I Think I've Gone Overboard

[WRB]

Your medium spinning tackle isn't well suited for very bass lure or presentation, you need to use lures and presentations that work with what you have.

My favorite techniques are drop shot, slip shop (finesse C-rig) and spli shot rigs for soft platics.

The original floating F13 Rapala is a very good lure on spinning tackle.

1/8 oz mojo weights, Carolina keeper weight stopper, size 1/0 Owner 5100 or similar premium hook, 6" finesse worm like Roboworms, makes up the slip shot rig. Add 1/4 drop shot weight and size 1 mosquito hook for drop shot rig. These 2 rigs will catch a lot of bank bass for you.

Good luck.

Tom

[HokieBen]

With  the equipment you listed I'd focus on plastics.  As in weightless Texas Rig, Drop Shot, Senkos (Wacky or Texas Rigged) and Splitshot.  The problem with this setup would be that you do not have a quick "search bait".  If you are planning on increasing your arsenal, I'd say get a 6'6"-7' MH/F rod for Spinnerbaits and would be a great all around rod for all types of techniques.  I think Spinnerbaits are more "versatile" baits than a crankbait.  Mainly because you can let a SB drop to the bottom and dead stick it or add a trailer.  Of course not knowing the ratings/brand of your rods you maybe able to fish a 3/8 to 1/2 oz SB without having to go up a power.  For example - I can fish 1/2 oz spinnerbaits on a St. Croix M/F Avid and not feel like it is under powered, because St. Croix ratings tend to be more than suggested. 

 

The two spinning rods are both 6'6". One is a medium/moderate Pflueger Echelon and the other is a medium/fast Cabela's Tourney Trail. The Cabela's rod seems to have a little more backbone than the Pflueger, so I generally use it for my single hook lures and use the Pflueger for anything with trebles. Do you think the Cabelas rod would work with a 3/8oz spinnerbait? I'm definitley open to adding another rod to the arsenal, but I feel like I should justify the purchase by learning to catch a few fish on the gear that I already have.

 

 

Your medium spinning tackle isn't well suited for very bass lure or presentation, you need to use lures and presentations that work with what you have.

My favorite techniques are drop shot, slip shop (finesse C-rig) and spli shot rigs for soft platics.

The original floating F13 Rapala is a very good lure on spinning tackle.

1/8 oz mojo weights, Carolina keeper weight stopper, size 1/0 Owner 5100 or similar premium hook, 6" finesse worm like Roboworms, makes up the slip shot rig. Add 1/4 drop shot weight and size 1 mosquito hook for drop shot rig. These 2 rigs will catch a lot of bank bass for you.

Good luck.

Tom

 

Tom, I've got a few Rapalas in the 05, 07 size range... do you think those would work as well as the F13, or do I need to go up in size?

[WRB]

The issue is line # test needed to get a good hook set with a spinning reel on medium rated spinning rods. If you use 10 # mono, about right for the tackle you have, you may miss a few spinnerbait fish, but should be able to cast OK. The f13 is a good size for bass and will cast further than the smaller trout sizes.

I would fish with what you have, experience will tell you what needs to be changed. You have your plate full at the moment, enjoy your outings when you get a chance, the new family should be your top priority.

Good luck with everything in 2014.

Tom

[RoLo]

Limiting a fisherman to 1 or 2 techniques gives me great pause.
Fishing doesn't begin & end with Senkos, it begins & ends with 'Location'.

On balance, presentation is far more subject to change than location.

Fish the wrong technique in the right places, and you'll have bass in the well.

Fish the right technique in the wrong places, and you'll be an unhappy camper.

 

Roger

[Amarley]

Spinnerbaits are the ultimate go-to bait to learn they are versatile and can be fished throughout the water column and at many different speeds. You can pitch them close to cover, let them sink and bottom hop them, burn them along the top, many different techniques. If you can fish a spinnerbait, then you can move on to soft plastics, jigs, crankbaits, and swimbaits. It's all addicting! Good Luck!

[dano3470]

Don't forget to purchase a good pair of polarized glasses. Not only will they help you see through the water but they protect your eyes from flying hooks.