What did you learn this year?

[BassKing813]

I learned how to select the correct spinnerbait based on the conditions and also learned when to throw 'em. I caught my first spinnerbait bass this past summer.

[cart7t]

First the bad.  

1. As much as I like fishing round reels my hands just can't comfortably hold onto them anymore. I sold off about a half dozen nearly brand new ones I had at the beginning of the year.

2. For the first time in a long time I didn't do a night trip to Lake of the Ozarks. I plan to change that in '07.

3. Have tried swim baits without much success.  I'll try again next season.

Now what I've learned.

1. chatterbaits.  OK lures but I threw them too often when a spinnerbait probably would've been a better choice. I'll keep them in the box but I'm still not too sure what the best conditions are for their use.

2. I'm a late Senko fisherman.  Pretty good bait. Not a catch all by any means.

3. Tried some Rapala finesse line. I really like the stuff, too bad I can't seem to find anyone carrying it.

4. Re-discovered Kinkaid lake in Illinois after not fishing it for about 20 years. Now I remember why we called it little Table Rock. Beautiful scenery and some amazing milfoil weed growth.  I may even pick up some musky lures since that lake has some in it.

5. Met up with a fellow forum member here and have been fishing pretty regularly with him.  It's been quite enjoyable.

Fishing wise this has probably been my worst catch rate year ever, especially when talking about larger fish.  I've only caught a couple over 5lbs. , that's way below par for me.  Some of it I attribute to a big change in equipment, some to trying new lures and hanging with them too long and finally I've been spending too much time at a particular lake that has definitely had an off year.

[edbassmaster]

This was my first year fishing tournaments...I learned that I want to fish pro. I fished on the back of a boat with a pro and outfished him. He wasnt too happy about that. I learned that fishing from the back of a boat in a tournament kinda stinks...

[Z71]

You got me to thinking:

1. I experimented with flourocarbon lines, Vanish, Stren and P-Line. P-Line wins hands down.

2. I reaffirmed my decision years ago that ML rods are for brim & crappies, after having big bass wrap a ML around my a**. I'll have big rod in my hand.

3. My decision a few years ago to by a smaller boat with 50 hp was INDEED A GOOD ONE,  instead of a gas hogging high hp outfit.

4. I can catch a 28 lb, 5 fish limit, which I did on 3/23/06 in less than 2 hours.

5. I can catch bass in the south on swimbaits, they just don't weigh 20lbs, at least not yet!

6. Smallmouth bass are smarter than I am.

7. If fishing in a tournament, fish until the last possible minute, I very seldom fish tournys, but I did fish one this year and won it. I caught the last fish of the day at 12:45, the weigh in was at 1:00. That fish turned out to be big bass of the day, and with out it I wouldnt have won the tourny. I learned that from watching Takahiro win the Classic a couple years ago.

8. Taking my 11 year old daughter fishing was, is, and will be one of the joys of my life. She learned to cast baitcaster this year.

Z

[mud]

I would like to say that I learned everything I know about bass fishing from this year.  

I started this year and had no clue what I was getting into.  I've spent too much money, time, and effort on bass.  And I plan to do even more next year (not that I'm done with this year).

mud

Oh, forgot to mention that I also learned not to show my fiance what I buy.  Don't like dealing with that can of worms.

[senko_77]

Really I have learned that a big weight can be put together using finesse techniques.  Small jigs, Split shot rigs, jighead worms, small crankbaits, small spinnerbaits, and dropshot all put together to catch big fish.  

I also got alot of confidence in big sammys and big buzzbaits

[Hightekrednek]

 I learned- if you tip your trolling motor battery over while night fishing, and the terminals touch the metal boat seat you are sitting on, you will experience a small-scale electrical storm that is "too close for comfort".  This is quite disturbing and I don't think I've recovered yet, 3 months later.

 I also made myself learn how to use crankbaits, I stuck it out and now I'm decent with them-I'm not giving up soft plastics and jigs(my favorite) up anytime soon though.  

 I learned how to use a baitcaster more proficiently, I can cast with extreme accuracy now.

 If I think of anything else I will post it also.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

- I let myself down with the swimbaits.  Couldn't give them the attention they need to be winners.  Just couldn't do it.

-Found a new hiding spot for big fish in my lake, after 20+ yrs fishing it.  Thought I knew them all.  Think again,lol.

-Being afflicted with Episodic Cluster Headache (ECH) can also get you ALOT of time on the water,lol.

-Do not reply to religious posts

-Getting kids fishing is about as rewarding as it gets

-2 trolling motors are better than 1.

-I learned that Kistler Heliums FLOAT!!!!  Magneiums,....don't

-I am slowly learning how to make better videos. (somthing I can use for family outtings, parties,vacations,etc)

-Not all Cali Hawg Hunters are ego-filled know-it-alls.  Quite the opposite (FC)

- Cyprus has some excellent citizens and very short FAT bass.

-I absolutely detest political commercials

-Avid can put up with alot of pain and still stay driven by his passion.  Great example for others.

-Doghouse got lucky.  

-Sometimes, when you know you are in a place they should be using, and they aren't there or biting, you should trust yourself and stay put, they'll come.  I always knew this but was able to "apply" it this year.  Oppsoite of swimbaits. I know they work but didn't apply what I know.

-I learned what Lake Fork was like.

-I learned that I have alot to learn

[The Unabasser]

I learned...

Just because I caught fish in one place last year I didn't this year  

I do not like fishing tournaments and being backboated to death

I like slooooow fishin from my pontoon boat

How to fish soft plastics, all rigs except drop shot

I still can't catch anything on a jig...I tried alot

My brother is a helluva guide

I can catch more fish in NY state and Canada than I can in PA  :-?

How to use a Baitcaster (have 3 now) and thats about all I use cept for 1 Spinning

Braided and Florocarbon are by far the best line to use

Theres more but these ones stand out the most.

[Catt]

Kentucky bass in swift current are a blast   8-)

I made three trips to Toro Creek below Toledo Bend's dam; water is clear, cold, & fast. Each trip we averaged 10 to 15 bass per person in 6 hrs of fishing with the largest weighing in at around 2 lbs.

These bass may be small in size but not in heart   ;D

[Fisherman]

- use a jig

- slow down the presentation considerably to where I can catch more (quality) bass with worms; patience pays  

- Peacock's are awesome fighters; ok, I new this already last year but caught my personal best this year and just reminded me how powerful they are.

To do list (for this year):

- use a frog

- try live shiners; don't kill me guys, but would like to try it out..

[Raul]

What did you learn this year?

That the BaitMonkey remains as powerful and mean as the day I met him for the first time.

LONG LIVE THE ALLMIGHTY BAITMONKEY !!!!!

[dink]

I learned that water temperature is not as important as it is often made out to be.  A pig caught on a buzzbait in 48 degree stained water woke me up.  I also learned alot about the chatterbait and its applications seasonally.  Lastly, and most importantly, I learned to trust my instincts more.

[Matt Fly]

Drop shotting with heavy mono works well on Fork.

Matt.

[Fishin Phil]

I've learned that when you can't figure it out for yourself it's cool to ask for help (i found BassResource.com)!

I've also learned that I'm gonna be spending a lot more money on fishing now that I know what I'm doing!!

I worked a lot on the baitcaster (if you only bring the baitcaster, you will use the baitcaster).

X-raps are awsome and pike like them so much they kept a few of mine.

I'm sure theres plenty more.

[paparock]

I am still learning the vast amount of different forms of rock in Bull Shoals and the seemingly endless ways that smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass can relate to the differing types and depths of all theses types of rock.

How to try and retrieve your lost lures, jigs, tubes, and grubs from all theses different types and depths of rock.

How to try to keep from damaging my boat on the rocks while trying to retrieve the above.

Since my first name is Rocky, I am considering a name change.

Last but certainly not least to add insult to injury all these huge bass hold around the Lakeview Marina docks mocking me, tired and frustrated as I trudge to my vehicle along the dock walkways because they know I am not allowed to fish the dock area. You can see the mocking words in their eyes I tell you! It's a conspiracy!!! AHHHHhhhhh! They say I will get used to it but I am having my doubts.

[mudcatwilly]

This year, being 1 year into bass fishing, I learned that texas rigged worms are my go to bait, followed by jigs in a close second.  I have not yet gained enough confidence to power fish with cranks and spinners.  The lakes I fish tend to be clear and deep so finesse tactics have worked best for me.

[NATHAN_JAMES]

I learned that if you put your time in you will be rewarded  8-)