In Pursuit Of Giant Bass ~ One Man's Journey 2024
A-Jay reply :
I spent much of this winter / off-season reading In Pursuit of Giant Bass. Over the winter, there were a couple of threads discussing the book and the author’s unusual techniques. I do not recall anyone saying that they actually fished like that or would even consider making the commitment to do so. This really got me thinking . . .
This season (at least) I'm planning on dedicating my efforts on my home waters to utilizing the tactics and techniques that the author Bill Murphy described. In other words, this will be the only way I bass fish all season.
By learning the techniques he employed and adopting the mindset required to use those methods effectively, I'm hoping to see a whole "New" side to the waters that I have been fishing over the past few years. And maybe while I'm at it, I'll sore-lip a few worth posting.
Regardless of how it goes, I'm planning on posting up the results here, in blog like form.
Each post will chronicle my thoughts, efforts and of course fishing trips and results - if there are any that is. I would certainly appreciate any and all input and remarks from the vast pool of experience and knowledge here on BR.
My impression going into this is that it will definitely try my patience and test my resolve. I’m hoping that by starting and committing to documenting my season long efforts here, it will assist me to remain focused as well as perhaps inspire a few other BR members to join in this venture.
Also, living this far north, “Giant Bass” is a relative term. My PB for this state is just over 7lbs, which is a stout fish for this latitude, but I’m betting that there are more and perhaps even bigger fish to be had. We’ll see.
One thing I’ll say right up front, if you’ve not read the book, some of what gets posted here will undoubtedly sound a bit contradictory to current / common bass fishing practices.
More to follow . . . . . .
A-Jay
gripnrip reply :
Good luck A-Jay!
Big-O reply :
I think it will be a worthwhile adventure for you A-jay... Have FUN and Good Luck!
00 mod reply :
Im following for sure. Good luck and I look forward to reading about your successes.
Jeff
Felix77 reply :
Good luck! I tried stitching for a few hours and it almost drove me crazy. Made all my other finesse techniques feel like burning a spinnerbait. 
Dwight Hottle reply :
I'm in. You got my support & interest. Just go for it. I'm sure we will all learn from it .
A-Jay reply :
On 5/13/2013 at 10:28 AM, Dwight Hottle said:I'm in. You got my support & interest. Just go for it. I'm sure we will all learn from it .
Thanks Dwight.
Having the support of the CEO, VP, SECRETARY AND CHARTER MEMBER OF THE "SCROUNGA" CLUB can only help.
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
Getting Started ~
The season opened here in Michigan was on 27 April, but I was duly occupied by the very fat Bronzebacks on Lake Erie (Thanks Dwight). So I’ve gotten off to a bit of a late start. Since I woke up on Mother’s Day to snow on the ground and air temps in the 30’s, I don’t feel like I’m missing the big bite just yet. Even still, I’m rapidly moving in a positive direction.
I spent this weekend rigging my square back canoe with the 2 anchor system described in the book (bow & stern). I’ve always used one anchor, so it was just a matter of mounting a stern cleat and rigging up a second anchor and line. The double line thing will be a new experience and should make fighting a spirited bass very interesting. I also attached a Scotty camera mount system to help document whatever I need to with a bit of video.
My next task was to designate and rig several rods & reels to use for stitching a worm and perhaps a crawfish or two. (Yes, there might be some live bait presentations utilized, I’ll apologize to the purists now). Catching the little buggers for bait might prove to be a whole new challenge.
I’ve sifted through my rather abundant worm collection and selected baits that I hope will get bit; mostly straight tail models and some stick baits from 5” – 12”. I tried to keep the color choices down to a few of the proven colors for this area in assorted sizes.
There’s still some more to do. I should be ready to get on the water by mid-week.
A-Jay
ClackerBuzz reply :
this post made my day A-Jay. i'm looking forward to reading about your trials and tribulations...and unstoppable success.
this is my favorite bass book to date. i've had moderate success with the minimal stitching i've tried. i read a post that said stitching anywhere but a proven spot is worse than watching paint dry.
i've temporarily put the techniques on hold till i load my new sonar with away points full of hawg haunts and learn how to effectively fish structure.
then i plan on sticking it to them as well.
i'm looking forward to your insight, reports and hawgzilla pix. 
Hooked_On_Bass reply :
Good luck, A-Jay!
Looking forward to seeing your hard work pay off.
00 mod reply :
This might help if you can leave things overnight in your area?
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Frabill-Vinyl-Coated-Crawfish-Trap/737570.uts
Fresh cut bluegill should be the best bait, but Purina(dog/cat food company) makes a crayfish bait and any other kind of meat should work as well. Fish cut bait has been the key anytime I have tried! Asian carp work well!!!!
Jeff
GoneFishi'n reply :
I really look forward to following you on your quest for giant bass. I read this book during the school year for an independent reading test and I loved it. I've read it twice already. Me and my dad have a gheenoh which is perfect for hunting big bass because it is so stealthy and quiet. I'm going to try these techniques also this entire summer. I will be out in that boat every single day of the summer. I wouldn't mind taking two even four weeks dedicating to fish this way. Good luck and tight lines.
A-Jay reply :
On 5/13/2013 at 11:04 AM, ClackerBuzz said:this post made my day A-Jay. I'm looking forward to reading about your trials and tribulations...and unstoppable success.
this is my favorite bass book to date. I've had moderate success with the minimal stitching I've tried. i read a post that said stitching anywhere but a proven spot is worse than watching paint dry.
i've temporarily put the techniques on hold till i load my new sonar with away points full of hawg haunts and learn how to effectively fish structure.
then i plan on sticking it to them as well.
i'm looking forward to your insight, reports and hawgzilla pix.
Thanks for the good thoughts and positive vibes.
Clearly this (like most any worth while venture) will take some time to get right.
Although I'll welcome any and all success that comes my way, I'm going to try to be realistic and remember that there could be a fairly lengthy learning curve here. With the target fish representing the smallest percentage of bass in the lake, my measure of success (and expectations) must change. Initially, I'm going to try to "Simply learn the spots". This means time in the boat and a line in the water. By getting to know the areas of the lake that the largest bass use intimately, I'm hoping the rest will take care of itself, eventually.
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
Selecting the Lake ~
I am very fortunate in that I am literally surrounded by lakes. Most have a pretty decent population of bass. But in order to truly get the most out of these techniques, and to follow the guidelines in the book, I’ve chosen to fish one body of water all season. It’s the lake that I caught my MI pb in. It’s actually 3 lakes connected by a 2 short creeks. These waters are designated and stocked with rainbow trout so there’s plenty of quality bass food available. They’re all deep (over 80 ft) and very clear and clean. There is also some real submarine size pike that I’m routinely abused by. I see no reason why that should change. Most fish caught are healthy and very fat. The place gets minimal trout fishing pressure and even less anglers seeking bass, just the way I like it. I’ve been fishing here for 5 years including quite a bit of night ops. I know the mid to shallow depths well, however I will have to spend some time right off the bat looking for the types of deep water spots described in the book.
Should be fun and I’m really looking forward to it.
A-Jay
georgeyew reply :
Good luck A-Jay. I also got the book this winter, but I have not made the committment like you. I think that I should get more consistent in catching the small fish before moving on to the monsters. But I will be cheering for you.
RoachDad reply :
I wish I could get it on my Nook. I want to read it, but i am addicted to the NOOK. I guess I'll go to B&N and see if they have it in stock in paperback.
PABASS reply :
Good luck and keep us posted.
xbacksideslider reply :
Roachdad - You can get it on Amazon.
Or, directly, write to:
Giant Bass Publishing
PO Box 1025
El Cajon, CA 92022
A-Jay - great project.
J Francho reply :
So, your switching to little gold Eagle Claw hooks? 
J/K!!!!
I've recently reread the book. I gave a copy away, and never got it back. Luckily, a member here had it up on the FM. It's probably the definitive volume on monster bass. I like to think if Mr. Murphy was around today, he'd have embraced kayak fishing.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Don't underestimate the cold water bite, especially with a technique as slow moving as the worm stitch.
Also remember that water temp is gonna be different in the depth you are fishing. 
A-Jay reply :
On 5/14/2013 at 3:46 AM, J Francho said:So, your switching to little gold Eagle Claw hooks?
J/K!!!!
I've recently reread the book. I gave a copy away, and never got it back. Luckily, a member here had it up on the FM. It's probably the definitive volume on monster bass. I like to think if Mr. Murphy was around today, he'd have embraced kayak fishing.
Good retention there J.
Yea the glod hook thing is interesting - Bill was pretty adamant that the gold was a big fish magnet. I might have to save that one for when a Hail Mary is needed.
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
On 5/14/2013 at 3:56 AM, SPEEDBEAD. said:Don't underestimate the cold water bite, especially with a technique as slow moving as the worm stitch.
Also remember that water temp is gonna be different in the depth you are fishing.
During the pre spawn and right through the post spawn, I'll be looking for and fishing deep staging spots ( I hope).
Water temp will be whatever they will be - I'll just be stitching my *** off all day.
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
A Word About Tackle ~
As his Stiching Rig of choice, Mr. Murphy preferred a 7 ½ foot, two piece Fiberglass rod (which was custom made to his specs) and a light duty salt water spinning reel. He describes how the glass rod helps fight the fish much in the same way a modern day angler would a crankbait rod. The slightly larger reel is desirable for its spool width which aids in casting distance and helps manage the monofilament line he used. The act of stitching the worm in itself can cause loops and tangles in the line and the author noted that this reel size did not contribute to that.
Though I would tend to agree with this philosophy, my tackle choices will be different, for a couple of reasons. First, I don’t own any glass spinners so I’m going to try to make my graphite sticks work. Second, I’m a fan of braid and a mono leader so I’ll be going that route. His choices and preferences for fishing other techniques (jigs, cranks and spinnerbaits) are more along the lines of conventional/current thinking. My choices here are what I normally use for these baits, however where, when and how I fish them will be different from what I’ve done in the past (or ever).
My stitching rigs start with a Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth spinning rod; a 7’4” medium and a 6’9” medium both rated for 6-12 line. The reel for both rods is a Pfleuger Supreme 9235XT Spinning reel. Both reels are loaded with 10lb Sufix 832 Braid in Moss Green. I’m using 2 different brand leader lines; Berkley Big Game in both clear and green & Maxima Ultragreen in 10lb test. I’m planning on using a longer leader length than I usually do (around 15 ft. or so). The thinking here is that this might provide a little stretch and hopefully compensate for the stiffer / faster action rods during a spirited brawl with my intended target. The plan is to sit off my spots a good distance and make a long cast. So I could see myself building these rigs with an even longer leader which may turn out to be better. I’ve been using these rigs for 2 seasons now for various techniques and am comfortable and confident that they will be more than adequate for this application. Time will tell.
I’m putting the finishing touches on the boat, trailer and tackle today and plan on seeing the sunrise from the lake tomorrow morning. So the Journey begins . . . . . . .
A-Jay
pbrussell reply :
I love this thread so much.
Dwight Hottle reply :
With all of the thought process & planning I'm almost afraid of what you might dredge up. New Michigan PB lookout here comes A-Jay. Good luck.
00 mod reply :
On 5/15/2013 at 1:20 AM, Dwight Hottle said:With all of the thought process & planning I'm almost afraid of what you might dredge up. New Michigan PB lookout here comes MR BIG BASS A-Jay. Good luck.
Fixed it for you...
A-Jay reply :
**** Trip Log ****
Fished 7am – 7pm - Air temp low 60’s – Water Temp 52-55 Winds NNW 15 -20 and Gusty :c( Water Carity - Very Clear, Could see the bottom in 18 - 20ft.
Well my first trip was a bit Brutal. The wind was really not cooperating at all. Normally I’m a big fan of a good stiff breeze but this was a little much. I learned a few things right away.
- Stitching with 10lb braid in the wind is a *****.
- Precision anchoring (with 2 anchors) in 20 knot winds in a canoe is also a *****.
- Pike will eat a Stitched worm, and a Stitched stick bait, and just about anything else. OK I guess I already knew that one.
So I had a basic plan which included a few spots where I wanted to set up. I knew the wind was going to make it tough and once on the water I had to modify my plan. Essentially I had to fish areas that were sheltered from the wind at least a little.
In the book, Mr. Bill talks about fishing only one or two spots a day. I think I know why he did that besides wanting to wait for the fish to turn on; setting up and then hauling in the 2 anchors gets old rather quickly.
I fished 3 “spots” today. They were all similar; a drop just outside a spawning area/cove where the depth goes quickly from 25 ft. down to 35-40ft. I anchored 3 ways on each spot. I sat shallow and worked up the drop. I sat deep and worked down the drop. And I sat parallel to the drop and worked along the drop. This turned out to be the one that got me bit. In the somewhat calmer water, it was much easier to first, perform the stitching action without the line blowing all over the place and two, actually maintain some contact with the bait. A single split shot was just too light today. I ended up re-rigging a few times and settled on a pegged 1/16 oz. lead bullet weight. 6 inch Jelly worms and 5 inch Stick baits got bit. No Giants but a few bantam weight bass both brown and green variety made an appearance along with half a dozen 2-4lb pike. Surprisingly I did not get bit off today. All the bites came near the top end of the drop closer to 25 ft. than 30 ft. According to the author, catching this size bass in an area means it’s time to look elsewhere. I was just trying to stay out of the gusty winds. Also, I haven’t been that happy to catch 2 lb. bass in a long time.
Over all, this first trip was better than I expected in that I actually caught a few fish. I will admit however, that it was all I could do to keep from pitching a jig and craw at the deep water docks all day. With the high sun and blue skys, there are almost always a few decent fish to be had.
I’m back on the water in the morning. With a forecast for less wind, I’m hoping to get on the spots I could not fish today. Also, I shot some video today as well. Haven't watched it yet, but if it's not too awful, I'll post it in a few days.
A-Jay
hookset on 3 reply :
"Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed."
Paul Roberts reply :
On 5/14/2013 at 4:35 AM, A-Jay said:During the pre spawn and right through the post spawn, I'll be looking for and fishing deep staging spots ( I hope).
Water temp will be whatever they will be - I'll just be stitching my *** off all day.
A-Jay
This was my thought too. You'll want to ID the thermocline depth every time you go out. More if you have wind. Those big hooks could just be pike, or holdover trout. Stitch your *** off in the right habitat.
basseditor reply :
I haven't read the book yet. But, my experience finds big bass are different. They go active sooner in the year and stay active longer in the fall/winter. I'm lucky to now live within 5 hours of some big bass lakes. In the last 18 months I've broken my PB several times, from 7s, to 8s, to several 9s and finally a 10. When you shake off 5-6s so you can get back to catching 8s-9, you know you are onto something.
Baits of choice:
7" Senkos
10" power worms (a faster stitching speed though). I'm going to 12" next.
And 6XD.
My son got a 13.35 on one of those trips.
A-Jay reply :
Thank you very much for the input gentlemen. I do appreciate it.
Looks like the hurricane has subsided a bit.
I'm out the door
A-Jay
00 mod reply :
Good luck and let us know how you end up!!!
Jeff
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
AJ, just a thought to help you along a bit.
Consider trying a Water Gremlin Bull Shot crimped on your splitshot rig instead of the round shot. Better than a pegged bullet, IMO, for this rig/technique.
K_Mac reply :
Interesting thread AJ. I wish you well, and respect your commitment to this pursuit. I will be watching closely. Like you, I am often tempted to do what has worked in the past instead of trying other techniques. Good luck!
Brian6428 reply :
Can't wait to see how this thread progresses. Good luck!
A-Jay reply :
**** Trip Log ****
Fished 7am – 6pm - Air temp low 60’s – Water Temp 53-57 - Winds NW 10 -15 Water is very clear.
It was a nice quiet, calm morning and I like it that way. I was able to anchor up on one of the spots I planned on fishing yesterday. I got on it first thing. It’s a drop in front of a creek which connects two of the lakes. With the wind blowing from the north for 3 days, there’s a nice current dumping into the second lake and down the drop. I parked my butt there in 38 ft till noon. There was a bit of a flurry right off the bat; a small green one and then a mid-sized brown one. Both ate a Black Jelly worm. That was it. Even though I’m fishing painfully slow, the morning went by surprisingly quick. And right on cue, the wind came on around 11:30. I hauled up the mushrooms and went on a little recon mission looking for what might be a good place to start in the morning.
I marked a few spots off main lake points that might be worth investigating as the summer comes on. But until the post spawn, I’m sticking with the areas associated with the reproduction process.
I could really use a new electronic unit. The old Hummingbird Sonar/GPS combo is not really suited for this venture. What was that ? . . . I think I hear a Dragonfly . . . . . . . . .
I’m looking at the video I shot the past few days now, I’ll add anything use full or at least vaguely entertaining.
I’m back on the water in the morning.
A-Jay
00 mod reply :
Keep at it and don't give up! Look forward to tomorrow's adventure!
Jeff
A-Jay reply :
Rain fore casted here for the weekend.
My property is in need of some TLC, so I'm on it.
Might get out again on Sunday.
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 5/17/2013 at 7:29 PM, A-Jay said:Rain fore casted here for the weekend.
My property is in need of some TLC, so I'm on it.
Might get out again on Sunday.
A-Jay
Did you forget your raingear again?
A-Jay reply :
Have you ever spent a few days on the water in less than idea conditions lets say.
Then you take a day off to take care of business and the day turns out to be perfect weather wise.
So you're looking up at the sky, bumming out and kicking yourself all day for not going.
Yea, well that's me today . . . . . . . .
A-Jay
RoachDad reply :
On 5/16/2013 at 12:04 PM, basseditor said:
So, Basseditor, what do you edit?
RoachDad reply :
On 5/17/2013 at 10:29 PM, A-Jay said:
I'll bite. What does SCROUNGA stand for?
basseditor reply :
On 5/17/2013 at 10:41 PM, RoachDad said:So, Basseditor, what do you edit?
I'm publisher/editor at Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, which is put out by the TPWD.
RoachDad reply :
On 5/17/2013 at 10:50 PM, basseditor said:I'm publisher/editor at Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, which is put out by the TPWD.
Cool, I am a technical writer/trainer. I'd love to do something like a nature magazine when i retire.
shimmy reply :
A-Jay, i am loving what you are doing here. My only worry is you burn out and put that jig on and hit the shores...Hang in there, i think this thread could become unbelievable if you keep it up and stick to your guns. Don't putter out, can't wait till your first 7+ fishing this way. Get that net.
A-Jay reply :
On 5/17/2013 at 11:04 PM, shimmy said:A-Jay, i am loving what you are doing here. My only worry is you burn out and put that jig on and hit the shores...Hang in there, i think this thread could become unbelievable if you keep it up and stick to your guns. Don't putter out, can't wait till your first 7+ fishing this way. Get that net.
Thanks for the support shimmy. And I hear you about burning out, I'll keep it in mind.
Sometimes I am a victim of my own enthusiasm. So I'll try to go for quality and perhaps not so much quantity. Even though is early in the game, one of my many initial impressions is that there will have to be a decent amount of "putting in the time" with this venture. Sort of the nature of the beast.
A-Jay
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
On 5/17/2013 at 11:11 PM, A-Jay said:Thanks for the support shimmy. And I hear you about burning out, I'll keep it in mind.
Sometimes I am a victim of my own enthusiasm. So I'll try to go for quality and perhaps not so much quantity. Even though is early in the game, one of my many initial impressions is that there will have to be a decent amount of "putting in the time" with this venture. Sort of the nature of the beast.
A-Jay
Hey, you wanted to learn the ins and outs of fishing swimbaits right? Overcoming and accepting that right there will put you on the right path for sure.
I like this, keep it up. We're watching......
A-Jay reply :
On 5/17/2013 at 11:26 PM, SPEEDBEAD. said:Hey, you wanted to learn the ins and outs of fishing swimbaits right? Overcoming and accepting that right there will put you on the right path for sure.
I like this, keep it up. We're watching......
Hey Wayne, I have the easy part in all this, all I have to do is go fishing
You guys are the ones that have chosen to follow this thread.
How long can you endure my zany posts ?
A-Jay
Deadeye-1 reply :
Alright I gotta say that I find this thread interesting. However since I have not ever read the book, could you explain exactly what stiching a worm is?
Deadeye-1 reply :
Well I did some researching and found out what it is. Seems to be some disagreement on how the line is retrived, but the concept is the same. Good Luck and keep posting!
ClackerBuzz reply :
Its been a year since i read the book so I need some clarification for the sake of being a dedicated stitching a-thread follower 
.
wasn't bill willing to employ any or all of the tactics mentioned in the book on a giving outing?
in short, aren't you allowed to use jigs to locate active fish then switch to stitching to try and instigate hawgs? or if stitching isn't producing switch to live bait? i'm under the impression if the fish are in a truly negative mood, stitching was his go-to method. the other day was ruff as far as conditions and bites but did you only stick to stitching and if so why?
A-Jay reply :
On 5/18/2013 at 8:27 AM, ClackerBuzz said:Its been a year since i read the book so I need some clarification for the sake of being a dedicated stitching a-thread follower
.
wasn't bill willing to employ any or all of the tactics mentioned in the book on a giving outing?
in short, aren't you allowed to use jigs to locate active fish then switch to stitching to try and instigate hawgs? or if stitching isn't producing switch to live bait? i'm under the impression if the fish are in a truly negative mood, stitching was his go-to method. the other day was ruff as far as conditions and bites but did you only stick to stitching and if so why?
On this journey, along with worm rig and slow presentation, I am planning on using Jigs, Spinnerbaits, and Crankbaits but in the areas and in the fashion mentioned in the book. As I'm just learning the slow deep worm deal, I've been trying to fish it where ever and when ever I can. I do really enjoy fishing the other three baits quite a bit, especially deep. So that time will come soon enough.
As for the Stitching technique itself. I tried the loop through / around the fingers method that is described in the book and I had problems managing the 10lb. braid. I have modified the retrieve to something very similar to a slow strip type retrieve used when fly fishing. I am able to manage the line better but just as importantly, I move the bait only inches at a time AND I can stay in contact with the bait. I hold the rod up in front of the handle so the blank is in my hand. The combination of the braid in one hand and the blank in the other makes for maximum sensitivity.
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
Sooner or later this tread is going to promote some PICTURES. We all can't wait!
A-Jay reply :
On 5/19/2013 at 12:03 AM, Dwight Hottle said:Sooner or later this tread is going to promote some PICTURES. We all can't wait!
I have taken some photos and a bit of video. The pics don't really match the thread's title. So I've chosen not to post them just for the sake of showing what Manual would clearly call "Lunchies".
Additionally, I did a "Stitching Demo" but I'm having some computer video card issues. My in house tech support (aka Lynn) is working feverishly to rectify the problem. Once we're up and running I'll post it.
Please know that the management certain appreciates your patience and again we do apologize for the delay . . . .
A-Jay
00 mod reply :
Lunchies.......that is about all I have been catching lately.
Jeff
A-Jay reply :
I know you've heard of an "Impulse Purchase" - well how about an "Impulse Fishing trip" ?
I can't take it - I'm Out ~
A-Jay
00 mod reply :
Yes sir! Do it, and tell us how you ended up! I am going tomorrow!
Jeff
A-Jay reply :
**** Trip Log ****
Fished 2pm – 7pm - Air temp low 60’s – Water Temp 55 - Over Cast - Winds SE 10 - Water is very clear.
I hadn’t planned on fishing today but the overcast sky was just too much to handle. So off I went.
Got to the ramp just after some people launched three jet ski’s – That’s a new one on this lake. I kind of doubt it will improve the fishing. Really a bummer – it’s always been a very quiet place where you can hear loons, elk, eagles and turkeys calling; Not any more . I’ll simply not fish the weekends.
To avoid the insanity, I head to the southernmost (third) lake. Stitched a worm for the first half of the afternoon without as much as a bump. Moved off that spot and tried hitting the deep side of a big beaver made brush pile in 25 ft of water. This spot has produced some very respectable bass in the past. After drowning a couple of different worms with no takers, I went to work with my favorite jig and craw.
I even tried probing right down in the middle of that big gaggle of branches; Nothing. The saddest part was before leaving I drifted right over the top of it. There were plenty of bass all over, inside and under that darn mess. Didn’t see any monsters but that didn’t make me feel any better.
So I got skunked. I dislike both getting skunked and the term itself. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that this might be a semi-common occurrence during this quest. I don’t want to keep making posts reporting no fish and using that term. So I will be using the word Jambalaya to describe the trips where I effectively eliminated water. It sounds so much better and it’s fun say.
So today I had a full serving of Jambalaya.
A-Jay
CiMo reply :
First and foremost you sir have the utmost respect from me ( not that that may mean much ) what you are doing is awesome, entirely. Thank you for making this thread and going about it the way you are. I read the title and just sat here and read every post in this thread. Please continue with updates I enjoy this thread possibly more than I enjoy... okay I won't compare anything cause things might get weird then haha. Awesome A-Jay, is how I will refer to you, what you're doing takes skill, patience beyond beliefe and determination without a doubt, maybe it helps ya some knowing some of us love this thread and are right behind you every step you take, and I for one will be learning a lot from you. Thanks and keep it up Awesome A-Jay!
Edit for spelling... smartphone not so smart...
CPBassFishing reply :
X2^
If it isn't raining today I'm gonna try stitching a worm.
Dwight Hottle reply :
As long as you don't become the president of the "Jambalaya" club.
A-Jay reply :
On 5/19/2013 at 9:27 PM, Dwight Hottle said:As long as you don't become the president of the "Jambalaya" club.
LOL ~ !
I do have some dreams and aspirations, and that's not one of them . . . .
A-Jay
CPBassFishing reply :
A-Jay, what worm are you stitching and with what hook?
A-Jay reply :
On 5/19/2013 at 10:41 PM, CPBassFishing said:A-Jay, what worm are you stitching and with what hook?
I am fishing a few different brands, models and sizes.
I've chosen these particular worms because I caught decent bass on them in the past and I have confidence in them. I believe that if I get them near a fish that is willing to eat, I should get bit. So far the smaller fish like them OK. I encourage you to select / use baits that you feel this way about. The baits listed below work for me, you should use what works for you in / on your home waters.
Mann's Jelly worm 9 inch and after the spawn I'll use 12 inch also.
Zoom Magnum Trick worm only come in 7 inch
Berkley Power worms 7 & 10 inch
Assorted stick baits 6 & 7 inch mostly Senkos
Colors are few - Black, Green Pumpkin, Watermelon, Red Shad, And Black Grape.
As for hooks, Mr Murphy used a Gold Eagle Claw Bait holder hook #181 in smaller sizes to match / hide the hook. He also "Skin Hooked" the baits. I am not using that hook though it's still widely available.
I am using smaller hooks than I used to, brands are all EWG Gamakatsu, Owner & Trokar.
Hook gage must be sufficient to hold the fish but not too much that it will hinder the hook set on the spinning gear.
Try to keep it simple.
Good Luck
A-Jay
J Francho reply :
The Berkley 10" Powerworm, in black, is responsible for my personal best NY bass, 7-2. I was tossing to a weed edge that tapered off and dropped from 17' to about 40'. For some "stupid" reason, I decided to let that work fall to the depths. Not sure how deep it went, but when I jiggled it after several minutes, there was something there - felt like a wet boot. Turns out it was a monster.
Keep up the good work.
A-Jay reply :
Thanks J -
The Berkley 10" Powerworm in black has probably accounted for many a PB all over the place.
A-Jay
pbrussell reply :
I will never look at jambalaya the same way again.
ClackerBuzz reply :
I'm not from the south but have had my share of all-you-can-eat Jambalaya buffets.
A-Jay reply :
The past few days this area had some very unstable weather which spawned sporadic and powerful Thunderstorms.
After high gusty winds and golf ball sized hail abused the landscape, it looks like they have moved on and I'll be able to get back on the water in the morning. (Without the crash helmet)
A-Jay
pbrussell reply :
I quiver with anticipation for the next report.
Brian6428 reply :
On 5/24/2013 at 1:44 AM, pbrussell said:I quiver with anticipation for the next report.
x2
A-Jay reply :
I'll be on the water in the morning.
It's being a down pour rain for several days and today the post frontal cold North wind is blowing 20 mph plus.
Forecast is for it to settle down a bit over night.
I'm chomping at the bit myself. Saturday's full moon might stir things up a bit but with the barometer on the rise and cooler air temps - could be slow as well. We'll see. I'll let you know.
A-Jay
senile1 reply :
Nice stuff, A-Jay! I haven't been on the boards much the last couple of weeks due to intense working hours but this is an awesome thread. I'm looking forward to when you are rewarded for your patience and commitment.
A-Jay reply :
On 5/24/2013 at 3:46 AM, senile1 said:Nice stuff, A-Jay! I haven't been on the boards much the last couple of weeks due to intense working hours but this is an awesome thread. I'm looking forward to when you are rewarded for your patience and commitment.
Thanks for checking in ~
btw - what is this "work" thing you speak of ? . . . . . .
A-Jay
BridgerM reply :
Just found your thread. I'm definitely following this. I started reading Mr Murphy's book a few months back so I'm very interested to hear how apply his method works out for you. Being a beginning bass fisherman I'd be happy to consistently catch any size bass at this point. Best of luck to you AJay.
A-Jay reply :
Conditions look good this morning - though it is a little on the nippy side with air temps in the low 30's.
Don't know if I'm willing to be on the water this holiday weekend with the crazies.
Might do the sunrise bite and then bail before they get on the water.
I'm heading out now and I'm hopeful.
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
http://youtu.be/7MOj--RcCtk
**** Trip Log ****
Fished 5am – 5pm - Air temp low 30’s – Water Temp 54 - Mixed Sun & Clouds – Winds calm early then North 10-15 - Water is very clear - Barometer 1025 and rising fast - Moon 1 day from Full.
Got on the water before sun rise; it was calm and cold. Headed to a new spot this morning; a part of the second lake I’ve never fished. I marked this drop last trip out. Fish were active this morning and I was marking fish solid from 18 – 30 ft. (could have been anything not just bass). Started stitching a 10” black power worm; it was tough sledding early. Cold fingers are no help. I am looking forward to warmer temps as the summer comes on. Sat on the first spot until 9:30am without a bump, this spot might be good but just not today.
By now the wind had come on and though the sun was up and it had warmed into the 50's, it still felt a bit too cool for this kid. Moved over to the other side of the same lake and set up off a large stretch of submerged logs. The shallow side of this is almost always good for a few jig fish. I’m betting that the deeper edge might be a holding spot for the Fatties to hang out. I stitched the black worm and drown a jig/craw around the deep edge without any takers. Around noon I had had all I could take and made a move. Before leaving I motored over the area I was fishing and did mark some fish. Must have been carp :c)
By now it was almost 1pm and I was stitched out. I didn’t feel like munching on the Jambalaya and so I knew just the deal. The Scrounger / Fluke combo came out to play. I broke down and went shallow. It wasn’t long before the scrounger was poking holes in dinks left and right. It was fun and I needed it.
I will not be on the water again until after the Holiday weekend. Stay safe everyone and watch out for the crazy people – and you know who you are.
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
Way to tough it out bud. Sounds cold. It is a learning process. Paying your dues will be rewarded.
A-Jay reply :
Thanks Dwight -
I know I'm just getting started on this - haven't even scratched the surface yet really.
Even so, I have to keep reminding myself that during these first few month, the object is to "Learn the Spots".
Today, I learned a couple of Cold Spots.
A-Jay
00 mod reply :
Nice going! DUDE it looks cold there still! I just got back in from dinner in a polo, shorts and flip flops.....
Was that lunchie caught on a "SCROUGA"?
jEFF
A-Jay reply :
On 5/25/2013 at 9:46 AM, 00 mod said:Nice going! DUDE it looks cold there still! I just got back in from dinner in a polo, shorts and flip flops.....
Was that lunchie caught on a "SCROUGA"?
jEFF
Yes it was - the watermelon red fluke was killing - the dinks.
A-Jay
Brian6428 reply :
On 5/25/2013 at 10:10 AM, A-Jay said:Yes it was - the watermelon red fluke was killing - the dinks.
A-Jay
Any new reports A-Jay? I am really enjoying following this thread.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/1/2013 at 9:22 AM, Brian6428 said:Any new reports A-Jay? I am really enjoying following this thread.
I'm glad you're enjoying it and thanks for saying so. It's fun for me as well.
I have intentions of keeping this going as planned and will post trip reports and comments as I get out.
Unfortunately my lady has been having a tough go of it this past week. I have not gone fishing.
Her Chemo is on Monday, that usually takes her a few days to recover from.
We are looking forward to better days and take nothing for granted.
A-Jay
gallowaypt reply :
Prayers sent.
Brian6428 reply :
Family does come first. Prayers sent from me, too.
Brian
A-Jay reply :
Despite the over night frost, the sun is shinning now and it's a nice morning.
Looking forward to getting back out on the lake, it's been a while.
Good to see that wind is light and variable & from the west.
I'm heading out.
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
**** Trip Log ****
Fished 9am – 7pm / Air temp mid 60’s / Water Temp 64 / Winds NW 5 – 10 / Barometer 1022 & rising.
As I launched, the morning was cool. I started off on a spot I’ve been back to twice now. This was the second morning there. With the super clear and warming water, weeds have filled in much of the “shallowest” portion of this drop. I worked that deep side weed edge pretty hard with a worm and then a jig/craw. As the morning wore on, the air & water had warmed up quite a bit. The wind had laid out flat and there was not a cloud in the sky. It is a whole lot easier to feel what’s going on with the bait as one stitches in these conditions. I’m fairly certain I nodded off a couple of times there. Guess that tells you I didn’t get bit.
By 1pm, it was time to relocate. I decided to motor to a drop outside an east side cove on the middle lake. It’s a fairly small spot and one I’ve yet to fish. Once positioned, I found that the weed growth there didn’t extend quite as deep and the break was fast from 15 to 30 ft. A small feeder creek empties into the far back end of the cove. Turns out this area is Pike-ville. And they let me know in no uncertain terms,
that if I keep crawling baits up the drop, they would be very willing to eat them. However at least half the time, I would not be getting my bait back. At 4 pm and 4 or 5 snot rockets later, I moved.
As I was relocating, the sky clouded up and a bit of rain began to fall. It was refreshing for me but it was not forecasted and I didn’t have rain gear with me (go ahead, say it Dwight). Even so, I hoped that this change in conditions might inspire some action by a fatty or two, so I was willing to get a little damp for the cause. In what would have to be construed as a strategic move, (as it’s on the way to the ramp) I fished a drop on the first lake in front of the creek that connects the first and second lake. It’s a busy spot on weekend as PWC and pontoon boats go lake to lake, but mid-week it’s quite and there’s always a load bait in the area. Stitched a 6 inch stick bait. Couldn’t get bit deep and couldn’t keep the dinks off it shallow. By 7 pm, I was a definitely moist and getting pretty close to wet, so I pulled the plug.
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
Reflecting on the Journey so far ~
Driving home from the lake tonight I was thinking about some of my choices and how they have or have not panned out. In no particular order, I came up with these:
- I chose this lake because I thought I was familiar with it. NOT. The more I fish it and the more I really break it down, spot for spot – there is so much more to learn and the only way to do it is to fish it. Sounds simple, but before this evolution, it was like I was “reading about fishing” and now, I’m fishing. Big Difference.
- It’s tough to evaluate spots when I haven’t found even one that I’d call productive. So, I still don’t know quite what to look for. I thought I did, but the fish have the final word there.
- My tackle and craft are adequate but my sonar is only marginally effective for this. I know there is a tooth fairy; but is there a down scan fairy?
- I find myself referring back to the book quite often. Hoping to find something that I may have missed. Perhaps an important detail that I’ve overlooked that will help. I haven't found it yet, but I’m still looking – H A R D .
- Often times I work a spot for 2 hours and make 15 casts to do it – stitching is not for the faint of heart.
- Post Spawn very soon, Crank baits will be a welcome distraction.
- I’d really like to use my net, scale and camera a bit more.
How long do I continue fishing this lake without big fish results before I pick another lake?
A-Jay
ClackerBuzz reply :
don't feel bad ur not the only one getting beat up. this is my first season structure fishing and i'm getting my butt kicked right now. i admit after 2 hr of jambalaya i go shallow and skip a tube under some lay downs or flip a jig in grass so i can be reminded of what a bass looks like. its raised alot of questions for me like:
1 are there even any fish holding on a particular point i'm working?
2 what if there are bass there but they want a power technique? and not my slow worked jig or weightless worm.
power fishing is fun but the whole reason for me slowing down is to land quality fish over quantity. in ponds or small unpressured lakes its easy for me to start slow b/c i know i'm going to get a big bite. however this success and philosophy is biting me in the back in big/deep water. now i have to reinvent my fishing and go back to fast fishing and slow down after i find fish.
i'll admit if i was more proficient in deep water fishing i would establish fish were on a point and then slow down. after 3 or 4 outings like this i completely understand why pro's use a 1oz spinnerbait, 3/4oz football jig, 12-15ft deep diving crank etc to keep their bait on the bottom while covering lots of water to locate fish. i'm going to try adding some of these heavier lures/ deeper techniques to establish fish holding points but there will be a learning curve as its new to me. i'm used to working cover 8ft or less. what makes this even more painful is that there are tons of great weed beds that are relatively easy to pull nice fish out of.
i know you are more far more experienced than me. i wish i could do it tomorrow but can't so i will pose the question to you. would you consider establishing the point/structure is holding fish via a power technique on day #1 and going back to slow stitch it for bigger fish on day #2?
or even letting the spot cool off and coming back a few hours later?
A-Jay reply :
On 6/5/2013 at 2:05 PM, ClackerBuzz said:don't feel bad ur not the only one getting beat up. this is my first season structure fishing and i'm getting my butt kicked right now. i admit after 2 hr of jambalaya i go shallow and skip a tube under some lay downs or flip a jig in grass so i can be reminded of what a bass looks like. its raised alot of questions for me like:
1 are there even any fish holding on a particular point i'm working?
2 what if there are bass there but they want a power technique? and not my slow worked jig or weightless worm.
power fishing is fun but the whole reason for me slowing down is to land quality fish over quantity. in ponds or small unpressured lakes its easy for me to start slow b/c i know i'm going to get a big bite. however this success and philosophy is biting me in the back in big/deep water. now i have to reinvent my fishing and go back to fast fishing and slow down after i find fish.
i'll admit if i was more proficient in deep water fishing i would establish fish were on a point and then slow down. after 3 or 4 outings like this i completely understand why pro's use a 1oz spinnerbait, 3/4oz football jig, 12-15ft deep diving crank etc to keep their bait on the bottom while covering lots of water to locate fish. i'm going to try adding some of these heavier lures/ deeper techniques to establish fish holding points but there will be a learning curve as its new to me. i'm used to working cover 8ft or less. what makes this even more painful is that there are tons of great weed beds that are relatively easy to pull nice fish out of.
i know you are more far more experienced than me. i wish i could do it tomorrow but can't so i will pose the question to you. would you consider establishing the point/structure is holding fish via a power technique on day #1 and going back to slow stitch it for bigger fish on day #2?
or even letting the spot cool off and coming back a few hours later?
Thanks for the props but experience doesn't always equate to routine success; at least in my case.
I think I know how you feel and do understand what and why you're asking.
You're situation is a bit different than mine in that, you appear to be doing two things at once.
First time structure fishing and looking for that big bite. I don't think you can go wrong if you break these up. Using techniques that provide any success builds confidence which will help you out quite a bit to stay the course while looking for the bigger bite.
Search techniques (baits that cover water) are part of bass fishing basics. You know this and have used them in the past. Now it's simply a matter of applying them to cover deeper water.
Something that I've come to believe is this; Fish don't always feed in the same place that they spend the rest of the day. So I try to adjust my fishing accordingly. I try to fish feeding places when I think they are looking to eat. Conversely, I'll work spots that I think the fish are holding in when they are inactive and try to get them to bite. Sometimes a slow bait works and other times a faster / reaction bait does the trick.
Downsizing has become a popular way to trigger neutral fish (drop shotting).
Feeding occurs where the bait is. Routinely this is when we find fish shallow. Low light helps to keep the bass feeling safe up there and makes early and later in the day prime times (night too).
ALL of my "Bigger Bass" have come either early or late in the season and were relatively shallow.
Knowing that these bigger fish just don't simply disappear mid season, I am now on a mission to find out where they go and how to catch a few.
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 6/5/2013 at 10:07 PM, A-Jay said:ALL of my "Bigger Bass" have come either early or late in the season and were relatively shallow.
Knowing that these bigger fish just don't simply disappear mid season, I am now on a mission to find out where they go and how to catch a few.
A-Jay
When you find the answer to that question please share it with me. I would love to apply that to some lake erie smallies July thru September.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/5/2013 at 10:35 PM, Dwight Hottle said:
On 6/5/2013 at 10:07 PM, A-Jay said:ALL of my "Bigger Bass" have come either early or late in the season and were relatively shallow.
Knowing that these bigger fish just don't simply disappear mid season, I am now on a mission to find out where they go and how to catch a few.
A-Jay
When you find the answer to that question please share it with me. I would love to apply that to some lake erie smallies July thru September.
Ok - have you considered drop shotting a jerkbait ?
A-Jay
pbrussell reply :
Sadly, your fishing these deeper structures sounds quite a bit like my experience fishing them. I have been generally able to pick up a fish or two from similar spots you've been fishing. However, I don't run into numbers or these giants murphy talks about. Clearly, there's something I DON'T understand when it comes to fishing deeper structures. I would most likely say my problems are these in this order.
1. The wrong spots
2. The wrong presentations
3. Confidence
Obviously, when those three things line up properly, in that order, you had better hang on because you're in for an amazing day. In any event, my experience goes like this.
1. "I must be in the wrong spot, so I'll try another deep structure."
2. "Hmm, maybe this football jig is the wrong approach. How about a carolina rig? What about a 6xd?"
and finally
3. "I can't do this. I guess I'll go beat the shallow water."
I applaud your persistence. I'm watching this thread closely, not only because I've read through this legendary book, but also because I'm such a terrible structure fisherman. This murphy fellow was apparently a master, right? And so, here is to the both of us (and all of us) becoming masters in due time. You're certainly putting in your dues more so than I am.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/5/2013 at 11:37 PM, pbrussell said:Sadly, your fishing these deeper structures sounds quite a bit like my experience fishing them. I have been generally able to pick up a fish or two from similar spots you've been fishing. However, I don't run into numbers or these giants murphy talks about. Clearly, there's something I DON'T understand when it comes to fishing deeper structures. I would most likely say my problems are these in this order.
1. The wrong spots
2. The wrong presentations
3. Confidence
Obviously, when those three things line up properly, in that order, you had better hang on because you're in for an amazing day. In any event, my experience goes like this.
1. "I must be in the wrong spot, so I'll try another deep structure."
2. "Hmm, maybe this football jig is the wrong approach. How about a carolina rig? What about a 6xd?"
and finally
3. "I can't do this. I guess I'll go beat the shallow water."
I applaud your persistence. I'm watching this thread closely, not only because I've read through this legendary book, but also because I'm such a terrible structure fisherman. This murphy fellow was apparently a master, right?
I'm going to keep it in perspective. I can take comfort in the fact that I've caught a few fish before this season's big fish pursuit that I worked hard to catch and am proud of. So I believe in my abilities. I'm not saying I'm KVD, but I have amassed enough time on the water with an open mind, that I enjoy this hobby quite a bit now.
Bill Murphy fished for years and years And Years before he complied enough data to write his book.
Additionally, he did it in a time and in a place that had Monstrous bass. I'm not in that place or that time.
In my area a 7lb bass is a very big fish and you just never hear of anything much bigger.
I'm looking to get on these fish more than 1 or 2 a year. They live in this lake, there's got to be more than 2 and they definitely eat more than twice a year. I just have to figure out where they are and how to catch them. I might take several seasons and that's OK. It took me quite a while to learn how to catch bass that make up 95 % of the population. I'm fishing for the other 5%. I don't think I'm wrong in saying that if it were easy, everyone would be doing it.
It's the journey not the destination. I'll admit it's challenging, but if I don't find enjoyment along this path, I'll never stay on it long enough to reach the prize at the end. Just imagine if you couldn't fish . . . . .
As for paying my dues, I am not close and the toll booth isn't even is sight.
A-Jay
PABASS reply :
My question would be is stitching method proven everywhere? You have more patients than I, I can work a lure slow but 15 casts in two hours at 8 min a cast ouch.. Carry on and good luck..
A-Jay reply :
On 6/6/2013 at 12:38 AM, PABASS said:My question would be is stitching method proven everywhere? You have more patients than I, I can work a lure slow but 15 casts in two hours at 8 min a cast ouch.. Carry on and good luck..
Can't answer that one. Mr. Murphy promotes the method as a successful tactic for large pressured bass on structured lakes. I'm not fishing pressured fish per se and the structure on the waters I fish is quite a bit different than that described in the book. Also. large is a relative term. There are other methods presented by the author that could be called more traditional.
As for my patience, you and I are both fishing. It's the catching that's different.
Smaller bass are not my target, so my measure of success must be learning.
A-Jay
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
On 6/6/2013 at 12:38 AM, PABASS said:My question would be is stitching method proven everywhere?
Being as though it is essentially just a big, slow moving meal.....why wouldn't it work everywhere? Don't look at it as a specific "thing," look at it in a general sense as I just stated.
I think the difficult details of this journey lie more in locating big fish than actually catching them. Big fish are typically predictable (best ambush spot, best spawning location, etc) however they have the advantage of being underwater and seeing these spots. We don't. I feel that is what takes the longest time in this whole thing. If you know where big fish are, you're going to catch them sooner rather than later. I've got a feeling that once AJ discovers a few of those select "best spots" that catching a big fish will just be a matter of time.
I agree that being patient enough to practice this technique requires a specific skill that most do not possess. That's another key...doing things that the fish have not seen in places they don't typically see a bait.
pbrussell reply :
On 6/6/2013 at 1:56 AM, SPEEDBEAD. said:I feel that is what takes the longest time in this whole thing. If you know where big fish are, you're going to catch them sooner rather than later. I've got a feeling that once AJ discovers a few of those select "best spots" that catching a big fish will just be a matter of time.
Location, Location, Location. At least, that's what they say in real estate. This, of course, is always the first and most important piece of the puzzle. It does seem though that presentation is almost as important. Sure, you might come across some big blips on your graph that make you think that's a 9 pound bass down there. However, you won't know until you do the catching part. Perhaps my biggest fear with this type of fishing isn't so much "Am I in the right place?" but, "Could I be in the right place but be throwing the wrong thing?"
How terrible would it be if you "discovered" where that lake record lives, only to not catch anything there and you write that spot off. That's my fear.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
I have a couple thoughts on that:
1. If you are not confident that what you are doing is the right thing, you're probably right.
2. This is where the "tournament mentality" of most guys begins to get in the way. You "have" to catch fish or your "have" to be good at a bunch of different stuff. No, you don't.
You HAVE to be good at one technique. That's it really. The better you are with one technique, the more you will use it and become familiar with the nuances of that technique. This breeds confidence. Confidence catches fish.
"Beware the man with only one gun. He probably knows how to use it."
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Big O is a prime example of fishing what he knows and being EXCELLENT at it. He doesn't have to worry about what the "right" thing to throw is at any given time.
He KNOWS what he's doing is the "right" thing.
J Francho reply :
Point #2 is truth. I've fallen into that trap.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
On 6/6/2013 at 3:55 AM, J Francho said:Point #2 is truth. I've fallen into that trap.
Bro, I'm guilty of it too.
I can seriously get in a trance if I see stuff I can skip a fluke up under. LOL
roadwarrior reply :
Observations and Conversations With Big O
Mr. Parks is the only "Monster Bass" fisherman I have personally met or fished with.
So, here are a few of things I think you all might find interesting:
1. Goal: Catch the biggest fish on any body of water.
2. Tackle: Multiple rods, but they are ALL the same!
3. Keen sense of "where" the bass should be.
4. No hard baits. As far as I can tell, Big O only fishes Rage Tail baits which he has designed
for specific applications and depths. He does not make his own jigs, but currently fishes Mike's
Seibert Outdoors. Hooks are from Moaner. Weights are both brass and tungsten.
5. Technical presentation that is precise.
6. Professional boat management which includes a COMPLETE understanding of electronics.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/6/2013 at 9:29 PM, roadwarrior said:Observations and Conversations With Big O
Mr. Parks is the only "Monster Bass" fisherman I have personally met or fished with.
So, here are a few of things I think you all might find interesting:
1. Goal: Catch the biggest fish on any body of water.
2. Tackle: Multiple rods, but they are ALL the same!
3. Keen sense of "where" the bass should be.
4. No hard baits. As far as I can tell, Big O only fishes Rage Tail baits which he has designed
for specific applications and depths. He does not make his own jigs, but currently fishes Mike's
Seibert Outdoors. Hooks are from Moaner. Weights are both brass and tungsten.
5. Technical presentation that is precise.
6. Professional boat management which includes a COMPLETE understanding of electronics.
Thank Kent.
I certainly appreciate the input.
Besides have something close to 1300 miles between our "home Lakes",
Steve and I are approaching this pursuit in 2 different manners.
Clearly he has honed his craft and I'm just getting started.
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
The sky is overcast and air temps are cool
Barometer is falling and the new moon is on Saturday.
I'm heading out - and I've got a plan.
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
I'm out the door early this morning.
I'll post up the report from yesterday as well as one for this morning when I get home later today.
There is always something magical about a foggy morning.
It brings the expectations up just a little higher.
A-Jay
PABASS reply :
Here is something interesting one of my club member's told me a story of the local game commission netting 3 10# bass in a small 100 acre lake in a single night, it makes you think how many are in this lake and how the heck do I find them? When it comes to this fishing I wouldn't even know where to start?? As others have said location, location, location, I wonder if each 10# has a certain area all to them selves or do they stack up in a certain location? Big fish don't school like smaller bass do, right?
RoachDad reply :
My personal opinion is that the really big fish are weird. They have strange patterns and that is why they make it so long without getting caught.
They are probably skittish. However, they have to eat every day to get that big so they are not too shy.
On 6/6/2013 at 1:56 AM, SPEEDBEAD. said:If you know where big fish are, you're going to catch them sooner rather than later.
J Francho reply :
QuoteBig fish don't school like smaller bass do, right?
Exactly. In fact, some are downright territorial, and there are no other bass in the area, which is why many assume those spots are "dry," when in fact, it may hld the biggest fish in the lake.
A-Jay reply :
**** Trip Log ****
Thursday 06 June / Fished 10:30am – 7pm / Air temp mid 60’s / Water Temp 61 / Winds NE 10– 15 / Barometer 1020 & falling.
The sun was high and the wind was a factor; in a good way. I fished two spots on the middle lake that had the wind blowing in onto them. Mr. Murphy mentioned a couple of times that he found that the best big fish spots were open water areas that were routinely abused by the prevailing wind. Both the spots I fished today were in this category. These drop offs went from 20 ft. on the top and bottomed out at 35 ft. These type of areas are tough to fish. I tried to stay optimistic and fished hard today. Even though it was a mid-day outing I gave it it’s just due. Jambalaya was served.
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
**** Trip Log ****
Friday 07 June
Fished 6am – 2pm / Air temp mid 60’s / Water Temp 62 / Winds NE 7 – 14 / Barometer 1015 & falling.
The early morning set up is very exciting. There is always such a sense of anticipation and an expectation that any cast could be The One. This morning found me on one of my favorite spots on the most southern lake. It’s a spot in front of a big drop near a big beaver made brush pile that ends in 25 ft. of water. I set up in 38 ft. and fished the structure in front of the cover. I’ve taken nice bass here before but I was fishing the deeper section today.
I made a brief video at the start of the morning. I’ll apologized in advance, for some reason, as the morning went on, the camera lens fogged up ???? Never did that before. Anyway, I wanted to show some stitching footage. I didn’t get bit but I did have a follow from “something “as I reeled in one of my castes. It surprised me. I’ll warn you in advance, this is pretty boring stuff. I mean real boring. Watch at your own risk. I’ll not be on the water again until after the weekend.
According to my fishing logs, the next 2 or 3 weeks are traditionally very good. I’m really looking forward to sticking something epic.
The video will be added to this post later this morning.
Here's the start of the morning. The second video is still loading up.
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
All I had to read was the the opening line NE winds 10-15 & NE 7-14 and I knew the results. That makes for really tough fishing. Hope mother nature gives you a break in the near future.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/8/2013 at 9:38 PM, Dwight Hottle said:All I had to read was the the opening line NE winds 10-15 & NE 7-14 and I knew the results. That makes for really tough fishing. Hope mother nature gives you a break in the near future.
Thanks Dwight.
The early mornings were calm but my 9:30 or so the winds came on pretty go - it's just the way it is.
This lake's topographic orientation (Higher on the east & west and lower north & south) I get no break from anything north or south. East or west winds are more fisherman friendly.
A-Jay
gripnrip reply :
Keep it up A-Jay! I check your progress daily. I'm literally on the edge of my seat waiting .....
A-Jay reply :
Thanks for the support and I hope that I have something a bit more substantial to post / report soon.
A brief video of the start of my morning was added to the last trip log.
A second will be up once it loads.
A-Jay
Capt.Bob reply :
This morning is the first time I have been on this thread, as I don't do a lot of bass fishing. I have to say it has been an encouraging read and I commend you on your efforts and your dedication!!! I must say as I am returning from a 2 day Musky trip myself (that was also Jumbalaya) and sharing the North East Blow with you here in Southern Michigan,,,,,(can't always plan a trip with another guy and guarantee the conditions), and we can't head at the drop of a hat as he still has to work around a job. But You do bring encouragement my way!! Just as you, I have made a self pack this year also, mine is to target bigger Musky, I cast trolled and worked my rear off both days, determined to get that one big bite, and not caring if I caught anything if I couldn't hit that 50" mark. I wanted to go to some #'s spots we knew on the Lake but stayed fast, 13.5 hrs. Thursday and 10 hrs. Friday. On the way home I questioned no bent rods and if we should have given in a little and tried for the lesser fish, or even taken a break and tried for Largemouth, as they do very good on this Lake for them also. I don't really think it would have mattered as 10 to 15 sustained and gust to 20+ NE blow was the weather pattern, and cooler than it has been looking like rain 50% of the time, but not getting any. But I generally over the years stay flexible, and if the species I'm after is not willing, will go after another, just to catch fish, Pike, Musky, Walleye, Small Mouth and Large Mouth I enjoy fishing for them all. But My Musky fishing has never granted me a 50"+ fish and this year, when we hunt the Musky waters, I have made my own pact, that it's big fish only, and don't settle for anything less.
But like I say what doubt I had of sticking with my goal and techniques for this year, are now gone again!! You have a way in this thread of instilling that dedication of sticking with it come hell or high water,,,,,THANK's! You are on a mission and are putting in the time, I have to travel to hit the Lakes that produce the bruisers I am after, so my efforts won't be a daily diet of frustration. Over the years have I given in to the baits and tactics required to get the bigger fish in favor of catching more fish, even if it meant they would most likely be smaller or going after other species. So after reading this and being encouraged by your dedication, I am back on track and will stay the path I set out on a month ago. Every trip for Musky we make this year I am going to check in here and get my dose of encouragement. Hang in there and keep it up, as I am sure with your determination you won't only be successful, but you are fueling the encouragement, I need and I am sure there are others!!!!
BEST OF LUCK!!! and I can't wait to see the results!!!!! even if it is only in knowledge, which is inevitable and sure to come with your efforts, but hope to see them monsters you long to master also!!!! 
Bladesmith, reply :
A-Jay, you are an inspiration to us all. Every time I get on the Forum the first thing I check is this thread to see if you have posted another update. I sincerely hope this journey takes you where you want to go, but I think the journey itself is the adventure.
A-Jay reply :
Ok, so here's the second video from my last trip. I'll apologize again for the poor quality. I don't know what's up with the lens fogging up. Anyway, around minute 2:55 I was pretty sure I got bump . . . . . then nothing.
On the retrieve back in (minute 3:30) I had a visitor. It was one of those follows that you don't usually tell anyone about but you never forget it. These are the ones that make you keep going back to a spot over and over again even if you never catch anything. It was fun and I'm glad I got my reaction on video.
One thing that I'll mention here is about how this technique has required me to modify my mind set during the actual fishing. This method is so slow and requires such focus that I've had to make a conscious effort to reduce the speed at which I do everything while I'm out on the water. I really noticed it when I watched the first video. My wife even mentioned it saying that I look and sound like I'm sedated. Those that know me would tell you that this is a bit of a departure from my normal presentation. But slowing it all down has helped me get accustomed to the technique.
A-Jay
CPBassFishing reply :
Great job being so patient. I don't think I could stand that.
Your reaction to the follower was great. 3 and a half feet would be 18+lbs if it was a bass. 
followers turn into biters when they get curious. Make sure you have a potent attractent on your worm so tentative giants will taste it then suck it right it.
Keep grinding, you'll stick a giant eventually.
Have you considered a natural color for your worm?
A-Jay reply :
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
On 6/9/2013 at 8:20 AM, CPBassFishing said:Great job being so patient. I don't think I could stand that.
Your reaction to the follower was great. 3 and a half feet would be 18+lbs if it was a bass.
Keep grinding, you'll stick a giant eventually.
Have you considered a natural color for your worm?
Trying to keep it simple and use baits/colors that I have confidence in.
Mann's Jelly worm 9 inch and after the spawn I'll use 12 inch also.
Zoom Magnum Trick worm only come in 7 inch
Berkley Power worms 7 & 10 inch
Assorted stick baits 6 & 7 inch mostly Senkos
Colors are few - Black, Green Pumpkin, Watermelon, Red Shad, And Black Grape.
A-Jay
ClackerBuzz reply :
On 6/9/2013 at 8:11 AM, A-Jay said:Ok, so here's the second video from my last trip. I'll apologize again for the poor quality. I don't know what's up with the lens fogging up.
Fog smog this guy rolls in 1080 high def! great video AJay!
I know Bill used a specific split shot size for the 'perfect' weight. But I remember being confused b/c I think he sighted multiple sizes (#3 and #5?). What size/kind weight are you using? Split shot makes me nervous and there are so many alternatives available now. Is that a cylinder style weight?
A-Jay reply :
On 6/9/2013 at 12:02 PM, ClackerBuzz said:Fog smog this guy rolls in 1080 high def! great video AJay!
I know Bill used a specific split shot size for the 'perfect' weight. But I remember being confused b/c I think he sighted multiple sizes (#3 and #5?). What size/kind weight are you using? Split shot makes me nervous and there are so many alternatives available now. Is that a cylinder style weight?
I am not using split shot. The very detailed procedure Mr. Murphy provides, though compelling, is not something I am willing to do, for a few reasons.
I do not want anything crimped on my line. I am fishing 10lb braid/leader not straight mono. And finally, I'm a tungsten fan. I am using the smallest tungsten bullet weights I could find. Instead of the crimping deal, I just use a stopper in front and behind the little weight. 1/16 to 1/8 depending on the water depth and wind strength. I have found the double anchor set up really is a must when fishing such a light weight in deep water. I could never maintain contact with the bottom or have any real sense what was going on with the bait otherwise. And despite their rather minuscule size, these little guys still provide quite a bit of bottom contour feedback. Of course the braid plays a big part in the increased feel as well.
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
Funny thing the only bite came when you were reeling in the bait. Moving it kinda fast? Did Mr Murphy address that happening?
A-Jay reply :
On 6/9/2013 at 10:02 PM, Dwight Hottle said:Funny thing the only bite came when you were reeling in the bait. Moving it kinda fast? Did Mr Murphy address that happening?
He did.
His answer - High Speed Trolling with deep diving crank baits.
By all accounts, quite a devastating and rarely utilized tactic; often accounting for the largest bass in the system.
Also, looking back at it, that was probably not the target species.
A-Jay
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
AJ, you using a GoPro? They sell Anti-fog inserts for that.
Keep it up. man.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/10/2013 at 10:42 PM, SPEEDBEAD. said:AJ, you using a GoPro? They sell Anti-fog inserts for that.
Keep it up. man.
No, It's a Nikon Coolpix AW100 -
I mostly use it for photos but it does have a decent video feature.
It's worked flawlessly until that episode.
I'm looking at the Drift Innovation HD Ghost -
The remote control feature and something the company calls "video tagging" will make it perfect for capturing my fishing trips.
That is, if and when I actually "capture" something note worthy.
A-Jay
slonezp reply :
An interesting read thus far. My question, Do you believe the big girls were in the deep water this time of year? I guess what I'm getting at is I'm guessing the spawn is in progress or just ending. I'm no expert but I think it's premature to fish 20ft humps in 35fow. I would think the females would be holding at the first drop. I think the technique could be deadly in the next few weeks after the girls recoup from the spawn and move out to their summer haunts.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/10/2013 at 11:25 PM, slonezp said:An interesting read thus far. My question, Do you believe the big girls were in the deep water this time of year? I guess what I'm getting at is I'm guessing the spawn is in progress or just ending. I'm no expert but I think it's premature to fish 20ft humps in 35fow. I would think the females would be holding at the first drop. I think the technique could be deadly in the next few weeks after the girls recoup from the spawn and move out to their summer haunts.
A very valid point and one that I do not dispute. In fact my largest MI bass came shallow and was right before the spawn.
In the book, Mr. Murphy details how he believed that the largest bass only remained shallow for the briefest of times during spawn. So by fishing the deeper holding area / spots, he got his bait in front of more large fish. His results speak for themselves. It was also his contention that by fishing the area right through all 3 stages of the spawn, (pre, spawn and post) you could catch them coming and going.
Your assertion may very well be right on and I hope you are. But for now, since I've caught a few decent fish shallow this time of year in the past, I'm going to keep poking around out deep and try a few different approaches and see if I can bump into something close to the kind of results Old Bill managed to get into.
A-Jay
shimmy reply :
On 6/10/2013 at 11:25 PM, slonezp said:An interesting read thus far. My question, Do you believe the big girls were in the deep water this time of year? I guess what I'm getting at is I'm guessing the spawn is in progress or just ending. I'm no expert but I think it's premature to fish 20ft humps in 35fow. I would think the females would be holding at the first drop. I think the technique could be deadly in the next few weeks after the girls recoup from the spawn and move out to their summer haunts.
In my novice mind i was having the same thoughts about 20 ft of water. While some big bass definitely occupy that depth year round, it seems that the depths between 10-20 are the most beneficial in that many of the huge bass we hear about are caught at these depths. This depth range seems to just carry so many big bass year round and seems more of a highway for prespawn, spawn, and postspawn than 20 feet. I agree that the 20 feet depth here is probably never fished by most anglers and you are targeting the potentially big bass that occupies that area without ever getting pressured, but it just seems that the 10-20 foot range would bring better results and increase the numbers of opportunities for big bass. I'm sure with ultra clear water this depth may vary, but even then, still feels like it may be a hair too deep. Again, i post this for debate sake and am not trying to come off as a guru. I do remember a lot of Catt's older posts discussing this money depth and it just seems from so many articles i read that the 10-20 would increase your chances. Thoughts?
Shimmy
slonezp reply :
Riddle me this AJ, (I did not read the book) Does the rule of thumb apply that 90% of the bass are in 10% of the water, and if so, are you targeting the 10% living in the 90% of water? I live in a similar area where 7lbs is a huge fish. My biggest local fish have been around the 5lb mark with most caught in the prespawn/spawn phase. A few caught during the heat of the summer. All caught in less than 3fow. My home water is not a candidate for this technique. Most of the water in northern IL is not. I'm thinking it may be successful on a couple lakes I currently fish, but then again these may be the same 5lbrs I've already caught. Does Bill address such situations?
slonezp reply :
On 6/11/2013 at 12:42 PM, shimmy said:In my novice mind i was having the same thoughts about 20 ft of water. While some big bass definitely occupy that depth year round, it seems that the depths between 10-20 are the most beneficial in that many of the huge bass we hear about are caught at these depths. This depth range seems to just carry so many big bass year round and seems more of a highway for prespawn, spawn, and postspawn than 20 feet. I agree that the 20 feet depth here is probably never fished by most anglers and you are targeting the potentially big bass that occupies that area without ever getting pressured, but it just seems that the 10-20 foot range would bring better results and increase the numbers of opportunities for big bass. I'm sure with ultra clear water this depth may vary, but even then, still feels like it may be a hair too deep. Again, i post this for debate sake and am not trying to come off as a guru. I do remember a lot of Catt's older posts discussing this money depth and it just seems from so many articles i read that the 10-20 would increase your chances. Thoughts?
Shimmy
Water fishes differently around the country. My home water has an average of 4.5 feet deep with some 30ft holes. No humps and no structure. Fishing in 8-10fow is deep for me. (I do fish deeper on other water if need be) Deeper water on my home lake holds suspended fish, but not bass. Walleye, panfish and drum is all I catch. I have caught bass on offshore structure on KY Lake, G'ville, and Lake Michigan. Not on my home water.
A-Jay reply :
Good Stuff right there guys Thanks you for your thoughts. I do believe that I'm fishing for the smallest potion of the bass population. And where ever they are spending the majority of their time, it's not someplace I have visited routinely in the past. The super clear water and lack of shallow shoreline structure puts these fish deeper than some of the other lakes in this area. I can see the bottom here in 20 ft almost every trip. Except for low light conditions and when there is a wind, when fishing in 10 feet here you can see you bait throughout the entire cast. So there is rarely a big fish bite there. The depths I'm mining are just a product of this environment and we may all be thinking and saying the same thing.
There are a few docks, log jams and laydowns scatter around the lake and they hold fish when you'd expext them to but the big girls are like ghosts. Also this is a multi-species habitat and lmb are not the biggest or baddest kids on the block which may play a role in who gets the prime habitat.
It looks like a killer morning - I'm heading out . . . . . . . .
A-Jay reply :
**** Trip Log ****
Tuesday 11 June / Fished 6:30am – 3pm / Air temp low 70's / Water Temp 64 / Winds NW Light and Variable / Barometer 1013 & steady.
A typically gorgeous morning on the water in the north woods. Sunrise was obscured by an Eden-like foggy mist without much wind to speak of. I anchored up in the same area I left off with last trip. After thinking about a couple of the recent discussions a few posts back regarding depth and still looking for the magic, I switched it up by anchoring shallow and fishing deep to shallow. Additionally, I change my stitching weight from a 1/8 tungsten which I'd used most every trip so far, to a 1/16 lead weight. Though it was very calm, it still took a good while for the rig to initially settle on the bottom. To have any contact at all with the bait, I really had to just barely inch it along very slowly. I went with a 6.5 inch Zoom trick worm and then a Berkley Powerbait 7" Power Shaky Worm in black and green pumpkin. No bites by 10am, so I moved to the other side of the drop off and reversed the whole deal to set up deep and worked shallow to deep. No Biters again.
By noon the sun was beaming and it was time to make a move, A move to what, I didn't exactly know.
With the water temp now squarely in the "hey lets spawn" zone, I took a spin through areas that you'd expect to see beds. Oh, there were beds all right and small bass every where I looked. It was encouraging to see. Most were little guys, a few were in the 2.5 - 3.5 lb class and I spied 2 or 3 little fat girls that could have gone 5lb. It's hard to tell and so often those 5lb free swimmers end up shrinking down to 4's once they're hanging on a scale. Either way, there was plenty of life in 10ft of water and most of it was around wood or weed cover.
Forecast is calling for some stability this week so we'll see how that plays out.
On a final note regarding the repeated lowering and hauling up of the double anchors over and over,
Ron Burgundy has got nothing on me; for I am The Anchor Man ~ Stay Classy BR ~
A-Jay
CPBassFishing reply :
Mind if I join the party? I won't be stitching every time I go out, maybe once or twice a week for a few hours at a time. (Keep in mind that I am fishing small ponds and the larger bass don't have far to go.)
Setup:
7'6" MH Abu Garcia Veritas
Daiwa Takara
17lb XPS fluoro
1/4 oz tungsten bullet weight(too heavy I know but its all I have on hand.)
5/0 gama EWG
PTL 10" Ribbon Hinge Worm
00 mod reply :
Hey cp, please do join the party but in your own thread. This was started by Andy to chronicle his journey so let him have this spotlight. But at the same time we will follow yours!
Jeff
CPBassFishing reply :
Oh don't worry I wasn't going to post all my stuff here and steal his thunder, I don't roll like that. At the same time I don't really want to make a thread with the same topic. I'll just post reports in my blog if you guys want to add me as a friend. If I catch a big fish I'll post a thread in fishing reports.On 6/12/2013 at 11:22 AM, 00 mod said:Hey cp, please do join the party but in your own thread. This was started by Andy to chronicle his journey so let him have this spotlight. But at the same time we will follow yours!
Jeff
00 mod reply :
Sounds good and good luck.
Jeff
A-Jay reply :
On 6/12/2013 at 7:34 AM, CPBassFishing said:Mind if I join the party? I won't be stitching every time I go out, maybe once or twice a week for a few hours at a time. (Keep in mind that I am fishing small ponds and the larger bass don't have far to go.)
Setup:
7'6" MH Abu Garcia Veritas
Daiwa Takara
17lb XPS fluoro
1/4 oz tungsten bullet weight(too heavy I know but its all I have on hand.)
5/0 gama EWG
PTL 10" Ribbon Hinge Worm
2013-06-11 19.27.42.jpg
CP - I really do appreciate your support.
I have to say that your set as listed above doesn't really fit into the stitching category.
As you mentioned, it's a little on the heavy side; more like a light Carolina rig.
It will certainly get bit though - and I expect pictures for sure . . .
A-Jay
CPBassFishing reply :
I changed to a 1/16 oz split shot 12" up from the worm, just enough to keep bottom contact. Anyways, back to your reports, sorry for the temporary hijack.On 6/13/2013 at 3:50 AM, A-Jay said:CP - I really do appreciate your support.
I have to say that your set as listed above doesn't really fit into the stitching category.
As you mentioned, it's a little on the heavy side; more like a light Carolina rig.
It will certainly get bit though - and I expect pictures for sue . . .
A-Jay
greendragon reply :
Good luck A-Jay, You have my attention.
pbrussell reply :
I am hoping the tone of this thread changes from this. Stitch? It's a b!tch: to stitchin' is b*tchin'! Just sayin
A-Jay reply :
On 6/13/2013 at 10:32 AM, pbrussell said:I am hoping the tone of this thread changes from this. Stitch? It's a b!tch: to stitchin' is b*tchin'! Just sayin
You're right and I apologize for the somewhat negative presentation. That's not what this is about nor should it be placed in that light.
Thank you for your post. I needed that.
I did some supplemental reading in the chapter that covers the stitching technique.
It appears as though I have been using this in areas that it is not at it's best. Mr. Murphy indicated that smooth bottoms are not places where stitching routinely excels. The bait does best in spots that have a bit of cover on the structure that allow for the bait to hang and drop and bump along. I'm feeling a little bit like a knucklehead for not picking up on this detail initially as at least half of the deep area's I'd plan to fish on this lake have a smoother bottom. A major oversight on my part and I'm glad I went back and looked. I'll blame it on the long winter here numbing what's left of my brain.
The author goes on to say that his experience showed that big bass do use these spots quite often but he was unable to get bit stitching a worm. His solution, stitching a live crayfish. Something about the bait struggling along that open bottom turned these fish into biters. He passed on that it could be "devastating at times". I like the sound of that.
Of course there is an entire chapter on the subject and like most of this reading, something I'm entering into right at the bottom floor. I don't believe I have access to a local commercial supply of crayfish so I'd have to learn to catch and keep them myself. Still haven't totally decided if this is something I want to get into. I have nothing against fishing live bait and a good majority of the bass I do catch here, cough up crayfish on the way to the net. Perhaps this is the technique that could unlock some of the mystery that this journey has been so full of thus far.
Before I say that I am going to commit to it, some ground work and investigation will need to be conducted to see it it's even possible. Immediate thoughts that come to mind are, where, when and how to I catch, and keep them. If I can make this happen with in reason, I might actually entertain the idea.
The information in the book is fairly explicit and appears to cover what one would need to know to get started. But like most everything we venture into, there always a bit more to it . . . . . . . .
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
Ahh! 
roadwarrior reply :
Talk with Fish Chris, he knows quite a bit about live bait in general and keeping craws in particular.
Nice_Bass reply :
I know you know of it, but maybe the hudd bug could provide some middle ground while you consider the live bait option. I have used it with some success- weighted version with just a circle hook through the harness. I don't have the patience, nor dedication as you to use it often enough- even with one rod rigged all the time with it.
Seems like you could explore your options with it, especially if you can match your color to what you have up there.
Good luck, and like others I do enjoy checking in on this thread often as well.
shimmy reply :
On 6/13/2013 at 9:43 PM, nice_Bass said:I know you know of it, but maybe the hudd bug could provide some middle ground while you consider the live bait option. I have used it with some success- weighted version with just a circle hook through the harness. I don't have the patience, nor dedication as you to use it often enough- even with one rod rigged all the time with it.
Seems like you could explore your options with it, especially if you can match your color to what you have up there.
Good luck, and like others I do enjoy checking in on this thread often as well.
I agree. Don't do live bait!!! Stay strong! Live bait will obviously work anywhere, i just was hoping that this thread kept that artificial flavor where all credit of the big bass goes to the fisherman, not some crawfish with dance moves of his own. You imagine trying to determine who caught the bass? The crawfish would never let it go and would insist that you were merely just a means to get him in the water, you can't split the glory, would it be his PB or yours, it could get messy.
A-Jay reply :
A good majority of the bass I do catch here, cough up crayfish on the way to the net.
On 6/13/2013 at 10:39 PM, shimmy said:I agree. Don't do live bait!!! Stay strong! Live bait will obviously work anywhere, i just was hoping that this thread kept that artificial flavor where all credit of the big bass goes to the fisherman, not some crawfish with dance moves of his own. You imagine trying to determine who caught the bass? The crawfish would never let it go and would insist that you were merely just a means to get him in the water, you can't split the glory, would it be his PB or yours, it could get messy.
Definitely not looking to spark the dreaded live bait debate.
This all started after reading (and thoroughly enjoying) Bill Murphy's book.
My decision to take this journey In Pursuit of Giant Bass was not entered into lightly and will hopefully continue well past the post of any initial success.
My path is largely uncharted. By taking full advantage of the hard work and experience of a man who was willing to do so leaves me no choice but to utilize all the tools he found useful. I am not in a position to randomly discard any technique that could point me in the right direction.
If it will make you feel any better shimmy I would be happy to include any courageous crawdad with moves like Jagger in the photo.
A-Jay
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
I don't have any personal issue with using live bait, especially in the context mentioned above.
If that's how someone is able to catch the fish of a lifetime, awesome! Big fish are still big fish and I honestly don't believe live bait fishing for them is as easy as guys make it out to be. I recall fishchris stating that he would rather fish a Hudd instead of a crawler/dad, not for the personal satisfaction of it, but the fact that he has 100% control over what the artificial is doing. A Hudd doesn't see a big fish and scurry away. A crawfish has a mind (albeit a tiny one) of its own that is geared toward survival. If it makes a decision to scurry under a big rock in 20 FOW, you have no clue what it's doing down there in order to correct it.
I'm an artificial guy, for sure, but I have fished bait in the past. I didnt start catching really big fish (in my area) until I picked up artificials.
shimmy reply :
On 6/13/2013 at 11:53 PM, SPEEDBEAD. said:I don't have any personal issue with using live bait, especially in the context mentioned above.
If that's how someone is able to catch the fish of a lifetime, awesome! Big fish are still big fish and I honestly don't believe live bait fishing for them is as easy as guys make it out to be. I recall fishchris stating that he would rather fish a Hudd instead of a crawler/dad, not for the personal satisfaction of it, but the fact that he has 100% control over what the artificial is doing. A Hudd doesn't see a big fish and scurry away. A crawfish has a mind (albeit a tiny one) of its own that is geared toward survival. If it makes a decision to scurry under a big rock in 20 FOW, you have no clue what it's doing down there in order to correct it.
I'm an artificial guy, for sure, but I have fished bait in the past. I didnt start catching really big fish (in my area) until I picked up artificials.
Yeh, i agree with much of what you said, but again, there is a reason fishchris switches to the crawdad and big night crawlers for a reason to target the big bass on his finesse setup and it's not just because it is fun! Plus comparing your experience is slightly tainted since you have become a pretty sound swimbait fisherman the last few years and i highly doubt you have approached big bass at the dams and nicer spots where you are catching your 7's with the same vigor, patience, and determination as you did in the past with live bait. While i understand live bait will not always outfish artificial, there is NO debate whether or not live bait catches world record/state record size bass. End rant, sorry A-Jay, guilty for derailing. Whatever you do, we'll all be watching regardless. Go get em.
slonezp reply :
Did Bill Murphy mention the use of a ham sandwich covered in Megastrike as a viable option? You'd have the ability to fish with meat and have 100% control over what the ham sandwich is doing. Knowing the ham sandwich has no instinctual need to survive, you would not have to worry about it crawling underneath a rock in 20fow.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/14/2013 at 1:23 AM, shimmy said:Yeh, i agree with much of what you said, but again, there is a reason fishchris switches to the crawdad and big night crawlers for a reason to target the big bass on his finesse setup and it's not just because it is fun! Plus comparing your experience is slightly tainted since you have become a pretty sound swimbait fisherman the last few years and i highly doubt you have approached big bass at the dams and nicer spots where you are catching your 7's with the same vigor, patience, and determination as you did in the past with live bait. While i understand live bait will not always outfish artificial, there is NO debate whether or not live bait catches world record/state record size bass. End rant, sorry A-Jay, guilty for derailing. Whatever you do, we'll all be watching regardless. Go get em
No apology necessary shinny. It's all on topic and a very stimulating discussion.
Thank you very much for helping make my decision.
Mud Bugs it is . . . . .
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
On 6/14/2013 at 1:50 AM, slonezp said:Did Bill Murphy mention the use of a ham sandwich covered in Megastrike as a viable option? You'd have the ability to fish with meat and have 100% control over what the ham sandwich is doing. Knowing the ham sandwich has no instinctual need to survive, you would not have to worry about it crawling underneath a rock in 20fow.
A Ham Sandwich , really slone ?
I thought everybody knew that 95% of trophy bass surveyed prefer B o l o g n a.
A-Jay
J Francho reply :
Wacky rig a hot dog.
00 mod reply :
Or just drink a beer and sit on the dock eating said sandwich while deadsticking your bait....
Jeff
slonezp reply :
On 6/14/2013 at 3:02 AM, 00 mod said:Or just drink a beer and sit on the dock eating said sandwich while deadsticking your bait....
Jeff
I think I'd need more than 1 beer to wash down the Megastrike
slonezp reply :
On 6/14/2013 at 2:33 AM, A-Jay said:A Ham Sandwich , really slone ?
I thought everybody knew that 95% of trophy bass surveyed prefer B o l o g n a.
A-Jay
Your showing our age..
Dwight Hottle reply :
I heard shimmy's pb was caught on livebait.
pbrussell reply :
Ajay, you've mentioned stitching a live crawdad. I believe artificial baits have come quite the long way from the time Murphy fished em. Especially creature style baits for that matter. Do you think stitching a rage lobster, or perhaps even something like a river2sea crawler would be advantageous? (tackle warehouse even suggest fishing crawler behind a split shot).
And though we are getting outside of the realm with stitching here (which by the way, murphy did not always do as you have mentioned), what about slow dragging a craw bait on a standup head in these areas?
It would seem, as it has been duly noted, that murphy was about Catching these fish. The destination wasn't the methods. The destination was catching big bass which he commonly found on specific structures.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/14/2013 at 3:22 AM, pbrussell said:Ajay, you've mentioned stitching a live crawdad. I believe artificial baits have come quite the long way from the time Murphy fished em. Especially creature style baits for that matter. Do you think stitching a rage lobster, or perhaps even something like a river2sea crawler would be advantageous? (tackle warehouse even suggest fishing crawler behind a split shot).
And though we are getting outside of the realm with stitching here (which by the way, murphy did not always do as you have mentioned), what about slow dragging a craw bait on a standup head in these areas?
It would seem, as it has been duly noted, that murphy was about Catching these fish. The destination wasn't the methods. The destination was catching big bass which he commonly found on specific structures.
That's something to think about. And there's really only one way to find out.
Fish the two baits and see what happens.
Of course, the Rage tail baits are so convenient since they come with their own live well and all . . . . .
A-Jay
shimmy reply :
On 6/14/2013 at 3:16 AM, Dwight Hottle said:I heard shimmy's pb was caught on livebait.
don't hate. You're just jealous because i know what smaller fish look like
pbrussell reply :
Hey a-jay!
Catch any giant bass lately?
A-Jay reply :
On 6/19/2013 at 11:49 PM, pbrussell said:Hey a-jay!
Catch any giant bass lately?
I'm setting up the deal to keep and eventually use crawfish.
Fabricating the aerated holding pen and then need to either catch or purchase a supply of bugs . . .
More to follow.
A-Jay
K_Mac reply :
A-Jay the good thing about going through the trouble to raise mudbugs is you can always boil up a mess if the big girls won't eat them. I do like some crawfish boil...
pbrussell reply :
On 6/20/2013 at 9:08 AM, K_Mac said:A-Jay the good thing about going through the trouble to raise mudbugs is you can always boil up a mess if the big girls won't eat them. I do like some crawfish boil...
I've tried the crawfish boil thing, and they tasted like well... Mud bugs. Maybe I did something wrong in prepping them
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Heading out today with the big stuff.
Watched Big Bait Posse this morning and read through this thread again for inspiration.
I predict jambalaya. LOL, aim low!!
A-Jay reply :
I didn’t know what path this pursuit would take and that’s what intrigued me about it; besides hoping to catch a few bigger bass of course. Recently I’ve been checking into catching and keeping crayfish as live bait. I don’t do much live bait fishing but did review the rules first off. The regulations here require that live crayfish can only be fished where they are caught or captured. So purchasing a supply from out of state is out. I believe that the waters I’m concentrating my efforts on have a decent population because the bass are routinely coughing them up boat side. So my next challenge revolved around finding a decent accessible habitat where I could catch them. I’m disappointed to say that I don’t really have it and there goes the plan. I still could set out a trap or two overnight and fish what I catch and I may still do that, but this method will have to supplement in nature and not something I could depend on.
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
**** Trip Log ****
Friday 24-25 June an All Nighter ~
Fished 11pm – 10am / Air temp mid 60’s / Water Temp 73 / Winds calm / Sky, Overcast which obscured a big Fat mostly Full Moon / Barometer 1013 & falling slowing.
This was my first night trip of the season and do quite a bit of it each summer right into early fall. I really enjoy it and am quite comfortable tooling around in the black air. This particular evening I spent quite a bit of time throwing a wake bait and a black spinner bait. Also, I fished quite a bit shallower that I’ve been on most every day trip – 15 ft or less all night. The bass were very cooperative and both baits took turns getting eaten by 1-3 pound bass. The best spots included wood on or near a drop off; some docks and a few weed lines produced And although most of the moonlight was obscured, when a shadow line fell onto or close to the cover, that was a good thing. While fishing, I didn’t really feel like I was giving myself the very best chance to get a bigger bite, but it was quite pleasant having the fairly consistent action.
As daylight approached I relocated and went to a swimbait. The local trout population had started to come alive and they were dimpling the water everywhere. I got bumped a few times while running higher in the water column which is encouraging, but still no hook ups. After switching to fish a deeper running bait (and starting to nod off a bit here and there) a very spirited 4lber swallowed up the Hudd. The feeling of that solid hook set made my morning. A quick picture and then back to the depths.
As the sun came up and the visibility in the water improved, I found that I was getting a lot of follows on the swimbait; a couple of times it was schools of bass. Only one bass came into view that I’d call “ a good one”. So I dropped a way-point and that’s where I’ll start next time.
A-Jay
Frog Turds reply :
nice chunk of blubber there!!...i yet to do any all night special ops missions, dunno why really just haven't...buts its on my to do list 
00 mod reply :
Hudd strikes again....Keep at it my friend!
Jeff
Siebert Outdoors reply :
Nice fish AJay!
J Francho reply :
68's don't work. 
pbrussell reply :
Looks like the hudd, is not a dud
(see what I did there?)
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 9:47 PM, J Francho said:68's don't work.
That's a truism.
AK-Jax86 reply :
That's a nice looking 4lber
GoneFishi'n reply :
Awesome Huddleston fish! I hope I can get one that big on my Huddleston(soon to be huddlestons). Love this thread man.
J Francho reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 11:35 PM, Dwight Hottle said:That's a truism.
There's always a bit of truthiness to my posts.
senile1 reply :
. . . . and the quest continues. That's a chunky 4 lb'er A-Jay! What's the next step? Stitchin' a Huddleston? Drop shotting a spinnerbait? Lay it on us, future Zen master. 
A-Jay reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 4:59 AM, senile1 said:. . . . and the quest continues. That's a chunky 4 lb'er AJ! What's the next step? Stitchin' a Huddleston? Drop shotting a spinnerbait? Lay it on us, future Zen master.
Rest assured, Zen Master, I am Not.
According to the author - right about now I should be looking for a deep High Speed Crank bait bite to come into play.
It is also my contention, that If Mr. Murphy had been fishing large swimbaits in his day, there would be an entire chapter devoted to them in this book.
So stitching a Hudd - might not be all that far fetched of an idea.
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
Slow, sloooow & slooooooow.
GoneFishi'n reply :
That picture sure does make it look bigger then a 4lb. Ajay have you ever caught a Huddleston bass speed cranking? I've 1 and had a big one come off that way but I was burning it over weeds. As in speed cranking I mean reeling pretty fast, that's speed cranking a hudd for me.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 11:22 AM, GoneFishi said:That picture sure does make it look bigger then a 4lb. Ajay have you ever caught a Huddleston bass speed cranking? I've 1 and had a big one come off that way but I was burning it over weeds. As in speed cranking I mean reeling pretty fast, that's speed cranking a hudd for me.
I have not. I fish swimbaits quite slowly. This post from WRB in another thread is something I subscribe to whole-heartedly.
A-Jay
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/120768-huddleston-baits/?p=1321399
GoneFishi'n reply :
I saw that when he posted it. I also fish it very slowly. I love feeling that that tail thump!
PABASS reply :
Mike Long outdoors has a ton of useful information for lunker bass and swimbaits, if you haven't visited his site check it out I want to see a northern 10# A-Jay lol..
A-Jay reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 10:16 PM, PABASS said:Mike Long outdoors has a ton of useful information for lunker bass and swimbaits, if you haven't visited his site check it out I want to see a northern 10# A-Jay lol..
You and me both ~ !
Thanks, I have been to his site - that's where I got this gem.
A-Jay
http://www.mikelongoutdoors.com/how-to-add-gills-to-a-swimbait/
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 10:16 PM, PABASS said:Mike Long outdoors has a ton of useful information for lunker bass and swimbaits, if you haven't visited his site check it out I want to see a northern 10# A-Jay lol..
Soon enough....
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 11:54 PM, SPEEDBEAD. said:Soon enough....
That sir sounds like a prediction.
pbrussell reply :
Hey guys, I like catching big bass.
A-Jay reply :
On 6/29/2013 at 12:13 AM, Dwight Hottle said:That sir sounds like a prediction.
I'll predict this Dwight -
When the 10lb miracle does happen for me, you WILL be getting a little folded piece of paper I the mail well before I post it up.
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
That dreaded little piece of folded paper for me has always been a very happy & enjoyable moment for you. I hope I get a 2nd one.
00 mod reply :
I like folded pieces of paper!!!
Jeff
pbrussell reply :
I more or less ate some jambalaya this morning. Tasted good. REAL GOOD.
A-Jay reply :
~ Woke up early - deer have the dogs all riled up.
Might as well wet a line.
More to follow ~
A-Jay
GoneFishi'n reply :
Go catch that big one. I'm on the way to a private lake to see if I can get several pigs with a Huddleston. Good luck!On 6/30/2013 at 5:14 PM, A-Jay said:~ Woke up early - deer have the dogs all riled up.
Might as well wet a line.
More to follow ~
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
**** Trip Log ****
Sunday 30 June
Fished 6am – 11am / Air temp mid 60’s / Water Temp 73 / Winds N 5 - 10 / Sky, partly cloudy / Barometer 1008 & rising.
Though I routinely stop fishing on weekends sometime around mid-June to avoid the crazies, I really needed to wet a line, so I went anyway. On my last trip I had a little luck throwing a swimbait. Armed with some apprehensive confidence, I made this the technique of the trip and didn’t bring anything else.
I started off fishing a point I had seen a decent fish at last time out. There was a bit of a breeze early, which is a little unusual, so I anchored very shallow at the top (shoreside) of a point that dropped off twice right in front of me; first down to 18 – 20 ft and then again out into the main lake basin which is over 80 ft. I’m always marking fish somewhere on that second drop but the spot is very stingy as far as giving up fish. I did catch a nice chunker right off the bat. It took a Hudd 68 rainbow trout (rof 12). Fish loaded up on the bait nicely, the way I would like all my swimbait fish to take it – deep. It was only a 16 inch fish but the 6” bait was gone. I was glad to get a bite here and I hope it continues.
While on the hook, there were plenty of trout moving all around the lake, even as shallow as 10 ft. I tried changing to a rof 5 bait for a while hoping to fool any fatties that might be looking up for an easy meal; didn’t happen.
Around 9am I relocated to spot that’s loaded with big timber lying on the bottom in 15 – 20 feet ahead of a drop into the main lake. This stuff is easily the “Best looking” visible cover of all three bodies of water and the local “fisherman” beat it up pretty good. The bass respond accordingly. Normally I pass on these “fisherman friendly” spots but with the water being so clear, on past trips I have seen several high quality fish down there cruising among the logs. Additionally, my MI PB came from a deep water dock close by there. So it’s hard to pass it up. With the sun beaming like it should on the last day of June and despite the breeze, perhaps this deep cover might be the way to go. The fishing pressure and visibility means that if you get too close to it, even though it's “deep”, the fish shut down. Staying way off it, anchoring out in deeper water to present the bait a full cast away, is the only way I get bit here (except at night).
I was crawling the Hudd in and out of the wood. I hung up a few times but managed to shake the bait off every time. Each cast I was expecting to either get bit or lose the bait. I may have to pick up the weed less version someday. And so after all of that; Jambalaya off the wood.
The first week of July signals the start of the warmest weather we’ll have here all summer. It usually lasts 2 or 3 weeks and when combined with the increased boat-nick action the heat and vacation season brings, 95% of my trips until early September will be on weekdays at night.
However, I do like fishing at night. Something about the sounds and smells and breathing that night air, it makes me feel alive.
Below are short videos of this and my previous trip.
A-Jay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk-JSYwbaz8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt_xIcuDnKc&feature=em-upload_owner
Dwight Hottle reply :
Sweet videos buddy.
slonezp reply :
These videos are much more entertaining than the one you posted in Raiders thread. Are those tapeworms in your stomach?
A-Jay reply :
On 7/1/2013 at 11:49 PM, Dwight Hottle said:Sweet videos buddy.
On 7/3/2013 at 3:54 AM, slonezp said:These videos are much more entertaining than the one you posted in Raiders thread. Are those tapeworms in your stomach?
I guess they could be - I certainly eat enough . . . .
A-Jay
00 mod reply :
Dude, that water is CLEAR in that second video! You can really see it.
Jeff
A-Jay reply :
On 7/3/2013 at 6:03 AM, 00 mod said:Dude, that water is CLEAR in that second video! You can really see it.
Jeff
I'll get a better one here shortly that will show that a bit better - it's like gin my friend.
A-Jay
hookingem reply :
The bass fishing videos are superb. Now that abs video is on a different level your in phenomenal shape!
dR. HerbLove reply :
Hey A-Jay,
Happy Fourth! I just came across this post and read through it's entirety. The late-great Bill Murphy's book is one of my all time favorite books beyond just a fishing book. There is such a plethora of information in that book it is impossible to glean it all in just one reading. I just happen to be almost finishing it for the third time and it's just as engrossing and informative. I've found that reading and "understanding" his techniques are very different that using and understanding his techniques. Each time I re-read it, things that I thought I understood make so much more sense!
I must really commend you. I have often considered the productiveness of the techniques in today's conditions. Unfortunately. all I am able to fish are shallow, muddy ponds from shore so I've never been able to truly use his methods. From what I have been able to attempt, I can totally sympathize with the patience required.
I will be intently following your exploits. Can't wait to see you stick a fatty.
A-Jay reply :
On 7/5/2013 at 5:14 AM, dR. HerbLove said:Hey A-Jay,
Happy Fourth! I just came across this post and read through it's entirety. The late-great Bill Murphy's book is one of my all time favorite books beyond just a fishing book. There is such a plethora of information in that book it is impossible to glean it all in just one reading. I just happen to be almost finishing it for the third time and it's just as engrossing and informative. I've found that reading and "understanding" his techniques are very different that using and understanding his techniques. Each time I re-read it, things that I thought I understood make so much more sense!
I must really commend you. I have often considered the productiveness of the techniques in today's conditions. Unfortunately. all I am able to fish are shallow, muddy ponds from shore so I've never been able to truly use his methods. From what I have been able to attempt, I can totally sympathize with the patience required.
I will be intently following your exploits. Can't wait to see you stick a fatty.
Thanks dR.
and Welcome to BR ~
A-Jay
slonezp reply :
On 7/3/2013 at 8:17 AM, A-Jay said:I'll get a better one here shortly that will show that a bit better - it's like gin my friend.
A-Jay
Then I saw screw fishing and drink up 
A-Jay reply :
On 7/5/2013 at 10:36 PM, slonezp said:Then I saw screw fishing and drink up
What are you Psychic ?
A-Jay
cajunpapi reply :
On 6/6/2013 at 9:29 PM, roadwarrior said:Observations and Conversations With Big O
Mr. Parks is the only "Monster Bass" fisherman I have personally met or fished with.
So, here are a few of things I think you all might find interesting:
1. Goal: Catch the biggest fish on any body of water.
2. Tackle: Multiple rods, but they are ALL the same!
3. Keen sense of "where" the bass should be.
4. No hard baits. As far as I can tell, Big O only fishes Rage Tail baits which he has designed
for specific applications and depths. He does not make his own jigs, but currently fishes Mike's
Seibert Outdoors. Hooks are from Moaner. Weights are both brass and tungsten.
5. Technical presentation that is precise.
6. Professional boat management which includes a COMPLETE understanding of electronics.
Roadwarrior could you clarify the statement multiple rods but they are all the same?
00 mod reply :
Big-O use all St. Croix Rage 7'11'' mh/m rods with Shimano Curados. For every technique.
Jeff
cajunpapi reply :
You did!On 6/20/2013 at 10:47 AM, pbrussell said:I've tried the crawfish boil thing, and they tasted like well... Mud bugs. Maybe I did something wrong in prepping them
cajunpapi reply :
On 7/6/2013 at 11:28 PM, 00 mod said:Big-O use all St. Croix Rage 7'11'' mh/m rods with Shimano Curados. For every technique.
Jeff
[/quote
Thanks 00 MOD just was wondering I need to find out more about BIG O sound like my kind of fisherman
A-Jay reply :
Hello BR and I hope you're all enjoying your Holiday weekend wherever you may be.
I Apologize for not having much to report here recently.
Starting next week I am planning to be on the water more often than not and will be posting up accordingly.
A-Jay
gripnrip reply :
I'm anxious to see how you do night fishing!
A-Jay reply :
Me too.
On 7/7/2013 at 12:43 AM, gripnrip said:I'm anxious to see how you do night fishing!
Me too.
But history has indicated that at least during the heat of summer, I have always been considerably more successful at night.
Generally at night, I'm not fishing as deep as the techniques in the book recommend.
So it remains to be seen if I'll stumble into what I'm looking for not.
A-Jay
A-Jay reply :
Barometer's falling nicely which means I might get rained on.
It's been too long so I'm heading out.
Hoping the fish are thinking about eating.
Going to try stitching a crawfish imitation on deeper main lake points.
Perhaps something from the Berkley or Rage Tail Line of products.
A-Jay
Sam reply :
Outstanding!
Real research in the real world.
Good luck and I will also be following your blog.
Be safe and post those pics.
A-Jay reply :
**** Trip Log ****
Monday 08 July
Fished 6am – 11am / Air temp mid 70’s / Water Temp 74 / Winds SSE 5 kts or less / Started Overcast then Big Fat Rain / Barometer 1013 & falling.
Weather looked promising for an early morning bite today. Forecast was for some clouds and light showers with clearing skies by noon. I anchored up right at sunrise. There was a very low warm fog over the lake that extended into the surrounding pines but no winds at all – air was heavy, wet & still. The kind of morning that makes an angler believe something special in possible.
I stated out on long gradually sloping, main lake point that I’ve always felt had major potential. It has yet to live up to my expectations but on this morning I was anxious to give it another chance. I alternated between a Rainbow Trout Hudd 68 (rof 12) and a stitching rig with a Rage Tail Lobster at the business end. This is the first time I’ve tried stitching a craw. The calm conditions made it quite pleasant to stitch, I was able to feel the rig slither up, over and the through the sparse cover as I worked it along.
The Swim bait did not draw a strike but was flowed several times by some curious keeper size bass.
The Craw did tempt a few of those keeper size bass. Not knowing what I had, that first take on the craw had me pretty amped up. Still, nice to get bit. All the action was on the shallow end of my presentations.
Around 9:30am it started to rain and not long after that, the “showers” turned into quite a bit more.
The lack of electrical activity in the air allowed me to stick it out a while hoping with would let up soon.
I learned this morning that stitching in the rain is not optimum. Rainfall pelting the line makes bite detection somewhat frustrating; time to switch it up. I relocated to fish a drop in front of a deep flat at the entrance to a main lake cove. I went to a deep crank, DD22 HD first time throwing this bait. Worked the whole area shallow to deep and deep to shallow; on 10lb braid and a long cast, this lure gets down there nicely. Sometimes fishing in the rain is quite nice – today was not one of those days; Jambalaya on the crank bait. I was douched. Time to go.
So as I look back at what I’ve done so far, the places I’ve fished, the times and conditions I’ve fished in, the baits and techniques I used and the few fish that I have caught, I’m not really putting anything together here. If anything, I’m starting to believe that perhaps the bigger fish I’m after are actually suspending out over the deeper water during neutral periods.
Once my rig and tackle dry out, I’ll be back at it.
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
Maybe a topwater, or dare I say it a jerkbait presentation might work for those suspended mamas.
00 mod reply :
Jerkbait????
A-Jay reply :
On 7/9/2013 at 2:43 AM, Dwight Hottle said:Maybe a topwater, or dare I say it a jerkbait presentation might work for those suspended mamas.
Could Be . . . . Need to get LC to make a 128 DD
A-Jay
pbrussell reply :
Yes, you didn't catch anything on the deep crank. But, you could be like me this last weekend. First fish I caught was an 8-10 lb flathead throwing a deep runner. Thought I had a new pb for sure...
Then I proceeded to catch a bunch of dinky bass on it. At least I caught something
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 7/9/2013 at 3:12 AM, 00 mod said:Jerkbait????
So as I look back at what I’ve done so far, the places I’ve fished, the times and conditions I’ve fished in, the baits and techniques I used and the few fish that I have caught, I’m not really putting anything together here. If anything, I’m starting to believe that perhaps the bigger fish I’m after are actually suspending out over the deeper water during neutral periods.
If those fish are indeed suspended the crankbait presentation is below them. In clear water suspended fish will rise quite a distance to key in on a distressed bait fish (jerkbait).
A-Jay reply :
On 7/9/2013 at 4:50 AM, Dwight Hottle said:So as I look back at what I’ve done so far, the places I’ve fished, the times and conditions I’ve fished in, the baits and techniques I used and the few fish that I have caught, I’m not really putting anything together here. If anything, I’m starting to believe that perhaps the bigger fish I’m after are actually suspending out over the deeper water during neutral periods.
If those fish are indeed suspended the crankbait presentation is below them. In clear water suspended fish will rise quite a distance to key in on a distressed bait fish (jerkbait).
I do mark quite a few suspended fish.
Some seem to be associating with structure and some do not; or if they are, they're a good distance from it.
The lakes loaded with trout so I've always imagined that's what they were (not really being able to know for sure)
A-Jay
00 mod reply :
On 7/9/2013 at 4:50 AM, Dwight Hottle said:So as I look back at what I’ve done so far, the places I’ve fished, the times and conditions I’ve fished in, the baits and techniques I used and the few fish that I have caught, I’m not really putting anything together here. If anything, I’m starting to believe that perhaps the bigger fish I’m after are actually suspending out over the deeper water during neutral periods.
If those fish are indeed suspended the crankbait presentation is below them. In clear water suspended fish will rise quite a distance to key in on a distressed bait fish (jerkbait).
OK, let me clarify my response before......
Jerkbait??? <--- SARCASM
Coming from MR. Jerkbait himself, I would expect nothing but the answer to be " Jerkbait"
Jeff
slonezp reply :
On 7/9/2013 at 5:07 AM, A-Jay said:I do mark quite a few suspended fish.
Some seem to be associating with structure and some do not; or if they are, they're a good distance from it.
The lakes loaded with trout so I've always imagined that's what they were (not really being able to know for sure)
A-Jay
Throw a jerkbait. or a crank and find out for sure. You've got nothing to lose and possibly can catch yourself some tablefare.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Going against conventional wisdom as discussed in the Hudd thread, if you know the fish are suspended at a certain depth you can still catch them with the swimbait. The Hudds are very easy to countdown to a specific depth and if the fish are active, they'll hit a swimbait in open water.
Key to that is knowing that fish are there and at what depth. Also, if you are fishing open water and having fish slap at the 68, throw a small treble on the bait.
Not sure how (or if) Murphy addresses suspended fish but that's what I would do. Not sure how it would fit into the spirit of the thread if he doesn't specifically address a suspended presentation. I've got limited experience doing this as I don't really encounter suspended fish in my little lakes too much, but when I have encountered them it has been a viable option.
A-Jay reply :
On 7/9/2013 at 10:42 PM, SPEEDBEAD. said:Going against conventional wisdom as discussed in the Hudd thread, if you know the fish are suspended at a certain depth you can still catch them with the swimbait. The Hudds are very easy to countdown to a specific depth and if the fish are active, they'll hit a swimbait in open water.
Key to that is knowing that fish are there and at what depth. Also, if you are fishing open water and having fish slap at the 68, throw a small treble on the bait.
Not sure how (or if) Murphy addresses suspended fish but that's what I would do. Not sure how it would fit into the spirit of the thread if he doesn't specifically address a suspended presentation. I've got limited experience doing this as I don't really encounter suspended fish in my little lakes too much, but when I have encountered them it has been a viable option.
He does talk about suspended fish. His experience led him to fish open water during mid thru late summer; which in this area is right now. I just reviewed this chapter in the book. He talks about open water long line trolling, a technique that is done by such a small select group of anglers, that if it works - no one is talking (or writing) about it. Clearly the thermocline plays a role here. Any and all efforts have to be above it. There is no doubt in my mind that unless Bill was unbelievably lucky, his success using this particular technique must have come very slowing and required hours upon hours of nothing before he started putting together anything close to a pattern here.
The more I think about what's happening on the waters I'm fishing, the more sense this makes. Right now the thermocline on the lake is at about 25 - 30 feet. The water is very clear, you can often see the bottom in 20 ft plus. Without much shoreline cover, there just aren't many places for the fish to hold close to the bank where they can't be seen. This is not going to make them feel safe at all. I don't think it's a stretch to believe that since they can't go down to get away from danger, moving "out" is the only option.
This would make them very hard to find and even harder to catch. Clearly a very time consuming task and not one any tournament angler could reasonably consider which is why I believe that you just don't hear or read about it.
I have the ability (boat & tackle wise) to make a decent attempt at this. Unfortunately this bite is fairly short lived but it's one I don't necessarily have to do at night which provides more fishing time.
Mr. Murphy discusses the lures he found productive and I have some of the same or similar baits. But with this being a trout lake, I'm seriously considering adding a treble to a couple rof 12 or 16 Hudds and slow trolling them up, down and across the open water of the lake. Can't catch any less big bass than I already have so far . . . . .
More to follow.
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
I love it when I can hear the wheels grinding.
A-Jay reply :
On 7/10/2013 at 1:54 AM, Dwight Hottle said:I love it when I can hear the wheels grinding.
I start to get a little worried right after I see and smell the smoke . . . . .
A-Jay
AK-Jax86 reply :
I see people post in here every day, you catch that giant bass yet?
If not stop posting and get fishing lol
AK-Jax86 reply :
Or just take a trip to Lake Baccarac, seems like the trend
A-Jay reply :
On 7/10/2013 at 3:56 AM, AK-NJ1986 said:I see people post in here every day, you catch that giant bass yet?
If not stop posting and get fishing lol
On 7/10/2013 at 3:58 AM, AK-NJ1986 said:Or just take a trip to Lake Baccarac, seems like the trend
After the last trip in the rain - I'm waiting for my boat and gear to dry out. Maybe tonight or tomorrow.
As for heading to Lake Baccarac - been there and have 2 more trips planned.
It's not super easy fishing there - it's just that your efforts are often rewarded with something in the "Holy Smokes" category.
It's really quite a special place - perhaps you should consider it.
A-Jay
AK-Jax86 reply :
Yea I was under the impression that it was easy to fish there I see so many users posting steroid fish that they caught there.On 7/10/2013 at 4:39 AM, A-Jay said:After the last trip in the rain - I'm waiting for my boat and gear to dry out. Maybe tonight or tomorrow.
As for heading to Lake Baccarac - been there and have 2 more trips planned.
It's not super easy fishing there - it's just that your efforts are often rewarded with something in the "Holy Smokes" category.
It's really quite a special place - perhaps you should consider it.
A-Jay
And this is my dream trip! I have a 12 month old so I can't afford to drop 4k to have an amazing fishing experience. My girlfriend knows that I want to take this trip I have a feeling I will be getting a nice gift in the near future from her!!
She even jokes that when we get married and go on our honey moon I can go to Lake Baccarac and she will go somewhere else in Mexico and then we can meet up after my fishing trip. NOW THAT'S A REAL WOMAN lol eventhough I kno she is kidding
A-Jay reply :
I’m making this entry to apologize to the masses. I haven’t been on the water for more than a week and I feel like I’ve left you hanging. Truth is I had an opportunity to turn my “Part Time” Consulting Job into much more. In some ways, it’s a double edged sword; especially since it’s an optional deal. I appreciate the opportunity to broaden my financial horizon but miss the time afloat. Clearly the timing wangs but the $$$ is nothing to sneeze at (and does help support these adventures).
So for the next several weeks away, there will be very few (if any) opportunities to pursue The Fat Bass I’ve been looking for. My future plans are to carve out sufficient time as the weather cools to continue my quest.
You just never know what each new day will bring . . . . . . . .
A-Jay
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
I need a consulting job.
A-Jay reply :
On 7/17/2013 at 3:28 AM, SPEEDBEAD. said:I need a consulting job.
OK we'll switch - send me all your tackle . . . . .
Oh - and you'll have to shave.
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
Make hay while the suns shines. Those big bass will be there when you get back. You know nobody else is pressuring them.
A-Jay reply :
On 7/17/2013 at 4:40 AM, Dwight Hottle said:Make hay while the suns shines. Those big bass will be there when you get back. You know nobody else is pressuring them.
Yes Sir - but easier said than done.
A-Jay
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
On 7/17/2013 at 4:36 AM, A-Jay said:
Oh - and you'll have to shave.
A-Jay
We both know that isn't happening...
Bladesmith, reply :
The pursuit of big bass is a worthy goal but so is the pursuit of a good financial base with which to finance this pursuit and life in general. Go for it. We'll still be here when you have time to get back on the water.
loodkop reply :
Most of us were born to fish, forced to work. Wishing you well in both pursuits.
Brian Needham reply :
A-Jay -
just read all 16 pages, and buddy, let me tell ya. You have more patience in your pinky finger than I display over an entire year.
Hope you get out and do some fall stitching if you feel the need.
A-Jay reply :
On 10/30/2013 at 10:57 AM, Brian Needham said:A-Jay -
just read all 16 pages, and buddy, let me tell ya. You have more patience in your pinky finger than I display over an entire year.
Hope you get out and do some fall stitching if you feel the need.
Thanks - This evolution was much shorter lived than I had hoped and anticipated.
Though the actually fish catching was minimal to say the least, I did learn some things; both about the body of water I chose to fish and about myself. That particular lake, though it does have a healthy population of some of the largest fish in my area, the weed / low lying debris covered bottom does not lend itself to this technique very well at all. And as this is The Slowest presentation I've ever fished, doing this for a while changed my perspective when fishing other baits slowly. So in that sense, I think it helped me.
I didn't like coming up so short in the results department so I'd like to take another shot at it again next season. I do believe I'll have to select a different lake. The experience has led me to believe that this is similar to Big Swim bait fishing in that it's a method / presentation that an angler must commit to.
Virtually all of my above average size bass caught in this area have come in the spring and fall. I was looking for a method to perhaps but a few in the boat in between these early and late season runs. Stitching was taking me to spots I hadn't fished and presenting a bait in completely different manner. I still believe this can work here, but clearly I was not able to really give it much of a chance. I also learned that this method is much less taxing physically than some presentations but is quite an exercise in slow movement mental focus and concentration. Additionally, a lot goes into the details before and while you're on the water.
Finally as for me having a lot of patience, there may be less truth to that than you think.
(Just ask Jeff But, I like a good challenge and the opportunity to do something so different was intriguing, still is. The hardest part of it all is Controlling your mind. Admittedly there was long, long periods where nothing was going on but the anticipation and possibilities, made it pretty Intense.
A-Jay
Grizzn N Bassin reply :
ajay i did read a lot of posts in this thread.. i read the book about 6 times and im on my 7th.. a lot fo patience is needed.. and does help you with other baits.. i was just wondering what was the biggest bass you pulled out of your lake this year?
also stitching is awesome. I've only got one fish doing that.
I felt the fish pick up the worm , let her swim with for a while as she took up the slack and then i set the hook! She was just like the pictures illustrated in the book. where the bass takes is off the rocks and swims away! but in cold weather i find it hard to do just because my fingers go numb. Hopefully next year you have a better of go of things using his techniques!
A-Jay reply :
For the purposes of this project, the largest fish I landed was this one that took a Hudd.
Funny thing is, the few times I was able to get out for some mid and late summer night time spinner bait fishing, the numbers & quality of fish was much better.
A-Jay
5dollarsplash reply :
A-Jay, I feel your pain on the muck bottoms. So many local lakes have muck or mud bottoms here, it really makes it a struggle.
What I did, and winters a great time for it, is pour through a lake map book or dnr site. I've got a hit list of bodies of water around me all ready for next year that have sand or rock bottoms. I'm sure you've already done this yourself, but to save others the trouble/struggle I figured I'd mention it here.
A-Jay reply :
On 11/1/2013 at 10:20 PM, 5dollarsplash said:A-Jay, I feel your pain on the muck bottoms. So many local lakes have muck or mud bottoms here, it really makes it a struggle.
What I did, and winters a great time for it, is pour through a lake map book or dnr site. I've got a hit list of bodies of water around me all ready for next year that have sand or rock bottoms. I'm sure you've already done this yourself, but to save others the trouble/struggle I figured I'd mention it here.
Thanks for the sympathy & the Info.
The few sand bottom lakes in this are usually are very good smb, walleye & trout waters. Not a bad thing really but somewhat counter productive to my goals here.
The MI DNR just recently updated the lake maps on line. So I'll be checking them out for new intel.
A-Jay
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