Mobasser

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

I still love the Swedish made round casting reels. I have 3. 5500 is my fave.

Only about 20% online. I live about 25 min from a good sporting goods store, and like getting things there. If they don't have it I order online

Greentrout, that is another good one.The clear finish is a favorite on Ozark lakes here in Missouri

I think the spook worked so well for me was because the bass didn't have a lot of time to look it over. Medium fast movement but still moving. I love fishing them

Very good point Sam. The student who has a harder time has to think it out.Therefore, he will learn more in the end.We can all get baffled while fishing, but each time you solve the problem you've learned something

Welcome

I've been fishing a 5acre spring fed lake near for over 20 yrs. Years ago, I was skunked on poppers, slim minnow baits, and other slower moving Topwaters. Enter the Zara Spook. Big, quiet,but always moving, I began to get solid hookups. Now, its one of my very favorites. It took me some practice to get this bait down. Myself, I've stuck with the standard models. Fave colors are frog, bass, and one I think is discontinued- shore minnow. I haven't tried some of the high end Japanese models, but have heard good things.I use a 6ft casting rod, medium, and 12 or 14 pound mono. What are some of your Fave models, and what setup do you use. In my humble opinion, one of the greatest lures ever produced.

I've become used to mine over the years and really like it. I wish more major rod companies would produce them.Graphite or cork. Both work good

Does anyone still use this style of handle? My favorite is an old Lews rod with a graphite tape on handle. Sensitive and comfortable too

Hello David, and welcome

Thanks

I am like Cat. Crankbaits are my weak point. I've got a bunch, but don't throw em, and don't have much confidence in them.

Me too Dwight

Im going to find something that works. Know what you mean about not finding the right one.

Good ideas here. Im pairing it down to 1 rod, and one small pocket tackle box. I can swap out what I need when its called for. Now, when I look at my first tacklebox it looks HUGE! I love bank fishing and on many smaller waters I think its better than a boat. Don't want my fishing time to be like a work day

Sad to hear this. Guido was one of my early heroes. I got to meet him years ago. Very nice guy and a great fisherman

Those look like good tackle bags. I've even thought about clipping a smaller flat box to my belt loop.

When I first started bass fishing, I was strictly a bank fisherman.First thing I bought was a large 5 tray tackle box, which I carried along with me.I still do some bank fishing but years ago I realized I was tackle bound. I now carry a small 2 tray box and 2 rods. Im thinking about downsizing even more because I usually use the same 2 or 3 baits depending on the season or time of day. Its surprising what you can pack in a small box, and it frees you up with less to haul around.How do you guys transport your tackle when you bankwalkin?