Bird

I was very surprised today by bass aggression, caught 8 on Jerkbait and 1 on weightless Senko, water temps 50*.

Yes, all the lakes he was referring to had public access. AND your right about briery creek, a great fishery but best carry an extra prop or 2.

Talked to DNR officer over the weekend about the various lakes in our region and was fortunate enough to actually be talking to he that does the shock studies. It was actually educational and what I found in our discussion was the gin clear lakes were the ones that were producing more citation specimens compared to stained water lakes and some were surprisingly small state park lakes. Guessing one theory could be, clearer water, tougher bites. Any other explanation considering equal fishing pressure.

I've been fishing all winter with several skunks and several 1 fish days. Fished a lake yesterday with water temp of 48* and in 4 hours, managed 1 fish on a TRD tube craw.......just think, it only gets better from here.

Water temps really don't fluctuate that much, more gradual. We've had an incredibly warm March " 70's H 50's L " and water temps are still in the upper 40's here and the few fish I've been catching are sluggish and feel like ice. Longer days and water temps into the 50's increase productivity.....for me.

You are correct as I'm retired and find it next to impossible to fish every day with the above responsibilities. I also watch the weather closely and won't fish on windy days, get chores done instead so I'm free on calm days.

Just about every lake I fish, I can Google the shock study and usually see bigger fish then I'm catching.....grrrr.

This dissolved memory after 15 minutes tickled me. You go trying to yank my lips off, fondle and kiss me, take my pic with my mouth spread wide open screaming THIS IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT......I'll forever remember that.

Good catch. Fished for 6 hrs yesterday on 60acre lake and caught one small LM on Jerkbait. Never had another bite but had to bail on any finesse offering due to wind.

Been fishing since a small child. Had the river on one end of farm and very large farm pond, fished all summer for many years. BUT didn't become a true bass fisherman until I ran into a semi pro in the late 70's at the county fair, still remember his gold hydrosport. We talked fishing all evening at the fair so next morning he came over and literally slayed the farm pond, I was speechless and the quantity and quality of fish he caught was unbelievable. I was using beetle spins and nightcrawlers and he's throwing huge spooks and frogs with explosion after explosion. He looked at me and grinned and said " I'll get you there son " lol He gave me one of his tackle boxes fully stocked and a shimano baitcaster. He's old now and battling diabetes but we still fish together occasionally and he still catches big bass.

Spinnerbaits are in the fisherman's hall of fame. I only use 2 colors , white and chartreuse with a trailer of choice, tandem willow for me. A large majority of my big SM and LM have come by way of spinnerbaits. Throw them over submerged timber, shallow coves and have them moving forward when they hit the water, prefer casting reels. Don't give up on them.

Wonder what hook ? Offset ? VMC maybe ?

Sunline is my preferred Flouro but have yet to exceed 12# but only for casting reels. I won't let Flouro get anywhere near a spinning reel except the last 8 feet.

The big fish hit big baits theory is true more often than not but my only DD bass came on a 4" culprit worm. Still much prefer targeting bigger fish with much less action vs boating dinks all day but let to many hours pass without cooperation from the big mouths......I become a dinkster.

The company start-up is very interesting, actually legit. Have several of the Speed Demon Pro's, rod and reels and very impressed.

Some of these threads have got some age to them and I may have already posted. Lol I don't usually cut corners on gear but also try to stay in the best bang for the buck category . I do carry a time tested, bullet proof Mitchell 300 mated to a lightning Rod but can feel an instant gain in balance and performance when I grab higher end gear. Off balance and a couple of ounces add up on repetitive motion.

I'm a very stubborn fisherman. Predetermine where I'm fishing and tie on what I'm throwing the night before so I don't have to carry as much. Tomorrow for example will be Neds, Neko's and Jerks, nothing else.....2 spinning and 1 cast.

I made a large order of soft plastics, brand name stuff that makes the claim " floating " . Well , I proceed to fill up a 5 gallon bucket up with water only to find these things RACE to the bottom, about as fast as a penny would. These are several big name brand Neko worms. So I'm back where I started with 1 brand that actually floats as all the ones I have could be thrown in an onion bag and make a great anchor. Can anyone recommend a true floating Neko worm that actually floats. Oh and can you throw it in water before recommended it. Lol

An entertaining read. On a side note, lived on Fort McClelland in Alabama back in 1980 and did my share of destruction with various weapons.....mainly firing at old military Jeeps.

I can relate to being a minority in electronical devices and there use in locating fish. But nothing wrong with relying on instinct and weather patterns to know when and where might be optimal. I'd continue on your current path and enjoy every moment your on the water. Strangely enough, the youth really have a grasp of technological advances......me ? I just have to keep casting.

Positive thoughts.......you'll be setting a hook in no time.

Spinning is always left but baitcasters are either hand, have lefts and rights on boat.

I started completely over, all tackle, rods and reels and a boat..........in very unappealing fashion. Garage fire from frayed extension cord 7 yrs ago left behind only ashes. Yes, I can laugh about it now.

I asked that same question on here a while back. One of the local lakes I've fished with good success was lowered to do ramp and dock work. Never got a single bite that day so suspect it has an effect. Always search for excuses when I get skunked......yep, low water. Lol

I am retired and can't think of a better way to spend it than being on the water. 4-5 days a week is plenty and can be taxing at that, fishing all day ain't easy. Lol Fishing is very rewarding and enjoyable but shouldn't be the endorphin that produces personal happiness but rather an event that brings joy.