"hamma"

Kudos to you Papajoe222, its a honorable and commendable act of kindness that you present,... and should be rewarded. I hope your fishing season next year is not only successful, but plentiful, and satisfying,.... I cant do much, but have some extra's, that I offer when the opportunity presents itself, its small, but something. I will do what I can to get this stuff to them

WOW, a 2 speed spinning reel? looks cool but maybe a bit heavy. Probably a great saltwater reel,...anyone try this yet?

As I stated in another thread,.. The area around Georgetown has not only 1 but 2 bridges creating compression areas, during times of water movement at the dam these will create current packed areas which will locate the fish for you, nevermind the channel being defined as well. Predatory fish will use this to their advantage. I seek these "compression areas" wherever I fish, as I have done quite well up here using them in tourneys and funfishing as well. they work well when there is no current, and even better when there is current present. Another area I liked was Patuala (sp?) looks like a promising area as well. Just what I saw, and would check out first. These "may" already be well known areas, but Im not sure as I've never fished there and have no experience down south other than a week on wilson lake. lol,...Catt knows nuttin,...and Toms also pointed out Patuala, ,...iteresting

I'll use a 1/4 or 3/16 oz black hair jig with a 101 black pork trailer, on a med action rod with 10 lb test green mono. for "jigging" and I will also "drag/stitch" either,.. a 1/4 oz football head jig with a yamamoto hula grub, on same type gear. or a 3/8 oz standard jig and pig, on 12 pound test green mono and a flipping stick

This is the criteria that I've learned for this question, laydowned surface = walkers,... slight chop = poppers,.. even more chop = prop baits. Ive targeted some boulders up here with a spook, with great results, so its the surface conditions that I follow

The area of the bridge by Mcfadden run, which crosses the lake is to me a very compelling area. The bridge itself creates a "compression area" up stream you have a junction of Mcfadden run and Brushy (sp?) runs, Also up Mcfaddens run theres plenty of "shallower" water and sunken bridges,... Downstream of the bridge you have a sunken bridge and roadbed that seems to be directly inline of current flowing thru the bridge, and deep, and shallow waters nearby.,..I would check both up and downstream areas via fishfinder and see if you locate any concentration of bait. If so, I would suggest fishing that "thoroughly", If you've been fishing laydowns and having no luck the bass may be relating to a different cover, beit: weeds, boulders, brushpiles on the bends of the channels, etc. Your fishfinder will need to be your friend on this lake, print out a good copy of the map, and take it with you out on the lake. Check out the channel junctions, holes, and bends in the channels. Searching for cover on any of them and fish relating to them. Especially near that bridge I mentioned above. Also, find out (if available) any dam actions relating to releasing water at designated times. Current through that bridge will force fish location, mostly downstream from the bridge, and also may instigate feeding. If you have current flowing thru the bridge Id start downstream at the "sunken bridge" and fish my way up to the bridge itself. You should find bass somewhere around that area. Fish may also hold upstream from the bridge as well, the junction of the 2 channels looks promising Consider what the available forage is as well, utilize that in your lure choice, and fish tossing upstream, working the lure downstream to you. Id prefer a bottom bouncing lure in current as "most" fish will be tight to the bottom hiding in eddy's created. But a spinnerbait, or crankbait couldnt hurt either. Even if there is no current at all, that area around the compression area (bridge) should still hold fish anyways. Its a prime area in my opinion.

If you were to fill a room with 100 anglers, although they are all anglers you are going to meet all types of people, good, bad, indifferent, etc. And therein lies the issue, we are all "People" first. and it takes all kinds to make the world go round. I am guilty of making statements about "well to do" anglers with the nice boat, expensive gear, etc. Not to bash all anglers that can afford all the gear. But to make a point about, "its not about what you can afford, but how you act as a person" Whether you are rich, poor, or just well off, isnt so much a status symbol when you are fishing. If you pollute, disrespect nature, run your inexperienced mouth to a true angler, cheat your friends, spot suck, beat up boats trying to skip a dock etc. you are going to stick out like a sore thumb. It just so happens that many "newer anglers" that have no experience fishing, can "afford" the gear, but not the attitude. A experienced angler, doesn't stand out in a negative manner on the water. New anglers to fishing, boating, the outdoors, do stand out, and some? negatively. And thats so notable to someone who has been fishing for their lifetime. The sport we all partake in is one of timetested abilities. Without those abilities? your time taking attributes at the ramp?, is going to frustrate experienced anglers, your actions on the water? is going to anger some experienced anglers, your discussions with a time tested angler? is going to raise some eyebrows. Do I loathe bad anglers as well? No,... they may not be my best friends, but I will "try" to educate before I "judge" them. And yes,.. I really do give them that leaway. As we all had to start somewhere. I will help anyone I can, as karma has a funny way. Its those anglers I try to assist that give me the finger, that gets my back facing them from that moment on. Many times over the years I've attempted to assist, and received a bad attitude in return,.. only to later see that same angler stuck at the ramp with a jacknived trailer, on the ramp!., or find them on a shoreline arguing with a homeowner that has a nice tear in their docked boats cover,, or tow them back to the ramp as their motor wont start,. or their lower unit has taken up residence on a rocky shaol.. etc, Again, they stick out like a sore thumb, so they will receive either some rhetoric, or assistance, depending on their attitude., Bad people are just that, Bad anglers? make us all look bad.,... so dont "loathe" them,..attempt to educate instead. Its how I navigate their antics.

If need be,.....those long thin cylindrical drop shot weights and a piece of heat shrink tubing on the hook and a cigarette lighter works wonders as well. And when your done? they cut off just as easy as they go on. I found this trick on a different site yesterday. he used a bait bucket airline and superglue, but i think a peice of heat shrink would work better As far as slow rolling or burning? bring out a few dozen different spinnerbaits like I do, and you should have one to fish the way you want. lol I bring baits from 1/8 oz to 1 oz different blades, colors, configurations. I've yet to need what I dont have with me.

Thats AWESOME! congrats man. A new pb is always a great day, even better when its a sketchy day weatherwise to overcome.

Replace what you used/lost, most likely you will need that stuff again

I got 6 days in, Thank you je1946

As far as rods go? Again personal preference comes into play and that can become confusing if your new to what your about to partake in. I am partial to a few manufacturers as I have found several that I have confidence in. with that being said. If I were you i'd start with a downrigger rod for trolling. They have the actions that will be needed for trolling, and most companies will offer a few to choose from. The first trolling rod I bought was a inexpensive Bass Pro downrigger rod that I bought when I bought my first and only downrigger for trolling salmon/lakers up here. It works well and have had no problems with it. Shop around looking for rods in the price point your willing to spend on, and I'm sure you will come to a conclusion that shouldn't disappoint, as trolling is pretty much a straight forward technique. The rods should be a bit limber and, provide a parabolic bend, almost like a older, glass cranbait rod. This (I believe) is due to the continued stress on the rod from line tension built by the lure and rigger combined. Im no "downrigging pro" or "trolling pro" by any means, these insights are from my past experiences fishing off charter boats, and my research looking for my downriggers gear. Blue's point about going cheap, and big fish is a solid statement. And I do agree, but money being as it is, a lower price point allowed, forces ones hand and these recommendations I've provided were in line with a "price point" stated, the only other reel that may work that "I know of" is a shimano corvalus. good reel lower that 100 bucks, and offers a large line capacity. If you dont know? I like shimano reels. Im sure some other companies probably offer a reel or two but these two I referred are what I have used and liked. Rods? I have alot of, and refrain from higher end rods as rods break, and that alone is a depressing and compelling situation when "Price Point" matters and a rod gets smashed on the cars door.

Big fish rule, Period. If theres one around?, the smaller fish will move aside. This time of year when the water cools, you may find some schools of mixed sized bass together but its not a "normal" thing by any means. You may also find a bigger fish closeby, if the smaller fish are schooled up and jackin a bait ball, like,.. possibly the other side of the bait ball. or under them is where a bigger fish may be found. But typically the smaller fish will fear being eaten by the big bass, Cannibals! lol yes they will eat the smaller fish as long as they will fit in her gaping mouth, she will eat her own babies in a heartbeat. Nearby? maybe, but not usual to find a big fish mixed in a school of smaller bass. Say your fishing scaleface's scenerio, and hooking 2 lbers, then you all of a sudden hook a pig? 10 to 1 says she came along to see what the commotion was, spooked of the smaller fish off, and your lure ended up in her face. I saw on bill dance Friday morn, a 22 inch bass can eat a 14 inch bass, astonished was I? kinda, he also stated that most 22 inch bass are already 7+ pounds

Money saving idea's??? A fly tying vise, and a cheap one at that, a cheap one you say? Yeah,.. thats what I got, the hooks on most bass gear we use are quite heavy duty compaired to a light fly hook. Buying a mid range or even a high end vise may just be a wasted venture as these thicker heavier hooks over time might just ruin that nice vise's jaws. If you want a high end one? Ask about the jaws for heavier hooks,.... I paid about 20 bucks for mine, over 30 years ago, and im still using the same vise and its original set of jaws. This vise has paid for itself that first year, and over and over again every year since. I've been tying my jig skirts on so they dont slide down the hook, on a missed hookset due to the slippery scent I use, also spinnebaits as well. Albeit a tricky venture on spinnerbaits but worth it.(elastics work well to hold the strands) Then I got into tying "custom" colored skirts for both, and then hair and maribou jigs for weather like now. Add some powder paint and a free toaster oven mom was throwing away? Now you're really cookin,..lol Some of the custom jigs I made not only kept winters cabin fever at bay, but yeilded some incredible creations. Jigheads that now match the alwive, herring, shad, and even bluegill colored plastics almost to the "t". Since they appeared so lifelike, I even started adding eyes. Finish it all off by sealing it all with some "tough as nails" clear nail polish. and you've got a long lasting jighead to present those small slugos, power worms, and custom handpours that will give you an advantage in gin clear waters. Just be sure to hit it with a scent before you use it. The scents of making it will scare fish away, but if you add that scent on there? and it becomes a killer lure, outfishing plain old black jigheads by far. I must add that jigcraft.com was a huge help. The vise also works for tying hackle on trebles, another good tip The true money saving tip? when done fishing make sure you remove any plastics off any type hooks. Usually,.. they will rust the hook kinda quick like This winter I will start tying hook holders on the rods I have that dont have them, with the thread and maybe nail polish "sealer" I use now, hope this works, maybe I'll even look into the right rod eye sealers out there for a professional type fix. I image a question on the rod building threads wont hurt for that scenario.

I hand "tie" my skirts on, so the rate of fall varies by the amount I add on, or not, and I do so purposely, also I will trim the skirts to about the hooks bend. And,..the hook gets a slight bend upwards and the point gets a good touch up to ensure its ready. You want a jigs hook "SUPER" sharp the weedguards? if its got paint on it, I will break the paint off, and then may thin it out some depending on how well it moves away from the hook, also if it seems too long I will trim it some, some manufacturers install long ones that i dont like. Also, I have some old grubs and worm pieces that I use, to keep the "pig" from sliding down the hook then spinning around and blocking the hook. Just a grubs body will do, tear off the tail, thread it on the hook before the "pig" so it just starts to round the bend of the hook. This can be the same color of your jig, or not, your preference, I like white, cuz it stands out, and I think helps me get more bites. Also these "bodies" will slow the fall a bit as it adds bulk. Just take it off when your done fishing, so it doesnt rust your hook. Do I "prep" a jig? heck yeah, but it's mostly done at home. My jig box is full of ready to go jigs that I just check the hook, add on body and trailer, smother it in real craw and im good to go.

Best baitcasting rods for your price range? I know you will get many different replies. But, I also noticed that berkley re-did their series one rods, and they were great before, the new? I dont know, but I did see them online for about $100 and im sure they are well worth it. Im not "in" the market for rods, so I havent been checking any out lately, I did buy a st croix mojo bass rod this spring for dropshotting, it was around your price range as well. And st croix makes some good rods too.

Seeing as I only fished 6 times this year, I will need to brush up on everything. I know skipping will be a bit,.."again",...lol,... pitching and flipping wont be too bad, everything else shouldn't be to difficult. Weakness? dropshotting, as its new to me, and my new electronics,.. Strengths?,... tenacity, determination, application, and patience.,... this strengths part took awhile for me to answer. Its not easy if you really think about it, but these are what I would think are my true strengths. Lures and techniques are easy to a seasoned angler, unless they are new. So how could one consider a technique, or lure a "strength". They are what one uses often, and its like riding a bike. I didnt throw a true crankbait all year, or last for that matter. But I know I can bottom bump one along with the best of them at a moments notice..

I started fishing at 4 ,.... Bass specificlly? started around 12 and I've been hooked ever since that first hard fight. So,.... 40 + years

Whatever they want,...Id rather, just cruise like KVD and throw a spinnerbait. It can be the fastest way to a limit, but will also attract big bass. But then yet, tossing one all day can tire one out, and,.. I kinda like fishing a light setup too,... and enjoy a less physical presentation. But all in all,.I will fish however they dictate. I dont discriminate. I may "like" my topwaters spinnerbaits, and grubs,...but anything thats needed?,...Im on that too. cranks, jerkbaits, jigs, worms, spoons, frogs, I can fish them all,.. even some stitched finesse'n, So, I guess I have to say both

great thread Glenn! 1) fish more than I did this year,..6 times just didnt cut it 2) fish the dozens of keitech swimbaits I bought this year 3) try and meet some of the local guys from on here, I did meet je1946,.(great guy) this year, and Derek to, another good guy. 4) learn my new humminbird helix 9, and ulterra's I-pilot link options, and use them 5) fish a new lake 6) lol, cut my posts to shorter versions

Always do I use a trailer, beit either a manns split tail trailer, sometimes dipping the very tips in red spike it, or a grub with a fat tail. This depends on season and conditions. As for trailer hooks? only, and always in a tourney.

Even though I have boats I still do some bankfishing and over the years of doing so,. the best one I've found is a cheapo walmart book bag, with several pockets. Handles weight, carries as good as a expensive "tackle backpack", and was cheap to purchase. Ive been using it for several years now and dont see any issues with it. Actually works out great as,..its set up for bass fishing, but when I want to go trout fishing I just switch out the 3 3700 planos, that hold my treble hooked lures for bass,...to a couple that I have setup for trout, and Im ready to go as the essentials,..ie: pliers, line snips, sunglasses, hat, telescoping rod holders, etc.,...are already in the other few pockets on it.

Unfortunately the higher the lbs of drag? the more expensive they seem to be.. I do some salty striper fishing up here, and they tend to get big, strong, and I usually am fishing in strong currents as well. I have a baitcasting setup thats actually a freshwater umbrella rig rod, with a abu garcia 6501 reel spooled with 20 lb big game mono, that I use to toss lures around from docks, piers, and bridges. Works fine for me, hauled in some beauties with it. And it even has a bait clicker if I want to liveline or chunk fish. Versitile reel, Not sure what type of fishing your going to do, but I do know that these stripers in current up here, test this reels limits. And she has yet to disappoint. At times a well pressured thumb is needed when a 28 inch keeper, or better, makes a final run, but I know thats just part of striper fishing up here. Even the large sized 8000 shimano baitrunner spinning reels are tested then. Been using this for a few years now, and Im happy with it. Often a reel and it's attributes comes down to, your usage, personal preference, and price range. This reel didnt break the bank, and does what I expect of it, and the 6501? the 01 part depicts a left hand retrieve.,.... my preference.

All of the info offered is good advice,,.... with colder waters just change the lures some and slow down. A bladebait like a sonar or silver buddy used like the red eyed shad. The res might still work but i go to the blades. a hairjig with a pork trailer jigged slowly on the bottom is good in cold water too, as well as a deep diving suspending jerkbait.,..when you drop the marker bouy, forget the anchor, the less to get caught on, and you dont want to spook the fish either. Furthermore, coldwater? in a kayak? be careful out there, hypothermia sets in quick with water temps in mid 40's

And That,...I agree with wholeheartedly! The basics are what gets us the successes we've all enjoyed. Without them your just floating about looking good, (or not!),..lol and to further delve into that subject. How many times have you seen those 2 guys on the brand new rig, best high end gear, etc. Cruising a shoreline, throwing search baits, with the tm on high. They cruise right on by you, and waive, then hook a couple fish further down the shoreline, and just keep right on going? I get a big laugh out of that, and even a bigger laugh when you see them at the ramp talking to other anglers while strapping the boat down, and their saying, "we got a few, but nothing good, we never do good here anyways". "place is full of dinks",.... If you have the idea of a "searchbait" to begin with,...where's the follow through? I want to ask them,.."did you ever hear of this new lure?, its all the rage, it's called a plastic worm" "supposed to work real good" I understand some people are in a hurry, and I get the squarebill and spinnerbait attraction. But after seeing "many" of these guys for the last few years roaming waters blindly casting away. It kinda makes me fear where this sport is going. It's no wonder they never do good,.. anywhere. I know not "all" are so, but they are out there, and for them to ever find a pattern it will probably be, "the fish are spread out everywhere and bluegill colored squarebill will get em" Sometimes I actually wonder what they are thinking of me, when they pass me by. Probably,.."hey Jim.. check out this stupid old timer, he's so old he cant even move his boat along, yeah John, so stupid, didnt even have a spinnerbait tied on..lol",.. Thing is, 8 out of 10 times, I'm on a good pattern if im sitting still. Not to be cruel, but I do want to say. I appreciate the knowledge and experience you here have acquired. Its a confirmed feeling knowing that there is some "anglers" out there, that have the intelligence to actually use what they know, dignity to share what they know, and all around unmatched grace to be sombre about it. And for that,..` You all have my respect. I may be opinionated, even, maybe a little longwinded,... lol maybe., Some, I know say pushy, or conceited, but,.. thats not it. Since finding this site? I've seen it as a venue for me to share my experiences in hopes that some of the new, up and coming anglers, dont go the way of "Jim and John", the 2 on the new rig, blindly wasting good water. Learning the basics is THE most important part of fishing in my opinion. Using them the next step, patterns? or memories? a bit further down the line. Understanding and finding a pattern, can be something a angler has to celebrate when it happens. Its a milestone that will further draw one in even more, to this sport of ours. And speaking of celebrating. I hope you all have a happy Thanksgiving, and if ya can? get some casts in, but please be safe