New to Tri-City bass fishing

[zunker]

I've grown up here all my life, usually went out of town to fish trout at small ponds or mountain lakes. I wanted to throw my hat into the bass, cat, or whatever else is here in the area. I have been to Bateman's Island, caught a few smaller cats, but tons of small bass and blue gills. Been to 2 rivers park in Finely too and caught more bass there. Everything has been really small. My brother and I have been using just the simple hook and worm. But we're looking for the bigger fish. Anything really. I'm more of catch and release type. But if I do catch one big enough I would keep it. Except for the bass!! We do go up the Yakima a little ways, but haven't had much luck. Also up the Snake, and skunked there too. We don't have a boat (currently looking for something cheap). So we are just off the shore. So if anyone has any advice about spots, tackle, or tips about anything...Please help!!

[Glenn]

Pick your favorite plastic in green pumpkin or watermelon colors - Senko, grubs, tubes, hula jigs.  Use dropshot and football heads, 1/2 oz or more in the current.  You can get away with lighter weight in slack water.  Crankbaits are also a good bet, especially chrome Rat-L-Traps.

Good luck!