When not to fish for bigger bass?

[SpinLight]

Two other factors not specifically mentioned much in the thread above which might cause some of us in the over-60 crowd to not fish for big fish as much: the aging process and being a former club tournament fisherman. And if you are over 70, you don't feel like putting in a lot of full 12-14 hour days on the water, which would make it more likely for you to get a big bite that day.

 

As I have aged, just getting bit has become more enjoyable than fishing for hours for that big bite. The big bite was more important during my tournament days. I got skunked bass fishing only one day last year.

 

I have always used just spinning tackle, mostly L and ML tackle and 4-8 lb. line, except in some tournaments. And I also enjoy catching crappie, white bass and stripers on a few occasions during the year.

 

Going big or going after anything that bites? As we used to say in the '60's, whatever floats your boat....?

[BayouSlide]

Depends on the body of water. One lake I like to fish has some big bass so I'm willing to put a day into bigger baits for that 5 or 6+ pounder.

 

I may be throwing big buzzbaits or big swimbaits...if I catch anything, it's over 4 pounds.

 

Others, I go for more bites, smaller baits and smaller fish.

[scaleface]

I rarely finesse fish . I've tried it and it just hasn't been  productive for me .The fish I do catch while finessing are not worth targeting . 

[Spankey]

I’ll have my two grandsons (14 & 11 yo) out with me Sunday morning. They will be fishing for nice fish. They have caught and seen them. They know what the potential is. I can only hope it goes well. Like a guide I’ll try like heck to put them on fish. 
 

If they get a good fish or not. Before we pack it in for the day I’ll have them fishing for bluegill, yellow perch, crappies and maybe some bullheads. Whatever they want to go for. To me I think it is important for them to catch fish in general. They are happy with that. I think it means more to me than it does to them about that big bite. They are happy to be out. They enjoy going to the diner on the way home also. 

[Jleebesaw]

Well, i dont know if this is a great strategy or not, but i dont look for big fish early in a tournament. I just started doing them this year. I go out at the start and just try to get my 3 or 5 bass first. Then i can focus on the more isolated cover and less obvious places to cull fish. Its surprising how many teams dont get the limit during the tourneys. Its been workin somewhat for me. Weve gotten into the money a few times.

[Sissyfishing]

Always 100 percent of the time

light line 4 to 8 lb test small lures 1/16 1/18 oz mostly shad patterns

areas that attracts lots of small bass like riprap ramps marinas docks tire reefs etc. fun fun fun till her daddy took her crankbait away!