Don't Believe The Hype

[Catt]

The difficulty with any " forum", be it on the internet or what we call "dock" talk is to decern between what is applicable & what is just talk.

With the advent of the internet came an explosion of knowledge but sadly there is very little wisdom.

If you don't believe a "forum" setting can be helpful then you need to read my thread on Toledo Bend which has helped dozens of anglers become familiar with the lake & thus become better anglers.

Practice only makes one better if what is practiced is the correct way.

[J Francho]

I think my favorite bass idiom to ignore is to downsize after a cold front.

[Raul]

I have one rule:

 

1.- there are no rules

 

For any other "rule" ----> go to Rule No1.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Swimbaits only work in California.

 

LOL, sure....

[pbizzle]

I didn't know it was ever to early....

Remember it's perfectly acceptable to start drinking at 8 am... in nearly every trailer park.

[Mike L]

Improvise, Overcome, Adapt...

 

Rules, der ain't no stinkin rules!!

I wish there were, it would make our lives much easier. Just follow along and get in line.

 

For some reason I really don't think we'd like that very much. I know I wouldn't.

 

That's what I love about Bass fishing, it's the color, speed, action, water, weather, size, approach, angles, line size, etc etc. It doesn't end.

When I first moved to Florida all everyone I knew wanted to fish was salt water...Just throw something out there and you'll catch something.

Don't know what, but you'll catch something...If you didn't care and were'nt targeting anything specific, you did.

 

 

 

 

Mike

[Snakehead Whisperer]

 

I was actually talking to a buddy of mine about how funny it would be if fish couldn't hear. Talk about one of the biggest scams ever. All of these lures used to make sounds, along with all of the tactics we use to be quiet, would be quite ironic. 

 

There is actually quite a bit of research that mostly concludes that bass (and most other fish) cannot hear the sound frequencies of metal bb's used in fish lures. They can feel the vibration of them rolling around and clacking the inside of the bait, however. Here's a mention of it in the NY Times. Don't have any web links for the rest, it's all in printed material from university studies/DNR stuff (old.) 

 

I make crankbaits and lures a lot, and typically I make silent lures nowadays. I've found that most baits perform as well or better without making any extra sound. A crankbait naturally pushes water and creates a thumping vibration as it's retrieved, which is more similar to the sound of natural forage swimming. There are times when loud lures seem to draw strikes, but I still doubt it's the rattle. For example, most wakebaits have loud rattles but they also push a lot of water. Fish that are in an aggressive feeding mood will hit most anything that moves and will fit in their mouths. 

 

Bait fish don't rattle and they don't turn black at night/in turbid water. Bass seem to find them just fine, regardless. Confidence is a major factor, and whatever an angler has confidence in will outproduce other baits simply because you will be more at ease with presentation if you're confident in a bait. Obviously baits with rattles work, and so does throwing dark baits at night... the question is whether it's necessary to throw them, or if it's just an accepted protocol. I've found that very few are willing to experiment with these types of things. 

 

There is so much hype in fishing that I couldn't even begin to tell you all of my opinions. But so is life. Inquisitive people will find the truth on their own, and many won't. 

[bigbill]

The bass can't see all the colors like we do all the time. Somedays one color will work and on other days an assortment of colors will work do to the water conditions, the plant life and the sunlite. I figure a lure with a rattle plus using a scent gives me an edge. But finding what color they can see at this time is important too.

[jignfule]

The difficulty with any " forum", be it on the internet or what we call "dock" talk is to decern between what is applicable & what is just talk.

With the advent of the internet came an explosion of knowledge but sadly there is very little wisdom.

If you don't believe a "forum" setting can be helpful then you need to read my thread on Toledo Bend which has helped dozens of anglers become familiar with the lake & thus become better anglers.

Practice only makes one better if what is practiced is the correct way.

I agree "Practice makes perfect" ?  NO WAY !!!  "Perfect practice makes perfect"

[pbizzle]

I agree "Practice makes perfect" ?  NO WAY !!!  "Perfect practice makes perfect"

That's what my old wrestling coach said.

[aquaholic]

search baits, dont believe in the concept of them. you can call it that if you want because its the first thing you tie on or throw, but it doesnt mean its going to find you fish or work better than any other bait you couldve thrown first.

I am 100% with this. I see a lot of people talking about throwing search baits out and then moving to a slow bait . I start with the slow bait a majority of the time.

[K_Mac]

I will agree that bass are opportunistic predators and will sometimes bite anything that moves. I will also agree that sometimes going against conventional wisdom can be a winning approach. Having the skill, experience, and confidence to effectively and consistently do things a little differently than everyone else is how champions are made. That only happens, in my opinion, through knowledge and understanding of bass and the tools available to catch them, and then figuring out what works best for you. 

[Scott F]

search baits, dont believe in the concept of them. you can call it that if you want because its the first thing you tie on or throw, but it doesnt mean its going to find you fish or work better than any other bait you couldve thrown first.

 

If you are fishing new water and don't know where the fish are, you need to locate them before you can catch them.  The purpose of search baits is to cover a lot of water quickly. Once you locate bass, you can slow down and spend your time fishing where they are instead of spending a lot of time fishing where they aren't.

[Loop_Dad]

One popular bass magazine, with every issue, has a, "throw this, don't throw this" list. Many times, I am having my best luck from a bait on the don't throw this list. Go figure.

Hootie

 

Where is the current don't throw list? I think you might be on to something. Maybe many people believed the magazine and stopped throwing them, therefore it worked for you (and the editor of the magazine )

[SirSnookalot]

 

Improvise, Overcome, Adapt...

 

Rules, der ain't no stinkin rules!!

I wish there were, it would make our lives much easier. Just follow along and get in line.

 

For some reason I really don't think we'd like that very much. I know I wouldn't.

 

That's what I love about Bass fishing, it's the color, speed, action, water, weather, size, approach, angles, line size, etc etc. It doesn't end.

When I first moved to Florida all everyone I knew wanted to fish was salt water...Just throw something out there and you'll catch something.

Don't know what, but you'll catch something...If you didn't care and were'nt targeting anything specific, you did.

 

 

 

 

Mike

Couldn't be further from reality.   A lot of variables determine what one is targeting at a given moment and what kind of a lure may produce the best results.  Just to name a few, time of year and time of day, type of baitfish in the area, income or outgoing tide, tide change relative to sunrise and sunset,  water clarity, surf height, brackish vs inshore vs offshore.  It's true one can throw a spoon for example and it's pot luck on what might hit it, but how often does one cast in freshwater for bass and pull in another species like a pike, in Florida it could be a snakehead, peacock, tarpon or snook.

[WRB]

There is good science regarding bass biology that can help you solve the problem of catching them.

Bass are cold blooded animals, live iin fresh water, breath dissolved oxygen and they are carnivors.

We can debate the water temperature range, the pH and DO levels however lots of good papers on those topics. How bass use their senses of sight, smell, hearing are also well known, however the science tends to change with added knowledge.

You can ignor seasonal period preferences and not take advantage of the basses biological characteristics and still catch bass. There are some good basics to be aware of, however you can fish with a cane pole and bobber with a minnow and do well, it comes down to personal choices and beliefs.

Tom

[KyakR]

There are absolutely no rules in bass fishing, just guidelines. Don't ever forget that!! When you limit yourself to those so called "rules" you will never progress into a better angler. There is one rule though that is absolutely 100% true... And that is time on the water is the only way to become a better angler.. I know I sound like a broken record when saying that but it's the truth. forums like this one are absolutely great for people to get ideas and get started on learning different techniques and such but there is a HUGE difference in reading about it and actually doing it and figuring out all the details involved. One of the biggest mistakes I see alot of novice anglers make is reading all they can about techniques and seasonal patterns and then try and force that information when they are on the water. That's just not how it works! The more time you spend on the water the more you will start to understand bass behavior and the little signs and details that will get you dialed in on the fish. Ok I guess I got a little of topic there lol but

I so agree with this! And, as a voracious reader about fish (bass in particular) I can attest to the fact that it's hands-on that counts. I want to add that being around other anglers speeds understanding and skill enormously! I've spent a lot of time on the water but very little around other anglers, and I think of myself as almost a novice. 

My particular bone to pick as far as hype is concerned is the idea that bass "fatten" for the winter. Here's an amazing article I found:  http://www.fishingclub.com/magazine/articles/articletype/articleview/articleid/3548/fall-bass-blitz

[Snakehead Whisperer]

Where is the current don't throw list? I think you might be on to something. Maybe many people believed the magazine and stopped throwing them, therefore it worked for you (and the editor of the magazine )

I never give this section of Bassmaster magazine much thought, but after reading these posts I got curious. Grabbed my copy to see what was on the list. Sep-Oct. issue says don't throw the following...

 

-Jerkbait

-Shaky Head

-Football Jig

-Dropshot

[Deleted account]

I disagree with your only rule.   You can become a better angler by learning from the experiences of others, be it through any form of communication, printed, spoken, or video. 

 

If all one did was to fish, everything they learned would be through trial and error.  Why not learn from the experience of those who share their knowledge, and eliminate a lot of trial and error?

I disagree with your disagree, communication will enhance your knowledge of something (book smart) but won't improve your ability or skill, or contribute to experience. Otherwise I'd just read up on brain surgery, and start cutting..

[bigbill]

My ritual of baits goes like this,

Topwater.............bps topnocker

Deep crank...........rebel big claw crawfish crankbait

Shallow crank........bomber fat A redapple craw

Inline spinner.......mepps Anglia silver blade,Brown tail

Topwater.............mister twister top prop fireperch

spinner bait.........Mann's or Colorado blade/white

Minnowbait...........rapala original floater blue F7

Shallow crank........bomber fat A brokerage

Inline spinner.......joesfly 1/4oz firetiger apache

Topwater.............spook any color, a big one.

Shallow crank........bomber fat A greencraw

Carolina rig.........senko Amber red flake

Topwater.............spook Jr w/prop.

Crankbait............Norman thin N chartreuse killer

Inline spinner.......strike king silver/black

Spin fly.............panthermartin silver/yellow

Carolina rig.........brushog dark red flake

Kitchen sink.........white preferred

Tackle box...........full of $$$$$$ can't buy a bite

Going back to live bait not an option that's like putting a worm on a fly rod. We do have some ethics not rules ethics. When failures happen switch back to basics. I do move away from my ritual of baits sometimes just to throw something different or new.

Kidding but usually the fish will strike one of them. My shore fishing ritual does work all the time well let's say most of the time even if I catch dinks or pickerel.

Why do so many fisherman stay with one lure when they catch nothing, I see this all the time. There doomed for failure from the start.

I throw all different color lures and different styles of lures till I get action and figure out what they want. Why do they sell all these different lures and colors?

FIRST look at the water conditions then use the correct sizes and colors.

Don't forget the scents.

Do you have a system or ritual of lures you go by?

[J Francho]

 

Kitchen sink.........white preferred

 

LOL, you need stainless for clear water.

[Catt]

When asked how he learned to bass fish KVD's answer was "reading Bassmaster magazine"!

Don`t believe the hype!

Bass can see your line & will spook.

If a bass sees your line what does he think it is?

Don't believe the hype!

When asked why he made lures in so many different colors Tom Mann answered "To catch the fisherman, a bass has never put a penny in my pocket."

Don't believe the hype!

Spring time lures

Summer time lure

Fall time lures

Winter time lures

Nope the lures are the same the locations change!

[J Francho]

 

Nope the lures are the same the locations change!

 

I do agree with this, but location can have a TON of influence on what baits work, especially up here, where a bass may be in 6" of water in one season, and 60' in another.  But yeah, a trap in weeds prespawn works as well as a trap in riprap in the summer.

[Ratherbfishing]

I think a distinction needs to be made between what is "hype" and what is generally "good practice."  Sure, you can fish fast* in the winter and sometimes get onto some fish.  You can also fish topwater in open water on a scalding bright day in July and sometimes catch fish.  But what is the most likely scenerio?  I always (or nearly always) go with what I believe will work (and has worked) first and then, if that fails me, move outside the box.  Except, perhaps, in extremely pressured waters, it makes little sense to start at the top (small end) of the pyramid and move down.

 

*There are always exceptions and perhaps the most notable one I can think of is lipless crankbaits in cold water.  When I first began fishing, I was at a small pond in the early spring.  NOTHING seemed to work.  Well, almost nothing.  I'd always heard to fish slow in cold water but since that didn't work and since i had a rat-l-trap in my box which I mostly used for white bass, I'd try that.  My reasoning was if nothing slow would work, try the exact opposite.  I hadn't read anything about this phenomenon before but as many other people have learned, that was the ticket.

 

One way you can discern "hype" is if someone is trying to make money off something.  If some "pro" on your television set (who could easily be confused with a NASCAR driver) lifts a lure up to the camera lens, and tells you that you absolutely HAVE to have this lure to catch fish (or big fish), it is hype.  Or if some newbie tells you someting will work because he (or she) saw it on tv or read it in a magazine, it is hype.  Fisherman are always looking for that magic bullet.

 

 

[Snakehead Whisperer]

When asked how he learned to bass fish KVD's answer was "reading Bassmaster magazine"!

Don`t believe the hype!

Bass can see your line & will spook.

If a bass sees your line what does he think it is?

Don't believe the hype!

When asked why he made lures in so many different colors Tom Mann answered "To catch the fisherman, a bass has never put a penny in my pocket."

Don't believe the hype!

Spring time lures

Summer time lure

Fall time lures

Winter time lures

Nope the lures are the same the locations change!

I agree with almost everything you've said here, but there are some exceptions. 

 

It's been proven that bass can see fishing line (article.pdf.) Whether they are line shy, who knows but them? I know for certain that bass feed in areas where people have broken off and there is a lure wedged in the rock they're hiding behind with 6' of line dangling around in the water right next to them, so maybe they disregard it for the most part. I use light weight fluoro for the most part, but mainly because I prefer light tackle fishing. 

 

I agree that you can probably catch fish effectively with 4 colors of lures. White, black, chartreuse and natural probably cover almost any situation. 

 

I also agree that there's no such thing as seasonal baits, but I'm not usually burning a buzzbait in Jan-Feb. when water temps are below 40. Yes, I have done this before; and yes, it has worked at times... but generally it hasn't proven too productive.