What'd you bring, and what worked

[Shane J]

So, I got to thinking yesterday while out on the water, about information sharing, and helping others find success in bass fishing. I know personally, that information I've picked up on this very forum, has helped elevate me to higher levels, which I believe is what most people want. Sometimes it's a big thing, like bass movements and patterns, sometimes is the tiniest tid bit of info, like why one knot is better than another for this condition. 10 years ago, if you would have told me, that today I'd be using 25lb mono for bass fishing, I would have given you a funny look. But there is a time and a place for everything. I also realized, that most guys that want to go fishing with me, want to go with me to LEARN something from me, and I love that. Helping other people get a new PB, is one of the most satisfying feelings I get out of this sport today. I would like to help you get a new PB, too. We here in the Northeast have similar seasonal patterns to think about, so I'm pretty much mostly relating to this area. So, I'm going to do a running thread on my outings (not every single time I go out), and invite you all to do the same. I'm going to expose what I chose to bring with me to fish, and why I brought what I did. Things like equipment, rods, line choices, and baits. I'm also going to talk about my successes and/or failures. And I'm going to use pics/vids whenever possible. Hey, even if no one else gets into it, at least you'll know what's up with what ShaneJ is doin' !!  Have fun out there, all, and I'm looking forward to hearing all about your fishing trips, so we can all help each other catch more or bigger fish!

 

[Shane J]

Yesterday was very windy, pretty darn cold, and most places around me still had ice on them last week. Now things are open and fishable, and I've been caged up in my cave for so long, I'll fish whenever I get the chance. I figured I'd only be able to take a few hours of abuse yesterday, so I kept it light. 2 rods, both my swimbait setups. I went yesterday, with the intent on 1) learning a couple new baits I haven't fished yet, 2) to get better accustomed to my new combos, and 3) to MAAAAAYBE get lucky enough to run into one bite from an early roaming big girl (It does happen, sometimes earlier than some people think. Guys are catching fish all over, even here in NH). So, here's what I brought...

2 rods, both swimbait rods, one with 25lb mono, and one with 20lb mono. 

For baits, I needed to check out the bass and bluegill baits, hadn't gotten them in the water yet, and a couple others that I brought to fish my conditions. Oh, and a jig. Never leave home without a jig.

I figured if I was going to get into one, It was going to be on a big perch wake floater I could work really slow on the outskirts of the warmer flats. It was another day of moving fronts, so I didn't expect them to be doing much in the 38 degree water, which is also why I brought the SWaver 200 (the carp bait, top left). That bait is basically like using a huge suspending jerkbait when you use 25lb line. What worked? Well, I didn't  run into any fish, but I did accomplish my other two goals for the day, and it sure beat painting the garage!

[Shane J]

Today was freezing and breezy, but the wind calmed down a bit, and even though it never made it out of the 30's, the sun felt nice, and I was planning on looking for fish today, see where some might be found. I brought 3 setups. One swimbait rod with 20 mono, one jig rod with 17lb floro, and one crankbait/jerkbait rod with 12 mono.

 I figured I'd use the jerkbait to locate any fish, if that worked, go with a swimbait to see if any big takers in the area. Also was planning on targeting a couple rocky areas on the West end of the Lake where it warms the first, with a football jig, hit laydowns with a brush jig, and possibly slow roll a Rage Blade along if there was anything going on. 

swimbaits and jigs

and a few cranks and jerks

Unfortunately, my time on the water got cut short, and I only got to mess around for about an hour. No fish today, but I did learn that I like the smaller SWavers on 17lb flouro better than on the heavier mono, that's for sure. Anyway, I'll stay after 'em if you do.