Mobasser

I'm not a river fisherman, but I can see where your coming from. I'm an old dog- always trying to learn new tricks too. If you can focus on this being a learning experience it will be good.Good luck, and have fun learning new things.

I try to shop at my local tackle shop, but have ordered from Fish USA and been happy with them.

I have a split grip spin rod now. I've gotten used to it with no problem, But I still like my full cork grips better.

When I started there were no you tube videos. I read as much as I could. I still love reading about bass fishing. But it was time spent on the water where I learned the most.I still try to learn something from each fishing trip. Time on the water= experience, the best teacher of all.

Even though many will disagree, I think color, size of bait, and type of bait have a lot to do with catching truly large fish.I believe through much of the fishing season, big bass are not apt to chase down a fast lure. This is why many are caught on slower jigs and soft plastics, which can present an easier meal, and/ or a larger meal. They are opportunist.Of course, this doesn't make it any easier catching them consistently!And in bass fishing, there are always variables. Big fish have been caught on small lures too, but most folks who catch them with consistency use baits that are slow moving, have good action, and are an easy target.It could be a large buzzbait, swimbait, or plastic worm. All these lures fit this criteria

I read an article years ago about the competition factor among bass. I think it's true. Smaller fish are a lot more likely to dart out and strike before another fish does. This could explain why many fisherman catch more numbers than size, even fishing over prime areas. I don't think big bass are"smarter". They are creatures of instinct too.

I would keep both, casting and spinning.More versatile tools to add to your setup

Yes. One common thing that the best fisherman share is the ability to locate fish. Even if they are only good with one or two teqniques, once they find fish, they can usually catch some. Experience and confidence play a huge part here. 100% true! I see a lot of new fisherman worried about learning all the teqniques. Confused about what rod/reel and baits to buy etc.Instead, learn what the food source is! Fish lures that imitate your food source. This alone can put you ahead of the pack.Is it shad? Crawfish? Panfish? One of The most important things in fishing, but also one of the most overlooked.

There could have been a chance you were not feeling strikes. Flipping can be a deadly teqnique. But, it takes time and practice.Like others have said, use a different bait, and target spots that are different from the rest of the area.Sometimes a very slight change in cover can hold a good fish.

Yes. Most of the fish we've caught have come before 10:00 each morning, the last hour before dark and on overcast days- especially with a front coming in

Same for me. Fall has always been one of my favorite times to fish. I have a feeling this year may be tricky, because of heavy weed growth and severe drought in our area.But I'm still looking forward to fall fishing

Very true. We've had a good run on numbers so far this summer, fishing buzzbaits very early, then moving off the bank with plastic worms. Now, we've had some rain and a few cooler days.Soon it will be time for a change up.Add some crankbaits to the mix, along with traps and bigger jigs. It does pay to be versatile

Agree with Catt. If you look back on tournament fishing history, shallow water was where many early pros fished all the time.You can spend so much time in the shallows, you miss the chance for bigger fish from deeper water. We all love a faster shallow bite, but structure fishing opens so many more possibilities.

I think this guy is completely wrong? All those reels are good. And everyone of them , regardless of brand, needs routine maintenance - oil on bearings to keep running smooth

For 80% of the season a tex rig plastic worm is my go to bait. If I throw a craw, it's usually behind a jig. I think lizards will catch fish all year, I just don't use them that much. I love plastic worm fishing

I have used a leader, but prefer not to.One lake I fish has very clear water, and I like mono better- I just drop down a little in lb test. I havnt seen any difference in numbers or size. Plus I like one knot only

It happens to all of us! Even the best can have a bad day

Looks good. I like the design.

I like them. We get them at Academy. Good baits for the money. We've had good luck on their stickworm, 3.5" swimbait, and their shakey head too

My biggest is a 8lb9oz fish that came on a plastic worm in 1989. I was fishing by myself. When I brought that fish in, I remember standing there in awe of this fish, my heart beating fast! I can only imagine what it's like to catch a DD bass. I'm still trying for one too

I'm starting to get into rage tail, but I like Zoom, and Roboworm also.Mostly plastic worms, Texas rig, shakey head, or split shot. I still use Mann's jelly worm also. Now I've started throwing Rage Tail menace. All use it alone, and as a jig trailer this fall too

I think you should take a small box, with some other choices. Plastic worms, one or two deep diving cranks, a buzzbait and a popper for topwaters. And- don't forget to bring some soft plastic craws, and fish the rocky areas too.

I have both. Depending on brand, sometimes im6 is my favorite. In theory, im8 should be better, but not always. As others have said, don't worry about this too much. Both will work fine

When I bank fish , I like to travel light. No more than 2 rods and a small tacklebox. I use the same rod for worms and jigs.Through most of the summer,worms are what I use most. Fall until ice over jigs are better for me

I have tried a biffle hardhead, with mixed results. I'll probably stick with other things. It's a great concept, just doesn't really work for me