My Formula For Success 2024
roadwarrior reply :
#1 You first have to find fish. It doesn't matter how good you are or what you are using. If there are no fish where you are fishing, you're not going to be successful. There is an extensive library on this forum with many articles addressing this issue. Read them all, maybe take some notes and devote your time to more promising areas on the water you are fishing. If possible, hire a guide. If you are an inexperienced angler you'll learn more in one day fishing with a guide than anything else you can do.
#2 Concentrate on getting bites. You cannot land a fish if you don't first hook up. I think I get more bites using lighter line, specifically when fishing soft plastics. My two most productive lures are Senkos and Fat Ika and I fish them on 6lb Yo-Zuri Hybrid.
#3 In order to fish with lighter line you'll need a reel with a good drag system. This is far more important than the particular rod you are using.
#4 Be patient and focus on your presentation, not the next thing you're going to try. For most soft plastics, slow down. Many bites occur when the bait is motionless or on the initial movement AFTER it has sat still for a moment.
#5 Use fewer lures on a given day so you can get better at what you are fishing. Confidence comes when you think you know what you are doing and will generally result in catching more fish.
#6 Have a plan before you go out and stick with it. Better fishermen and the pros talk about versatility, but until you're comfortable with a variety of techniques and lures, stick with what has worked for you. Get better before you get broader.
#7 Have fun. Don't get discouraged, this isn't rocket science. If you stick with it you will catch fish.
Skeeter6598 reply :
Perfectly said!
I built my confiedence in lures by going out and taking nothing but that particular bait with me. By doing that I wasn't tempted to switch baits just to catch fish. It made me learn how to present that bait in manners that will be productive.
cgs2004 reply :
Very well said. I need more work on #5!
bassin4life reply :
Confidence is one of my main focuses...well thoughtout process RW 
Bass_junky reply :
I think if we all followed this advice we would spend more time landing fish, then thinking about tying on a different lure or color.
If I may ad one tip that I have found extremely useful, especially in waters that we only get to on occasion. Here it is:
First this idea is from a article I read in Bass Times.
I take a crawdad/minnow trap when i get to a lake that time does not permit me to fish often. I place the trap in a good location, come back in 1-2 hrs or overnight, check the trap. What this will tell you is what type of forage, so you can match the color. The biggest help I have found in doing this is seeing the color of the crawdad. I have read several articles referencing crawdad colors. It is stated that they do change colors according to the moon phase. I am going to document my findings this year and see If i can establish a pattern.
bassackwards reply :
RW, thanks man so much. This gives me something to keep myself focused when fishing.
I have one question. I have a 6'5" Ugly Stick, I have been wondering the quality of these and their sensitivity to the bite.
Now I have really enjoyed fishing plastics, but I cannot say I'm REAL confident with them. I have caught fish on them, and I'm starting to notice the line a bit more.
I have always used crankbaits, and am sort of confident with them, but I am more attracted to plastics. Now u were sayin stick with something I'm more used to instead of broading my lure horizon. although I think I'm overthinking this one question, I'll ask it anyway. I got some great plastics, and see no reason for bass not to bite them.
now spinner baits I am being more open to using, and have caught fish with them, but I have read somewhere on "how to use them right", and am wonderin if I am not using them right. hah, again, overthinking I think.
overall, I think I will just take plastics out and a few side crankbaits (the expensive ones that cost some money and look real impressive)
erm... I was thinkin to leave the spinners at home, then I changed my mind. maybe some tips on #5?
roadwarrior reply :
NoLuckFishin, For crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwater and spinners your Ugly Stick will work. These are basically reaction lures and the strike is usually decisive. With these lures the fish generally hook themselves and the problem fisherman sometimes have is "setting" the hook which usually means pulling it away and out of the fish's mouth. A soft rod, like an Ugly Stick diminishes the force of the set and effectively reduces this problem. Another issue with these classes of lures is the fish's tendency to throw the bait. Again the Ugly Stick is forgiving which helps reduce the tension on the line thus reducing the fish's leverage when they jump. This is the good news.
The bad news is that the Ugly Stick has NO sensitivity, none, notta, zero. So, for finesse fishing or for a subtle bite, the rod is worthless! You need a different rod for soft plastics. I recommend a graphite composit, medium power, fast action.
guest reply :
I agree with everything Roadwarrior except #3. As a confirmed back-reeler a drag is usless to me on a spinning reel. I have yet to test a drag on any spinning reel that works the same hot, cold, wet or dry. The rest is spot on.
bassackwards reply :
d**n, more money I am going to need to spend. ah well, I'ma sell my xbox. speakin of xbox, I have quit playin it for 2 weeks and THERE IS ADDICTION TO VIDEO GAMES! I have INSOMNIA! ack..
anyways,
well then heres my next question... if I'm watchin the line for plastics, then how often is it I will be needing to feel the strike that I won't feel when I twitch the rod and move the lure?
BassMaster reply :
well what i do when i worm fish, is i hold the reel in my left hand while i put my index finger on the line as i drag the worm through the water... then i use my right hand to reel it in... with your finger on the line, you'll always feel the strike.
BassMaster reply :
#4 i think is what turns most people off about fishing... most people just don't have the patience for it... i have absolutely no patience for anything else, like driving, idiots, immature people, things like that, but for some reason i have all the patience in the world for a daggum fish.
Boo reply :
I need serious help with number one. I just go down the banks with crankbait or spinnerbait until I find fish. I think thats not the best way to find fish nor the most efficient. How many of you actually use your depthfinder to locate fish? Ive located fish on the graph and dropped a bait to them. But never have had any luck catching any of them. Do you guys have any tips for quickly finding productive water or using depthfinders to help locate and catch fish? Dont want to be a nomad on the lake anymore, when I throw a bait I want to be 100% sure that theres fish there. ???
bassackwards reply :
I want to have a small lake in my backyard that's heaven of bass fishing.
maybe one day, until then I'ma have to keep goin out to lakes/ponds and tryin to catch fish that I don't even have a depthfinder to see. lol
if u get the answer to ur question, PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, let me know please....
j/p man,
but there is no 100% way to catch a fish. and I guess I do what u do, take a crankbait to the bank and cast around.
if u DO have a depthfinder, pay attention to structure. if u see fish, hell, cast to 'em! lol might be the lure, or ur presentation.
hell I can't catch fish, let someone answer u who can.. lmao
lookin4lunkers reply :
RW that is one of the best post I've read very well written.
Boo as for your question, casting down the bank or to one structure then another until you find fish that is basically what everyone does. Use your depth/fish finder to learn what your fishing over and around. Seeing fish on the graph doesn't mean they are bass it could be a catfish. Smaller schools of fish and I'm talking small are something to pay atention to because a lot of time this is a school of bait fish, and where there are bait fish there are bass. Any time you see a ditch or stump, brushpile or just about any thing unusal throw to it try a crank then try a tube or worm. Good Luck and I hope this helps. Lunker.
Landis76 reply :
Road Warrior-
Very well put. I think it helps to try to simplify things so it all doesn't get so dang frustrating. :-/
A couple things I always think about that I'd like to add:
1) Never leave fish to find fish. Once you find fish, stick with that spot for a while before giving up.
2) If you are not fishing the lure, the lure is fishing you.
Gatorbassman reply :
Very well said.
TIEDROPE reply :
Nice little guide 8)
Boo reply :
Thanks for reply lookin4lunkers, I was thinking I was the only one that didnt really use ther graph.
Phishn_Phool reply :
RW. with that formula, I can see where you are so successful, but I still want you to show me where we can get these 6lb average smallies please!!!! pretty PLEASE!!!! LOL
ENCBassin reply :
QuoteI need serious help with number one. I just go down the banks with crankbait or spinnerbait until I find fish. I think thats not the best way to find fish nor the most efficient. How many of you actually use your depthfinder to locate fish? Ive located fish on the graph and dropped a bait to them. But never have had any luck catching any of them. Do you guys have any tips for quickly finding productive water or using depthfinders to help locate and catch fish? Dont want to be a nomad on the lake anymore,
I've never located fish on a finder and caught them. I have used my finder to locate underwater cover and features like creek channels and dropoffs, and then caught fish
Quotewhen I throw a bait I want to be 100% sure that theres fish there. ???
Good luck with that. All you can do is try to educate yourself to the traits of your water and the season and conditions, and give it your best shot.
Chris reply :
#8 work on your cast be able to put the bait where you need it. <~This to me is everything! I would say I catch 50% or more of my fish because of my cast or pitch.
Landis76 reply :
Quote#8 work on your cast be able to put the bait where you need it. <~This to me is everything! I would say I catch 50% or more of my fish because of my cast or pitch.
You know that is one thing I wish I could do a bunch better. What do you suggest I do to become better at my roll cast and pitch? Please don't say "more time of the water" because the price of gas is a b***h!
roadwarrior reply :
Good point Chris. Casting accuracy is so critical for big bass in particular, especially when you are looking for a reaction bite. Even though you won't always know it, the first cast near a big fish either results in a strike or you may scare the big girl off.
Skeeter6598 reply :
QuoteYou know that is one thing I wish I could do a bunch better. What do you suggest I do to become better at my roll cast and pitch? Please don't say "more time of the water" because the price of gas is a b***h!
Ok I won't say it, BUT it's true! LOL! I praticed my pitching in my backyard alot when I was learning. I would get outside and set me up several coffe cups at different distances and start trying to pitch into them. Do that in your spare time instead of watching tv or whatever. LOL! It works and pratice makes perfect so they say!
Landis76 reply :
Yeah, I have done that in the past. Actually, I think I just found the upside to my dog digging holes in the backyard. ;D
bassackwards reply :
its amazing to see where I was when I first came around here compared to now. this very small progress seems more like huge accomplishments after seeing how little I knew then.
Axis reply :
Quoteits amazing to see where I was when I first came around here compared to now. this very small progress seems more like huge accomplishments after seeing how little I knew then.
right on man, I haven't been here very long, but what has helped me more than ANYTHING on this forum is, I want to fish!!!! Reading all these posts makes me want to hit the water daily. Just three days ago I caught my personal best 8 lbs 5oz. It wasn't because I learned a new trick here, its just the motivation from all there people here, get out and fish!!!!!!! Never know when the next one will be the big one!
DDbasser reply :
Great post RW.
I've been trying to make myself stay on fish once I find them, I have a real problem, after i catch a couple from one area, I want to move on to the next area.
Matt Fly reply :
I keep a rod next to the door and a milk crate outside to stand on. I practice all casts as much as possible. I keep coffee cans, and differnt types of targets to practice with. I won't quit until I hit the 15' target ten times. Before my cat disappeared, I had a spinning rod and rubber mouse next to my easy chair. A cats attitude is very similar to a basses attitude. I got practice with my drag control as my cat would muscle that rat down the hall. Some days, she just laid there, the less action I imparted the more she wanted to pounce. Just like a bass, somedays they want the same bait hopping(moving), sometimes still, slow drag and pause. Point is : my cat didn't always attack it the same, it depended on her mood, as with a bass also.
QuoteYou know there is one thing I wish I could do a bunch better. What do you suggest I do to become better at my roll cast and pitch? Please don't say "more time of the water" because the price of gas is a b***h!
The one thing that has helped me learn my baits better. I have a motel pool no more 50 yds away. No one in the pool of course. I will throw every new crank to check its running.(if its tuned).
I watch all plastics fall to see the action.
I learn with different weights the fall rates of line classes. For suspened fish. If I want to hit 24ft. in 40ft of water with 17lb trilene big game. its 14sec. on my curado .200b with a 10in. zoom.
If I can't tune a right running crank, I write tiny on the underbelly r-3, which means for every ten yards it runs 3ft right. I know with the upcoming wind is out of the east, I'll run into the wind and I have 100 boat docks that I can use this r-3 to swim under the dockon the shaded side for a better presentation. would have been parallel to the dock if true, now I go where maybe only 5% of the other anglers could target with the same crank or similar.
I try to rig new ideas in the pool to see how it looks. Like putting a leader of 8in from a rattletrap, I tied an 1/8thoz in-line spinner from the top treble. This idea came from salt water spec rigs. Like two lead head bucktail jigs chasing each other. I have had great success in open water with this gimick, the chaser(spinner) catchs a lot of fish, rarely a keeper over 14" But if you took a kid fishing in open waters, they will catch fish.
I also like to see how my extra long worms that I melt together look like in the pool. Knowing what your bait does, can do and how to impart subtle twitches can be learned in a clear swimming pool. Won't to know what dead sticking looks like. Know how to impart the action the fish wants that day. I can make a plastic dance the waltz on bottom with out seeing it. Last week it was the tango that turned them on, this week it should be a slow dance due to the cold front coming through. I have more on this subject. No time to write it. I have spent days and hours at that pool practicing skipping in to the 18"x6" bug trap, filter, chlorine dispenser, what ever its called. I learned that my round weights on a c-rig roll down to the 8ft end. granted lake bottoms aren't usually that smooth. I just never thought about my weight moving due to contour change on bottom. Knowing that feel without seeing it helps me understand the bottom contours better.
scbassin reply :
R/W this is a good post but disagree about the reel being more important than the rod. Before you can fight the fish you must hook it & to do that you must feel it. To do this a good line & a good sensitive rod is a must. There are many days where the bite is very, very soft. After the hook set the rod must be powerful enough to turn his head away from the cover. Now you need a good reel with an excellent drag.
Rattlinrogue reply :
This may seem like a dumb answer,but I like to put on a power bait that I really have confidence in and then try to make as many casts as I can.I wanna make 1000 casts.Odds are something will react to the bait and hit.That doesn't work all the time.I know sometimes you gotta slow down,but that's my favorite.
roadwarrior reply :
scbassin,
I doubt if we disagree very much. I too want the perfect rod matched with the perfect reel, but if I could only have one 10 and the next best piece of equipment had to be a 9, my 10 would be the reel and my 9 would be the rod.
Still, I see your point. Let's get the best of both!
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