In Pursuit Of Giant Bass ~ One Man's Journey

[A-Jay]

 I spent much of this winter / off-season reading In Pursuit of Giant Bass.  Over the winter, there were a couple of threads discussing the book and the author’s unusual techniques.  I do not recall anyone saying that they actually fished like that or would even consider making the commitment to do so.  This really got me thinking . . .

 

This season (at least) I'm planning on dedicating my efforts on my home waters to utilizing the tactics and techniques that the author Bill Murphy described.  In other words, this will be the only way I bass fish all season.

 

By learning the techniques he employed and adopting the mindset required to use those methods effectively, I'm hoping to see a whole "New" side to the waters that I have been fishing over the past few years.  And maybe while I'm at it, I'll sore-lip a few worth posting.

Regardless of how it goes, I'm planning on posting up the results here, in blog like form.

Each post will chronicle my thoughts, efforts and of course fishing trips and results - if there are any that is.  I would certainly appreciate any and all input and remarks from the vast pool of experience and knowledge here on BR.

My impression going into this is that it will definitely try my patience and test my resolve.  I’m hoping that by starting and committing to documenting my season long efforts here, it will assist me to remain focused as well as perhaps inspire a few other BR members to join in this venture. 

Also, living this far north, “Giant Bass” is a relative term.  My PB for this state is just over 7lbs, which is a stout fish for this latitude, but I’m betting that there are more and perhaps even bigger fish to be had.  We’ll see.

 One thing I’ll say right up front, if you’ve not read the book, some of what gets posted here will undoubtedly sound a bit contradictory to current / common bass fishing practices. 

More to follow . . . . . .

 

A-Jay

 

 

 

[gripnrip]

Good luck A-Jay!

[Big-O]

I think it will be a worthwhile adventure for you A-jay... Have FUN and Good Luck!

[00 mod]

Im following for sure. Good luck and I look forward to reading about your successes.

Jeff

[Felix77]

Good luck!  I tried stitching for a few hours and it almost drove me crazy.  Made all my other finesse techniques feel like burning a spinnerbait.  

[Dwight Hottle]

I'm in. You got my support & interest. Just go for it. I'm sure we will all learn from it .

[A-Jay]

I'm in. You got my support & interest. Just go for it. I'm sure we will all learn from it .

 

Thanks Dwight.

 

Having the support of the CEO, VP, SECRETARY AND CHARTER MEMBER OF THE "SCROUNGA" CLUB can only help.

 

A-Jay

[A-Jay]

Getting Started ~

 

The season opened here in Michigan was on 27 April, but I was duly occupied by the very fat Bronzebacks on Lake Erie (Thanks Dwight).  So I’ve gotten off to a bit of a late start.  Since I woke up on Mother’s Day to snow on the ground and air temps in the 30’s, I don’t feel like I’m missing the big bite just yet.  Even still, I’m rapidly moving in a positive direction.

 

I spent this weekend rigging my square back canoe with the 2 anchor system described in the book (bow & stern).  I’ve always used one anchor, so it was just a matter of mounting a stern cleat and rigging up a second anchor and line.  The double line thing will be a new experience and should make fighting a spirited bass very interesting.  

 

 My next task was to designate and rig several rods & reels to use for stitching a worm and perhaps a crawfish or two.  (Yes, there might be some live bait presentations utilized, I’ll apologize to the purists now).  Catching the little buggers for bait might prove to be a whole new challenge.

 

I’ve sifted through my rather abundant worm collection and selected baits that I hope will get bit; mostly straight tail models and some stick baits from 5” – 12”.   I tried to keep the color choices down to a few of the proven colors for this area in assorted sizes. 

There’s still some more to do.  I should be ready to get on the water by mid-week.

 

A-Jay

 

 

[ClackerBuzz]

this post made my day A-Jay. i'm looking forward to reading about your trials and tribulations...and unstoppable success.

this is my favorite bass book to date.  i've had moderate success with the minimal stitching i've tried.  i read a post that said stitching anywhere but a proven spot is worse than watching paint dry.

i've temporarily put the techniques on hold till i load my new sonar with away points full of hawg haunts and learn how to effectively fish structure. 

then i plan on sticking it to them as well.

i'm looking forward to your insight, reports and hawgzilla pix.

[Hooked_On_Bass]

Good luck, A-Jay!

Looking forward to seeing your hard work pay off.

[00 mod]

This might help if you can leave things overnight in your area?

 

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Frabill-Vinyl-Coated-Crawfish-Trap/737570.uts

 

 

Fresh cut bluegill should be the best bait, but Purina(dog/cat food company) makes a crayfish bait and any other kind of meat should work as well.  Fish cut bait has been the key anytime I have tried!  Asian carp work well!!!!

 

Jeff

[GoneFishi'n]

I really look forward to following you on your quest for giant bass. I read this book during the school year for an independent reading test and I loved it. I've read it twice already. Me and my dad have a gheenoh which is perfect for hunting big bass because it is so stealthy and quiet. I'm going to try these techniques also this entire summer. I will be out in that boat every single day of the summer. I wouldn't mind taking two even four weeks dedicating to fish this way. Good luck and tight lines.

[A-Jay]

Thanks for the good thoughts and positive vibes.

Clearly this (like most any worth while venture) will take some time to get right.

Although I'll welcome any and all success that comes my way, I'm going to try to be realistic and remember that there could be a fairly lengthy learning curve here.    With the target fish representing the smallest percentage of bass in the lake, my measure of success (and expectations) must change. Initially, I'm going to try to "Simply learn the spots".  This means time in the boat and a line in the water.  By getting to know the areas of the lake that the largest bass use intimately, I'm hoping the rest will take care of itself, eventually.

 

A-Jay

[A-Jay]

Selecting the Lake ~

 

I am very fortunate in that I am literally surrounded by lakes.  Most have a pretty decent population of bass.  But in order to truly get the most out of these techniques, and to follow the guidelines in the book, I’ve chosen to fish one body of water all season.  It’s the lake that I caught my MI pb in.  It’s actually 3 lakes connected by a 2 short creeks.  These waters are designated and stocked with rainbow trout so there’s plenty of quality bass food available.  They’re all deep (over 80 ft) and very clear and clean.  There is also some real submarine size pike that I’m routinely abused by.  I see no reason why that should change.     Most fish caught are healthy and very fat.  The place gets minimal trout fishing pressure and even less anglers seeking bass, just the way I like it.   I’ve been fishing here for 5 years including quite a bit of night ops.   I know the mid to shallow depths well, however I will have to spend some time right off the bat looking for the types of deep water spots described in the book. 

Should be fun and I’m really looking forward to it.

 

A-Jay

 

 

[georgeyew]

Good luck A-Jay. I also got the book this winter, but I have not made the committment like you. I think that I should get more consistent in catching the small fish before moving on to the monsters. But I will be cheering for you.

[RoachDad]

I wish I could get it on my Nook.  I want to read it, but i am addicted to the NOOK.  I guess I'll go to B&N and see if they have it in stock in paperback.

[PABASS]

Good luck and keep us posted.

[xbacksideslider]

Roachdad - You can get it on Amazon.

 

Or, directly, write to:

 

Giant Bass Publishing

PO Box 1025

El Cajon, CA 92022

 

 

 

A-Jay - great project.

[J Francho]

So, your switching to little gold Eagle Claw hooks?

 

J/K!!!!

 

I've recently reread the book.  I gave a copy away, and never got it back.  Luckily, a member here had it up on the FM.  It's probably the definitive volume on monster bass.  I like to think if Mr. Murphy was around today, he'd have embraced kayak fishing. 

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Don't underestimate the cold water bite, especially with a technique as slow moving as the worm stitch.

 

Also remember that water temp is gonna be different in the depth you are fishing.

[A-Jay]

So, your switching to little gold Eagle Claw hooks?

 

J/K!!!!

 

I've recently reread the book.  I gave a copy away, and never got it back.  Luckily, a member here had it up on the FM.  It's probably the definitive volume on monster bass.  I like to think if Mr. Murphy was around today, he'd have embraced kayak fishing. 

 

Good retention there J.

 

Yea the glod hook thing is interesting - Bill was pretty adamant that the gold was a big fish magnet.  I might have to save that one for when a Hail Mary is needed.

 

A-Jay

[A-Jay]

Don't underestimate the cold water bite, especially with a technique as slow moving as the worm stitch.

 

Also remember that water temp is gonna be different in the depth you are fishing.

 

During the pre spawn and right through the post spawn, I'll be looking for and fishing deep staging spots ( I hope).

 

 Water temp will be whatever they will be - I'll just be stitching my *** off all day.

 

 

A-Jay

[A-Jay]

A Word About Tackle ~

 

  As his Stiching Rig of choice, Mr. Murphy preferred a 7 ½ foot, two piece Fiberglass rod (which was custom made to his specs) and a light duty salt water spinning reel.  He describes how the glass rod helps fight the fish much in the same way a modern day angler would a crankbait rod.  The slightly larger reel is desirable for its spool width which aids in casting distance and helps manage the monofilament line he used.  The act of stitching the worm in itself can cause loops and tangles in the line and the author noted that this reel size did not contribute to that. 

 

 Though I would tend to agree with this philosophy, my tackle choices will be different, for a couple of reasons.  First, I don’t own any glass spinners so I’m going to try to make my graphite sticks work.  Second, I’m a fan of braid and a mono leader so I’ll be going that route.  His choices and preferences for fishing other techniques (jigs, cranks and spinnerbaits) are more along the lines of conventional/current thinking.  My choices here are what I normally use for these baits, however where, when and how I fish them will be different from what I’ve done in the past (or ever).

 

 My stitching rigs start with a Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth spinning rod; a 7’4” medium and a 6’9” medium both rated for 6-12 line.  The reel for both rods is a Pfleuger Supreme 9235XT Spinning reel.  Both reels are loaded with 10lb Sufix 832 Braid in Moss Green.  I’m using 2 different brand leader lines; Berkley Big Game in both clear and green & Maxima Ultragreen in 10lb test.  I’m planning on using a longer leader length than I usually do (around 15 ft. or so).  The thinking here is that this might provide a little stretch and hopefully compensate for the stiffer / faster action rods during a spirited brawl with my intended target.   The plan is to sit off my spots a good distance and make a long cast.  So I could see myself building these rigs with an even longer leader which may turn out to be better.  I’ve been using these rigs for 2 seasons now for various techniques and am comfortable and confident that they will be more than adequate for this application.  Time will tell.

 

I’m putting the finishing touches on the boat, trailer and tackle today and plan on seeing the sunrise from the lake tomorrow morning.    So the Journey begins . . . . . . .

 

 

A-Jay

 

 

[pbrussell]

I love this thread so much.

[Dwight Hottle]

With all of the thought process & planning I'm almost afraid of what you might dredge up. New Michigan PB lookout here comes A-Jay. Good luck.