jesseTrips

Good idea. I use super glue but that's a nice trick.

That looks about like how I've got them rigged. What is the toothpick for? Propping up for the pic?

Interesting Josh. I might give that one a try. I know power comes from the legs. Made my day with that one:) I'll rig both the J-Wills and Keitech's too.

You know what, I was looking at that J-Will and my first thought was the hook's too big. I almost swapped it out for smaller, thinner one. Nothing against J-Will, that's a stout little hook.

This is what I had thought, just apply pressure to the fish (lift rod) and they would hook themselves. I am almost sure I waited too long to do this though. I am looking at MH freshwater rods as I type, lol.

That one was my first hit on my first day of fishing this year. Big style over-reaction on my part no question. I'm normally a 'let 'em hook themselves' type of fisherman but that doesn't seem like it's going to cut it here. I need to find that happy medium. In the salt I tend to lean somewhat tight. I'm not sure where I should be with LMB though. I read someone say loose because bass inhale their prey and if it's too tight they won't get it in their mouths properly. I'm a little leery of loose drag as I've lost fish that way before. I guess it'll be trial and error.

I'm telling ya, that's what happened a few days back. It was like an 8 inch baby bass and I hook'd set it like I'd gotten into Moby Dick. The lure came out of the water like something out of a Trident. That's when I said, alright, easy 'bro. Think I went a little too far the other way though:) That will change. My next rod will likely be in the 6'6 range. The spot I'm currently fishing has a lot tree overhang, etc. The 6'10 I'm using now is at the cusp. It looks like I don't need massive cast distance either. I'm wading so I can always go out a bit further in need be. I will take your advice on the hook set too. Much appreciated.

It was the one that got away (I'm sure they'll be more;). I'm wasn't too bummed though. It has just motivated me. I know they're in there now! Just hoping this doesn't become an obsession, ha, good luck with that, lol. Apologies on the rod name drop. Didn't know that was a no-no. I'll keep it generic here on out. Happy to be on board and greatly appreciate all the advice and camaraderie.

Thanks A-Jay, I hear you. I'm not sure if I had the fish proper hooked or what. Next time (and there will be a next time) I will get a better, quicker set. You live you learn. As far as gear, just picked up this *** rod and am digging it's lightness, accuracy, etc. I've got inshores that are more than up to the task but I think I'll spring for a freshwater medium or medium/heavy. Learned much in a morning.

Ok, good stuff. I've got to do a little research. I've heard the term drop-shot before but don't really know what it means. Line is 30lb braid (had some lying around) with a 15lb flourocarbon leader. 3000 class spinning reel. My spot seems somewhat shallow and the hits are close to the bottom. Thanks again.

Ahh, I was actually using a ML rod and didn't give it too much of a set either. On my first hit of the season I thought I'd hooked a Barracuda and ripped the bait clear out of the water. Since then I've been mindful to chill'lax on strike. Time to get a bit more aggressive. I've got inshore rods that could easily handle these fish but it's a little overweight. Maybe time for more gear:). Do you think I could get away w/ a ML, just bought it? This spot has weeds and I'm sure it's only going to get worse. Thanks NF.

Just starting out in freshwater bass fishing (I've got some saltwater experience) and I've found what seems to be a nice spot on a lake. I've take a couple of smaller LMB on spoons but yesterday afternoon I had what seemed to be good sized fish hit a swimbait about two yards or less in front of me. I couldn't close the deal. What I typically do is hang fire for a few moments, let the fish take the lure and then apply steady pressure. This seems to work with Stripers but I'm wondering if this is not a technique for LMB. The fish was so close I didn't know how to handle it. Should I have set the hook hard and quickly? Hook too big? Too much drag? I'm not even sure what my drag should be for this species. The fish was really slamming the lure and we had a bit of tug-o-war going on for a few moments. Any advice vma. The swimbait was 4" Keitech Easy Shiner w/ a Buckeye JWill 1/8 head. I was wading in about three feet of water w/ moderate weeds.