Mobasser

My stickbait fishing has been similar to yours. I've caught fish on senkos, but can't say they have been outstanding for me. I've had far better results with trick worms and finesse worms, so this is what I use most. Haven't given up on senkos, just don't have that much faith in them. The ned rig on the other hand has been a good numbers bait.

As WRB has stated, location is key. Many people who target big bass talk about very specific areas to fish. These spots can be hard to find for the average run and gun fisherman. These guys have taken it to the next level as far as bass fishing goes. Not many of us catch huge bass consistently, me included. Trying too learn all I can about this too

What is your favorite length for topwaters? I've tried different ones through the years, and have settled on 6ft. Many guys use longer rods, and do fine. At 6ft, this forces me not to jerk the bait away from the fish too soon , a common mistake. I hook far more fish this way. What do you guys like to use when topwater fishing?

Tom, I have read Bill Murphys book too. Great reading. Also, I might add that night fishing can be good for bigger fish. Texas rigged worms, dark spinnerbait, or a big slow moving top water. I've done best when it gets hot, in mid summer

Learn from your time on the water, and have fun!

Yes. From the bank all the time. I've had many hits close to shore, with topwaters especially.

Years ago, I fished a Heddon Moss Boss. You've probably seen these. A large plastic skirted spoon, designed to fish over pads, moss etc. I did pretty well with them. Their still available, even though I haven't used one for a while

Soft plastics below the surface, Zara Spooks on top!

I still have and use some older round ABU casting reels. # 4600c is my fave. These are good reels, but are outdated my many new low profile models.I can fish as good as most guys I fish with, some better, who have the best gear. For me, I don't think it matters.

Don't worry. A bleeder happens sometimes. Keep on respecting your quarry, but don't give up topwaters! Way too much fun

I agree strongly with Sam and Cat. I tend to stay with one lure longer than some others, but I really only use things I have confidence in. Ill change baits, but only after trying my favorites first, or vary retrieves with my favorites. Usually I can get some action this way, but not always. That's all part of fishing

I've used trilene xl a lot over the years. I always use it for spook fishing. 12lb. Haven't had any problems, but I think Stren is just as good

Some of my best days have come on warming rainy spring days. If there's any way you could schedule your trip to fish before a warm spring rain, those times can be very good too.

I sometimes fly fish some ponds near my home. Mostly popping bugs. I use an old Hendon 8wt. As said,great fun and very effective. All bass feel bigger on a fly rod. Love it

I was recently given this reel. Japanese made, standard size round casting reel. I gave it a good cleaning, and lube job. This one has thumbar casting, and magnetic cast control. Seems smooth and decent quality. Not a lot of info out there on these reels. I haven't been a huge Qauntum fan. Anyone have experience with these? Good or bad?

ABU round casting reels. Shimano spinning reels. These have worked well for me for 30+ years. Many other good ones out there now.

Very versatile bait. I drag them on the bottom often

Floating Rapala, Bomber long A , floating Smithwick rogue or similar slim minnow baits. Fish them slow, twitch pause reel.

I agree with Cat. I've caught bass on spooks that were only slightly bigger than the bait itself, and 5 lbers on 4 inch worms. In your case , Texas rig would be good.

Completely agree scaleface. So many variables in fishing! How can we explain so many good fish caught on the "wrong" lure each year. Timing, place, and presentation are a bigger factor I think. Too many guys , when starting out, get hung up on 1 magic lure. Really, there's no such thing

I've never tried a cavitron. From what I've read they would be a good choice. Buzzbaits have been hit or miss for me. I've bought many in 30 yrs. Some catch fish well and others haven't. The best of the bunch for me has been an older black Lunker Lure twin blade I bought years ago. Something about that buzzer gets bit more than others. Try a few different ones. Sometimes some of the cheaper models can work well too. Good luck

Very interesting Sam. I try to search out older books on fishing when I can find them. Of course, live bait was used much more years ago. These early writers had much insight with what they had to work with.

I've been wanting to hotrod a 4600c. For you guys that have done this, does it make a huge difference? I know the drag can be improved, but I'm really unsure about bearings.Do you think its worth the cost? My reels fish good all stock, but I'm curious about this.

Bob, Some guys still like round reels for crankbaits, but really, they are good for many techniques. They still hold their own and perform well. As for cost , a good ABU is hard to beat. Maybe you could look for a nice used one, Ive seen some for 50 to 70 bucks. If they are maintained well, they run good for a long time. Tough, dependable machines

Nice A-Jay! Vie heard good things about the Shimano Calcutta reels. I have never had one though, still working ABUs