Mobasser

Do you loosen the drag on your spinning reels when your done fishing? I was told by a tackle repairman years ago to always do this. Or, is this a holdover from the days of leather drag washers on spinning reels? I still do it out of habit now. Any one else do this with spinning reels?

Thanks for all these answers guys. Brings back memories for me. I got to meet Guido at the kc sportshow years ago. When I asked him about his finesse fishing he was quick to give credit to other people first. He chuckled and said " son we been fishing this way for a long time" its nothing new.

Catt, you were surrounded by some of the best!

Who were some of your early heroes? Guys who you admired most? Mine are Billy Westmoreland and fellow Missourian Guido Hibdon.When I started out I read all I could find on these guys. Both had an easy going down home style I could relate to. Who are some of your early favorites?

Who were some of your early heroes? Guys who you admired most? Mine are Billy Westmoreland and fellow Missourian Guido Hibdon.When I started out I read all I could find on these guys. Both had an easy going down home style I could relate to. Who are some of your early favorites?

In my opinion Guido was one of the all time best! I fished the baby Guido bug a lot years ago, and caught some decent fish on this bait. I have a very few left. Wish they would make them again

Sadly, this is all profit motivated. I would even venture to guess that the bigwigs who make these changes don't even fish!

I've caught some on lures too. The weird one for me was a 4 pound channel cat that slammed a super duper spoon while trout fishing at lake Taneycomo. Biggest fish of the trip!

I don't know or have ever met a guy who does " know it all". I've known a few who thought they did though. But like you I don't run with that crowd

Welcome!

A-Jay, do you ever learn it all? I don't think so. But yes, I like to learn new things too - even after all these years

When you started fishing, how long did it take you to understand bass behavior? It took me quite a while. Did you read articles? Study ? Get tips from more experienced anglers?Now, there is a huge amount of info out there. I read a lot. Still learning things all the time

Slim minnow baits are sure popular these days. Jerkbaits are a great way to fish at times. What about the floating shallow running slim minnows that only run about 2 ft deep. These are great Topwater baits. Rapala, Rogue, and Rebels have been around for years.Who likes to fish these baits as Topwater, without the hard snapping action of a jerkbait? I pick the original floating Rogue in chrome. Have you had success with this?

Tom, it is really a bummer that they have stopped making porkbaits. Last Saturday, I was told by a salesman at my local sporting goods store that the price of pork went up, and it cost to much to manufacture these baits.It is possible to make them yourself, but I would have to read up on this. I fished Uncle Josh split tail eel for years as a jig trailer. Have you ever made any pork rind baits?

I have to agree with Team9nine. The more I learn and study bass fishing , the less I really need. I've narrowed it to around 5 or 6 bait types for the whole season. I used to sweat all this, but not now. Keeping it simple

I've been skunked on days like this too. Everyone has. Try some different baits, and downsize you baits. Fish low and slow. Keep thinking about it, and really, you can make each time a learning experience.Don't give up.Instead, get back out there and get after it!

You got it punch. A little chop on the water, and especially if its overcast, time for a probait

Dorado, that looks like an excellent bait.Id like to try those too, to see how work.

Anyone like prop Topwater? There are many available.Best for me has been the Smithwick Devils Horse. These lures have a reputation for bringing in big fish, and its true. Bass hit these baits HARD!! What are some propbaits that you guys like to fish?

I had great luck last year on the H2o popper. Good quality hooks and good finish. The cost is so good when they have sales, you could try several

Welcome Mike!

I agree Brad in Texas. I like bank fishing also.As you said, I usually know what will work, so bringing a small amount of gear makes it more fun.

Nothing wrong with that golf. You can still catch plenty of fish and getting your kid thru college is a great thing to do. Good luck on your fishing

The midwest finesse style of fishing is built around being frugal. Hardcore finesse guys will tell you not to spend huge amounts of money on your fishing. I agree with this.I think I became this way when I was younger and had a big family at home. I simply couldn't afford all the best tackle so I made what I had work. Over the years, I learned how to do some repairs on rods and reels, replace worn hooks, and have started tying up jigs. Most of my spinning reels hold way more line than Ill need for bass, so I pull off about half the line, tape it down then spool on new line. On a 330 ad spool, I could spool up 3 times. Now I reverse braided line from 1 spool to the next. Its not that Im cheap, having bought WAY more tackle than I could ever use over the years. I enjoy fishing more this way. Any frugal bassmen out there?

Actually, many of the mid grade reels are way better than mid range of years ago. Keep em cleaned and lubed correctly, and you'll get years of good use