Please be my Mentor

[Capt No Fish]

Hello everyone, I don’t have a bass fishing mentor that’s where you come in.  My father was a saltwater guy. I am suffering from information overload.  I have been bass fishing for 3 years now and last year being my most successful to date.  Since it is snowing here, I figured I would use this time to start to prepare for next season.

 

I have read countless articles and watched hour of you tube videos.  I feel I have the techniques down and an idea of what to use when I get into an area.  So when I get into an area I can think of 3 – 5 different things I can do.

Here is an example of my information overload, let’s take a good sized piece of vegetation.  I can through a popper to it, run a spinner bait on the outside, chatter bait through it, flip it, frog it, worm it or pitch a heavy craw.  Since I can think of all these things, I sit there with every rod I have and try everything.

 

How do I know what to do and what is the right approach.  Do I try all these things and then move to the next patch and try all them again or do I just say let me pick one thing and go to all the grassy areas and use just the one lure for the day and keep maybe 2 or 3 things on the boat so when I come to something different like a log I flip it or something?

When do I say this area is dead and move to the next one?

 

I live in the N.E in and all the water around me is uber pressured so the fishing it not easy.  If catch one for the day I am happy.  2 is the most I have caught in a 6 hour day.  And yes I need to leave the water at noon time or I will hit a kayak every cast.

 

I appreciate all your inputs!

[Team9nine]

If you think you have information overload already, coming onto a message board with thousands of participants from across the country and asking for help (more information/suggestions) is just going to make things worse - lol. Ideally, you find one or two people in your area close by that fish similar waters and that might be willing to help share information and ideas with you - act as a sounding board - and just limit your exposure to that small circle until you get some more time/experience and catches under your belt which will help you weed out things in the future; or pick just one or two YouTube persons or similar type anglers (articles, etc.) that resonate with you and just watch and follow them and ignore the others for the moment.

 

Just my initial thoughts...

[A-Jay]

11 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

If you think you have information overload already, coming onto a message board with thousands of participants from across the country and asking for help (more information/suggestions) is just going to make things worse - lol. Ideally, you find one or two people in your area close by that fish similar waters and that might be willing to help share information and ideas with you - act as a sounding board - and just limit your exposure to that small circle until you get some more time/experience and catches under your belt which will help you weed out things in the future; or pick just one or two YouTube persons or similar type anglers (articles, etc.) that resonate with you and just watch and follow them and ignore the others for the moment.

 

Just my initial thoughts...

Nailed It ~ !

A-Jay

[Sphynx]

Not getting too specific here, but one of the things I have done in the past (and still do when necessary) is to limit myself to a handful of options, so for spring I might grab 3-4 lures, and leave absolutely everything else at home, obviously you'll be limited, but that's kind of the point, pay attention to time of day, weather, what cover/bottom composition/vegetation your around, are you enjoying the trip or are you getting annoyed at how much vegetation your picking out of your hooks/getting hung up too much? Write those thoughts down and give them a nice long ponder later on, before long you'll start finding your own patterns and you can start to experiment from there...at that point the only limit you'll have is time and money.

[KSanford33]

I would say 95% of the members of this forum are better fishermen than I am, so I'm not going to give you advice on what to throw. Instead, I'm going to relate it to something I'm good at: golf.

 

In golf, I can hit any shot on demand; cut, draw, high, low, you name it. I play in a lot of tournaments as well. And do you know what I do when the tournament is on the line and my nerves are kicking up? I hit what I'm confident in. Sure, I can hit all of those shots, but there's one or two that I'm most comfortable with.

 

 Do that in fishing. To use your example, if you have a patch of vegetation, throw what you're confident in. In my example, that's going to be a weedless frog or a jerkbait around the edges. Sure, I might be better off throwing a jig or a weedless Senko, but I'm not confident in either of those (yet).

 

 What you can do as well is throw what you're confident at first, land a few fish, then when you know there's fish there, try another lure and see what you can do. Then you don't have to worry about getting skunked and you can explore other lures or other methods and see what they do.

 

 That's my plan. I know I can catch fish with jerkbaits, frogs, and crankbaits. This year my goal is to become proficient with Senkos.

[The one that got away]

I'm certainly not qualified to be anyone's mentor, but agree with the above responses, and would add that you may become more comfortable with some techniques more than others.  It sounds like you are already pretty proficient at some different styles of fishing already.  For example, I would always start with a frog in the type of area you described, depending on the time of year.  But that's just me and where I usually fish.  Other anglers might always try flipping a creature bait first, or some other technique, could be anything, in that type of area.  I try to dumb it down - I just try to see if the bass are closer to the top or the bottom.  So I would go with a frog (or popper if it's not too thick) to see if there are any surface bites, and then try a weighted plastic that will get through an opening if no top bites.  Try a couple things and move on if no bites.  I don't think you need to try 6-7 different techniques at every weed bed.  Maybe try a couple different techniques at the next weed bed, say a spinnerbait along the edge or a wacky rig in one of the openings.  If nothing, move on to the next weed bed.  Try the same things, or mix it up if you want.  You will get a feel for what works at different ponds/lakes/rivers the longer you fish at one particular body of water.  You will find out what you like to use the most.  My fishing buddy throws a frog or popper 50% of the time, a wacky rig probably 40% of the time, and maybe a spinnerbait the other 10%.  

[GaryH]

As a bass fisherman you’ve reached the point that makes this sport so great. You’ve done your studies and now it’s time for you to put what you’ve learned to task. I believe you’ll find out what many on this forum has already discovered. The journey is the best part and it never ends. Good luck on your journey and enjoy.

 

 

 

[roadwarrior]

Focus on one bait, specifically a GYCB Senko.  Become proficient, then branch out.

 

 

 

[Sphynx]

14 minutes ago, roadwarrior said:

Focus on one bait, specifically a GYCB Senko.  Become proficient, then branch out.

 

 

 

This is never bad advice. 

[Dogface]

Which waters are you fishing around Philly? 

[Carpenater]

I'd recommend hiring a local guide for a trip or two, or three.

[Capt No Fish]

Thanks for the replies.  I don't want everyone to get hung up on grass part.  That was just an example.  It could be rip rap or any other area.  However I do look for grass areas because I have had the most luck around them.

2 hours ago, Dogface said:

Which waters are you fishing around Philly? 

I am fishing mostly Lake Nockamixon and the Tidal Delaware river.  I did try the Northeast river once with no luck.  I am hoping to try Blue Marsh Lake next year.

 

I don't really have anyone to fish with so I am figuring it out on my own at the moment.

[Dogface]

I have fished Nockamixon but not enough to offer advice. I do fish the tidal Delaware. If I'm after bass I fish Dredge Harbor or the Poquessing Creek  off the Delaware.  

 

The upper Delaware is a good small mouth fishery. The water level is an issue this time of year but it usually stabilizes during the summer with the exception of storms.  

 

I would do some research and exploring on the Schuylkill River above Valley Forge. There are a few ramps and the SM fishing is good. 

[cyclops2]

You are my fishing neighbor on the Frenchtown N J  Delaware.

The pebbles washed in from all the creeks has almost made a desert of it. Even the river otters left it years ago.  The habitat destruction. The spraying of many lawns with plant & weed poisons' every day. Hundreds of gallons is working. In most rivers it is too late. Hundreds of highways & local roads are sprayed with weed killers all summer.   

It is going into drinking reservoirs & creeks & big rivers. Sterile fish can not reproduce. Why some areas only have HUGE fish.

I was born in 1937.  Fishing is very changed.

 

The few fish left learn to be active at late night. You are doing the right things.  There are still some fish that will survive to be C & R.   Enjoy them.   ?

[CrashVector]

I'd say start by watching yt fishermen who focus on people new to fishing.  Keep it simple as you learn.

 

[Capt No Fish]

10 hours ago, Dogface said:

I have fished Nockamixon but not enough to offer advice. I do fish the tidal Delaware. If I'm after bass I fish Dredge Harbor or the Poquessing Creek  off the Delaware.  

 

The upper Delaware is a good small mouth fishery. The water level is an issue this time of year but it usually stabilizes during the summer with the exception of storms.  

 

I would do some research and exploring on the Schuylkill River above Valley Forge. There are a few ramps and the SM fishing is good. 

I thought both the upper Delaware above Trenton was all rocky and you needed a jet boat.  Same for the Schuykill River.  I thought once above boat house row it was extremely shallow.  I have a 17.5 ft boat with a prop outboard on it.  Is it safe to go to these places?   I would love to get out on the upper Delaware, I've seen some pictures of those great small mouths you are talking about.

8 hours ago, CrashVector said:

I'd say start by watching yt fishermen who focus on people new to fishing.  Keep it simple as you learn.

 

That is how I started.  I started with nothing and now have a bunch or combos and a tackle box full of stuff.  I mainly watched Fluke Master, Tactical Bassin, Iconelli and Wired to Fish.  I got sucked into I need this or that to catch the fish and this or that rod to make the bait work.  I have since learned to take that all in and figure out how to apply it to what I have already and stopped buying tackle.

 

I feel fairly confident with how to use the baits and the techniques.  I am still trying to perfect my accuracy but the biggest this I am struggling with is how to put all this into action.

[Dogface]

I did not realize you had a boat. 

 

I put in at Scudders Falls on the Delaware. In the spring the water is higher but drops towards summer. You can use an prop outboard but go slow. The deeper water is from mid stream to the Jersey side.

 

There are a few ramps further north but I haven't used them in many years. Those ramps allow access to different pools. Bulls Island was one I used often. The fishing was always good up there. 

 

BTW the upper Delaware changes with every bad storm. Go Slow!!

 

I haven't used it in years but I have put my boat in the Schuylkill near Valley Forge. There was a ramp just north of the 422 expressway. You had to get off the expressway and onto Trooper Road and then Sullivan's Lane. 

 

Another option would be a New Jersey license and the Rancocas Creek. I have not fished the Rancocas in many years but "I hear" the bass fishing is good. It is easily accessed from Philly via the Linden Avenue ramp. 

 

I will ask around about the Rancocas to be sure it is a good option. 

 

 

 

[Darth-Baiter]

I think you’re doing fine.  Not sure how you run a crank thru vegetation, tho. 
 

fishing for me is about trying baits until you find one that inspires the bass.  For me it’s usually a plastic worm   Then I get to try different presentations.  Maybe focus more on specific tactics. 
 

sounds like you need to drive further to better waters. Or by a kayak. 
 

 

[WRB]

Study bass behavior, seasonal periods before buying anymore lures.

I will compare bass fishing to deer hunting. You wouldn’t look for deer in the city the odds are very low. You find deer where they feed and can hide from predators. Location is important.

Deer throw caution to the wind during the rut, they are driven to procreate. Bass spawn, Seasonal periods are important.

Find the prey bass feed on that offers a sanctuary area nearby. 

Base you lures on the depth and prey source the bass are feeding on where the bass are located.

There isn’t any panacea bass lures. 

Tom

[scaleface]

I think you are doing it correctly . Bass like green cover . Select lures that fish green cover well . Now try to present the lures stealthily with low trajectory and accurate cast .  Matching the weight of the lures to the rod is critical .   A rod might be rated for 1/4 to 1 ounce lures but thats for overhand casting . When trying underhand lobs to precise spots the lure weights wont be so diverse . At least for me thats the way it is . If I'm repeatedly casting a lure to the right of target the lure is to heavy . The rod is loading to much and not unloading quick enough . If the cast are going to the left , then the lure is to light . When I get the two  matched perfectly the cast go where they are suppose to go . A difference of 1/8th ounce can make a huge improvement . 

[WRB]

I have posted a few threads on over load in the past.

The answer is going back to basics, it’s never that secret lure.

Lets take a trip to your lake, don’t know anything about it so my 1st step is look it up and determine what type of fish are in the lake, game and prey fish plus other prey sources.

2nd step is a detailed map an sat study, map shows structure contours, sat shows docks, aquatic surface pants on top of the structure.

Arriving at the lake I now know something about it. Launching my boat I go through the same steps as if on familiar water. Determine surface water temp, any bait or bass in the marina, both visually and sonar. From the water temps I forming what seasonal period this lake incurrent in. From the marina survey I know approximately how deep to start and what lures work for me under the current conditions, weather, wind etc.

Take another look at the map and get an idea where to start.

My 1st choice is the marina if bait or bass are in the area.

Marina’s get restocked by local bass anglers emptying their

livewell every trip.

If the seasonal period is cold water, I am heading towards the dam and 1st major point. Depending on what I meter jigs, Structure spoons and deep diving crank baits that work in deeper water.

If it’s the Spawn cycle I am heading to wind protected and secondary point near the back of the creek arm. Jigs and soft plastics work.

Summer warm water period bass have scattered but more active now. I prefer outside structure during summer and night fishing. Lure selection is more difficult near shore but the deeper outside structure jigs, worms, crankbaits all work.

Fall is the transition between warm water summer and cold water winter. If the lake has Shad population follow them into creek arms and use Shad profile lures like lipless crank baits, structure spoons, soft plastics.

It’s not all that difficult.

Tom

PS, pre spawn is a graduate course.

 

[dodgeguy]

21 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Focus on one bait, specifically a GYCB Senko.  Become proficient, then branch out.

 

 

 

Best advice ever.

[Catt]

22 hours ago, Team9nine said:

If you think you have information overload already, coming onto a message board with thousands of participants from across the country and asking for help (more information/suggestions) is just going to make things worse - lol. Ideally, you find one or two people in your area close by that fish similar waters and that might be willing to help share information and ideas with you - act as a sounding board - and just limit your exposure to that small circle until you get some more time/experience and catches under your belt which will help you weed out things in the future; or pick just one or two YouTube persons or similar type anglers (articles, etc.) that resonate with you and just watch and follow them and ignore the others for the moment.

 

Just my initial thoughts...

 

22 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Nailed It ~ !

A-Jay

 

c'est fini, it's finished ?

[Tennessee Boy]

The OP said "So when I get into an area I can think of 3 – 5 different things I can do."  I'm sure that number has more than doubled after reading this thread.  

 

Here's my story.  As a kid I fished creeks and got pretty good at it.  When I bought my first boat I started fishing lakes.  I read several magazines and bought a bunch of lures for lake fishing.  I took what I had learned from the "expert" to the lake and didn't catch a thing my first few trips out on my new boat.  I got discouraged so I ran my boat as far up in a creek as I could go and started creek fishing the way I had always done growing up.  I started catching fish and enjoying my new boat.  From there I just tweaked what I was doing, tried new thing and slowly figured it out.  32 years later I'm still learning and having fun.

 

I think the key is to find one thing that works for you and master it.  Other things will come over time.  The most important thing is to have fun.

[fishhugger]

i think you basically simply need to be more patient, which is what some of these guys are saying......  stay off the coffee for starters, if you indulge in that...

as a beginner (me), i'm not a huge fan of the stick to one bait for a super long time method... i think one needs to get at least a flavor of different techniques, at the start. that being said, i'd avoid  trying too many things, too fast, too many rods, etc.. which is what you say frustrates u.