What Are You Going To Work On Next Year? 2024
tomustang reply :
It's winter, for a lot of us it means less time to fish and the fever is setting in. One of the thoughts is probably about how you're going to improve or try something different next year.
For me right now it'll be working on two different areas, taking a lighter approach with rod, reel, and weights but not downsizing the lures much. The second is going to be throwing a skirted jig and trailer wherever I can, in the slop or downed trees.
What are you going to do different?
Loop_Dad reply :
The first one for me is to be good at using electronics.
The second one is to be good at pitching and punching.
loodkop reply :
It feels like I say this every year but I need to get away from the bank and start using my electronics.
I have started making my own shaky head jigs and plan on using them a lot.
dougie511 reply :
get a fish finder and stop guess fishing lol then work on using crankbaits and jigs a lot more so i can get good at them!
slainempire reply :
anything i can. im always trying to learn something new.
mjseverson24 reply :
I am planning on putting a talon on the boat for next year, so I am excited to be able to maximize boat control , and fish specific areas and targets more thoroughly. I am going to try and work on fishing areas that i believe should hold fish more efficiently and thoroughly...
Mitch
tatertester reply :
Learning flipping and pitching , and using from lightweight jigs.
Missourifishin reply :
I have a ton of stuff to work on. But the first thing that comes to mind is working on (and being patient with) finesse tactics.
Sam reply :
Will try to master the Jika Rig.
Bankbeater reply :
Using the drop shot rig more than I do. I start off with it and usually switch over to a t-rig, or a c-rig.
ww2farmer reply :
Anger managment.
Lewi reply :
I have 2 new humminbirds for my boat that I need to install in the spring so I would like to get better with using electronics and technique wise would be to get more proficient at flippin for starters!
-Lewi
aceman387 reply :
Becoming proficient at using my fish finder and understanding what its telling me. 
Nquince79 reply :
Mine would be pitching jigs and fishing deep and maybe spinnerbaits as well
Jon G reply :
I realy want to start fishing swimbaits this year
bkohlman reply :
I am going to work on the transition of bank fisherman to back of the boat fisherman......hopefully I will succeed in that endeavor.
cajunpapi reply :
Mah me too!On 12/17/2013 at 12:57 PM, Loop_Dad said:The first one for me is to be good at using electronics.
The second one is to be good at pitching and punching.
bonzai22 reply :
I mostly fish jigs or plastics but this year I would like to get better at the stuff i don't throw very often. I will probably throw crankbaits and frogs more so i get better at them.
Felix77 reply :
Contine working on my drop shot.
Begin learning the skirted jig. Starts with building my own from scratch over the winter.
McAlpine reply :
I have several things I really need to work on this year.
1.) Have to get off the bank. I have been slowly trying to move out and fish structure and deep crank baitfish balls with bass streaking up through them. Have to work on paying attention to the electronics. Need to become more succesful during the summer when the fish move out.
2.) I need to slow down and spend more time fishing spots and not areas.
3.) I have got to get the fly rods out. I have ignored one of my best tools for too long.
rmcguirk reply :
Seeing as it has been in the single digits here overnight lately, all I can do is think about it...
I feel like last season I was too scattered. I'd throw a jig for a cast or two, put it down and throw a crank for a cast or two, put it down, throw a t-rigged plastic, etc. I'm going to try to be more methodical and s l o w down. I'm also going to try to get back to basics, in some ways. Stop chasing the latest fad and go back to what works for me.
tomustang reply :
Since deep was mentioned, I think fishing deep 50ft+ will have to be looked into.
Dwight Hottle reply :
A new PB.
BassinLou reply :
This upcoming year I will be honing in on pitching and flipping. I have been missing out on good fish by not doing this. The good news is I got my Dobyns and Lews ready for battle.
flyfisher reply :
i want to get a sinking or sink tip line and work on fishing flies deeper than 5-8 feet.
paul25 reply :
Work on shakey head, drop shot etc. anything to do with a spinning rod, and also swimbaits
hoosierbass07 reply :
Since I have a fishing kayak ordered and I'm getting a fish finder for Christmas, I hope to work on transitioning from bank fishing to kayak fishing along with canoe fishing. I mostly used plastic worms this year so I hope, being out in the water and being able to go where I want to in a kayak, I will find a few more places where I can use other lures a little more, like spinner baits. Oh, and I want to focus on catching big BIG bass and not simply any bass.
dustin11 reply :
I really need to learn and get confidence with jigs.
I'm going to throw swimbaits this spring too.
Also I need to get more confidence and experience with carolina rig and crankbait.
So pretty much, I need to fish A LOT.
S_Miketa6 reply :
Im going to work on fishing deep with my electronics, fishing more swimbaits.
camovan reply :
I'm torn between two:
1. Spend less money
2. Buy a new boat
wnybassman reply :
On 12/18/2013 at 10:04 AM, camovan said:I'm torn between two:
1. Spend less money
2. Buy a new boat
Definitely can't have both. lol
camovan reply :
I can if I buy a used boat 
Yeah, the wife will buy that.....
A-Jay reply :
Late last night, during a special secret session, The Scrounga Club held a very important meeting.
A motion was made and a vote was taken.
As a result of this unanimous decision -
The Club's single minded mission is to get Stitch (Topwaterspook) on a Super Grande
- And know this . . . .
We Will Not Be Deterred !
A-Jay
FishinDaddy reply :
Since I'm comfortable with a 1.5 oz punch rig in the snot, this year is going to be about using the 100 cranks, traps and jerk baits I have on the boat.
Caylub reply :
Learning to catch Largies on the River,the Chattahoochee river more precisely.
AK-Jax86 reply :
Get myself a boat!!
Don't need to work on it but FROG FROG FROG FROG!! I feel like a crack head with no crack now that I have to resort to cranking since the frog bite is dead... But cranking is a good substitute but nothing like that crack aka FROGGY
papajoe222 reply :
Using my ultra-light spinning outfit more. I've been concentrating so much on catching big fish that I almost forgot how much fun it is to catch the small ones on light tackle. This kind of goes hand in hand with the other thing I really need to work on and that's slowing down.
basscatcher8 reply :
I'm moving from a 14 foot deep v tiller boat to a ranger rt188 console boat so learning to control the bigger boat will be my biggest thing. ive been buying up smallmouth lures and equipment like its going out of style so im hoping everything will work together and make for a successful season
Craiger12 reply :
Swimbaits
jessejames556 reply :
1. Slowing down: I have a tendency to fish faster when I'm not catching and move around the lake a lot. I think this is the reason I had such a slow summer.
2. Designating my new rod and reel for a texas rigged worm: This lure is what originally got me into fishing. I've decided that I need to stop trying so hard and go back to what I enjoy fishing.
basshole8190 reply :
careful once u start catching those hard fighting fish in the hooch you may not wanna go back to the lake lolOn 12/18/2013 at 10:55 AM, Caylub said:Learning to catch Largies on the River,the Chattahoochee river more precisely.
RoLo reply :
On 12/18/2013 at 4:07 AM, Dwight Hottle said:A new PB.
The man asked: "What would you do DIFFERENT?"
I"m sorry, but that does not quality as anything different 
Roger
5fishlimit reply :
I have 2 I want to work on:
1) Swimbaits
2) The jika rig
KyakR reply :
For me it's accuracy! And a quieter entry. This winter I'm going to practice cast out on the lawn in the snow. After I make a 3-D hunt range for fish out there the neighbors will probably call the cops but at least I'll be accurater 
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 12/18/2013 at 2:53 PM, RoLo said:The man asked: "What would you do DIFFERENT?"
I"m sorry, but that does not quality as anything different
Roger
You got me Roger.
I only read the "What are you going to work on next year?" title.
Siebert Outdoors reply :
I'm going to work on 2 things.
Catch smallmouth like Dwight.
The second I really want to expand on multi species. Everything from Pike/Musky to crappie.
Got1Fishing reply :
I really want to work on crank baits and fishing deep (15+ ft) of water. I am usually a bank fisherman so I'm not accustomed to finding fish that deep. Now I'm on the bass fishing team at my school and they sometimes catch fish deep and it's awesome to see it, but I have no confidence myself to catch fish that deep. I caught one fish at 16ft under a bridge and was shocked!
FrogFreak reply :
This winter I'm diving in to lure making. Starting with top water poppers. This summer I'm going to get back to the basics and focus on fewer techniques instead of chasing the latest fads. Here is the lineup:
T rigged plastics
Drop shotting
Top water poppers
and of course frogs
I'll still punch and flip jigs from time to time as well but I just enjoy the techniques listed above and isn't that what it's all about (unless you're making a living fishing)?
gr8outdoorz reply :
My wedding & honeymoon!!
Jaiden reply :
I want to work on swimbaits, a new PB, and better boat control and positioning.
pbrussell reply :
I would like to not suck. But I'm going to work on being confident and having fun.
Seriously though, I'd like to not suck.
DRH2O reply :
Photo Ops and Photo Composition 
kylek reply :
On 12/19/2013 at 8:39 AM, pbrussell said:I would like to not suck. But I'm going to work on being confident and having fun.
Seriously though, I'd like to not suck.
I feel the same way. I need to find someone to take me out and teach me how to fish. I fish with my father in law and we are both bank beaters. There are days where we may only catch one or two fish. Very rarely do we have days where we catch more than ten between the 2 of us. And most of those are under 15" It is really hard to stay positive going through the same motions every time we go.
pbrussell reply :
On 12/19/2013 at 11:37 AM, kylek said:I feel the same way. I need to find someone to take me out and teach me how to fish. I fish with my father in law and we are both bank beaters. There are days where we may only catch one or two fish. Very rarely do we have days where we catch more than ten between the 2 of us. And most of those are under 15" It is really hard to stay positive going through the same motions every time we go.
The key (and I don't claim to have the key) appears to be remain open to experimentation. It is my temptation to go through the beat the bank motions on Kansas lakes- mostly because it works a lot of the time. I've found that when you are forced to experiment, is when you really grow. Take a trip to tablerock in the summer. You'll find yourself almost having to fish in 20-30 fow if you want to catch fish. What you learn there might not necessarily translate to our lakes up here- but then again, it might.
Points are a fine place to start honestly. It allows you to easily visually relate to a piece of structure, since us bank fisherman are so comfortable with what we can see. (After all, open water is scary because all you have to rely on is your electronics and the feel of the bait). Fish all sides of the point. If they're not shallow, move out. Fish seem to like points. Except at perry. I've fished the snot out of em there and never had any luck 
mnbassman23 reply :
Swimbaits and slowing down in general. Each year I've gradually fished slower and the amount of big fish caught has increased. Seems pretty simple. Also fishing more deep water structure and honing my skills on fishing those spots successfully.
BuffaloBass716 reply :
I want to get some Siebert jigs and learn with those and also catch my first fish with a top water frog.
Catt reply :
Catching bass 
Waterlogged reply :
I just purchased my first boat in oct so there's not a single technique that I won't need to work on. It should be a interesting year! I'm thankful for the generous folk here at BR. The main reason I became a member and not just a passing viewer!
Naplock reply :
Learn as much as I can about my local lake (Norman, Mountain Island, and to a lesser extent Wiley).
I moved here about 18 months ago, so need to get to know my local waters. I will probably start looking for a boat next year (2015), so I want to be well prepared by then.
Russ
BassinLou reply :
I thought I answered this question already, but there is something else I would like to work on next year. I would like to work on slowing down my fishing. Be more patient and not over work a lure, or situation. Lastly, when I do have a chance to get on the water, I fail to reflect and enjoy the moment. I get so lazer focus on trying to figure out what the fish want or focused on just catching fish that the day just passes me by.
olegs reply :
Jig, Jika rig, Shaky head, Drop shot
MarkH024 reply :
Getting on the water more. I can't practice anything without doing that.
If I get a SI unit I'll probably focus my season on utilizing that tool. Drop shot is still my biggest weakness solely based off the "slow" factor.
roadwarrior reply :
Pitching and flipping
Most of my fishing buddies are river rats. When we fish the lakes is mostly deep structure.
This year I going to spend a little more time chasing green fish in the grass and timber.
SirSnookalot reply :
If I haven't learned how to catch fish over the last 60 years there isn't much that's going to help me now. The hardest part of fishing is locating them, knowing the nuances of species one fishes for IMO is the paramount factor in catching them, not that they always cooperate. Rods, reels, lures, techniques and the actual landing of fish are secondary concerns for me, that's the easy part of fishing.
Teal reply :
Getting on the water.
Once I get on the water more, I'm gonna concentrate on my big bait equals big fish theory. Big Jigs, big spinner baits, swimbaits, punching.
DogBone_384 reply :
On 12/18/2013 at 9:51 PM, KyakR said:For me it's accuracy! And a quieter entry. This winter I'm going to practice cast out on the lawn in the snow. After I make a 3-D hunt range for fish out there the neighbors will probably call the cops but at least I'll be accurater
I might agree with your comment about your neighbors calling the cops if you lived in MA (we ARE called "Mass**les for a reason), like I do, but since you're in ME, I'd throw a bet that you'd be left alone or given positive reinforcement/congratulations. All the years I've travelled in ME I've never had a bad experience, which is why, I suppose, so many of us 'city folk' end up with 2nd/retirement homes in ME.
Best of luck with your project...
Now to answer this post:
My main goal in 2014 is to match up the many reels & rods I bought in '13 (yep, Bassresource made me do it!) by trying each combination to see what works best.
After I finish my MBA, I'm going to buy a 'Yak and get to all the spots at my regular spots that I've not been able to reach being shore bound.
Lastly, try to go a season without buying another setup... yep, Bassresource made me do it....
Happy new year!
DogBone_384 reply :
On 12/19/2013 at 8:19 AM, gr8outdoorz said:My wedding & honeymoon!!
Are you planning on fishing on your honeymoon?
gr8outdoorz reply :
On 12/30/2013 at 12:36 AM, DogBone_384 said:Are you planning on fishing on your honeymoon?
Yes we are! My fiancee loves to fly fish. Since she is working on her Doctorate she doesn't get the chance to go much. When discussing where to have the honeymoon, she said "lets go to the mountains & go fishing!" And of course I say yes!
Sometimes you just know u have met the right one!
GaterB reply :
Jigs and Drop Shotting!
DogBone_384 reply :
A++On 12/30/2013 at 12:50 AM, gr8outdoorz said:Yes we are! My fiancee loves to fly fish. Since she is working on her Doctorate she doesn't get the chance to go much. When discussing where to have the honeymoon, she said "lets go to the mountains & go fishing!" And of course I say yes!
Sometimes you just know u have met the right one!
My boss, err - wife, isn't into fishing as much I am. She'll go a couple times per year if I take my nephews and hook the worm for her. Great that your fiancée is into it, gongrats, and enjoy your honeymoon.
Add: I give your wife A+++ for finishing her Doctorate. I'm about done with my MBA while working two jobs... That'll be enough for me.
BryanBrown reply :
Swimbaits and topwater
Chris186 reply :
Im going to throw more jigs. Alot more jigs. Also gonna get back into fishing tournaments.
SirSnookalot reply :
Moving to Florida nearly 10 years ago mysteriously my fly rod disappeared, along with several cds loaded with fishing and vacation pics (which I more upset about). There are quite a few fly fishermen down here I'm friendly with, borrowing an outfit hasn't been a problem, but I should buy my own and my wife has been urging me to do so. I've got some really good guidance as these guys have been it 40 years or more in saltwater. I'll be looking into it once the winds start to calm down.
KyakR reply :
On 12/29/2013 at 11:52 PM, DogBone_384 said:I might agree with your comment about your neighbors calling the cops if you lived in MA (we ARE called "Mass**les for a reason), like I do, but since you're in ME, I'd throw a bet that you'd be left alone or given positive reinforcement/congratulations. All the years I've travelled in ME I've never had a bad experience, which is why, I suppose, so many of us 'city folk' end up with 2nd/retirement homes in ME.
Best of luck with your project...
Now to answer this post:
My main goal in 2014 is to match up the many reels & rods I bought in '13 (yep, Bassresource made me do it!) by trying each combination to see what works best.
After I finish my MBA, I'm going to buy a 'Yak and get to all the spots at my regular spots that I've not been able to reach being shore bound.
Lastly, try to go a season without buying another setup... yep, Bassresource made me do it....
Happy new year!
Congrats on the almost-finished MBA! And getting a 'yak! And you're right......my neighbors wouldn't call the cops because I live in the woods with no neighbors for a mile or so. 
The nearest one has lots of junked cars and boats on his lawn, a half-demolished barn and chickens in the yard. Seriously, good people though! Gr8outdoorz, great to hear about another fishing woman!
.ghoti. reply :
I have two projects for 2014, both of which will have a negative impact on my fishing time. And on the funding for fishing trips.
We recently aquired a small cabin on our local lake. It needs a lot of work. I have a contractor working on the floor right now. They are tearing the floor out, down to the joists, and replacing all of it. That is the biggest piece of the puzzle, and I'm glad the wife agreed to farm it out.
I tore out the kitchen completely, leaving nothing but the stove. It's new, everything else went into a dumpster. Once the new floor is in place my work will begin. building a new kitchen, replacing a stool and shower, drywall, trim work and painting, deck repairs, dock repairs or replacement, adding AC, etc, etc, etc.
The outside is in good shape. New roof, new siding, new windows and doors. Inside, it has a new stove, new washer/dryer stacked combo, new frig, and a fairly new gas-fired heater.
Thw second project is getting rid of the last of my debts. I've paid off all credit cards this year, and I'm keeping only an amex green card. The only remaining debt I have is a home equity loan. I will pay this off sometime near the end of 2014.
Then I can retire. And that is my primary goal for 2015. I will be 62 shortly, and I've been working two jobs since 1988. I had my second heart attack three months ago. It's time to stop and smell the coffee.
Toeshots reply :
Shaky Heads, Finesse and Hair Jigs, Tubes, Jerkbaits.
I want to be more successful when the fishing gets tough.
Nice_Bass reply :
get rid of gear/tackle I wont use, and have not used in years, but always keep in the boat "just in case".
roadwarrior reply :
On 12/31/2013 at 4:30 AM, Nice_Bass said:get rid of gear/tackle I wont use, and have not used in years, but always keep in the boat "just in case".
We have a "Pinned" topic line in the Flea Market called Paying It Forward.
This is a good way to dispose of the stuff you don't care about.
nascar2428 reply :
I am going to make a commitment to mastering the art of the drop shot and jigging from shore. This is a repeat of last year, which became an epic fail once I discovered the art of Yamamoto ( Senkos )
Fish'N Impossible reply :
Try something that you just never see done on my 8' deep home lakes, throw an umbrella rig too staging prespawn bass on rocky points, on the lake that is actually shad forage heavy. Have to try it since no-one else is.
AaronSchneider reply :
Crankbaits and cold water. I really need to work on my cranking, and want to catch some early, cold water fish. Not necessarily working on both of them at the same time. 
BassAssassin726 reply :
Finesse fishing and topwater. I'm a big texas and split shot rig guy but I've never drop shotted and used shaky heads much. And I've never caught a top water fish. Ever. I guess in all fairness I haven't given them a fair chance, bu when I'm throwing one for a half hour and get nothing I gotta switch it up.
james_oxley reply :
gonna work on fishing deep water (specifically jigs and dropshotting)
shootermcbob reply :
I am going to work on throwing a swim jig, but not just swimming it. Throwing it in and around whatever cover I can find from the bank. I will be using the swim jig as a swim jig, but also killing it and letting it sink just as a regular jig-n-pig around cover, swimming it thru pads and grass I can find.
I am going to experiment with two main colors....shad color and bluegill color.
I have become somewhat stagnant over the last couple years. I tend to fish the same spots with the same lures.
I will experiement with different areas as well as some different lakes in my area.
Montanaro reply :
punching and cranking
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