Rod and reel use

[Brent]

Hi,

 

I live in Mandeville Louisiana and it is approaching winter and now is the time to reflect. I am writing this post to help me use the right lures with the correct equipment that i have. I am writing this on the fact of when i go fishing even in spring during spawn i don't seem to catch many fish say *** from the bank. I am hoping you guys can make some suggestions on what i'm doing incorrectly. I have only been fishing for about 1 1/2 years. I have really only caught fish using the Texas rig using a creature bait and they were all under 2 pounds.  I mostly pond fish around town even though we have a lake 4 miles from my house but its brackish water. Thanks hope this is in the right forum. 

 

1. Setup 1 is a abu garcia black max3 on  cabela's pro guide heavy med with 15lbs flouro. (This was my first bait caster and i love it)

https://www.cabelas.com/product/ABU-GARCIA-BLACKMAX-PRO-GUIDE-CASTING-COMBO/2218039.uts

 

2. Setup 2 is a Piscifun torrent on a shimano med rod with 50lbs power pro braid. (great reel performed awesome so far)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07149KWVR/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002FWW3W4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

3. Setup 3 is a Spinning reel on a Berkeley med light lightning rod with 12lbs mono.

 

Currently i use them in this configuration for lures:

setup 1 anything bottom jigs texas rig Carolina rig or spinner baits.

setup 2 i use for top water such as a whopper plopper, spook or buzzbaits.

setup 3 i use.... not sure yet i had it and put it into the jeep to use for something once i figure that part out.

 

The question is what is each setups best use such as what lure to cast on each or if i should move some things around? (Really any advise would be great)

 

 

 

[Scott F]

Do you think your lack of success is because you may not be matching your baits to the right rod and reel set up?

[roadwarrior]

 

[Tennessee Boy]

First welcome. I'm sure you will get a lot of different advice on the forum. Here are some of my thoughts.

 

I would not worry about your rod and reel combos at this point.  You seem to like them and that's what's important.  

 

I would suggest you focus more on what's working for you.  I'm not saying you should never try different things but you'll have more success mastering a few techniques.  A texas rig is a technique that works for beginners and experts.  I would work on becoming a great texas rig fisherman.  Find what works best for you and try to improve on it.  Try experimenting with your presentation.  Try fishing faster and slower.  Try different weights and try the bait without a weight.  Try differnent colors and sizes of the creature bait that's been working for you and try different baits.  Look for patterns that work and repeat them.  Are they hitting in shallow water or deeper water?   Are they close to cover?  What type of cover? 

 

Most import,  keep fishing!  You'll only get better.

[Mobasser]

Brent, your rods/reels and tackle are fine. Keep throwing what's working for you, and try a few other things too. Much of bass fishing is location, then putting together the baits that will catch them on any given day. Keep fishing as much as you can, and good luck

[Deleted account]

19 hours ago, Scott F said:

Do you think your lack of success is because you may not be matching your baits to the right rod and reel set up?

X2. If your gear is functional, it's not the limiting factor. Only you can answer if it works or not. Less reading more fishing is the answer.

 

[Oregon Native]

I might add only one thing...especially since you are fishing from the bank...maybe two.  Number one....walk the bank like you are hunting.  I find cloths that blend and quiet foot steps get you closer to the big ones.  Try fishing more parallel with the bank....you maybe doing this in the spring but if not....it works.  

It's pretty hard to beat a Texas rigged worm or floating worm and last not least the infamous senko!!!

[fishwizzard]

2 hours ago, reason said:

Less reading more fishing is the answer.

 

When I was starting out, more reading was what got me catching consistently.  But, it happened when I started reading up on bass behaviour and habitat, not just tackle and presentations.  I think I was fishing a lot of empty water and getting an idea of where the bass should be holding was huge in getting me to be able to start catching them more regularly.  

[Brent]

On 11/16/2018 at 9:55 AM, Scott F said:

Do you think your lack of success is because you may not be matching your baits to the right rod and reel set up?

I believe it is a part of the issue.

So from the comments to help me improve i need to:

1. Learn more about where fish are holding and be able to see where they should be based on behaviors and habitat .
2. My tackle at this point isn't going to be the deciding factor for consistency.
3. Do what works such as texas rig but try new things but mainly fish what i know catches fish.
4. Fish in places where i know there is fish vs new places that may not have fish.