"hamma"

No doubt the New York agencies described are respectable, and they want whats best for their state. And yes Massachusetts has come a long way. My point is watch who is being delegated to a decision making authority and why. Nowadays Massachusetts seems to be a testing ground for "new" and upcoming laws. example: fines for residents that dont have health insurance,..lol if ya cant afford insurance what makes you think one can afford a fine?,, and yeah massachusetts did it first, how do I know? Im one of the unfortunate that was working a temp job, with no insurance provided, and with kids on child support?,.. I couldnt afford the premiums, and was fined 1K each year. Back to the subject? OK,..the lead ban,.... if there is only a few nesting loons in the entire state,.. why is a lead ban "so" important to the legislature, that it passes a law condemning the entire state to use alternatives? They could of restricted certain areas,...why the state as a whole? There are some very competent and compassionate people in this state that do care about its well being, and the wildlife and fisheries management dept, is at the forefront of that concern. I've met some of them, and many of their rangers, every one of them a stand up person without any hidden agendas and that have shown nothing but care and concern for the states well being My above post is about the puppeteirs that pull the strings, the so-called "fat Cats" that "govern" Back when I attended the meeting in Boston? there was a well rounded and deeply concerned Board that was in jeopardy at that time. And the remarkable attendance that day ended said jeopardy,... Nowadays? I believe things have changed on the Board. Not just with the lead ban, the added saltwater licenses as well, removal of the broodstock salmon stocking program, changes in lobster regulations, groundfish regulations,..etc. I was born and raised in this state, Im 53,... and see some of the recent instances here,.. simply deplorable If you live in this state, and fish? you've noticed As far as your research paper reguarding lead and mercury contaminations? in New York? I had the train of thought that there most likely hasnt been a single state in the country that has not been greatly and meticulously tested, monitored, and well documented, for any contaminents, of any kind, ever since the bald eagles started disappearing many years ago. So the data? is out there. your questions? 1) no im not in support of a ban 2) other materials have been around for a while now, but,..the alternatives mold differently, Therefore, not providing a true replacement of lead 3) the aisles in any tackle shop or even bass pro shops haven't changed much at all, there are "some" alternatives, but again, they have been there for several years, even before the lead ban. Im done!

^^^ this and lemmie explain I live in Massachusetts, and we have a lead ban due to the "loon" issue Many years ago I was a member on another website that was designed for the New England Sportsman. Hunters and anglers alike, One day I read a post about the "new" board of directors for fisheries management being overrun by PETA, The poster was a well known angler that was actually affiliated with the site. The post asked for people to attend a meeting in Boston to combat these "new" members of the board being elected in Massachusetts. A year or so after this? the site disbanded segway to a few years prior A year or two prior a couple "scientists" determined that the traps being used in the state for beaver, were inhumane and needed to be banned. So the state banned the traps in question,... What happened? the beavers started to overrun the western part of the state. Damming up streams and small rivers wherever they could. Turning prime, taxable lands into swamps. Millions, and Millions of dollars in taxes were lost. People were losing their prime farmlands to water laden now "consevation" lands due to the beaver overpopulation. And legislation had to once again be changed to repair the damage done.,. Oh by the way, these "scientisits" were named. Come to find out at the meeting in Boston I attended to battle the "new" board members being elected? same names as the "scientists" So when I got my turn to speak I simply pointed out that these "new" board members are the same "scientists" that deemed the beaver traps inhumane, and caused Millions, and Millions of tax dollars worth of damage out in the western section of the state due to the "beaver mishap" then I said "Whats it going to take, bears raiding trashbarrels in Boston before you see the harm thats on its way by appointing these"scientisits" to our fisheries board of directors??". The motion to appoint was shut down, and for several years afterward things went quiet. Then next thing ya know, theres a lead ban in Massachusettes due to the decline in loons,.. Ummm A heads up! theres maybe and I say maybe,. 2 or 3 bodies of water with nesting loons in Massachusetts, Quabbin reservior, and Wachusett reservior, both are severely restricted as far as fishing goes. and the Conn River HMMMM sound fishy? oh it is,...truely is, and wouldnt ya know that a few years after the "meeting" in Boston, the "scientisits" got their appointment. The Squeaky Wheel gets the what? oh yeah,... PETA (and I dont mean the peta my brother named his dog Pete after,)..Pain In The A** I do love fishing this area and Quabbin rules, Maines awesome,..But Massachusetts s**** to live in. I had over a hundred and fifty or so, hand tied jigs (bassjigs that is),.nevermind the dozens of hair jigs, then maribous that I hand tied as well, add in the seven or eight different styles of weights I use,... that ALL, yes,..ALL needed replacement now I have since given many of my jigs away to friends that live in states that allow lead,. And have re-placed a mere fraction of what I had tied up. Some weights I have replaced as well, but there are still many techniques I cant employ now as my weights options are limited to either tungsten, tin, or steel and many of the weights I had in lead, are not made in either. And I have spent the last few years seeking alternatives,... to no avail Be sure the "reports" handed in to your states legislation is tried and true before you just allow stuff to happen. PETA is EVVVEERRRYYYWWWHHHEEERRREEEE!

Ummmm. did ya ever consider lipping it? And like mentioned above "catch then fumble" play stands as called on the field. Sorry, "resson numba one grasshoppah",...never grab the line

Thanks Roadwarrior, Hmmmm,... waters that never freeze, and with awesome smallie fishing?,...I wanna move,...lol,.. Ok, I'd miss Maine too much,.. so maybe that move comment was a knee jerk reaction. Guess I will just settle for "visiting" when I can. I do wonder if your winter fishing down there mimics ours up here or not. And let me clear that question up Up here we do have river smallies, and these rivers do have some dams, and the sections of rivers that are dammed up, also release water at times and this will locate bass differently than when the water is not being released. when the current is flowing good (water released) the smallies will hide in eddies, and breakwaters just as one would think. But when there's no current from water being released the smallies will act much like the lakes around here, just with a bit more fight to them, a slightly more vigor, as their will now be a very slight current. I fished Wilson Lake in a extremely hot springtime one year, and when water was being released I had no problem locating and catching smallies. But when the dam stopped water flow, I couldnt buy a bite, at all. It was like someone flicked a switch, and the fish lockjawed. I do understand, just could be that, I was there during a time when the air temps were exceptionally hot, and the water quite warm (cuz it was) and fish were maybe re-acting to the weather. Being a tourist, I wasn't sure, and still left quite curious. And I also ask this as I read your comment reguarding "current dominates everything" is this the norm? everything? even yearround? I'd like to return to that area again sometime, is there a prefered time of year to fish those northern Alabama tva lakes, or even some downstream a bit.,... Im thinking jan. or feb. to escape the fridged weather up here then, But would rather prefer,.. to make sure Im down there during a good time to be there. (if I worded that right)

They will gravitate to structure, and will choose whats available, with rock on it being the best choice. Reason being,...Rocks will hold the suns heat better than any other cover, and transmit said heat back out therefore warming the surrounding water slightly, (works springtime as well) So if you know of a drop with boulders on it? good bet they will be hugging those boulders. A creek channel bend with beach ball sized rocks breaking any current? Give it a few casts, or a steep sloping bottom that ends in a good sized rock covered flat.,.fish it! At least thats what I would target. Up here some lakes are all rock and the search is slightly altered by where the forage is. Many of these lakes have smelts as a forage base, and finding the schools of smelt is the key here, cruising around watching my finder is paramount, but as I'm doing so I will keep in mind that there are alot of smelts in some lakes, and a small baitball of them doesnt mean the bass are closeby. Many of these smaller baitballs are being chased around by salmon, lakers, or stocked trout. Which have no issues with mobility in colder waters. The "main" bait ball in this cold water is usually quite huge, incorporating a whole bay, deep hole, or complete shoreline's dropoff. And when you find them you will know as your finder is almost blacked out, or with color units, a virtual rainbow. and trust me,.. in these huge lakes? when you find the main mass of bait? theres all kinds of predators about, pinning them for a easy meal. You will have found the bass, but also any other predatory fish found in that water body, and as your fishing you may hook any of them. I choose these bigger waters as they are the last to freeze over, smaller lakes will mirror these instances and ocurrances, just on a smaller scale. As for tiny ponds? Is there really any need to tell you that in these ponds the bass are going to hug whatever they can in winter. Thats all they have! they will be everywhere in a small 60 acre pond, and be feeding on whatever they can fit in their mouth. If there is deeper water, the bigger fish will demand the best spots. Herring fed waters will act pretty much the same as smelt fed waters, but when it comes to shad based lakes? I'm not sure, as we dont have "many" of them up here. There are a few, but nothing compared to smelts and herring. I do know that some shad die off in extreme cold water,..im not 100% sure which it is, either gizzard or threadfin. I do know one of them does survive and these hearty baitfish do offer some different tactics then their competeing baitfish cousins, smelts and herring. Admittingly, I'm not "proficient" in shads activity and antics. If I had grown up in a southern state, as in my prefered TVA lakes area, IE: pickwick, wilson, wheeler and guntersville,... I'm sure I would have studied them more. Maybe this will be my next study for a while. Hope this helps

I always use a trailer on a spinnerbait, and in tournies I add on a trailer hook as well. It doesnt hinder the trailer much, and I dont add a trailer on the trailer hook.

^^^^ this, Probably the most overlooked is the sassy shads. A guide once taught me and a old club buddy a technique with these, that I have never forgotten and I use every year since. I have lately bought a bunch of different "newer" swimbaits and have yet to really fish them, I got some keitech's, ragetails, berkley's, (that are quite lifelike looking),some prerigged storms, and a few jackalls. But the sassy shad? as of now is my favorite as it has produced for me over many years.

I'd think the blade itself would exclude the lure altogether, same with underspins, again,.."I'd think",....also, I have yet to see a ranger checking anglers on bass waters yet. Trout waters? oh yeah, but bass lakes? not one as of yet. As Im tying my own bass, hair, and maribou jigs. Im also thinking of pouring my own non-lead jigs. Im compiling the info and have yet to find a mold that creates bladed jigs, If I do end up making my own jigs I will seek out the info for a bladed jig and let ya know what I come up with.

Tough for me to fish? weatherwise or fishwise doesnt really matter to me. Weather never really deterred me unless the winds are whipping to hard to launch,(love my deep-v hull) or lightning is about. As for fishing tougher fish to catch? Thats just another challenge, I do my best to overcome. I dont really seek those fish out, but if thats whats presented, thats what I attack with even more vigor. BUT,........ If Im fishing a known lake, the fish are agreeable, and Im on track for a 100 fish day, I will seek out a tougher area or situations/presentations that are more of a challenge. I dont want to "slay" them, I respect my quarry, and would prefer to learn a "new" tactic, or technique, than to beat up one I already am experienced in. Hence why I bought a dropshot setup this last spring, was out 6 times this year but didnt get to use it successfully yet.,...lol,... the old heinz ketchup add,.."ANNNN-TI-CI--PA-AAA-TION,... is making me wait",.."keeping me waa-ait-ing". So,.next year? Im seeking that day to break it in on some deeper, fat, healthy, smallies to rival A-Jays late season pics.,...yeah, they were some beauties!

Theres bears den, in Norton or Taunton right off 495 from the bay rd exit,.that does have a website, they do also have shop hours on the site, if you live closeby I recommend checking the shop out, they are LOADED with materials and anything else for the fly fisherman. Its where I get my materials and the people there are quite friendly and willing to help. Im pretty sure they have different hours for winter so check it out. If you need it and they dont have it? im sure they will seek to get it for you As far as the lead ban and certain jigs? Any jig under a inch long, or under 1 oz in weight must be lead free. If the bladed jigs you are refering to are longer than a inch long (including the hooks bend) then they comply. At least,..thats how I remember it And it was the loons being poisoned by lead that started this whole deal. They use small gravel in their bellies to aid in digestion some how, and were picking up lead weights within the gravel. Prompting the new legislation. Eventhough theres few loons east of Quabbin, ya know how this state is. Ive met some shore trout anglers that were fishing at long pond Plymouth that were checked for lead sinkers, even little pond as well. So, they are checking. But I dont think they'd bother you with a bladed jig seeing as the jigs blade alone is substantial in size, again ya know how this state is, one bad a.m. for a ranger and u may get the shaft . So id measure the bladed jig to be sure. If need be, give me a couple scroungers and I'll tie them up for ya, I have some materials, the vise and time. That way your not getting all the stuff to produce them, to "test" them out,...if they work? then go get the gear,...if they dont? your not out all money/time invested. just a few jigs. Thanks for the kind words John

I use berkley crosslock snaps for cranks and jerkbaits, and I remove any splitrings, and save them for treble hook replacements. I've found this snap to be the strongest many years ago and have stuck with it since. Cranks and jerkbaits need that freedom of movement a split ring, snap, or loop knot provides, so the lure tracks and runs correctly Sometimes I will use the loop knot for jerkbaits, like during the colder water seasons I check my line periodically anyways, and will re-tie to the snap when need be, can be a slight trick to tie a polamar knot on a big jerkbait or crank that has a snap attached to it, but i'm used to it and dont see it as a issue. sometimes I will remove the snap to re-tie to it so the large lure doesnt hinder,

a light hair jig with a pork trailer, and a jerkbait, both floating and suspeding

Plastics, then spinnerbaits

By now you've read the responses and should be getting the general idea, slow fishing, suspending jerkbaits and jigs are the primary baits, and Catts point of stable weather is spot on. Either stable weather of crappy conditions, or favorable conditions (for us anyways) may do it, the key is "consistent" ,..I've had success in wet cold windy days, and sunny, warmer, and calm days, as long as its been the same for several days. BUT, what does one look for while out on the boat to locate bass, and not the other species present. Good question huh? Many fish will hold at a certain depth and close together in that range,.. Meaning as your cruising along watching your finder, you will probably find a myriad of different looking screens,. Some will be fish up kinda close to the surface around 6 to 9 feet deep, probably trout,.. some may be hugging the bottom a foot or so from the bottom, these "could" be bass actively feeding, but I've found usually not, I say "could" because it looks like a summer pattern and bass will use the same areas and antics as in summer,... and I say "usually not" as I have found its usually perch. or some other like fish, walleye maybe, or sauger, pike, pickeral.,... Bass seem to utilize a funnier than one would think water column. Typically they will spread out using from 12 to even 20 feet of waters while suspending inactive. Meaning,... say your cruising around and the finder is marking nothing, your over 55 feet of water, suddenly your marking fish that range anywhere from 25 to almost 45 feet, and the bottom either drops, or starts rising up. These are "usually" bass, as sunfish and crappie "may" employ the same water columns. With fish closest to the depth change being slightly more active. Even better is when you locate bait around these suspending fish. Now keep in mind this is a scenerio of a large water body that I have found up here, but "can" be found on a small pond as well, just not as predominant. Is this a definate scenario? Heck no, but it is what I've found up here in a area that suffers from winters grasp every year, whether we get ice or not. I have fished these fish with both the suspending jerkbaits and jig,.but I will also use a spoon as well. A crippled herring smothered in herring scent, a d.b. smelt covered in smelt scent, and a hopkins with a shad scent, etc., etc., etc.,...Jigged as a jigging spoon Typically when I find these spread out fish on the finder they are bass, usually smallies, but with largemouth mixed in,... even a few bigger crappies may be present. Now on shallow ponds? the deepest water is where I fish, and thats really all you have to choose from. deepest water close to shore is even better if you can find such. and the prevailing baitfish mimicing floating rapala my top choice, with maybe the small hair jig and pork trailer stitched being my second choice. Now,.many of you northern anglers have winterized the boat, and see the canoe or kayak, or bass raider a viable option as a gas motor is not required. You have one of the three in the back yard just sitting there waiting for you to use,..Your thinking "hmmm, I can still fish off the raider",.or canoe/kayak. "my fishing isnt done till the ice sets in" Winter fishing may be close to summer fishing in warmer climates, up here it "kinda" does, but requires extreme safety concerns. Hypothermia sets in quick in colder waters, kayaks, canoes, can be a dangerous venture. Thats not saying your safe on a bass rig, but just a bit safer. I keep a clean deck in winter, as fishing bundled up is a bit different than wearing shorts and a tee shirt. The cumbersome clothing to battle the elements this time of year can cause balance and mobility issues. Make sure you test out your winter clothing options and even raingear over said clothing, before you decide to leave home. If your clothing options have created movement issues? scrap them as a option all together! find clothing that allows freedom of movement without any hiccups. One issue on a boats deck while encountering waves from wind, can end up ugly, the heavy clothing once wet becomes a anchor, and will hinder your efforts to climb back aboard. And that cold water will actually deter proper thought in a moment when you really need it. You may think, "well,..I'll just do this, or that" now, while warm in your home reading this, but once out there, overboard, thought process is robbed quickly. Please, I beg of you, if you plan on fishing cold water? be very careful. Have a plan in place in case of man overboard, a ladder to get back aboard, wear a lifevest when fishing alone, etc. etc. ,, etc.,...It's easy to "plan",... but when you are in that cold water, breathing becomes difficult, strength is robbed, thought is clouded, and whats a easy climb aboard during the summer, now is a climb hindered, and much more difficult. Cold water is a dangerous element, it has, and does kill. So make sure that you have your ducks in a row, OR,...fish with another while winter fishing if you can. It can save your life. Winter fishing can and often does provide a shot at a giant, or the lakes biggest bass. But mother nature doesnt just "hand" her to you. You need to respect that cold water, be diligent, but cautious, very, very cautious. It takes a slightly different preparation process to battle these colder than usual bass fishing outings,.. DO SO! Consider the variables, needs and demands A old friend once taught me the ever so important,... 7 p's,...and it needs mentioning here. Proper Planning and Preparation, Prevents, "Pee" Poor Performance The last 3? while fishing cold water? not a good combination.

I have a couple lightning rods, they are both Med Heavy and are used for "sensitive" presentations, and I have no issues with them at all. one is a 7 ft spinning and the other a casting 7 ftr. Now, although when I fish alone I set them up for jig fishing, or maybe even a worm, and sometimes a jerkbait. I do leave them home when I go with another angler, exception being my daughters, as I let them use the spinning rod. When they graduate to baitcasters, the 7 ft baitcaster will get the nod.,... (this coming spring) I do get the sensitive thing as I do have some really sensitive gear for bottom bouncing, but still dont negate the lightning rods at all. They may be a less expensive rod, But there is yet to be a rod built with more money, time, and testing involved in its design. I have taught all 3 of my daughters to fish both searchbaits and bottom bouncing and we all have used the lightning rod for both with success. A jighead with a plastic, to a jerkbait, that spinning rod has done it all. It provides "enough" sensitivity to warrant its use for any and all the lures we've bottom bounced with. It may not be the "best" but for the money? try and beat it, it's just not going to happen. I do have a cheaper shimano convergence heavy action that come close, but still not "better". I rarely spend alot of money for a rod, and im kinda surprised I dont have any of the newer shock series yet. But I dont fish braid, and thats what these shocks are designed for. Even the techniques that dont "require" alot of sensitivity, will benefit from some. Topwaters, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and even crankbaits fished on a rod with some sensitivity, are better served this way. The feel of a fish after a topwaters hit is crucial, same goes for the other 3 lures. At least,.. I believe this to be benefitial in these less sensitive demanding techniques. Big fruits point holds some merit, the better your gear the better its going to serve you. But money is what it is and not all of us can afford GLoomis rods. And I am one of these anglers, So I buy what I can, when I can, and make due. My most expensive setup is a original shimano crucial telescoping c-rig/jig rig rod (thats actually a Gloomis blank) and a shimano 201 calcutta reel. Awesome setup, I love using it and it's yet to fail me in almost 20 years. But I also have some much less expensive setups that see even more use and kicks bass. Since this thread is about money saving, heres a trick or tip for checking a rod out before buying it. I will check its tip but appyling pressure to the rods tip with one finger only, and push up by the handle checking its parabolic bend and action, then I will hold the handle as if i'm fishing it, and very lightly touch the floor with the rods tip, sliding it back and forth "feeling" its sensitivity. The feeling transmitted will tell you how sensitive it really is, ,... do this with several different makes and models and you will see what I mean, a whip or 2 like your casting will give an idea of how the rod loads a cast. I've been doing this for over 30 years and have yet to buy a rod I'm dissapointed with. I have found that a inexpensive doesn't always mean "cheap" by any means. If a rod offers a place to touch the blank while reeling, and is made from a graphite or better blank, then its most likely a "decent" rod as far as feel goes. Add on a graphite reel seat, fugi guides, and im happy.

Ok ,..Ok,...put the miracle grow and steroids away now, and Frankenfish aren't going to qualify either,...lol I urge you to check out the igfa site and read up on it, there's some photo, and measurement requirements that may benefit some, as you guys actually fish these lakes that "may" have the next record in it. Im pretty sure the next "world" record isnt up here in New England, I can hunt to beat my states record, or any other NE lakes I fish,(doubtful but ya never know) and as my meds are quite strong I will need to check into regs here and ensure I follow the requirements, whether they mirror igfa or not. But I digress,... You, yes you.,.... Not to pressure you but,...only you can prevent forest fires, shoot thats Smokey's deal,...lemmie try that again. You actually may have a shot at it, Do you fish Cali?,...Texas?, Fla? Georgia? Alabama?.. any other major lake that produces double digits? Catt? Tom? and all you other fortunate anglers that fish these waters Do you potentially have what it takes?, Fish with 20 lb test or lighter lines?, I know many of you have "what it takes" and fish these "potential" lakes. for the love of god guys!,..check out the regulations/requirements,... I did, and they seem to be alot more lenient as they used to be, you may already be compliant, or just have to adjust a slight bit. Wouldn't it be at least worth it to check it out? segway to rob schnieder in "the water boy",..... "you can do it!",.... lol How would you feel if you landed the monster bass of all time and got screwed out of the record due to a "requirement",... I know I'd feel bad for ya, I'm sure previously potential record breakers that fell short are re-thinking their actions, and wishing that they didnt fall short. Technology being what it is these days, do you bring a smartphone with you on the boat? go pro? tape measure, have a livewell? a certified weight station closeby? see where im going with this? Not only ,...lol "you can do it",...you just might,,.... and trust me,..I'd be right there congratulating you for it. Id much rather want to shake your hand,...then to give ya a (nelson from The Simpsons) "Hehh heeahhh!",....LOL,... like I stated above, "only you can prevent forest fires"

I dont see much of gaining anything,.. without being able to talk with him. I wouldnt feel comfortable rifling thru his stuff, and, no matter what he has tied on, we all fish differently. waypoints? what if they are just where he prefished and stink anyways?

I started using roadrunners many years ago, and found they not only worked good fished slow and off the bottom just a bit, But they also kick butt when bass are busting baitballs on the surface, cast beyond the breaking bait and bring the runner right thru them, if you've chosen the proper color/size combo, hold on. I just recently bought some larger versions at bass pro, I think they are from strike king, cant wait to try them on these herring fed lakes up here. As these newer ones are heavier, and have bigger blades, I have some nice plastics for these, and hope they work like im figuring.

If you like the lightning rod? they just re-introduced their series one rods,,..A quality rod before, im sure even better now.

Ok I just got off the igfa site, and it seems that they have changed their rules since the last I checked, (probably 35 years ago) Back then you needed a igfa certified rod, reel, line, blah, blah, blah etc,...... Nowadays, no wire lines, 20lb test is the line class on largemouth, and rods with a shorter than 27 inch butt (from reel seats center to rods butt), and tips longer than 44 inches, meaning its length from center of reels seat to tip. And, no electric or powered reels. So I guess most of us are compliant as is, I dont use more than 20 lb test, I tried a 25 lb test power pro for frogging but gave up on it, and reverted right back to 14 lb test mono. The 27 inch butt section thing I will have to measure some of my rods but I think they arent that long., and there are some requirements about assistance during the fight, but I catch my fish myself and usually lip them myself ,...so im good to go,... how about you? does your line even braid exceed 20 lb test? I know some like the thicker braids to help with braid burying itself in the spool, and backlashes So,...keep under 20 lb test, catch it yourself, and fish with rods that have a butt section no longer than 27 inches, and you too can qualify! There ya go yeajray! good luck buddy

As most will probably say,..it depends on the day, If fish are biting by the ramp I may not move much at all, but, if I need to move,.. the conditions and lake in question will determine where I will fish and how far I will go. Theres really no generic amount of distance a angler will travel. I will go where I need to., be it 10 miles or 100 yards. I prefer to stay in a area, but if need be,.... I will relocate. and im pretty sure most anglers will do the same

I believe that the world record "can" be broken. But, its going to take the moon, stars, and planets to line up. lol,.... No really, I do think there is a bass out there swimming around even bigger than the current record. And maybe someday a trophy hunter with the right IGFA gear will haul it in. But,... its going to take some due diligence, perfect timing, and a whole lot of luck. What stinks is that you "have to" adhere to the IGFA requirements to do so. Some day a good ole' boy is going to hook one on his favorite rod, and get ripped of the record because his favorite rod doesnt qualify. And that right there makes it even harder to "break" records in fishing. I have a question for you guys.,.... do you have IGFA qualifying gear? Do you know what gear qualifies? I know that a quick check on google would answer my questions, but my point is.,... do you, would you? Within bass fishing many lures will hook a pig, and to own all IGFA gear to throw those lures may actually hinder the lures effectiveness. Therefore, producing a situation that may negate the hit to begin with. The truly big girls are smarter than the average bass, they've been around the block so to speak, and seem to possess exceptional awareness. I know many of you may disagree, and Im ok with that. but I believe this as Ive seen some huge bass in my time and they all have one thing in common, they demand the due respect the top predator would,. You really have to put a effort forth to fool them ..I offer them some techniques that possess alot of stealth, using lures that mimic the waters primary, or predominate forage, smothered in that forages scent, with proper boat position, lure presentation,.and above all tons of patience. And Im still no pro at it by any means, just a angler that puts forth these efforts, to put "any" fish in the boat. Ive caught some pigs, even some exceptionally impressive fish for this area in my time. BUT,... I have had the fortunate opportunity to live near what I believe the best waters for big bass around here. Add in that most of my bass fishing was at first from a canoe, then a small basshunter, providing the "stealth" aspect quite well. So, my options all kinda added up to my sucesses. Many of you reading this, live down south of me, and in areas that have produced some bass close to or threatening the world record. Have you considered a IGFA rod/reel/line to chase down a record fish? And if you even would consider it, would you fish it exclusively? Get my point now? A fish may be out there to topple the current record, but will it qualify is the question. I imagine many waters are capable to produce a new record, it will take the right stuff to do so, and in the right "cycle" of said lakes life. But will it happen? im not sure. I am sure however that when im done in a few minutes here today, Im going to google the IGFA requirements for such a records demise Is it possible? sure its possible, but will it happen is the tougher question

a couple others I miss, the kangaroo worms from manns I beleive, and their baby stretch 1 minus, not sure if the baby stretch 1- is unavailable but I dont see them around anymore. It's a great bait for over thick weeds that are about a foot from the surface, I have a few left, and use them when a spinnerbait is producing short hits. And it's even produced several lunkers in tourneys for me. Awesome lure imho Thats It Scaleface! the newer one looks good to, but that older one was a solid producer for me

^^^^^ this is what I wish they would still make, the old craw color was killer

I've not used any of these but it sounds like a viable option, as small and slow often is the ticket this time of year. Johns point about color and even lighter weighted jigs is a good point as well, and worth exploration. If you have never stitched, or doodled, which for the most part was a western technique many years ago, look into them. They work wonders this time of year especially down on the cape or other sandy bottomed waters. Dragging is another good slow technique in cold water but you need a slow drift, via a slight breeze to do it right. Steve Carty, taught me this back in 94 with one of his small reapers on a jighead. Thank You Steve!, I miss your baits, and conversations....And I found the small hair jig with a uncle josh 101 trailer to be even better. I'd imagine your new jig/craw combo would work as well, as it sounds smaller and a good option for any of the techniques mentioned. Just be sure to smother any offering with a scent. Any negative que at all will deter a hit, especially in colder waters, as bass will inspect a lure a bit longer before striking, due to a slower metabolism. The scent will offer a better chance at a hit, and often will actually initiate one in my opinion. Give your keitech jig a shot,..cant hurt.