Bass Fishing Blasphemy 2024

JoeD320 reply :

Kind of interested to see what you guys do that's considered "wrong" in the bass fishing world. For me, it's my total lack of use of spinnerbaits. I do not find them affective and would much rather throw a lipless crank. Now maybe I'm missing something in regards to fishing a spinner, but that's heresay.

What are some things you guys do/don't that would make the old schoolers break a sweat?

38 Super Fan reply :

I went over a year once without putting a spinning rod in my boat. I don't need no sissy finesse gear!

Senko lover reply :

*looks around to make sure @WRB isn't looking* *takes a deep breath*

I don't use pork on my jigs

JoeD320 reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 9:54 AM, 38 Super Fan said:

I went over a year once without putting a spinning rod in my boat. I don't need no sissy finesse gear!

I often do the same. But my goal for this next season is to do more finesse fishing. Hopefully it will increase my catches when the bite is tough!

papajoe222 reply :

I like to go against the grain whenever possible. By that I mean throwing something different color, size, or action wise. I'll go with a large profile or a fast retrieve in cold water, or when the bite is tough. One thing that drives my fishing buddies to drink, not really because they drink anyway, is throwing top-water in the middle of the day and out in the middle of nowhere.

JoeD320 reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 10:50 AM, papajoe222 said:

I like to go against the grain whenever possible. By that I mean throwing something different color, size, or action wise. I'll go with a large profile or a fast retrieve in cold water, or when the bite is tough. One thing that drives my fishing buddies to drink, not really because they drink anyway, is throwing top-water in the middle of the day and out in the middle of nowhere.

I tend to throw top water a lot mid day as well. But I stick more to pads or thick clumps of duckweed. But, some of my best fishing days have been mid day

RMax reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 9:55 AM, Senko lover said:

*looks around to make sure @WRB isn't looking* *takes a deep breath*

I don't use pork on my jigs

Same. I use craws/creatures.

scaleface reply :

I have never used a Yamamoto Senko .

Darren. reply :

I don't need to use no casting reel to be a

good bass fisherman. Spinning gear gets

the job done. Period.

Disclaimer: I have and use casting gear, and

am quite proficient in said gear. But my

blasphemous statement stands.

flyingmonkie reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 10:55 AM, JoeD320 said:

I tend to throw top water a lot mid day as well. But I stick more to pads or thick clumps of duckweed. But, some of my best fishing days have been mid day

Nothing wrong about that!

Jar11591 reply :

I cast and reel everything with my right hand, so I do that dreaded switch of the hands that I don't even notice its so quick.

flyingmonkie reply :

I use a snap swivel on EVERYTHING!

IndianaFinesse reply :

I use spinning gear for frogs.

QUAKEnSHAKE reply :

Use ned rig with baitcaster
Use braid with crankbaits/all lures
Use 10-15-20 test braid on baitcasters
Run straight braid no leader even in very clear waters
I eat bananas on a boat

flyingmonkie reply :

+1 for bananas on the boat!

JoeD320 reply :

I have lost countless fish because I take one set of trebles off my lipless cranks for weedy situations

soflabasser reply :

Using spinning gear for all my techniques.

On 2/11/2017 at 11:31 AM, IndianaFinesse said:

I use spinning gear for frogs.

I also use spinning gear for frogs,it works quite well contrary to what many "pros" say.

soflabasser reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 10:50 AM, papajoe222 said:

I like to go against the grain whenever possible. By that I mean throwing something different color, size, or action wise. I'll go with a large profile or a fast retrieve in cold water, or when the bite is tough. One thing that drives my fishing buddies to drink, not really because they drink anyway, is throwing top-water in the middle of the day and out in the middle of nowhere.

I have caught bass on topwaters in every hour of the day and in some of the worst possible conditions possible for top water and still catch bass. I keep a open mind and always think outside the box,since it's what has helped me catch +8 pound bass in some highly pressured waters where most people would consider a waste of time to fish.

A-Jay reply :

A-Jay

blckshirt98 reply :

Jig is arguably my lowest confidence bait.

IndianaFinesse reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 1:07 PM, soflabasser said:

Using spinning gear for all my techniques.

I also use spnnning gear for frogs,it works quite well contrary to what many "pros" say.

I don't use spinning gear for everything, but I do use it for skipping and frogs (and obviously finesse). I almost always use spinning gear for skipping because I can skip a lot farther with it than with casting gear, and I spend a lot of time skipping frogs so my frog rod is a 7' medium heavy spinning rod that fishes more like a heavy. Another reason I prefer spinning for frogs is I throw a lot of small frogs that only weigh 1/4 ounce, and I can't cast a 1/4 ounce frog very far with casting gear. It just has to much air resistance and to little weight, at least for me. Never had a problem with not having enough power to winch the bass out of the slop, granted I don't fish Florida caliber muck, but I have horsed a couple legit five pounders out from some thick brush and weeds with a spinning rod.

Bluebasser86 reply :

I fish topwater all day long.

I fish shallow even when it's hot outside.

I sold my Shimano reels to buy Pfluegars.

S. Sass reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 11:21 AM, scaleface said:

I have never used a Yamamoto Senko .

On 2/11/2017 at 11:29 AM, Jar11591 said:

I cast and reel everything with my right hand, so I do that dreaded switch of the hands that I don't even notice its so quick.

On 2/11/2017 at 11:45 AM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

Run straight braid no leader even in very clear waters

I do all of the above.

JoeD320 reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 3:11 PM, S. Sass said:

I do all of the above.

Do you guys have problems running straight braid with hugs and such? Does it REALLY make a difference?

S. Sass reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 3:20 PM, JoeD320 said:

Do you guys have problems running straight braid with hugs and such? Does it REALLY make a difference?

Hugs? You lost me...

Personally most of my waters are not crystal clear to start with. But sometimes it is pretty clear and most of the time it is slightly stained. All that in consideration I have never found running straight braid to end or slow the bite. All I can say is A rigs, Spinnerbaits, and I am sure other baits like huge wood fish with hinges get bit all the time.

If the difference in a small semi clear mono or fluoro line is that much better than braid to you and makes you feel better by all means add a extra knot to your line and have at it and whatever else floats your boat. Nothing anyone else believes should dictate what you should or shouldn't try. What works for me or anyone else may not be the ticket for you. That is what is great about fishing.

clh121787 reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 9:54 AM, 38 Super Fan said:

On 2/11/2017 at 9:54 AM, 38 Super Fan said:

I went over a year once without putting a spinning rod in my boat. I don't need no sissy finesse gear!

My boat has never seen a spinning rod. I can't even operate them goofy suckers

JoeD320 reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 3:29 PM, S. Sass said:

Hugs? You lost me...

Personally most of my waters are not crystal clear to start with. But sometimes it is pretty clear and most of the time it is slightly stained. All that in consideration I have never found running straight braid to end or slow the bite. All I can say is A rigs, Spinnerbaits, and I am sure other baits like huge wood fish with hinges get bit all the time.

If the difference in a small semi clear mono or fluoro line is that much better than braid to you and makes you feel better by all means add a extra knot to your line and have at it and whatever else floats your boat. Nothing anyone else believes should dictate what you should or shouldn't try. What works for me or anyone else may not be the ticket for you. That is what is great about fishing.

I meant jigs not hugs haha

S. Sass reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 3:48 PM, JoeD320 said:

I meant jigs not hugs haha

I have used straight braid with a typical jig with no issues. I actually prefer it at times for the sensitivity and hook setting ability. Strait braid is not a problem driving a nice meat hook home.

ww2farmer reply :

I fish shallow year round...........you would be surprised how many big fish are in the dirt when there is still ice on the lake, or when the water is boiling hot

I fish deep year round...........you would be surprised how many fish never leave deeper water, even in the spring

I fish frogs year round

I use braid for crankbaits..........sometimes with a flouro leader, sometimes without

I use braid for everything.......^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I don't use GYCB senkos

I have not fished my senko alternative (yum dinger) weightless in years

I don't "pose" too often for pictures to be plastered all over social media so Aunt Jenny in the nursing home, Uncle Larry in Montana, and the guys from the fantasy football team can all stand in line to give me a pat on the back.............that and the less people who know what I'm doing the better.

N Florida Mike reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 9:54 AM, 38 Super Fan said:

I went over a year once without putting a spinning rod in my boat. I don't need no sissy finesse gear!

I went 20 years without using casting gear! I started using some casting gear again I n the last year or so but still prefer spinning.Its much easier to skip,casts into the wind better,and easier to get a grip when you're fighting a fish ( to me anyway. )I've caught nearly all my big fish on spinning also.

• I rarely use spinnerbaits either,caught 1 fish on one all year.

• I have never caught a fish on a jig.

•I have no problem with using live bait?

Catt reply :

Who me?

I don't never go against grain!

"hamma" reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 7:16 PM, "hamma" said:

OOOPs, I clicked submit when I shouldnt have,..

What I do that can be considered wrong? I dont use braid. At all, for freshwater angling. I tried it years ago, but scraped it for some reason. But, here I am again at that crossroad, I spooled up some last week for this season on my dropshot rod, (another wrong to some im sure,..LOL),... I broke it in last year with just one smallie, but it was spooled with mono then. So, im looking forward to hopefully doing some dropshotting with a light braid and a flouro leader. I feel that the technique kinda needs that clear leader for the clear smallie waters I fish, as well as the braids sensitivity and hookset.

From frogging to flipping and many other presentations braid fits the bill,... BUT, I kinda look at it like this tho,.. whatever tool that works for you to complete the task? All the power to ya, I utilize the stretch of mono for treble hooked lures, and up the pound test for single hooked lures. And its worked for me, im used to it. The stretch of mono in this case may not produce as well, as the day I caught that smallie, I was getting hits but missing them, so I decided to try out the hooksetting power of a lighter braid, as well as the added sensitivity. So, here I go this season with a braid for bass.

That wrong averted.

HMmmmm,. another wrong? Lately, the actual act of fishing itself Ive been approaching all wrong. Im not getting enough of it!,....lol. Six trips last year? simply visceral, inconceivable, unacceptable and "blasphemy". The year before not much more either. As William Wallace's uncle stated "Thats something we must remedy".,..Segway to 2017's spring time? I hope its in the cards to be ready when the snow melts, and "remedy" my absence.

Wrong not adverted, but to be decided soon.

tholmes reply :

I don't own a baitcasting combo that cost over $200

I don't like braid, and I DETEST flouro line

And the biggest blasphemy of all... Largemouth bass are not my favorite fish to catch. There just the most available to me.

Tom

RoLo reply :

Profane as it may sound, I don't think of a 'jig' as a lure, but merely a 'weighting system'

in which the sinker and hook are unitized (Any shape, any color, skirted or unskirted)

Building on that premise, I often work the bottom of weedbeds without any jig,

by simply combining a T-rigged craw with a rubber punch skirt and spire-pointed sinker

Roger

WTnPuddleJumper reply :

I hate flukes and jerkbaits, although I shouldn't. I'm rough on my gear, and I wear a thong while I fish, backwards, that way I have a place to keep my wallet.

J Francho reply :

I'd rather pull my own wisdom teeth out with channel locks than fish a Carolina rig.

lonnie g reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 11:23 AM, Darren. said:

I don't need to use no casting reel to be a

good bass fisherman. Spinning gear gets

the job done. Period.

Disclaimer: I have and use casting gear, and

am quite proficient in said gear. But my

blasphemous statement stands.

I tend to agree. as long as you are fishing and enjoying it, doesn't really matter. do what you enjoy but never be afraid to try something new.

RoLo reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 12:37 AM, J Francho said:

I'd rather pull my own wisdom teeth out with channel locks than fish a Carolina rig.

And that's exactly why my wisdom teeth are missing, but I used vise-grips

J Francho reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 12:43 AM, RoLo said:

I used vise-grips

Wimp.

CTBassin860 reply :

I've never used a leader

Never fished a true GY senko

Never use spinning gear

I don't have MONO on any of my gear.

On 2/12/2017 at 12:35 AM, RoLo said:

Profane as it may sound, I don't think of a 'jig' as a lure, but merely a 'weighting system'

in which the sinker and hook are unitized (Any shape, any color, skirted or unskirted)

Building on that premise, I often work the bottom of weedbeds without any jig,

by simply combining a T-rigged craw with a punch skirt and bullet sinker

Roger

That must save space actually.

RoLo reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 12:50 AM, MassBassin508 said:

I've never used a leader

Never fished a true GY senko

Never use spinning gear

I don't have MONO on any of my gear.

That must save space actually.

It really does, by streamlining the whole process.

Most importantly, it offers the ultimate in weedless navigation.

Roger

CTBassin860 reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 12:56 AM, RoLo said:

It really does, by streamlining the whole process.

Most importantly, it offers the ultimate in weedless navigation.

Roger

Its like having a bunch of freedom/swing jigs

On 2/12/2017 at 12:59 AM, MassBassin508 said:

Its like having a bunch of freedom/swing jigs

Maybe ill grab tungsten punch weights instead of buying the jigs when I get rid of my lead stuff

2tall79 reply :

I use pork year 'round

I throw deep diving cranks in 3' of water

I throw "spring" lizards in all seasons

I use deep diving cranks as topwater

Oh yeah.....I always use a net

38 Super Fan reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 9:56 AM, JoeD320 said:

I often do the same. But my goal for this next season is to do more finesse fishing. Hopefully it will increase my catches when the bite is tough!

Yeah, I've gone back to brining one lately, and I also plan to get better this year with finesse fishing. Funny thing is, I used to fish Senkos on Spinning gear all the time, that was my go to in fact. Then I got into power fishing and didn't look back for a long time.

david in va reply :

I still use old Zebco 33s ,the ones made in the USA, and the old crème worms and minnows But I am old as dirt too

RoLo reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 3:36 AM, david in va said:

I still use old Zebco 33s ,the ones made in the USA, and the old crème worms and minnows

Though it may be your first post, I believe you're vying for thread-winner

Roger

Darren. reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 3:36 AM, david in va said:

I still use old Zebco 33s ,the ones made in the USA, and the old crème worms and minnows But I am old as dirt too

Welcome aboard, David!

Kudos on the Zebco!

jimf reply :

I use only mono fishing line.

j bab reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 2:32 AM, 2tall79 said:

I use deep diving cranks as topwater

I'd like to hear more about that!

the reel ess reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 11:00 AM, RMax said:

Same. I use craws/creatures.

I don't own but a few jigs and rarely, if ever, use them.

I use straight braid on three combos with no leaders and cheap Big Game mono on the others.

I use old BPS spinnerbaits with cheap swivels. I caught my PB on one.

Scott F reply :

I have never weighed a bass and when my picture is taken holding a fish, I don't "long arm" the fish to make it look bigger than it really is. Shameful I know. They'll probably take away my fishing license for admitting this.

BassWhole! reply :

No techniques, no patterns. I'll continue to catch them wrong thank you.

RoLo reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 4:15 AM, Scott F said:

I have never weighed a bass and when my picture is taken holding a fish, I don't "long arm" the fish to make it look bigger than it really is. Shameful I know. They'll probably take away my fishing license for admitting this.

What's your number buddy?

lonnie g reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 3:53 AM, Darren. said:

Welcome aboard, David!

Kudos on the Zebco!

On 2/12/2017 at 3:36 AM, david in va said:

I still use old Zebco 33s ,the ones made in the USA, and the old crème worms and minnows But I am old as dirt too

I still have my dads old 66 and 606, I'm old too

Turtle135 reply :

1. I only carry two identical baitcasting outfits (7'1" MH Fast, Lews Super Duty, Trilene XT Mono)

2. I have never caught a fish with a wacky rigged stickbait (probably because I never use that presentation).

2tall79 reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 4:11 AM, j bab said:

I'd like to hear more about that!

Any floating bait is a topwater bait....until it isn't. Throw a crankbait next to a log, dock, stump, etc......pause a bit, twitch it a couple times before you begin your retrieve. You'll be amazed how many fish you'll catch on a topwater crank bait.

JoeD320 reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 6:05 AM, 2tall79 said:

Any floating bait is a topwater bait....until it isn't. Throw a crankbait next to a log, dock, stump, etc......pause a bit, twitch it a couple times before you begin your retrieve. You'll be amazed how many fish you'll catch on a topwater crank bait.

Gonnna have to try this

Columbia Craw reply :

I've never fished a bubble gum colored fluke in my life.

HookRz reply :

Whoo_hool! Love this site!!!!!

JoeD320 reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 8:22 AM, HookRz said:

Whoo_hool! Love this site!!!!!

MassYak85 reply :

I used a 5'6" ultralight spinning setup to fish worms (not little dinky worms either) before I knew any better.

CTBassin860 reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 8:30 AM, MassYak85 said:

I used a 5'6" ultralight spinning setup to fish worms (not little dinky worms either) before I knew any better.

My GF throws crankbaits on her pink UL and catches them.

RMax reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 4:13 AM, the reel ess said:

I don't own but a few jigs and rarely, if ever, use them.

I use straight braid on three combos with no leaders and cheap Big Game mono on the others.

I use old BPS spinnerbaits with cheap swivels. I caught my PB on one.

Once again, same. I rarely use jigs, although I am planning on using them more this year. Omaha waters are more suited towards fishing texas rigs. I have three out of my four setups with braid. It seems our only difference is that I tie a leader on my spinning rod and on my MH rod, and that I can't ever catch a fish on a spinnerbait. I don't enjoy throwing spinnerbaits and try as I might, cannot catch a single fish on one, of any size.

MassYak85 reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 8:46 AM, MassBassin508 said:

My GF throws crankbaits on her pink UL and catches them.

I caught plenty of fish doing it but you can imagine the problems I ran into using that setup with 10lb braid on A1 tossing a wacky rig around the clusters of thick lily pads. Anything over 2lbs would pull drag, wrap me up, and I'd have to go get it, and if I was lucky it would still be hooked up. Usually it would get off.

littlefisher reply :

Maybe this isn't too crazy. But I'm never thrown a drop shot. I'm waiting for the Spring Classic sale to specifically buy a setup that I will 100% dedicate to drop shotting this year. I recently moved to the Metro Detroit area and there are tons of lakes with lots of rec boaters so I think it can be super useful to learn.

scaleface reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 11:44 AM, littlefisher said:

Maybe this isn't too crazy. But I'm never thrown a drop shot. I'm waiting for the Spring Classic sale to specifically buy a setup that I will 100% dedicate to drop shotting this year. I recently moved to the Metro Detroit area and there are tons of lakes with lots of rec boaters so I think it can be super useful to learn.

Me either .

RichF reply :

I REFUSE to use a senko.

Mocktopus reply :

Since 2002 until 2016 I used spinning reel on baitcasting rod. I've caught my 3 pb's on this setup.

JoeD320 reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 1:04 PM, Mocktopus said:

Since 2002 until 2016 I used spinning reel on baitcasting rod. I've caught my 3 pb's on this setup.

And the winner is^^

ClackerBuzz reply :

i use braid on all my rods with 12-30ft leaders. my connection knot passes through all guides, wind level and directly onto my spool, every-single-cast.

samwise2u reply :

When setting the hook have been know to give the little fishes flying lessons from one side of the boat to the other. I do apologize and explain to 'em that I thought their granddaddy had bit the soft plastic and that their eyes would uncross after a couple of minutes.

guest reply :

I fish mono attached to a braid leader.

drew4779 reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 2:32 AM, 2tall79 said:

I use deep diving cranks as topwater

It's worked for me as well.

I have never, in nearly 30 years, caught a fish on a lip-less crank or a fluke. I can't explain why I continue carry them or throw them.

Bankbeater reply :

I use mono when topwater fishing. Even with frogs.

UPSmallie reply :

Maybe not too contradictory to some but in the summer my rods never leave my car. It's a moving tackle box. Whenever I'm driving and I feel like bank fishing I never have to go home to pick up my gear.

Mocktopus reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 7:57 PM, JoeD320 said:

And the winner is^^

My rod was stolen from my car and I was given a baitcating rod by a friend not knowing how to use a baitcating reel at the time I bought an underpin reel. I just learned a BC last season.

CTBassin860 reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 11:18 PM, Pilot. said:

I fish mono attached to a braid leader.

You take this back....right now.Your an animal.

N Florida Mike reply :

On 2/13/2017 at 3:34 AM, UPSmallie said:

Maybe not too contradictory to some but in the summer my rods never leave my car. It's a moving tackle box. Whenever I'm driving and I feel like bank fishing I never have to go home to pick up my gear.

I always carry one in my work truck tool box!?

Bassguytom reply :

I have never caught a fish on a frog. For some reason unknown to modern man I keep trying.

Bucky205 reply :

I tie my top water direct without putting the loop.

Dwight Hottle reply :

I will troll a topwater bait like a buzzjet or a whopper plopper.

Brayberry reply :

Everything I do is not considered normal in the fishing community:

I only use mono, 8 - 12 lb test, I've been known to flip and pitch with 8 lb test

I cast and hold the rod with my right hand

I've never caught a bass on a buzzbait

My longest rod is 6'6", but I almost entirely use 6 footers

I catch more and bigger bass swimming a jig then casting, pitching, or flipping them

I swim Flipping Jigs not swim jigs

I catch WAY WAY more fish on Yum Dingers then Senko's

I can't catch a fish on any Rapala product, no idea why

david in va reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 3:47 AM, RoLo said:

Though it may be your first post, I believe you're vying for thread-winner

Roger

Thanks, Roger, I just found this site. may have found it sooner but just found my glasses too

RoLo reply :

On 2/13/2017 at 10:55 AM, david in va said:

Thanks, Roger, I just found this site. may have found it sooner but just found my glasses too

I heard that

Welcome aboard Dave

Roger

soflabasser reply :

Another example of something that I do that is considered blasphemy by some bass fishermen is that I went peacock bass fishing this weekend.Yes it's February and some "experts" say it's not "hot enough" for the peacock bass to bite...... guess what happened?I ended up catching lots of peacock bass,including some biggins(best 5 peacock bass limit weighed well over 20lbs).I went the weekend before with similar results so its safe to say the peacock bass are biting in South Florida,even if its not in the middle of July with +90 degree weather.Goes to show you that its best to think outside the box,and not be a closed minded bass fisherman.

everythingthatswims reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 1:21 PM, A-Jay said:

A-Jay

Say no more

Neil McCauley reply :

What is worse than blasphemy? That'd probably apply for some of my methods. I used to have boxes full of all sorts of bass tackle and rod set-ups but became kind of a minimalist fishing the same types of lake.

-Don't currently own a baitcasting setup, braid line, or any jigs or plastics meant for bass...

-Use mostly crankbaits...and use the same 6'6" fast action med/light rod as for everything else

except fly fishing.

-also only use 8 lb fluoro, only take 1 tray of lures

-Don't make bass a primary target of most trips now.

JoeD320 reply :

What lipless cranks do you guys have luck with besides red eye shads?

scaleface reply :

On 2/14/2017 at 3:15 AM, JoeD320 said:

What lipless cranks do you guys have luck with besides red eye shads?

Bayou Boogies , Traps and Spots .I use to catch a lot of fish on the Pico Perch .

guest reply :

On 2/14/2017 at 3:15 AM, JoeD320 said:

What lipless cranks do you guys have luck with besides red eye shads?

Spro aruko shad lipless

J Francho reply :

On 2/14/2017 at 3:50 AM, Pilot. said:

Spro aruko shad lipless

These are my favorite, too. Especially for fishing rocks and rip rap. For weeds, I use the Boo-Yah Knockers (formerly Xcalibur).

the reel ess reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 1:04 PM, Mocktopus said:

Since 2002 until 2016 I used spinning reel on baitcasting rod. I've caught my 3 pb's on this setup.

If you held it upside down, you win the entire message board.

On 2/14/2017 at 3:15 AM, JoeD320 said:

What lipless cranks do you guys have luck with besides red eye shads?

Rat L Trap and lately the H2O Xpress knockoff from Academy. It actually looks more like a Redeye shad. My buddy uses CC Super Spots.

On 2/13/2017 at 7:26 AM, Bassguytom said:

I have never caught a fish on a frog. For some reason unknown to modern man I keep trying.

When you do you'll be "hooked" on them.

guest reply :

On 2/14/2017 at 4:09 AM, the reel ess said:

If you held it upside down, you win the entire message board.

Rat L Trap and lately the H2O Xpress knockoff from Academy. It actually looks more like a Redeye shad. My buddy uses CC Super Spots.

When you do you'll be "hooked" on them.

I'll pick a cc super spot over a ratl trap any day. Hooks are cheap tho.

Mocktopus reply :

On 2/14/2017 at 4:09 AM, the reel ess said:

If you held it upside down, you win the entire message board.

I held it reel down like a normal underpin.

JoeD320 reply :

On 2/14/2017 at 4:42 AM, Mocktopus said:

I held it reel down like a normal underpin.

You win

TnRiver46 reply :

On 2/14/2017 at 3:28 AM, scaleface said:

Bayou Boogies , Traps and Spots .I use to catch a lot of fish on the Pico Perch .

bayou boogies, my papaws favorite lure. I think they are still produced by heddon, now called the swimming minnow

cgolf reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 11:45 AM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

Use braid with crankbaits/all lures

Run straight braid no leader even in very clear water

Same for me, Fireline on spinning and 50lb Power Pro on BCs, and never had an issue even in gin clear water, but then again I don't fish senkos so I don't have to wait forever for the thing to hit bottom;) I get that it is a confidence thing for some, but growing up using solar XT on gin clear water taught me it doesn't matter.

On 2/13/2017 at 3:34 AM, UPSmallie said:

Maybe not too contradictory to some but in the summer my rods never leave my car. It's a moving tackle box. Whenever I'm driving and I feel like bank fishing I never have to go home to pick up my gear.

I do the same, I usually have at least a spinning rod in my truck and fish before or after work 4-5 times a week.

My favorite spinning rod is an ugly stick.

My favorite bait casting stick is one of those wright McGill blue Clunn rods.

If I have to slow down so much I need a Senko, I won't do it. I own some, but have a hard time getting myself to fish them, especially weightless.

Scent on everything I toss.

NCbassraider reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 11:45 AM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

Use ned rig with baitcaster

Use braid with crankbaits/all lures

Use 10-15-20 test braid on baitcasters

Run straight braid no leader even in very clear waters

I eat bananas on a boat

I Ned on a baitcaster too, and with incredible success.

I now fish braid exclusively with exceptional results. No backing (use elecritical tape on the spool to avoid slipping), no leaders. I don't get the point.

A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link and fishing 40 lb braid on a 15 lb mono leader means you're fishing 15 lb mono with an extra knot increasing risk of failure.

The visibility claim just doesn't hold water for me either. If fish were identifying line they would certainly notice the 3 treble hooks hanging unnaturally off a bait. They don't see and analyze like that, they have tunnel vision when hunting.

As far as stretch, when needed with certain baits, I fish with the drag lighter and stay aware on hook sets.

I've read so many pros say that if they do rig with leaders before a tournament, they almost never tie a leader back on when retying during an event, they just go with straight braid.

the reel ess reply :

On 2/14/2017 at 12:20 PM, NCbassraider said:

I Ned on a baitcaster too, and with incredible success.

I now fish braid exclusively with exceptional results. No backing (use elecritical tape on the spool to avoid slipping), no leaders. I don't get the point.

A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link and fishing 40 lb braid on a 15 lb mono leader means you're fishing 15 lb mono with an extra knot increasing risk of failure.

The visibility claim just doesn't hold water for me either. If fish were identifying line they would certainly notice the 3 treble hooks hanging unnaturally off a bait. They don't see and analyze like that, they have tunnel vision when hunting.

As far as stretch, when needed with certain baits, I fish with the drag lighter and stay aware on hook sets.

I've read so many pros say that if they do rig with leaders before a tournament, they almost never tie a leader back on when retying during an event, they just go with straight braid.

The whole leader vs no leader debate never ends and there are pro anglers on both sides of the argument. Lately, it seems more are in the leader camp. I'm with you. I don't fish gin clear lakes anyway, but fish will bite an umbrella rig. If we can see 5 wires on this contraption they surely can. They can certainly see that a crankbait has no tail and that a spinnerbait really doesn't look like fish. But they still react to them when they're hungry or active.

budgetbassin reply :

-I cast and reel everything I own including spinning with my right hand.

-90% of the time I use spinning tackle for everything even frogs (1/4 oz frog fished with 20lb braid on medium power rod with great success)

-Use braid for about 95% of situations always tied direct

-Believe fluorocarbon to be a marketing gimmick for the most part (if it is "invisible" why do panfish still strike at it on top of the water before it sinks)

scaleface reply :

Does anyone use mono with a braid leader ?

J Francho reply :

Copoly (CXX), not mono.

Wait, nevermind, lol.

riverbasser reply :

On 2/15/2017 at 3:47 AM, scaleface said:

Does anyone use mono with a braid leader ?

I do. 30 yards of mono and then a 100 yard braid leader connected with alberto knot

.ghoti. reply :

Seems to me the majority here use braid. I despise the stuff, and refuse to use it. Blasphemy? If you say so.

Alao, Ive never caught a Bass over 10" long with a trap, or any other lipless bait. I quit carrying them with years ago. Then went on trip to Stick Marsh with George Welcome. Caught nice fish on a trap, so I dug out a box full from the garage and put it in my crank bag. Took it back out at the end of the season because all I could catch on them were dinks. This time I gave them all away. Blasphemy? Maybe so, but these baits have no place in my tackle bags.

J Francho reply :

I dislike braid, too. But it's a necessary evil. Truthfully, I dislike anything that isn't a topwater, drop shot, or spinnerbait. But I fish other stuff that isn't a C-rig.

.ghoti. reply :

On 2/15/2017 at 4:39 AM, J Francho said:

I dislike braid, too. But it's a necessary evil. Truthfully, I dislike anything that isn't a topwater, drop shot, or spinnerbait. But I fish other stuff that isn't a C-rig.

I'm with you on the C-rig. Can't remember the last time I had one tied on. It's been quite a while.

Necessary evil. Nope. Not necessary, just evil. LOL

the reel ess reply :

On 2/15/2017 at 4:39 AM, J Francho said:

I dislike braid, too. But it's a necessary evil. Truthfully, I dislike anything that isn't a topwater, drop shot, or spinnerbait. But I fish other stuff that isn't a C-rig.

I'd rather catch one bass on a topwater than two on a subsurface lure. Maybe three. I love thiose YouTube videos of dramatic topwater explosions.

Dinky reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 11:18 PM, Pilot. said:

I fish mono attached to a braid leader.

I've seen two Elite Pros do this exact thing in clear water when fishing top water lures.

Can you guess why?

On 2/15/2017 at 6:37 AM, Dinky said:

I've seen two Elite Pros do this exact thing in clear water when fishing top water lures.

Can you guess why?

I mis read your post.

I thought you said braid with a mono leader. My bad.

The two pros fished braid with a mono leader, as I said.

Not mono with a braid as you posted.

Sorry i mis read your post.

In any event, can you guess why they would use a mono leader on braid in clear water for top water lures?

IndianaFinesse reply :

On 2/15/2017 at 6:37 AM, Dinky said:

In any event, can you guess why they would use a mono leader on braid in clear water for top water lures?

I use braid with a mono leader for topwater (obviously besides frogs) because the mono is less prone to tangling with the hooks.

JustinJ reply :

Throwing spooks in mid to upper 40 degree water and catching 5- 6lbers

shimmy reply :

I dont use braid.

My clothes are not matching or stylish when i fish. Socks in sandles.

I used a hammer as an anchor.

I sing A LOT when fishing and half the time it is a stupid song or tune i hate.

Bananas in boat.

Never sight fish.

When i catch a big fish, i will spend half of the rest of the day going back to the livewell and stare at the fish.

I dont do the tough guy, im so bad, i am pretending this is normal so i wont smile look after a big fish. I have to smile.

I dont need to do instructional youtube videos since people can just use their eye balls to see what im doing if they feel like it. Plus nothing i do is innovative. I just copy what i have seen other people do that is successful. I may feel like i am soing something new, but i probably subconsciously remember it from something i saw or heard.

Josh Smith reply :

I use round reels. No low profile.

Josh

the reel ess reply :

On 2/15/2017 at 10:45 AM, shimmy said:

I dont use braid.

My clothes are not matching or stylish when i fish. Socks in sandles.

I used a hammer as an anchor.

I sing A LOT when fishing and half the time it is a stupid song or tune i hate.

Bananas in boat.

Never sight fish.

When i catch a big fish, i will spend half of the rest of the day going back to the livewell and stare at the fish.

I dont do the tough guy, im so bad, i am pretending this is normal so i wont smile look after a big fish. I have to smile.

I dont need to do instructional youtube videos since people can just use their eye balls to see what im doing if they feel like it. Plus nothing i do is innovative. I just copy what i have seen other people do that is successful. I may feel like i am soing something new, but i probably subconsciously remember it from something i saw or heard.

When I was a kid my dad really wanted a pontoon so he got one. I really wanted a fishing boat so I fished from the pontoon. We used a cinder block for an anchor exclusively because the pontoon was like a sail when the breeze picked up. We would use two blocks if it was "whitecapping in the commode."

On 2/15/2017 at 11:51 AM, Josh Smith said:

I use round reels. No low profile.

Josh

I still have two of these that I bought for striper fishing. I even had a sideplate with clicker put on them. They're like new because I never use them anymore.

Jacob Phelps reply :

I rarely ever use jigs or spinnerbaits. Haven't had much success on spinners and just never bought a jig before. I learned most of my bass fishing on spinning setups so I could fish with just spinning rods and reels.

Ratherbfishing reply :

When I go stripper fishing, I carry a lot of ones.

jimf reply :

At one power plant cooling lake I fish if bass fishing is slow and the carp are in the shallows I'll change the itenerary of the day to fly fishing for carp. There is also a fair chance that you will find a dozen or so nightcrawlers in the cooler in case I get bored bass fishing and decide to pop some panfish. And, occasionally, I will fly fish for carp with a nightcrawler on a bass fishing trip.

kickerfish1 reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 9:55 AM, Senko lover said:

*looks around to make sure @WRB isn't looking* *takes a deep breath*

I don't use pork on my jigs

It's ok Kyle...I dont use the "other white meat" either.

JoeD320 reply :

Have a 3 day stretch of 60+ days and sun. Might actually get out in Sunday. What should I throw besides a jig ?

the reel ess reply :

On 2/17/2017 at 7:32 AM, JoeD320 said:

Have a 3 day stretch of 60+ days and sun. Might actually get out in Sunday. What should I throw besides a jig ?

Rat L Trap fished as slowly as possible.

corn-on-the-rob reply :

When I tell people your braid will last an entire season longer if you don't add backing.

1. Fill spool completely with braid.

2. use until not enough braid on spool

3. NOW add backing, use same braid. BOOM

RichD913 reply :

On 2/17/2017 at 7:32 AM, JoeD320 said:

Have a 3 day stretch of 60+ days and sun. Might actually get out in Sunday. What should I throw besides a jig ?

The opposite of what your brother is throwing

JoeD320 reply :

On 2/18/2017 at 1:43 AM, RichD913 said:

The opposite of what your brother is throwing

Good post bro

bigfruits reply :

out of dozens of rods not one has a moderate action.

scaleface reply :

In use a short pistol grip rod for top waters .

Gundog reply :

Haven't caught any fish on that darn whopper plopper. Right now its sitting on my coffee table and I'm trying to decide whether I should put it in the tackle box or just leave it where it is.

BassAssassin726 reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 9:47 AM, JoeD320 said:

Kind of interested to see what you guys do that's considered "wrong" in the bass fishing world. For me, it's my total lack of use of spinnerbaits. I do not find them affective and would much rather throw a lipless crank. Now maybe I'm missing something in regards to fishing a spinner, but that's heresay.

What are some things you guys do/don't that would make the old schoolers break a sweat?

Oddly enough I feel the same way about lipless cranks. Worthless for me. Lol. And spinnerbaits are one of my go to baits. Always have one tied on. Lol

BILLYsobx reply :

I put five buzzbaits on my A-Rig that I fish with a 6' M spinning rod and 8# mono....

IntroC reply :

Can't stand using fluorocarbon fishing line.

Scott F reply :

On 3/5/2017 at 8:49 PM, IntroC said:

Can't stand using fluorocarbon fishing line.

That's not blasphemy, that just shows what an intelligent, experienced, dedicated and outstanding fisherman you must be!

Jaderose reply :

I've never taken a picture of a fish I've caught. I have ZERO confidence in jigs.

Mike L reply :

I Love Flouro line...Use it on all but 2 setup's

Can't stand mono..see no need for it

Don't tie a leader on anything...see no need for it.

Haven't used a spinning rod in 5 years (except for salt water)

And no, none of that is a misprint

And to answer a pm..I don't do drugs

Mike

hoosierbass07 reply :

Here's a big blasphemy - I've almost forgotten how to tie the palomar knot. And, I don't think I tied it at all last year because I've been using the Trilene knot almost exclusively.

Another blasphemy - I have a dozen or so Japanese crankbaits and none of them have hit the water!

And another - I hate fluorocarbon and don't like braid either. I'm a mono/ copolymer fisherman.

And... although I use crankbaits, I think they are mostly a gimmick/macho man lure.

Finally, I don't like big pitching jigs because they never work where I fish.

the reel ess reply :

On 2/17/2017 at 11:55 PM, corn-on-the-rob said:

When I tell people your braid will last an entire season longer if you don't add backing.

1. Fill spool completely with braid.

2. use until not enough braid on spool

3. NOW add backing, use same braid. BOOM

You can do 1 & 2, add backing to another reel, then reel up the old braid onto the new reel. BOOM! New (free) braid!

Preytorien reply :

This is easily the best thread I've ever seen on this site

GoCougs14 reply :

Yeah definitely awesome thread. I cant think of anything I do thats too unique yet, still figuring out my "style" so to speak.

BILLYsobx reply :

I can HONESTLY say I haven't thrown a jig in the past year. I have them but I never need to throw them. It's boring......

soflabasser reply :

I often use saltwater lures for bass and freshwater lures for saltwater fish.For example,I have caught bass on saltwater jigs and caught inshore snook on spinnerbaits.

the reel ess reply :

On 3/6/2017 at 8:40 PM, soflabasser said:

I often use saltwater lures for bass and freshwater lures for saltwater fish.For example,I have caught bass on saltwater jigs and caught inshore snook on spinnerbaits.

I have a leftover bag of Gulp Mullet. Have you ever caught a bass on one?

Ersteman reply :

When I started fishing, I used 3 overhand knots to tie on lures. I didn't catch many fish over 12 inches, but the ones I did broke off a lot.

I'm left handed, but I use right handed bait casters and for spinning reels I put the handle on the right side.

I cut the tail down on a soft plastic lizard and use them as jig trailers.

I'm afraid to boat flip fish. Haven't broken a rod yet!

I don't know how to use a fish finder.

I didn't know what a drag was when I started fishing, but I found out after losing a 5 pound catfish.

I bought my first baitcaster reel over 15 years ago. I threw it out b/c I didn't know how to set it up and cast it.

MTBassin reply :

I hate GY senkos. I only used 2 out of a pack before switching. Too expensive and too fragile for my liking. I use Yum Dingers. Also never caught a bass on a spinner bait. For the trifecta, I caught most of my frog fish in the middle of the day on a spinning rod set up with braid.

BigSkyBasser reply :

When I'm broke/cheap I crimp split shot weights onto my drop shot leader....

ToadTugger01 reply :

I use braided with a flouro leader regardless the lure

On 3/6/2017 at 4:39 PM, BILLYsobx said:

I can HONESTLY say I haven't thrown a jig in the past year. I have them but I never need to throw them. It's boring......

No, what's boring is feeling in something constantly without putting in any of your own action.

Preytorien reply :

So here's what I'd say mine is....

I hate jigs. I really have given them a good shake. I probably have 10-15 great Siebert jigs that just hang on a peghook on my bait board.

I don't use, and won't use Flouro anymore other than the occasional leader. Which I'm quickly eliminating leaders from any of my fishing...which segways into...

I use braid for EVERYthing. It's strong, casts well, has almost no memory. I used to use mono, and for a brief time flouro, but I lost some GREAT fish that wouldn't have been lost if I used braid. So I made the switch and the confidence is reassuring.

I'm right handed - exclusively use left hand reels, I guess a carryover from my left hand spinning reels

I love spybaits, and I love the quality of Duo Realis spybaits, but I realistically almost never catch anything with them

Out of ALLLLLL the lures in my arsenal and tackle bags, I really only do consistently well with about 7 of them. I've considered just getting a small tackle bag and just only carrying the ones I know I'll catch with, but I haven't yet brought myself to that level of I-don't-need-ism.

the reel ess reply :

On 3/7/2017 at 3:52 AM, BigSkyBasser said:

When I'm broke/cheap I crimp split shot weights onto my drop shot leader....

That's just smart. I'm not even smart enough to give drop shot a good chance.

A few times last season I used a split shot rig, which is just a poor man's Carolina rig or a "finesse C rig." It's a killer rig for getting bites when NOTHING will get a bite. After it worked, I switched to a regular (but lightweight) C-rig though because the fish don't feel the weight of it.

soflabasser reply :

On 3/6/2017 at 10:44 PM, the reel ess said:

I have a leftover bag of Gulp Mullet. Have you ever caught a bass on one?

Haven't used Gulp Swimming Mullet yet, but it looks like it will make a good trailer for a spinnerbait or jig.

scaleface reply :

whoops , wrong thread .

BigSkyBasser reply :

On 3/7/2017 at 5:38 AM, the reel ess said:

That's just smart. I'm not even smart enough to give drop shot a good chance.

A few times last season I used a split shot rig, which is just a poor man's Carolina rig or a "finesse C rig." It's a killer rig for getting bites when NOTHING will get a bite. After it worked, I switched to a regular (but lightweight) C-rig though because the fish don't feel the weight of it.

C Rigs and Split Shot rigs are something I don't play around with enough despite how well they work around here. I think I just forget about them because I've never had a tough enough day recently that couldn't be fixed with a drop shot or a weedless senko.

Some of the boaters that I fish with have won tournaments and caught state record fish exclusively on Carolina rigs and swear by dragging them around humps for ENORMOUS smallmouth.

OneShotOneKill reply :

I don't know if it's blasphemous, But I can never bring myself to leave any tackle behind in the truck. Even if I'm fishing a swamp out of a kayak that's 100% covered in pads and vegetation and the only thing ill be doing is froggin and punchin...I still have to have my three tackle boxes of jerk baits and crank baits in the boat. I don't know why...It's my tackle and i feel warm and fuzzy when it's with me. makes me feel like gollum sometimes. "My precious!"

Loomis13 reply :

I guess mine isnt too blasphemous but I just bought an Avid X medium fast for crankin'. I just cant do the moderate action rods...

mllrtm79 reply :

I was using my Shimano Caenan reel yesterday, and had the thought "I really wish I had brought my black max instead"

NYWayfarer reply :

sometimes, just sometimes I would rather fish for Bluegills than Bass.

J Francho reply :

I fish for trout with bass pattern swimbaits.

.ghoti. reply :

On 3/7/2017 at 11:55 PM, J Francho said:

I fish for trout with bass pattern swimbaits.

I have actually caught brown trout with a baby Bass color super fluke. What goes around comes around.

Team9nine reply :

Hmmm....

I've fished shakyhead, cranks and topwaters with a 14" or longer tag line just to prove to myself the bass don't care.

I haven't thrown a traditional Texas-rigged worm in nearly a decade, or a Carolina rig in nearly 2 decades.

I honestly can't remember the last spinnerbait fish I caught.

I've spent days not setting the hook on fish just because I wanted to see how long they'd hold certain baits.

I only have a single bait caster at the moment spooled with mono, and only 1 spooled with braid (frog rod). Everything else is straight fluorocarbon.

I haven't used any type of scent or spray in nearly 30 years.

RoLo reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 12:56 AM, Team9nine said:

Hmmm....

I've fished shakyhead, cranks and topwaters with a 14" or longer tag line just to prove to myself the bass don't care.

I haven't thrown a traditional Texas-rigged worm in nearly a decade, or a Carolina rig in nearly 2 decades.

I honestly can't remember the last spinnerbait fish I caught.

I've spent days not setting the hook on fish just because I wanted to see how long they'd hold certain baits.

I only have a single bait caster at the moment spooled with mono, and only 1 spooled with braid (frog rod). Everything else is straight fluorocarbon.

I haven't used any type of scent or spray in nearly 30 years.

WOW, that's a keeper right there...Keep up the good work!!

I thought I had the blasphemy market cornered, but I'm afraid you've got me beat

Roger

RichF reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 12:56 AM, Team9nine said:

I've fished shakyhead, cranks and topwaters with a 14" or longer tag line just to prove to myself the bass don't care.

HA! My dad does this with his jigs because I always bust his chops about it. He still catches just as many as I do.

NCbassraider reply :

On 3/7/2017 at 5:18 AM, Preytorien said:

I don't use, and won't use Flouro anymore other than the occasional leader. Which I'm quickly eliminating leaders from any of my fishing...which segways into...

I use braid for EVERYthing. It's strong, casts well, has almost no memory. I used to use mono, and for a brief time flouro, but I lost some GREAT fish that wouldn't have been lost if I used braid. So I made the switch and the confidence is reassuring.

I'm straight braid as well. No leaders, they're unnecessary and just ad another complication that can go wrong. No backing either, straight braid to reel with a little electrical tape to prevent slipping.

My fishing life is so less complicated now and I love it. My hookup rate is much improved, I almost never have a backlash but when I do, it's simple to pull out and I don't worry about lack of stretch. I fish with the drag a little looser, problem solved...if there was one.

SOCALFISHIN reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 12:56 AM, Team9nine said:

Hmmm....

I've fished shakyhead, cranks and topwaters with a 14" or longer tag line just to prove to myself the bass don't care.

I haven't thrown a traditional Texas-rigged worm in nearly a decade, or a Carolina rig in nearly 2 decades.

I honestly can't remember the last spinnerbait fish I caught.

I've spent days not setting the hook on fish just because I wanted to see how long they'd hold certain baits.

I only have a single bait caster at the moment spooled with mono, and only 1 spooled with braid (frog rod). Everything else is straight fluorocarbon.

I haven't used any type of scent or spray in nearly 30 years.

Very curious as to which baits they held on to the longest.

I'd greatly appreciate a top 5.

Thanks!

the reel ess reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 12:56 AM, Team9nine said:

Hmmm....

I've fished shakyhead, cranks and topwaters with a 14" or longer tag line just to prove to myself the bass don't care.

I haven't thrown a traditional Texas-rigged worm in nearly a decade, or a Carolina rig in nearly 2 decades.

I honestly can't remember the last spinnerbait fish I caught.

I've spent days not setting the hook on fish just because I wanted to see how long they'd hold certain baits.

I only have a single bait caster at the moment spooled with mono, and only 1 spooled with braid (frog rod). Everything else is straight fluorocarbon.

I haven't used any type of scent or spray in nearly 30 years.

If you were fishing with a Chigger Craw they'd still have it.

J Francho reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 12:29 AM, .ghoti. said:

I have actually caught brown trout with a baby Bass color super fluke. What goes around comes around.

Brown trout eat ANYTHING. I've found bees, mice, worms, a god knows what cleaning them. I know a guy that throws mouse pattern flies for them.

hoosierbass07 reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 12:56 AM, Team9nine said:

I haven't thrown a traditional Texas-rigged worm in nearly a decade,

Wow, that is really blasphemous!

Team9nine reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 2:16 AM, SOCALFISHIN said:

Very curious as to which baits they held on to the longest.

I'd greatly appreciate a top 5.

Thanks!

Don't have an exact list of specific baits, but I can tell you a variety of soft plastics are at the top. I've had them hold onto trick worms and the like for 45 seconds or more. Others like tubes and shakeyheads can easily go half a minute. All these are not scented outside of whatever the manufacturer may have put in. After that, jigs are probably next longest. Can often get 10 or 20 seconds out of one, and sometimes they'll spit/drop it and then grab it right back again. Hard plastic baits are a little harder to judge. I've bent down hooks on cranks and removed them from topwaters. Seems like you've got a few seconds but it's tougher to judge, especially cranks which can be hard to tell a hit in he first place. Frogs and toads will go for a bit if the fish has room to run, otherwise line tension either gets them to drop it or pulls it out of their mouth. Soft plastics in general are that way it seems. If a fish can run with the bait they seem to hold it longer than if they're tight in cover and you drop it on their head with no place for them to go.

On 3/8/2017 at 3:23 AM, hoosierbass07 said:

Wow, that is really blasphemous!

I've never been a fan. When I fished tourneys I always preferred a jig because I could fish it faster and feel cover better. I only carried 1 bag of worms as a desperation measure.

wisconsin heat reply :

This thread is making me Sick!

JustinCT reply :

I have never used a baitcaster and have no plans to. Don't fish texas, or carolina rigged worms. Almost never throw jigs. Yeesh, that sounds bad after typing it out.

SOCALFISHIN reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 3:24 AM, Team9nine said:

Don't have an exact list of specific baits, but I can tell you a variety of soft plastics are at the top. I've had them hold onto trick worms and the like for 45 seconds or more. Others like tubes and shakeyheads can easily go half a minute. All these are not scented outside of whatever the manufacturer may have put in. After that, jigs are probably next longest. Can often get 10 or 20 seconds out of one, and sometimes they'll spit/drop it and then grab it right back again. Hard plastic baits are a little harder to judge. I've bent down hooks on cranks and removed them from topwaters. Seems like you've got a few seconds but it's tougher to judge, especially cranks which can be hard to tell a hit in he first place. Frogs and toads will go for a bit if the fish has room to run, otherwise line tension either gets them to drop it or pulls it out of their mouth. Soft plastics in general are that way it seems. If a fish can run with the bait they seem to hold it longer than if they're tight in cover and you drop it on their head with no place for them to go.

I've never been a fan. When I fished tourneys I always preferred a jig because I could fish it faster and feel cover better. I only carried 1 bag of worms as a desperation measure.

Thank you very much! Great information here.

-BK

scaleface reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 4:36 AM, JustinCT said:

I have never used a baitcaster and have no plans to. Don't fish texas, or carolina rigged worms. Almost never throw jigs. Yeesh, that sounds bad after typing it out.

What are you , a perch jerker ?

dmainor reply :

I fish spinning lures with a Popeo Pocket Fisherman i keep in the car for when I drive by water than looks just too good to pass up. It works. Not great, but it works.

Dug

toni63 reply :

When I get bored and the bass aren't biting, I keep some crappie tackle rigged up and with me and fish for crappie.

bagofdonuts reply :

I think bass are delicious. There I said it.

Dmacster1 reply :

On 2/12/2017 at 4:05 AM, jimf said:

I use only mono fishing line.

I only use 12lb test mono on my baitcasters because I hate trying to untangle braid backlashes. My top water rod is a 7 foot medium abu that is missing the last eyelet. I fish in a sit inside "touring kayak" that I somehow fit inside my car with all the windows and doors closed. I caught my pb on a 6'6" medium Hank Parker rod that I got from walmart for $13.

Silas reply :

I only carried one ice chest. ( no live well).

Cold drinks and sandwiches stored on top of ice.

Put bass I caught in same ice chest. ( family actually ATE bass! The Horror!)

And yes, DRANK DRINKS WITH FISH SLIME ON IT. ( sometimes "rinsed" them off in Swamp if we caught a bunch of fish.

never occurred to me to bring 2 chests. No room.

Still fish a SNAGLESS SALLY WITH UNCLE JOSH GREEN POLKA DOT PORK CHUNK!

AND CATCH A LOT OF BASS!!

"Scaled" bass by placing them in Croaker Sack (burlap bag) put bass in sack, tie rope to it and motored down the bayou--fish cleaned by time we got to landing. Sometimes sack broke or knot came loose and lost days catch!

the reel ess reply :

On 3/14/2017 at 1:00 PM, Silas said:

I only carried one ice chest. ( no live well).

Cold drinks and sandwiches stored on top of ice.

Put bass I caught in same ice chest. ( family actually ATE bass! The Horror!)

GASP!!! You cretin! Yeah, I eat them too sometimes. You can't live in nature without being a part of it and when you take and eat game, you're fulfilling part of your natural directive. There's nothing like the feeling of being part of nature.

runt4561 reply :

I don't fish a senko weightless. if that is the only thing the fish will bite, I just wont catch any fish.

I don't throw a spinnerbait very much. maybe once or twice a year.

I don't throw topwater plugs very much either. again maybe once or twice a year.

I throw a texas rig on mono.

Tin Man reply :

I prefer shorter poles to the 7 ft. plus models.

sully420 reply :

I'm right handed and only use left handed retrieve

i use steel leaders on all moving baits(mr pike is a problem up here)

I like slither/punch rigs more than grass jigs

i use the biggest jigs and creatures I can find and fish them 90% of the time

Dmacster1 reply :

When I tell fishing stories I only tell people about the small ones. I usually under-exaggerate them.

kroberts9 reply :

I have never used a Carolina rig,Bama rig or Ned rid. I hate pork trailers I don't own a swimbait rod nor do I fish them yet. lastly I'm a natural righty and only fish lefty both spinning and baitcaster and I will not hold a fish in a pic it's to deceiving.

Djman72 reply :

I've never caught a fish on a jig - to put this in context, I fish for LMB almost exclusively. Never even had a bite.

jimf reply :

On 3/20/2017 at 1:28 AM, kroberts9 said:

I have never used a Carolina rig,Bama rig or Ned rid. I hate pork trailers

I don't see pork trailers used nearly as much as say 30 years ago. I agree with you by the way. I actually have an old tackle bag where some of the juice must have leaked out and it literally glued shut the zipper. I still have the bag, that zipper has been shut for 20 years, and there is still a bottle of Uncle Josh' Pork trailers sitting in there if I ever decide to cut it out.

soflabasser reply :

I sometimes use a ice rod when fishing for big bass since it's extremely fun to catch bass with light tackle.

RoLo reply :

Sometimes, after boating a bass at a spot I'll promptly leave

riding on a hunch that it was the only active bass at that spot.

SHAME on me

Looking for the big one reply :

On 2/11/2017 at 11:46 AM, flyingmonkie said:

+1 for bananas on the boat!

Columbia Craw reply :

I fish a Ned Rig on my sturgeon rod.

claya reply :

I didn't fish a Texas rig at all last year and had one of my best years ever.

N Florida Mike reply :

On 4/6/2017 at 10:16 AM, claya said:

I didn't fish a Texas rig at all last year and had one of my best years ever.

^^^ The winner of this thread ?

RoLo reply :

On 4/6/2017 at 10:16 AM, claya said:

I didn't fish a Texas rig at all last year and had one of my best years ever.

On 4/6/2017 at 6:35 PM, N Florida Mike said:

^^^ The winner of this thread ?

Sure doesn't sound like a Floridian

A5BLASTER reply :

For me it would have to be that no matter what kind of bait I'm running I set the hook like I'm trying to rip the fish's face off and reel it to the boat like a mad man and don't give the fish time to fight out its strength.

I know it drives my dad and some older family freinds crazy lol.

Cgrinder reply :

I put a Daiwa reel on a Shimano rod.

jimf reply :

Speaking of Shimano, this might be blashpemy - I've never owned a Shimano baitcaster. Spinning gear yes, but not baitcasting.

david in va reply :

well I never lied about the size of a fish

Quote

Never got finned by a catfish

and never ever got a hook hung in me

and only gave false info once on where I caught the fish

Yeajray231 reply :

On 4/7/2017 at 12:38 AM, david in va said:

well I never lied about the size of a fish

Never got finned by a catfish

and never ever got a hook hung in me

You better knock on wood , you're in for a rough season if not lol

CDMeyer reply :

I fish shallow no matter what.... hoping the purchase of a new graph (or one for that matter) will help curve this.

jakebrake reply :

On 4/6/2017 at 10:51 PM, Cgrinder said:

I put a Daiwa reel on a Shimano rod.

you'll smoke a turd in purgatory for that.

wdp reply :

This is the only lure I fish with.

A5BLASTER reply :

Hahahahahahahah lololololololol

My dad bought me some of them things years ago when I was young.

the reel ess reply :

On 4/7/2017 at 12:38 AM, david in va said:

well I never lied about the size of a fish

Never got finned by a catfish

and never ever got a hook hung in me

and only gave false info once on where I caught the fish

Me either. And I'm 46. At least not all the way past the barb.

Mikie9 reply :

My friends know this, I know this. I am not ashamed.

I REALLY hate to get my boat wet.

kroberts9 reply :

On 4/6/2017 at 11:19 PM, jimf said:

Speaking of Shimano, this might be blashpemy - I've never owned a Shimano baitcaster. Spinning gear yes, but not baitcasting.

neither have i, i just like other baitcasters better.

i yanked a 10xd out of my arm it sucked

Coldbasser reply :

I'm new to the bass fishing gig but I know already that I'm not very versatile in my techniques used,

I plan on changing that TOMORROW

Famous last words

bma3 reply :

I use braid for everything, use black and blue in crystal clear California water, and use snaps on cranks

pondbassin101 reply :

Never used a c-rig, jig, ned rig, or braided line

GrumpyOlPhartte reply :

I still use an UglyStik medium action spinning rod for flukes and light Texas rigs. It's bad enough that you guys know it, but please, please, please don't tell the local bass!!!!!! (Fortunately they haven't noticed yet!)

sully420 reply :

I use steel leaders on all crankbaits and spinner baits. I cant stand senkos or ned rig and i hate painted blades on spinner baits. Im am also right handed but fish lefty retrieve on casting and spinning gear.

I also like the slip knot style bobber stops over the rubber ones for pegging weights

RPreeb reply :

I'm both ignorant and cheap. I use a spinning outfit that I bought for fishing tidal flow channels when I lived in the Bahamas (BPS Ocean Master 7' 3-piece travel rod and Shimano Spheros 5000 spinning reel for salt water). I use it with 10# mono and it seems to work just fine in fresh water too. I'm getting ready to by a lighter spincast rig (Diawa Goldcast and probably 6 or 8 lb mono) just because I like them, and did most of my bass fishing back in the early 60's with one. In the interest of simplification, that's about it for me. I first learned to cast with an ancient baitcasting reel, and I really don't want to deal with that learning curve all over again. I like simplicity.

brent245 reply :

I never caught a bass until I was 23. And I grew up in Texas and had a house on lake Conroe, and then Northern california where I was an hour away from Clear Lake. I only caught catfish and panfish in texas, I had no clue how to fish for bass, and there was no youtube when I was a kid.

pondbassin101 reply :

On 3/7/2017 at 5:18 AM, Preytorien said:

I hate jigs. I really have given them a good shake. I probably have 10-15 great Siebert jigs that just hang on a peghook on my bait board.

I'll take those off your hands

hstaple1979 reply :

Here are mine:

I hate braid, only occasionally use it.

I rarely fish a jig, and haven't in over 15 years. Am going to try this year.

I use floro, but prefer mono.

My Texas rig rod and reel is my Dad's 40 year old Abu Garcia 5500, 17lb. mono, 6' medium action Ugly Stik.

I prefer 3/0 Tru Turn hooks to all other bass worm hooks.

I have never used a Senko, I have used YUM Dingers on shakey heads.

I have never drop shot, wacky rigged, and I hate Carolina Rigs. I use Texas rigs, crankbaits, frogs, and other assorted soft plastics. I hate spinner bait and lipless cranks.

The only spinning outfit I own is for bluegill fishing, I hate them.

I don't call what you all call a ned rig that. I call it a lead head. I take an old (jig head I call them when no bait is in them) and put a YUM Dingers, or worm, or lizard, or grub, on the head and have caught a ton of bass of all sizes.

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