BuffaloBass716

I'm looking to buy a lot of new terminal tackle for this year and try some new things out. I know for plastic worms people use tons of different jig heads from the standard ball head, up to perfectly designed jig heads for maximum action. I was wondering what you guys like to use for small 3"-4" swim baits and minnow type baits. Also do you guys like them on weighted swim bait hooks or prefer them on a jig? If you name some of your favorite plastics you put them on, that would help too!

I have Xbox 360 with one fishing game for it, Rapala pro bass fishing. I think the one that I have was made in 2010 or something... but anyway, the game is ok at best. They don't really have the ability to fish for bass like you would in real life such as picking specific rods/reels, plastic worms, jigs, spinner baits etc. There are multi species tournaments in the game though. Fishing video games are never very good IMO except Bass Masters for the Nintendo haha. Basically get a Xbox 360 (they're cheap now because the new Xbox one is out) and you could try the very few fishing games that are out for it (they are cheap too $20 or less). Also if you have a Gander Mountain you go to, mine has a shelf there in the fishing section with fishing DVDs and Xbox fishing games.

I'm in the same situation as you man, college student here and looking for a job. I almost worked for gander mountain for the fishing department which would have been perfect, getting paid to do what I would enjoy, learning about other fishing gear, and probably getting a discount, but sadly I was never hired. I'm basically starting from scratch this year because I literally have nothing from last year, But knowing what I learned over winter and some trial and error I need to stick to the basics as to watch catches fish. I would also stick to soft plastics like most others have motioned already. Maybe a lipless crank and a few jigs. Build your confidence over time, season after season. PM me if you find some deals on some sites or anything like that. I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks for all the replies!

I usually target bass but I keep hearing about people catching some decent pike in the creek that I fish often. I know pike will often hit bass lures and such but are there any good pike baits that would work well for a spinning rod set up. I guy I talked to said he caught a few on a inline spinner in fire tiger color, so possible some small inline spinners are an option. I started bass fishing last year and love it but I've never caught a Northern Pike yet. Most guys on here catch them on accident or break off there line...haha, I just want to catch one while targeting them. Any other pike fishing tips you add are great too! Its one of my fishing goals this year. Catch and land any size pike!

Most people would recommend the 30 because it's lighter and will fit better with most bass lures/tackle.

Sadly no I really should start though, money is so tight, I need to make sure I buy what ill use and catch fish, rather than buying everything I like... haha

If it is not too weedy, try a tube jig head. just reel in the slack and set the hook upward (hard since your rod is flexible or set it multiple times to insure the fish is on)

What do you guys think about the 6930 on a Shimano Clarus 2 piece rod? 7' M/F? I need a new rod for my new reel and must be 2- pieces because I put in in a book bag. The only other 2-piece 7' M/F rod on TW was the Abu Garcia vengeance 2-piece rod for $30 less.

I just got a Pflueger President 6930 for Christmas because of everyone who recommended it on here! I haven't got to use it yet but I'm going to run braid to a fluoro leader to give it a try. Now I'm am looking for a rod to pair it with, specifically the Shimano Clarus 2-piece, (Because I ride my bike most of the time to go fishing and it fits nicely in a book bag) Any of the guys who have the president do you think it would pair nicely with that rod? 7' M/F.

I fished the upper Niagara quiet a bit during the summer. I fish from shore only though but I've caught some nice smallies and largemouth with stick baits and finesse worms, pretty standard. I know guys on boats mostly drift down the river from the Grand Island Bridge down the river around Isle View park/Niawanda Park mostly with drop-shots and catch some 20" smallies... Tubes would be a good choice as well, weight depending on the current and cover. Any baits that mimic a goby on the bottom will get you fish both LM and SM. Like I said, fishing from shore is a bit more difficult and different, dealing with a lot of weeds during the summer months and having the current to deal with at the same time, its hard to find the perfect bait that weights the right amount and come the grass while at the same time catching fish. Overall, I would recommend some soft plastics of your choice, in natural colors with the lightest weight you can get away with. I've had the most hits with weightless worms in watermelon colors then anything last summer/fall. Rods/reels that would be appropriate for light drop shots and finesse would work the best, no need for heavy tackle. Any tips for me would help out too! Thanks

Well I'm a bank fisherman that fishes the Niagara river and some of the creeks that feed into it, I've been wondering where both LM and SM bass go to spawn in this river system? Anyone who fishes lake Erie and the Niagara know much about this? I'm guessing that LM will head into creeks when the water is right, but I'm really not sure... I don't know where to start when the time comes.

Middle of January and its the end of winter? Winter is around half over with and February is one of the coldest months in NY Just keep an eye out for the water temp, once it starts increasing to allow the bass to become more active, then its time to fish!

I know I've been posting and researching a lot recently about spooling up some spinning reels and was wondering what you guys have to say about your favorite fluorocarbon line for a spinning reel. I think I'm going to use #6 line. Another topic... does the color of braided line really matter?

Good to know

I'm hunting for my first top water fish as well.. I've had a few with a senko as soon as it hit the water but never a frog or anything made for top water. I would get some Zoom horny toads or Stanley ribbits along with some poppers, those aren't really walk the dog lures but should create some awesome top water action!

Should I tie the backing on with a double uni knot as well? And Michang5, from what I've heard on here, the 6930 President is the prefect size for bass fishing and everyone says it is one of the best reels for $60. I have to wait until spring to spool it up and buy a new rod for it though

I just got a new 6930 Pflueger President reel and I want to use braid on it this year. I have a few questions so bare with me... I want to use #10 braid, what brand of braid would work well on this reel and should I spool it full of braid or have some mono backing? I'll probably use a #6 or #8 fluoro leader. What shouldn't I tie on with this set up? BTW this is my first time using braid at all so that is why I have all the questions, I don't want to spent money on something that won't work or do well with what I have because good line isn't cheap. Thanks for all your help!

I was thinking them in a mega strike ShakE2 jig...

That's a good idea. I should start looking at coolers instead of tackle bags.

I was just looking at this yesterday on TW, I had no idea that Zoom made a goby bait. I'm guessing a drop shot is that way to go for these but I was thinking on a jig head to mimic the gobies swimming around the rocky bottom. How have you rigged them?

Oh they eat them alright, but its illegal to use them for bait in New York at least and if you catch them it is illegal to put them back in the water, so the best thing is to throw them on the grass and watch the sea gulls swoop down for them. Every time I fish the Upper Niagara, the sea gulls know to stay close to fishermen because of the easy meal.

I'm switching to Plano boxes for a book bag to hold terminal tackle and cranks, jigs, etc. I'm also looking at a bag for just soft plastics that will fit in my book bag with the Plano boxes, there are some on TW that hold 20 bags of soft plastics and it small enough to fit into a bigger book bag. Anyone buy/have something similar?

Would it have good sensitively as a leader for say... #10 braid for spinning tackle, or should I use 100% fluoro?

I really want to catch a fish on a top water frog this year. I have a Spro bronze eye Jr. but I don't really have the right tackle for them. What soft body frog would you guys recommend for average spinning gear? I've heard good things about the ribbit and zoom's frog, would they work good in the spring in about 3-5ft of water?