SWVABass

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't there away to qualify for the elites through the nation? Similar to the flw living the dream package? I have always wanted to fish the opens don't know if I will or not. Yes the new format makes it tough but you have to be committed if you want a shot at the big leagues. I disagree with the idea that elites can't fish the opens, it's an open just that open to any one. It's another chance for those guys to make a payday. Just my 2 cents

Try a medical supply store. Pretty sure you might find the tubing your looking for. I have used the heat-shrink tubing you can buy at an auto store for wacky rigging in the past worked perfectly for me. I just used a back sharpie to color it after heating.

Won't lie, my fish love to swirl on it nip at it and miss it. Makes an awesome locator then follow up with something. The fish that have hooked up ate it deep, except whites but they manage to foul hook on a dropshot too smh..

I'll throw anything from the bank, we have some pretty steep banks here so even deep cranks get a turn. But usually a dropshot. From a boat same thing goes, I just feel more effective from a boat.

Never used a craw but I think if I were going to a pyschodad by Yamamoto.

i hope Adrian can find away to pull it out today. I like his style. All four on the other side I could pull for though.

Good luck man!

Get some Jj's magic chartreuse stuff is awesome. I bought some spike markers they seem to work and less mess

I use senko's as well, but lately I've got to throwing a tube, internal jig head 1/8th oz as a follow up bait. Not positive but that spiral it has on the drop seems to draw them back around. Been using a smoke color with silver and black flake.

One really good way to figure out a new technique is to go fish with someone else who understands that bait, when, where, and why to throw it. This has helped me a lot. Instead of throwing a bait at the wrong time I was taught what to look for, why it worked, and it gave me confidence to throw it again.

My wife likes to tell me how she's going to lay a beat down on me. She also says those fancy lures and rods don't help you, and proceeds to catch a decent fish on a beetle spin and her trout rod. Smh

I bought the Ike designed abu Garcia dropshot rod. I love it very light, sensitive, quality components. I think I paid 120 for it. Paired it with a Lews speed spool, I can't complain. In all I spent less than 200 on the setup.

Welcome from the left coast here

Pitching to wood in the fall has worked out well for me. Outside of prespawn, for whatever reason it's the only other time I've caught fish off wood.

Where I live usually alcohol is mixed with anything outdoors. I won't say anything to "grown people" usually a quick call to game and fish and they are right there. I will take time to educate youth if I think they would be responsive. I agree with @Bluebasser86 no license needed to carry here. So I take other people's stupidity and use it to teach my kids the right way

We have that here on my lake. Spring time jerk bait, summer a wacky worm fall spinnerbait. Also picked them up on drop shots, and tubes. I've had the best luck where I can find some small shelfs, or a transition to a 45 degree bank or chunk rock.

One member talked about feeling weight and setting the hook. I have found this to be true as well, especially true with bigger fish. Do not be afraid to "cross their eyes". I had to learn the hard way as well, or use a very strong side sweep set, and don't give them any slack. i did change out reels this summer as my backup reel the drag slipped twice on two fish costing me in a tournament. I fish mine on a 6'6" mh fast action and 12lb test hybrid. Good luck, another option through them wack on an exposed hook, your catch rate should jump up.

Have family down there sounds like most are doing good so far, some stayed and some left. I was down in Tallahassee this spring, even though these hurricanes are hell on us, that ecosystem down there needs them, running all the way up north into the Appalachian's. glad to see the moisture return down there as I didn't want to spend my winter in the southeast on fire. Good luck to all down there, god bless

If possible take something to hack some weeds and a hand saw to trim limbs on trees, that is if it isn't illegal. Then you can open up your spot.

Congrats on the nice fish, I know that shaking feeling just had it last week when I caught mine too??

I constantly use it in the manner your talking about. I'll fish it in 2-20 feet of water. I've done really well with it too, helped me win our club tourney last month as a non boater. I'll pitch or cast to targets, work points, and drop offs with it as well. I believe one reason it works so well is our lake has an enormous shad population and fish seem to almost always feed looking up here. Give it a cast!

Just a idea, but would dropping the weight if the head help? As long as it wasn't so light the current blew it out before it got to the intended target? It has seemed to help me on my rocky lake, but I'm not dealing with current.

@Bluebasser86 love that lil guys smile! Nothing better than that reminded me of when my daughter caught her first one this summer. Awesome weekend!

Seeing as your from cali @WRB has a wealth of knowledge to share. He personally has chimed in on some of my post and related directly to western bass fishing. Use him! Also what @the reel ess stated too. I would pick wrb brains about where your fishing then pick one style and get good at it. For me I started with square bills, then that morphed to tubes, drop shot, trig, deep cranks and such. Good luck man!

Try slowing down, I used to fish way to fast. When I started slowing down my catch rates went up. Let the activity tell you to speed up.