a good question. I've noticed that too sometimes. I had an old buddy that would talk about it forever before swinging. When I feel the bite, tic, line jump..I drop the rod and reel the slack and as the line starts coming up off the water and I start feeling the slightest tension I swing. If it's a long cast, same thing except I reel into the fish a little more before swinging to help with stretch.

Let it fall to the bottom unless it's way below your Summer thermocline. No need to fish dead water.

I've fished a Texas rig exclusively the last 3 times out. It's been the only rod on deck. I have changed up the plastics but mostly a ribbontail. When I get to the laydowns, points, cuts, etc. I'm slowing down and making multiple pitches. The part that I've been doing different is between the good stuff. I usually just hop it fast and try to hit as much as possible until I get to the next tree or whatever. What I started trying here lately his casting out in front of the boat in about 10 feet (our thermocline) and swimming the Texas rig pegged right along the bottom like Charlie Brewer wrote about. Just a slow roll, ticking the bottom, but not stopping. On 2 out of the 3 days this has produced the bigger fish. (The biggest of all came out of slowly working a lay down). I want to give this technique some more time because swimming a Trig is not something I normally do. So I guess what I'm saying is I think there is a place for both..slowing down and covering some water efficiently. Good post.

I use a round bend offset and leave the hook point in the center of the worm for coming through cover better. If your hookset is not punching through half a worm, you have no chance at penetrating the roof of the mouth..IMO. I think you'll like round bends but it is a preference thing. I know my hookups went up with them years ago.

Ok, I fish out of my boat 90% of the time, but every now and then I'll hit a few ponds or a little lake nearby for a quick outing. What drives me nuts is when a boater at the lake comes in on me like I'm not there. I never do that in my boat, if I see folks on the bank, I either give them a very wide berth or go somewhere else. That drives me nuts.

Yeah I haven't fished a full night in years. I call fishing till 1 or 2 night fishing..lol. I don't get too spooked but the other night two raccoons started fighting right behind me on the bank..that woke me up.

There are more 4/0's and 5/0's than I expected. What's some of the pros and cons here? I bought bulk 2/0 and really like them and will probably stay with it when I run out but I mostly throw 7inch ribbontails or lizards. Good topic..

I went to a 2/0 round bend offset for all plastics and it seems to work pretty good.

I throw a black and blue jig with a black red flake speed craw that works well too.

I only fish for them in cold water but I use jigs. When I add a little Crappie nibble on, my bites go up 2 to 3X

I bought some Luck-E-Strike American Originals G5 Crankbaits. Runs 5-8 feet. These are American (Arkansas I think) made at a great price. They have many colors. The Poche's Perch seems to be the deal here.

I'm not a tournament guy but I think you answered your own question above. Confidence in an area and technique is huge. My 2 cents, probably worth less than that...lol

I've fished a Texas rig since my teenage years in the late 80's. This is the first year I've really pegged my Trig much and I like it. I keep a bobber stop a foot or so above the weight normally but when throwing into heavy brush I wet the line and slide it down pegged...and yes, bury that hook point in the center of the worm. Comes through cover better than a jig and gives me confidence to pitch it anywhere. I wish I'd been doing this for years.

All-Star 7' MH Johnny Morris BC 12lb Big Game 3/16 oz Texas Rig Motor Oil Power Worm This is currently my #1 deal, subject to change at anytime without notice..lol

I rolled back to the ramp a little after midnight last night and there were three teenagers swimming a good distance from the dock..crazy. Luckily it's no wake and from the parking lot light in the background I was able to see some movement..be careful out there at night.

I think @J Francho nailed it. In this case in took me less than 30 secs to pop off the worm and stick on a craw and I think the first keeper came on the first cast..maybe second after switching. Hard to figure these pea sized brain creatures out.

I made it out last night for my first night fishing of the year. Was going down a channel swing bank and got to 4 large laydowns in one little area at the other end of the lake from the OP. I worked it thoroughly like I did before switching from the worm (that had been working before dark) back to the jig. Nothing. This went on for a while. I took off the worm and put a dark craw on the T-Rig and caught 2 keepers and a dink in about 5 mins after I had pounded it with the worm and jig. So multiple casts with multiple lures really seems to be a winner. I'm not covering as much water but my #s are up so far. Anyway, thought I'd come back and share.

Tracking fish caught seems like too much work. Also, why would I want documented evidence of my lies? ?

When I'm off the water and home for the night..a couple of these on the back deck.

5.3