Live VS Artificial... State, Local, Club, Re

[LCpointerKILLA]

the world record, and so called world record bass were caught on artificial. but this may be because artificial is used more?

[roadwarrior]

"12 baits, 12 drops, 12 fish, 3 over 4 lbs. "

Amazing: that's a better hook-up ratio than just about anyone in the world.

"You wouldnt have tourneys won on patterns it would be more about spot fishing and someone getting lucky. imo"

And you think fishing with lures is different?

I would challenge anyone to the following: We go where you tell me to go with shiners and count the fish and then you go where I tell you to go and count the fish. Any guesses on where the most will be caught and their sizes?

Read my website: it says "artificial preferred", but that in no way a denigration of any anglers abilities whether using live bait or artificial bait.

As for separating IGFA records - They already do it with a vast array for the same fish, of the same size, and method caught.

Now I am on my way to prep for a day of artificial fishing with a Dad and his Daughter.

Well George,

When I get down to Stick Marsh/ Farm13, I'll show ya where the big fish are. :

Great post.

8-)

[bass109]

Great point George, the world record largemouth bass was caught on a crankbait. Shiners are still the best tropy livebait. Some lunkers dont even like bluegill.

[Fish Chris]

it's like LBH is always saying > it's all about the time and place <

I'd bet if bassinajr lived and fished in these parts, he would never have asked the question in the first place, as he would have seen how "artificial lures make it >easier< to catch these big trout-eaters.

IMPO, around here, if somebody gets a really big bass on live bait, yea', it should have an asterik beside it........ an asterik denoting that this catch is "extra special", with the angler having put in countless hours learning how to fish a live dad, or crawler correctly, then having the patience required to do so, while any goofball can catch a big one on a swimbait ;-) {I'm living proof ! :-)

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Here's some food for thought. I absolutely LOVE to fish live dads and crawlers, and I have spent litterally thousands of hours doing so. However, here is a list of my top five biggest for;

Live bait

12.6

13.0

13.2

13.2

14.1

Artificials

15.0

15.6

15.8

16.5

18.4

And BTW, my 6th, through 9th biggest bass, were also caught on artificials. IMPO this kinda' sucks. I wish I had a few closer options where live bait was the best choice for the biggest bass. I just love crawling that live dad through the rocks when.... tick, tick, tick {the crawdad gets scared and freaks out :-)} then Whack ! Fish on ! ......plus they fight so much harder on a dad, as the dad leaves the picture, as soon as you set the hook. Then the bass has nothing to get in the way of its fight ! You had better have that drag set, because now its just you and the fish ! Whooo Hooo ! I love it :-)

Now with a swimbait..... okay, well that's fun too. But if the fish is stuck good.... even a BIG one will be in my hand in less that 1 minute. Don't get me wrong, I'm always happy to have stuck a big fish, but in my own mind, I know it would have been a bigger accomplishment to have done it on a live dad, or a crawler.

This is what I have learned in my last 10 years, and close to 10,000 hours specifically chasing trophy bass. (I've actually fished closer to 14,000 hours in the last 10 years..... but remember, I do the multi-species thing too).

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Oh...... Should live bait count for records ? HECK YES ! .....and in some cases, it should probably count even more so, than artificial lures.

Peace,

Fish

[Fish Chris]

I believe that big, wild Shiners are the best trophy bass bait "in Florida"...... But since the biggest bass on the planet live in Cali, I'd have to say the best bait (easiest to catch a big one on) would be a swimbait, specifically a Huddleston #12, in regular trout pattern..... with my custom rigging, of course ;-)

Peace,

Fish

[bass109]

thanks for the tips champ, 8-)

1.shiners are best live bait

2. nightcrawlers fished along the bottom

3. live dads fished along the bottom

4.bluegill,eel,crappie,warmouth,bullhead,bird,mice,bowfin,snakehead,snakes,ect

My trophy largemouth bass was caught on nightcrawlers along the bottom but i seen the fish come out of cover, near the top of water to smash shiners. Golden Scales flying everywhere like glitter. I suggest using Octopus style hooks for live bait. I used a ocean octopus style hook with 40 lb mono to musle the fish out of cover. I think live dads are third on the list because they also catch alot of catfish in the process. I know you'll catch that 40 lb striper Champ. 8-)

[Bassnajr]

In re:

"I'd bet if bassinajr lived and fished in these parts, he would never have asked the question in the first place, as he would have seen how "artificial lures make it >easier< to catch these big trout-eaters.  

IMPO, around here, if somebody gets a really big bass on live bait, yea', it should have an asterik beside it........ an asterik denoting that this catch is "extra special", with the angler having put in countless hours learning how to fish a live dad, or crawler correctly, then having the patience required to do so, while any goofball can catch a big one on a swimbait  {I'm living proof !  "

Chris,

I asked this question for one reason: stimulating conversation among board members. Little did I know the opinions would be so varied and interesting!! That is exactly why I joined this forum as oppsed to others. I learn a little more every time I log on here.

Although I am recently back into bass fishing after 15 years or so, I have fished since I was young. I have used every bait known to man, live and artificial. I speak honestly when I say I am impressed at the fish on your posting and your experience. I would use a peanut butter and jelly sandwich if I thought I could catch a bass like that!!!!

In RI the record is 10 lbs, change so everthing is relative I guess. I will venture to the "Bass capitals of the country" as soon as humanly possible and $$$$ allows.

Thanks to you and all who weighed in on this topic!!

bassinajr

[Fish Chris]

just one more thing I should add;

Most of our biggest bass out here are trout eaters, and since live trout are highly illegal as bait, this is why trout patterned swimbaits are our lure of choice. I guess if trout were legal, they would probably work even better for our big bass, than a swimbait would..... Just as live wild Shiners work best for Florida bass.

Peace,

Fish

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Well, that covers Cali and Florida , but what about New England??  We need some help, we have our own way to hunt a trophy,....we throw snow balls at 'em

[=Matt 5.0=]

 I would use a peanut butter and jelly sandwich if I thought I could catch a bass like that!!!!

bassinajr

So would I ........

Now those Terminator finesse jigs in PB&J look awfully tempting all of a sudden.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Uh-oh,....Idea for '09 video segment noted to self.  

Matt--Dirk,Tin and I will have to give you the pb&J dance every time you hit one with that jig, deal? ;D

[Tin]

Seeing as though Matt is tall and skinny, I nominate him to wear the banana suit.  Plus I dont want to get mauled by banana breath.