Mobasser

I like 10" plastic worms rigged Texas style, dark single blade spinnerbait, jig with craw or (preferably) pork trailer, and muskie jitterbug. I've done best on hot, humid, buggy nights, on the dark of the moon.If its really sticky and muggy, those are the times I've done best, during the hottest part of summer. I always try to keep retrieves slow and consistent. Its amazing how well your senses sharpen at night, and become much more keen. Over the years I've done well on better sized bass- 4pound + at night. My lakes are clear, and sometimes I think the bigger fish become nocturnal in feeding habits. I love it.

I used to use them often, but have gotten away from them the past 3 yrs. Texas rig and like many say above, a pegged slip sinker. Also, you might search older articles by Guido Hibdon. He was very good at tube fishing.They will catch all species of bass.If your waters are super weedy, drop them on outside edges of moss lines etc.

I often fish 2 smaller lakes alone. But, I like going with my son in laws and enjoy the company too.

For me, deep crankbaits. Never used them enough to get good at them

Med fast action spinning rod. 8lb line, zoom trick or finesse worms, 2/0 hook and 1/8 bullet sinker. Texas rig these worms. Use a slow pull and drop retrieve on the bottom.This is a general setup to learn on. Unsure what type of cover or water your fishing

Paint my slip sinkers different and " off" colors, double check each hook for sharpness, and on my spinning reels that have mono, soak them in water for a while or overnight to soften up my line if I haven't fished for a few days. Others probably do this too, not sure, but these things have helped me catch more fish over the years

I received a pair of Columbia pants as a gift last year. Its now getting hot enough to wear them here. I've worn them once now, and are working out great

I agree with Bluebasser86. Beatlespin is hard to beat. It will catch everything, easy to use, and keep the kids busy

I have a trailer for mine too. My canoe is a 17ft Osagian, made here in Missouri. Its the best way to haul it around

Very versatile rod. You can fish small senkos, 4 inch finesse worms, light hair jigs, small spinners etc. As been stated, 6 or 8 lbs line and a 1000 or 2000 size reel. Use a sweeping hookset, and learn good drag setting, or backreel with your spin reel. Good luck . Fishing a setup like this is great fun

Its funny, with all the cut baits, dough baits , chicken livers, and homemade concoctions for catfish, they love to hit bass lures! Biggest I've caught was a 6 pounder on a senko. *** pounder on a ned rig too. Strangest was a 3 pounder on a spoon at lake Taneycomo while trout fishing with an ultralight. And yes, with the six pounder, I thought I had hooked a big bass. Dissapointed? Not really. Still a nice size fish, and a good fight too

Sam, I carry rags, a small tool kit, sometimes a small cooler, lunch or snacks, and sunscreen. As far as I know, these things are not teqnique specific to bass fishing.

I agree fishwizzard. I'm using up my supply of zoom, brewers, etc too. Of course I've bought too many! Your right about ALL of these small worms , being usable in many teqniques. And great fish catchers too

Thanks Tom. I've always wondered about hand poured worms. Ill try some of these that you suggested. Sounds like they should do well.

Tom, I now have a great spinning rod, and use higher end mono. Seems like these days finesse is a broad term. I use drop shot, ned rig and split shot rigs also. Yes, rods and reels are WAY better than 30 years ago. I've heard great things about roboworms, but what I want to try next are Iovino hand pours. I know from other post you have used them. Everyone says good things about them, but I have yet to try a true handpour. Many guys say roboworms are close. Do you think they are vastly better than zoom, brewers, or other off the shelf worms? Id like to know some opinions on this. Brands and colors of your fave handpoured worms

My first " real" bass outfit was purchased in 1984. Recommended by a now defunct tackle shop in north Kansas city. Heavy casting rod, 20lb line along with several large lures of the time. I didn't know much about bass fishing. Problem was, the local lake I fished was spring fed, and very clear. As much as I tried, I wasn't catching any fish. Read an article in Fishing Facts magazine by Charlie Brewer and ordered a slider " kit" along with his book.Almost right away, I started catching bass. Even with the junker spinning rod I had, it was working. After all this time, this has been the very best technique for me. I know there are many other advocates of this style of fishing on this site. Interested to know your setup, jig heads you like, and baits. I like Brewers 4" worms and 3" bass grub, along with zoom finesse worms. Let me know if your still slidin.

Most of the past threads focus on cold water blade bait fishing.That seems to be what most people use them for. What about the summer. I've done pretty well throwing them on windy warm days with a fast steady retrieve. Sometimes they have outfished rattling baits fished this way. Has anyone else had success with blade baits in warm weather?

Optimator, 4600c ismy all time fave reel. Im still using 2 of mine I've had for years

Sounds like a great way to make these lures. Im not able to fish for smallmouth but have had good luck on largemouth with a silver buddy. I too like the single hook idea.These baits are often overlooked by largemouth anglers, but can work well throughout the year

Im kind of like Catt. Some of my reels are older. I try to take care of them, and they've served me well. I replace rods when they break.

I fish a spinning rod with 8lb mono probably 70% of the time. 4 inch worms, 1/8 ounce bucktail jigs etc. This works well in the clear water lakes I fish the most. To me, this is finesse fishing. I reach for my casting rods for heavier lures.My finesse setup is a med action fenwick hmg. Reel a 2000 or 2500 size.This has been more productive for me overall.

Years ago, 2 PC rods were worse. Now, the way they are made you should be fine. I prefer 1 PC, but use some 2 PC also.

In one of my other threads I asked about rod length for topwater baits.I got some good responses on this. What about super large topwater baits. The biggest I throw now are zara spooks and muskie jitterbugs. Does anyone fish larger topwater(muskie size) and have success with this? What is you tackle setup, and what are your favorite BIG topwater?

J Franco, that sounds like a great topwater rod. Part of it for me is the shorter handle grip. It really does make it easier to walk spooks and similar baits, and Im sure would work great for other baits as well

WRB, would these big topwater fall under muskie baits? I've been wanting to try some BIG topwater. What do they weigh? I can throw a muskie jitterbug on an older heavy action casting rod I've got. Would this work? Have you had good success on these baits?