What do you do that nobody else does? 2024
Glaucus reply :
What are you doing that nobody else is, or that very few people are, that catches you more fish?
I have a M/F casting rod paired with a good spincast reel spooled with 10lb fluorocarbon, and it's always got a Texas Rigged Senko attached to it. I pick it up when I need deadly accuracy. I can put that Senko almost anywhere and skip it with absolute ease, and it's great for the wind. It's gotten me bit in places that I can't really get to with spinning or casting setups. I've had buddies laugh when I show up with 5 rods: 3 casting, 1 spinning, 1 spincast. What do you need that thing for? Oh, you'll see. Just another tool for the job at hand that gets glossed over. My second best LMB ever was caught in some nasty weeds with this setup. Couldn't quite get to the spot I needed to get to without it.
WRB reply :
Jig & pig, meaning real multi-color custom hair jigs and real custom cut and dyed 3"-4" pork rind trailers. Nobody has my jigs or trailers so I am he only person on the lake with them.
Tom
MassYak85 reply :
I wouldn't say nobody else does it but a lot of times in my kayak I will paddle through large expanses of lily pads just looking for swirls from fish moving out of the way to get a better picture of where fish are. Then come back a little later after things calm back down and fish it with a frog.
scaleface reply :
Nothing .
One of the things I do that most anglers dont is hold a casting rod in front of the reel then gently squeeze the line between my index finger and thumb . Been doing this since I was a kid , jigging crappie jigs along river banks with zebco 202's .
lo n slo reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 5:11 AM, scaleface said:Nothing .
One of the things I do that most anglers dont is hold a casting rod in front of the reel then gently squeeze the line between my index finger and thumb . Been doing this since I was a kid , jigging crappie jigs along river banks with zebco 202's .
i do this. sometimes (usually early in the season) i’ll forget to remove my finger before setting the hook, the line cuts into my finger, and it hurts.
IgotWood reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 5:09 AM, MassYak85 said:I wouldn't say nobody else does it but a lot of times in my kayak I will paddle through large expanses of lily pads just looking for swirls from fish moving out of the way to get a better picture of where fish are. Then come back a little later after things calm back down and fish it with a frog.
I kinda do the same thing with matted grass. And if it's not windy out, I can come back an hour later and still see the trail my kayak made in the grass which also helps.
soflabasser reply :
Its the Indian not the arrow.
Mike L reply :
I use a punch skirt about 99% of the time.
(Almost everyone I know or been with rarely do)
I'll spend an inordinate amount of time fishing a single bed.
I use Flouro line for all techniques except punching and frogs.
Won't use mono line or a leader.
Mike
Bankbeater reply :
Years ago I saw people using crankbaits, senkos, plastic worms, and spinnerbaits in the summer. I started using 1/8, and 3/8 ounce jigs. If one of those won't work then I go home.
Catt reply :
Texas Rig ????
scaleface reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 6:24 AM, lo n slo said:i do this. sometimes (usually early in the season) i’ll forget to remove my finger before setting the hook, the line cuts into my finger, and it hurts.
Thats why I never use braid . I have never sliced my finger on mono .
Glaucus reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 6:48 AM, scaleface said:Thats why I never use braid . I have never sliced my finger on mono .
I never use braid either. I've never been in a position where I thought braid would have mattered. When you're from Illinois and our 5 pounders are as exciting as southern 10 pounders, and our vegetation is typically scarce, I guess it doesn't matter.
BassWhole! reply :
TS/SCI
keagbassr reply :
3 things I can think of: 1st. Using bass lures for bass.
2nd.fishing the upper and lower end of the temp spectrum.
3rd. When the ponds I fish get weeded in and the water gets low most won't make the effort needed to launch their boats.
Glaucus reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 6:59 AM, LTBAndrew said:This isn't particularly unique, but growing up I used to watch Bill Dance come out of his shoes on every hook set, so I thought that was the way to do it. In the last few years, I've started doing a reel set on about 70% of the baits I throw. Normally, I just turn to the side slightly and reel into them. This is especially true of most small swimbaits, swim jigs, chatterbaits and a lot of finesse rigs. The right rod is important, too. I like something that's longer with a lot of bend to it. For example, on 2.8 - 3.8 inch Keitechs that I'm slow rolling on the bottom, I'll throw on a 7'6 ML spinning rod with a lot of tip to it. They hook themselves! I lost a lot of fish early on by ripping into them, now I hook up almost every time.
Basically the same man! When I do the cross their eyes garbage, there are too many misses to be comfortable with. When I reel into them, I never miss.
Scott F reply :
I wouldn't say I do much that NOBODY else does, but after reading posts here for 5 years, I'd say I DON'T do a lot that the majority of the posters here do.
Unlike a lot of the guys who post here, I use nothing but braided line for every lure I throw and never use mono/fluoro leaders. Mostly, I use spinning gear. It's all 10lb braid and on my baitcasters, it's all 20lb. braid. I don't do a lot of largemouth fishing, mostly smallmouth, so I don't do any flipping, pitching or punching. I use a lot of Senko type baits but it's always weightless T rigged, never wacky. I also never weigh fish. If it's a big fish, I might put it on a measuring board for length only. I seldom pay much attention to what many feel is the "correct" color choice for the conditions. I don't own any (as far as I know) technique specific rods. I'm more likely to to use one rod for as many applications as is reasonable. As long as the lure falls within the weight rating of the rod, I'll adjust so it works for me.
I "break" a lot of the rules that others live by. Because I'm pretty happy with the numbers of fish I catch, and enjoy what I'm doing, I'm unlikely to change the way I do things.
Yakalong reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 5:11 AM, scaleface said:Nothing .
One of the things I do that most anglers dont is hold a casting rod in front of the reel then gently squeeze the line between my index finger and thumb . Been doing this since I was a kid , jigging crappie jigs along river banks with zebco 202's .
I learned to do that as a kid with my zebco 22 as well, still do it today. I think it would feel weird if I didn't,
Glaucus reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 8:09 AM, Scott F said:I wouldn't say I do much that NOBODY else does, but after reading posts here for 5 years, I'd say I DON'T do a lot that the majority of the posters here do.
Unlike a lot of the guys who post here, I use nothing but braided line for every lure I throw and never use mono/fluoro leaders. Mostly, I use spinning gear. It's all 10lb braid and on my baitcasters, it's all 20lb. braid. I don't do a lot of largemouth fishing, mostly smallmouth, so I don't do any flipping, pitching or punching. I use a lot of Senko type baits but it's always weightless T rigged, never wacky. I also never weigh fish. If it's a big fish, I might put it on a measuring board for length only. I seldom pay much attention to what many feel is the "correct" color choice for the conditions. I don't own any (as far as I know) technique specific rods. I'm more likely to to use one rod for as many applications as is reasonable. As long as the lure falls within the weight rating of the rod, I'll adjust so it works for me.
I "break" a lot of the rules that others live by. Because I'm pretty happy with the numbers of fish I catch, and enjoy what I'm doing, I'm unlikely to change the way I do things.
It's cool to see how different people are and yet still catch bass. I've never used braid in my life. All mono with fluoro leaders, or rarely, straight fluoro.
Graham reply :
Rather than buying into the wacky rigging tool and o-ring hype I’ve always used little elastic hair bands made for braiding. 5$ gets you about 100 of em.
They are super small I just double them over once and they fit nice and tight.
Dtrombly reply :
I frog in open water alot, regardless of conditions I usually try to get that bite going first before I switch to other techniques.
lo n slo reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 6:48 AM, scaleface said:Thats why I never use braid . I have never sliced my finger on mono .
i dont use braid either, probably a good thing. but i do use fluoro, usually 12 lb test.
Armtx77 reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 5:09 AM, MassYak85 said:I wouldn't say nobody else does it but a lot of times in my kayak I will paddle through large expanses of lily pads just looking for swirls from fish moving out of the way to get a better picture of where fish are. Then come back a little later after things calm back down and fish it with a frog.
Dude, that was our secret man...OUR SECRET!
I T-rig a 2.8 keitech FAT Swim impact on a #2 EWG. Even toss on a 1/16oz Tungsten bullet weight.
A-Jay reply :
Fish for bass on the blackest of nights.
Others must certainly be doing it too.
I just never see any.
A-Jay
scaleface reply :
Buzz a 5 inch grub on surface like a buzzbait .
Junger reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 4:47 AM, Glaucus said:What are you doing that nobody else is, or that very few people are, that catches you more fish?
I have a M/F casting rod paired with a good spincast reel spooled with 10lb fluorocarbon, and it's always got a Texas Rigged Senko attached to it. I pick it up when I need deadly accuracy. I can put that Senko almost anywhere and skip it with absolute ease, and it's great for the wind. It's gotten me bit in places that I can't really get to with spinning or casting setups. I've had buddies laugh when I show up with 5 rods: 3 casting, 1 spinning, 1 spincast. What do you need that thing for? Oh, you'll see. Just another tool for the job at hand that gets glossed over. My second best LMB ever was caught in some nasty weeds with this setup. Couldn't quite get to the spot I needed to get to without it.
I put a 3" slim senko on my sons Zebco spincast one day, and he outcaught me 3-1...somedays when he takes a break from fishing I pick up his Zebco. 
Ksam1234 reply :
For me it’s actually researching and fishing. Most of the time I try to take friends of mine who fish and they always get mad bc I catch fish like 5:1 ratio. Just on Tuesday he had an hour head start and caught 3 fish and I was there for 30
monutes and caught 5.. so of course he asks all the questions what are you doing what life what color how fast or slow what line what depth etc.. I told him to take his time and try to figure on his own. I put a lot of time in on the water and learn what he fish want (most of the time)
Scott F reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 11:16 AM, Ksam1234 said:For me it’s actually researching and fishing. Most of the time I try to take friends of mine who fish and they always get mad bc I catch fish like 5:1 ratio. Just on Tuesday he had an hour head start and caught 3 fish and I was there for 30
monutes and caught 5.. so of course he asks all the questions what are you doing what life what color how fast or slow what line what depth etc.. I told him to take his time and try to figure on his own. I put a lot of time in on the water and learn what he fish want (most of the time)
You take your friends out, out fish them, and not show them what you’re doing to catch fish? You are right. No one else does that.
Glaucus reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 12:01 PM, Scott F said:You take your friends out, out fish them, and not show them what you’re doing to catch fish? You are right. No one else does that.
Depending on the location (of course) I'll demonstrate and then literally hand my rod and lures over and let them do the work and catch the bass on what's working and what I showed them while I relax and have a good time downing some beers. I know I can catch them any time. Can't say that for everyone. So sitting back after teaching and simply watching and enjoying is a good time. I'd never let my pals struggle while I have a field day.
soflabasser reply :
Forgot to mention that I make my own custom made swimbaits and I paint them as well. I don't post pictures of these swimbaits and I will never sell them to anyone since they are for my personal use( I do let my better half fish with them but that's about it). I also make other types of lures that are quite effective for bass in the areas I fish.
On 5/10/2018 at 11:16 AM, Ksam1234 said:For me it’s actually researching and fishing.
No one knows everything about bass fishing so its always a good idea to research new techniques and locations to fish.I do the same and have learned plenty of new techniques that come out and find new places to fish.
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
I use braid, nothing else. No flouro leader or anything.
I have never, and don't plan on using a senko
I throw flukes way too often, way too much
OCdockskipper reply :
Skip 1/16 oz Ned rigs (ZMan TRD's & Roboworm Ned Worms) under docks. They make less commotion going under the docks, so it works real well on calm days.
Only negative is if you miss and hit a boat at the dock, it makes a very loud noise (unlike weightless stick worms). I'm not worried about scaring the fish, rather ticking off a boat owner.
Ksam1234 reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 12:01 PM, Scott F said:You take your friends out, out fish them, and not show them what you’re doing to catch fish? You are right. No one else does that.
I didn’t think I need to put that I do help that figured anyone would obviously know that. I let them try and figure it out themselves then if they struggle I show them. But what will someone learn if they are babies all the time ok funny guy
On 5/10/2018 at 12:08 PM, Glaucus said:Depending on the location (of course) I'll demonstrate and then literally hand my rod and lures over and let them do the work and catch the bass on what's working and what I showed them while I relax and have a good time downing some beers. I know I can catch them any time. Can't say that for everyone. So sitting back after teaching and simply watching and enjoying is a good time. I'd never let my pals struggle while I have a field day.
Yeah I don’t let them struggle either. I guess everyone took what I said wrong. Didn’t think to much into it but I guess I have to clarify before everyone gets sensitive. Obviously I help them and show them what to use etc and how to find the fish. But I also let them try to learn themselves so they can get better at it
Bluebasser86 reply :
I'll fish swimbaits that are "too big" for any fish around here.
I also have 1 color that is a killer in our lakes, don't know why but it is. I talk about it plenty and don't try too hard to hide it.
Catt reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 6:43 AM, Catt said:Texas Rig ????
Jig-n-Craw ????
jbmaine reply :
Take my wife. She is disabled and can't do a lot of things, but she loves being on the water. I won't go with out her. There are days she out fishes me.
Preytorien reply :
I seem to have my personal technique down pat.
First, I make a long, usually wildly inaccurate cast. It'll usually end up in the trees, now I've got them right where I want them. Then I spend the better part of 30 or so minutes complaining, scampering around like a drunk juvenile squirrel trying to get my lure back. When I finally get it back, I start back to fishing, albeit with a different outlook on life.
After that, those little 8-inch dinks I always catch don't seem so bad.....
Pro Logcatcher reply :
When bank fishing, I skip a buzz toad into really heavy cover and jig it out. It seems to do really well as I'm sure no other guys have been doing it. Usually, I get two or three just on this technique even on highly pressured ponds.
TnRiver46 reply :
I keep my hook in the water as much as possible
TOXIC reply :
Soooo many people think a Senko is an "idiot" bait and while it will catch fish for most people, I have made it my signature bait and I can't explain why but I can catch fish on it when others can't. Took one of my buddies out yeaterday (very good fisherman) and I was schooling him on a weightless Senko. Same color, same line, same rigging. It was windy but I had no problem fishing it weightless. He actually asked me what he was doing wrong and I honestly couldn't tell him what to do differently. So what do I do that no one else does? I fish a Senko. ????
Glaucus reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 7:33 PM, TOXIC said:Soooo many people think a Senko is an "idiot" bait and while it will catch fish for most people, I have made it my signature bait and I can't explain why but I can catch fish on it when others can't. Took one of my buddies out yeaterday (very good fisherman) and I was schooling him on a weightless Senko. Same color, same line, same rigging. It was windy but I had no problem fishing it weightless. He actually asked me what he was doing wrong and I honestly couldn't tell him what to do differently. So what do I do that no one else does? I fish a Senko. ????
Same. There's more to a Senko than people think. It's the first bait I learned how to bass fish on. I remember that summer vividly. I literally never used another bait and never felt like I had to. To this day it's still my bread and butter.
On 5/10/2018 at 7:24 PM, TnRiver46 said:I keep my hook in the water as much as possible
That can be a waste of time, in my opinion. If I don't like the spot, I don't keep it there long. Better chance of catching a bass from a spot I like after reeling in and recasting than keeping it soaking in a spot I don't have faith in.
NHBull reply :
After reading this thread, I don’t think I do anything unique. The only exception may be that I have an shield 9 mm on my hip next to my pliers ????
Mobasser reply :
Paint my slip sinkers different and " off" colors, double check each hook for sharpness, and on my spinning reels that have mono, soak them in water for a while or overnight to soften up my line if I haven't fished for a few days. Others probably do this too, not sure, but these things have helped me catch more fish over the years
Mr. Aquarium reply :
i came up with this technique just. using big topwaters like jitterbugs, and rats. cast out to some shoreline trees. make a big splash. when it lands let the bait sit. sometimes giving it a few slight twitches, then reel in fast.
what i think it looks like is a bird, chipmunk other rodents that fell from a tree. it looks injured and stunned, (letting it sit and twitching) that's when the bass is looking at the bait. when they see it panicking and trying to get away ( reeling in fast) they come up and smash it
BassNJake reply :
I have caught fish behind many tourney guys that were flipping laydowns/bushes with my reverse rig senko.
with this rig when you pull it over a limb it falls back towards the trunk and not out towards the boat
I remove the treble hooks from blade baits and replace them with a single hook only on the back
I will tie a couple strands of skirting where the front hook would go
I like to impart the "Alabama shake" when fishing my buzz toads.
I like to start every morning by fishing my buzz toad.
A. I love the topwater bite
B. this will allow me to see what sort of activity is along the bank(bait fish, random roamers or wolf packs cruising by)
C. Allows me to cover water finding active fish/areas or lets me know I need to be fishing deeper
Loochy88 reply :
I've been throwing a maribou skirted custom chatterbait lately that the fish have been going bananas over. Don't know if anyone else is making these, but it's been amazing.
NYWayfarer reply :
When kayak fishing for Bass I bring a telescopic rod/baitfeeder reel set-up rigged with an egg sinker and circle hook for Catfish. Since I only have 2 rod holders and limited storage on my kayak it sits in the cockpit with me until I use it.
optimator reply :
Bass fishing is a 8 month waterfowl scouting trip.
N Florida Mike reply :
I catch a lot of fish In the summer by reeling a 5 - 6 inch senko on the surface. Talk about some wild explosions !
I now skip a lot of my casts even if I don't have to. I believe the subtle entry into the water has increased my catch rate a lot.
I know some of you would sneer at this but,
I also fish with live ' gills, with no cork. Almost fish em like I would with plastic baits. Great big bass weapon.
All about da bass reply :
If I'm trying to gain some confidence in something and I know the conditions are right I'll throw that one bait that I'm not used to throwing in those conditions. I can only make adjustments to them and can change colors but I have to fish with it and make the fish bite. I threw a big swim bait the other day and finally before dark, I caught one pushing 8 pounds. It felt so rewarding.
Does anybody else re tie after a fish catch just so you don't have a chance of a break off of an absolute monster?
OCdockskipper reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 11:18 PM, N Florida Mike said:I now skip a lot of my casts even if I don't have to. I believe the subtle entry into the water has increased my catch rate a lot...
I call that a "reverse topwater". With most topwater lures, you make a cast & then work the lure back to you on the surface. Doing what you describe, you are working (skipping) the lure out to the fish on the surface and then letting it settle right near them. It makes sense that the catch rate goes up because when any fish comes to investigate what the surface commotion is, the lure is closer to their home instead of closer to or approaching a boat. Something they haven't seen...
Glaucus reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 11:18 PM, N Florida Mike said:I catch a lot of fish In the summer by reeling a 5 - 6 inch senko on the surface. Talk about some wild explosions !
I now skip a lot of my casts even if I don't have to. I believe the subtle entry into the water has increased my catch rate a lot.
I know some of you would sneer at this but,
I also fish with live ' gills, with no cork. Almost fish em like I would with plastic baits. Great big bass weapon.
Do that with a wacky Senko. Might as well be a frog. Works well.
blckshirt98 reply :
For me it's my Frankenstein spinning rod setup. Being a shore guy I don't like juggling around multiple rods so usually only take one rod. To avoid having to re-tie often I'll have my 15lb braid mainline, tie on a quick snap (Decoy V-Snap, Norman Speed Clip, etc), then use that as my "base" setup to be able to attach almost any rig quickly. So for example I'll drop shot and attach a size 10(35lb) Spro Power Swivel, have my fluoro leader with hook and dropshot weight. If I want to switch techniques instead of having to cut anything, i'll just unhook the Spro swivel from the quick snap, attach on a squarebill, jerkbait, another Spro Power Swivel with a Neg Rig tied on, another Spro Power Swivel with a shakey head tied on, etc etc. The quick snap to power swivel is the unconventional part, but fish don't seem to mind it.
the reel ess reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 5:09 AM, MassYak85 said:I wouldn't say nobody else does it but a lot of times in my kayak I will paddle through large expanses of lily pads just looking for swirls from fish moving out of the way to get a better picture of where fish are. Then come back a little later after things calm back down and fish it with a frog.
I do the same. I also use weeds and lilies as an anchor if it's windy.
Captain America reply :
I like to rig my spinning rods with 10lb braid and use a 20 - 25 foot mono or fluorocarbon leader. I fish rivers a lot, so it is nice to know that i probably wont have to change my leader after losing a few baits to the rocks. It also gives me more sensitivity than straight mono or fluoro, and i like to think it helps with pressured fish.
I also like to nose hook Strike King KVD dream shots and fish them like a soft jerkbait when the bite is REALLY slow. It is a little fish magnet, but the big ones will still bite.
Hyrule Bass reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 8:28 AM, Graham said:Rather than buying into the wacky rigging tool and o-ring hype I’ve always used little elastic hair bands made for braiding. 5$ gets you about 100 of em.
They are super small I just double them over once and they fit nice and tight.
i use these to hold chicken livers on the hook when catfishing, it has worked very well, and i always get my rubber bands back, the catfish dont seem to swallow them at all
On 5/10/2018 at 10:47 AM, scaleface said:Buzz a 5 inch grub on surface like a buzzbait .
i fish weightless baby rage tail craws on the surface like a topwater, such a versatile little bait...
N Florida Mike reply :
On 5/11/2018 at 12:08 AM, Glaucus said:Do that with a wacky Senko. Might as well be a frog. Works well.
I have not done well with wacky rigged senkos .I have heard how well it works though. I can't imagine it could work any better than a T rig. The bass absolutely love a t rigged senko.
I'll have to try wacky again though.
rosshilk reply :
In my neck of the woods I am the only one I've seen really just ripping a Jerkbait hard to elicit strikes. I watched a video on KVD just snapping the hell out of the line so I have done it pretty frequently with some great results. This past Saturday the fishing was slow for all of the other anglers on the water including my Dad who was on the boat with me. I just kept cracking that line like a maniac all morning and caught over 40 bass on a day others were leaving skunked. I watched a guy judging me from his boat like I was crazy then completely shift his opinion once he saw me land several fish doing. He started fishing his baits very erratically trying to get the same results.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 7:40 PM, Glaucus said:Same. There's more to a Senko than people think. It's the first bait I learned how to bass fish on. I remember that summer vividly. I literally never used another bait and never felt like I had to. To this day it's still my bread and butter.
That can be a waste of time, in my opinion. If I don't like the spot, I don't keep it there long. Better chance of catching a bass from a spot I like after reeling in and recasting than keeping it soaking in a spot I don't have faith in.
I was speaking more figuratively, like, I go fishing as often as possible
riverbasser reply :
I stretch. . . either on the boat or just before launching. Never seen anyone I fish with nor any of the guys in my club do this but when you fish 10 hr days it sure helps
MassYak85 reply :
On 5/11/2018 at 1:30 AM, Captain America said:I like to rig my spinning rods with 10lb braid and use a 20 - 25 foot mono or fluorocarbon leader. I fish rivers a lot, so it is nice to know that i probably wont have to change my leader after losing a few baits to the rocks. It also gives me more sensitivity than straight mono or fluoro, and i like to think it helps with pressured fish.
I also like to nose hook Strike King KVD dream shots and fish them like a soft jerkbait when the bite is REALLY slow. It is a little fish magnet, but the big ones will still bite.
At first I read that as "I like to rig my spinnerbaits with 10lb braid and a 20-25lb leader" and I was so confused lol
BuzzHudson19c reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 8:44 AM, Dtrombly said:I frog in open water alot, regardless of conditions I usually try to get that bite going first before I switch to other techniques.
Me too. I love the look on someones face the first time they fish with me and I throw a frog non stop in open water. Then they realize it works after a few caught and stop questioning my methods.
Glaucus reply :
On 5/11/2018 at 9:20 AM, BuzzHudson19c said:Me too. I love the look on someones face the first time they fish with me and I throw a frog non stop in open water. Then they realize it works after a few caught and stop questioning my methods.
https://youtu.be/HDIGyozPnKI
BuzzHudson19c reply :
On 5/11/2018 at 9:34 AM, Glaucus said:https://youtu.be/HDIGyozPnKI
That is to this day the best frog blowup on Youtube.
flyfisher reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 5:09 AM, MassYak85 said:I wouldn't say nobody else does it but a lot of times in my kayak I will paddle through large expanses of lily pads just looking for swirls from fish moving out of the way to get a better picture of where fish are. Then come back a little later after things calm back down and fish it with a frog.
i do something similar except i will sit and watch a lilly pad field for 10-15 minutes looking for movement in the pads.
Alan Reed reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 8:28 AM, Graham said:Rather than buying into the wacky rigging tool and o-ring hype I’ve always used little elastic hair bands made for braiding. 5$ gets you about 100 of em.
They are super small I just double them over once and they fit nice and tight.
On the advice of Gerald Swindle I started using the small black zip ties instead of an oring to wacky rig. Very easy, cheap and hold up to anything.
FishDewd reply :
Not sure I really do much special... I try to use different stuff than I see others using though. About the only trick I use that I don't see anyone else doing is when catfishing. I will make a carolina rig, but fasten a small lead split shot about an inch above the sinker. To A. keep it from sliding up to far, and B. to make additional noise. Also a bead below. Then I will slide a very small pear peg float onto the leader line, and measure it against the egg sinker so that at it's maximum buoyancy the hook sits just an inch or so above the bottom. This works great when my hooks are getting stuck in muck along the bottom, or during windy days when I want my bait/lure to stay in place, but still wiggle around like it's alive.
islandbass reply :
A couple things:
1) I won’t hesitate to go to ultralight mode when I sense a skunk coming and target species of bass only changes to whatever will bite — as long as I catch something, lol.
2) Not to often these days but when I first started fishing, I watched Bill Dance’s show a lot. I thought it was so cool when he’d hook into a fish, turned toward the camera, smile and set the hook. I don’t think anyone else does this — when I get a bite, I’ve been known to turn to the side as if I were looking into a video camera, smile and set the hook.
Graham reply :
On 5/11/2018 at 10:13 AM, Alan Reed said:On the advice of Gerald Swindle I started using the small black zip ties instead of an oring to wacky rig. Very easy, cheap and hold up to anything.
Well that’s what makes my method one other people aren’t doing. Don’t get Swindled 
Wurming67 reply :
Fish in a speedo,so when another boat pulls up in that area they leave so I got the spot to myself less fishing pressure
Bigbruce reply :
I work on a military base that has stocked ponds, but they are heavily fished. I take the kids to those as they are good for brim and catfish.
On my lunch break I fish small ponds in training areas that no one else goes to. It is kind of a pain to have the right documentation and passes. It’s worth it as they seem like my own private ponds and I always catch bass.
FishStickHunter reply :
I use glass beads between the weight and a Texas rigged worm. Not sure if it does anything but I catch fish with this setup
Hyrule Bass reply :
On 5/11/2018 at 4:21 AM, riverbasser said:I stretch. . . either on the boat or just before launching. Never seen anyone I fish with nor any of the guys in my club do this but when you fish 10 hr days it sure helps
i agree totally, i stretch before any physical activity or work. it just simply helps prevent a lot of soreness later on when you finally sit back and let your body relax for the day. great advice
lonnie g reply :
I cast a worm on the bank and slowly pull it into the water then just wait, sometimes there is no wait just slam! Seems that season doesn’t matter either. It is amazing how big bass can get in that shallow of water.
Columbia Craw reply :
Kiss MY wife before I leave for the lake.
WRB reply :
On 5/11/2018 at 10:48 PM, FishStickHunter said:I use glass beads between the weight and a Texas rigged worm. Not sure if it does anything but I catch fish with this setup
Brass n Glass, standard T-rig for me.
Tom
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
Electric blue, zoom mag2 one of my favorites. Don't tell no one
Seth_7 reply :
I tie trailers for the rear treble on my crankbaits and poppers. been liking white and red deer hair and crystal flash. Works great!
NYWayfarer reply :
I remembered something I do last night when loading my tackle bag that I don't think anyone else does.
I store crankbaits I frequently use in a empty coffee can. Gives them a nice coffee scent if you leave them in there long enough. Hey if the coffee scent works for Strike King why not for me?
JoePhish reply :
I attach a glass rattle to my shakey head and wacky jigs with a heat shrink tube.
I won a tournament using it so now that's what I do.
Someone told me about it so I know I'm not the only one who does it. However, none of the guys I fish with/around/against fish it except for the one guy I told about it.
Tennessee Boy reply :
I should probably mention my magic casting trick. I can be making a 25 foot cast, I'll look up and my line will be looped over a limb that's 40 feet high and directly over my head. I don't know how I do this. It seems to defy the laws of physics but it's a special skill that I've had all my life.
Log Catcher reply :
On 5/19/2018 at 3:18 AM, Tennessee Boy said:I should probably mention my magic casting trick. I can be making a 25 foot cast, I'll look up and my line will be looped over a limb that's 40 feet high and directly over my head. I don't know how I do this. It seems to defy the laws of physics but it's a special skill that I've had all my life.
Yeah i'm still waiting for you to pay me for those casting lessons I gave you.
bigbill reply :
I have one tackle box full of weedless baits. When others are hauling in weeds I fish weed free.
nagami reply :
subscribed, this seems like a very interesting thread 
iiTzChunky reply :
I'm not sure I'd say it catches me more fish but the way I hold my pole, hands pretty much gripped around the reel itself and my line runs directly over my pointer finger for added sensitivity.
BassWhole! reply :
What do you do that nobody else does?
I'm thinking read the question...
Mike L reply :
I add a treble stinger hook for smaller single hook plastics.
Flukes, caffeine shad's, small speed worms etc.
Mike
whitwolf reply :
I, on occasion, fish a Rebel Ringworm. I have hoarded these baits and have never seen another person using Rebel Ringworms in the last 30 years. 
Sam reply :
When I feel like it for tournaments, I make a secret concoction to use for scent and taste that Dr. Keith Jones of Pure Fishing research department told me to use.
It is yucky but it seems to work.
scaleface reply :
I dont open a beer until I catch a fish .
Glaucus reply :
On 5/21/2018 at 4:12 AM, scaleface said:I dont open a beer until I catch a fish .
Beer is magic. I won't be catching anything, so I open a beer. Then it never fails that I start catching them, and the beer sits there and goes to waste because I'm not stopping just to drink. Kinda like stopping to take a leak with your line in the water, and THEN they decide it's a good time to bite.
THE_Vue's reply :
I use my 8' yakattack stake out pole from my kayak and use it on my bass boat. Tie it down on a cleat with a paracord and a ring then you just stick the pole thru. Works wonder no need for power poles or talons.
th365thli reply :
I fish deep when a lot of people don't.
Let me be clear, I'm not saying I'm LITERALLY the only person who does this. What I'm trying to get at is that most recreational anglers exclusively fish shallow, meaning they cast close to the bank with reaction lures or senkos. All day. In some areas this might be adequate, but it's not going to get you consistent results. I think some people are intimidated of throwing their lures with no obvious visual reference.
Learning to fish ledges and deeper water has really been a game changer for me. People get hung up about colors and baits and shapes. While those are important, nothing beats location. If you don't find the bass, ain't no $20 dollar lure or number of casts are going to help.
RB 77 reply :
On 5/21/2018 at 1:25 PM, th365thli said:I fish deep when a lot of people don't.
Let me be clear, I'm not saying I'm LITERALLY the only person who does this. What I'm trying to get at is that most recreational anglers exclusively fish shallow, meaning they cast close to the bank with reaction lures or senkos. All day. In some areas this might be adequate, but it's not going to get you consistent results. I think some people are intimidated of throwing their lures with no obvious visual reference.
Learning to fish ledges and deeper water has really been a game changer for me. People get hung up about colors and baits and shapes. While those are important, nothing beats location. If you don't find the bass, ain't no $20 dollar lure or number of casts are going to help.
I noticed you are in the Southern California like myself. Whether an angler likes it or not (most don't), if you don't learn to fish deep, you run the risk of not catching certain times a year IE (winter/ summer). There are always shallow fish to some degree, but learning to identify and properly fish deep structure (sometimes 50' plus) can mean the difference between a great day catching vs. a long boat ride. Good on ya for finding that key to success to unlocking some spectacular fishing out this way.
th365thli reply :
On 5/21/2018 at 11:11 PM, RB 77 said:
I noticed you are in the Southern California like myself. Whether an angler likes it or not (most don't), if you don't learn to fish deep, you run the risk of not catching certain times a year IE (winter/ summer). There are always shallow fish to some degree, but learning to identify and properly fish deep structure (sometimes 50' plus) can mean the difference between a great day catching vs. a long boat ride. Good on ya for finding that key to success to unlocking some spectacular fishing out this way.
Close, I'm in Northern California, but the principles hold the same! You're absolutely right, on the east coast and the midwest, their lakes have a lot of shoreline cover. It's not ideal, but you can probably grind out a limit. On the west coast, that's just not possible in the seasons you mentioned.
Believe me, it took me a while to really get it down, and I'm still learning. West coast fishing is a different beast. Don't even get me started on overpopulation and lake pressure....
Shockwave reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 6:58 AM, Glaucus said:I never use braid either. I've never been in a position where I thought braid would have mattered. When you're from Illinois and our 5 pounders are as exciting as southern 10 pounders, and our vegetation is typically scarce, I guess it doesn't matter.
I'm in Wisconsin and I use braid on everything except my cranking setups. I'll use braid with a flouro leader because the sensitivity is better. I feel EVERYTHING with braid.
Jar11591 reply :
Not many people cast AND reel with the same hand like I do.
MarkK76 reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 8:09 AM, Scott F said:I wouldn't say I do much that NOBODY else does, but after reading posts here for 5 years, I'd say I DON'T do a lot that the majority of the posters here do.
Unlike a lot of the guys who post here, I use nothing but braided line for every lure I throw and never use mono/fluoro leaders. Mostly, I use spinning gear. It's all 10lb braid and on my baitcasters, it's all 20lb. braid. I don't do a lot of largemouth fishing, mostly smallmouth, so I don't do any flipping, pitching or punching. I use a lot of Senko type baits but it's always weightless T rigged, never wacky. I also never weigh fish. If it's a big fish, I might put it on a measuring board for length only. I seldom pay much attention to what many feel is the "correct" color choice for the conditions. I don't own any (as far as I know) technique specific rods. I'm more likely to to use one rod for as many applications as is reasonable. As long as the lure falls within the weight rating of the rod, I'll adjust so it works for me.
I "break" a lot of the rules that others live by. Because I'm pretty happy with the numbers of fish I catch, and enjoy what I'm doing, I'm unlikely to change the way I do things.
I use all braid to, I tried the whole fluorocarbon thing and hated it guess I'm not PRO enough to use it right rofl.. I had more blowups that I couldn't get out and ended up cutting up 25 dollars worth of line after only a few days of use. Braid I have far fewer issues with my bait caster and when it does blow up the rats nest is far easier to get undone. AS far as rather I'm missing a lot of fish due to line visibility I cant no for sure.. been told by lots line vis makes a difference and been told by others it doesn't /shrug Tell I can get PRO enough to use fluoro without all the bait casting blow ups Ill just stick to braid and hope that the bass are not line shy :)
Columbia Craw reply :
On 5/20/2018 at 7:49 PM, whitwolf said:I, on occasion, fish a Rebel Ringworm. I have hoarded these baits and have never seen another person using Rebel Ringworms in the last 30 years.
Smoke sparkle with a chartreuse tail buddy.
Quarry Man reply :
i organize my tackle constantly...and stay organized on the water
Mosster47 reply :
Fish as far from shore as possible. You have the whole lake to yourself and the number of 4+ pound fish you catch will increase to dramatically it will blow your mind. Also, launch the boat after 10pm. You have the lake to yourself again.
Anyone can catch bass in that 2.5lb range and under. When they grow into true apex predators you have to fish where the high value targets live. That's usually not hugging shore. Pre-spawn and spawn excluded.
Dirtyeggroll reply :
Surely other people do this, but not anyone I know personally. I make a ‘top box’. Depending on what I plan to fish, I will put some duplicates of all the things o have tied on and soft plastics in a Plano that stays on the deck. That way if i break off or need something else I don’t have to dig through a tackle box or through storage compartments to retie. I do this in addition to the Tackle bag I bring as a co-Angler and in my own little boat.
Arcs&sparks reply :
On 5/29/2018 at 4:12 AM, Quarry Man said:i organize my tackle constantly...and stay organized on the water
Come on, that’s impossible.
Mottel reply :
I only use rapala countdowns my whole life
ClackerBuzz reply :
On 5/30/2018 at 10:18 AM, Mosster47 said:Fish as far from shore as possible. You have the whole lake to yourself and the number of 4+ pound fish you catch will increase to dramatically it will blow your mind. Also, launch the boat after 10pm. You have the lake to yourself again.
Anyone can catch bass in that 2.5lb range and under. When they grow into true apex predators you have to fish where the high value targets live. That's usually not hugging shore. Pre-spawn and spawn excluded.
I do this as well. to say it a bit different: 95% of boats are trolling the same path--parallel to shore, exactly 1 casting distance from the bank. there are untold numbers of unpressured bass directly below this boat track. back 2 casting lengths from shore and start catching some of the best bass in the lake.
papajoe222 reply :
I C-Rig small, shallow running cranks using a 1oz. egg sinker. I’ll run that in the same areas others are deep cranking big baits. I’ll crank it for a fast presentation, or use the rod to creep it along. As a bonus, I’ve boated a nice walleye dinner on occasion.
Quarry Man reply :
On 5/30/2018 at 11:10 AM, Arcs&sparks said:Come on, that’s impossible.
well, i try
mattkenzer reply :
On 5/30/2018 at 7:23 PM, papajoe222 said:I C-Rig small, shallow running cranks using a 1oz. egg sinker. I’ll run that in the same areas others are deep cranking big baits. I’ll crank it for a fast presentation, or use the rod to creep it along. As a bonus, I’ve boated a nice walleye dinner on occasion.
Great rig for Lake Trout.
RichF reply :
I almost never use stick worms in general but I can honestly say that I've NEVER used a genuine Yamamoto senko. I think it's safe to say I'm in the minority with this one.
NittyGrittyBoy reply :
Yup never have used a senko here either
Hez reply :
On 5/31/2018 at 2:42 AM, RichF said:I almost never use stick worms in general but I can honestly say that I've NEVER used a genuine Yamamoto senko. I think it's safe to say I'm in the minority with this one.
On 5/31/2018 at 3:00 AM, NittyGrittyBoy said:Yup never have used a senko here either
????
Arcs&sparks reply :
On 5/30/2018 at 7:23 PM, papajoe222 said:I C-Rig small, shallow running cranks using a 1oz. egg sinker. I’ll run that in the same areas others are deep cranking big baits. I’ll crank it for a fast presentation, or use the rod to creep it along. As a bonus, I’ve boated a nice walleye dinner on occasion.
I’m having trouble picturing this. When creeping it, does the crank stay suspended above the weight?
papajoe222 reply :
Yes, it'll stay above the weight as you work it. How much higher depends on the running depth of the crank and the length of your leader. A proven retrieve is to work it by sweeping the rod. The crank will dive and make contact with the bottom (on a shorter leader) as you sweep and rise up as you recover and take up the slack. You can even dead stick it there before sweeping the rod again.
Yeajray231 reply :
On 5/30/2018 at 12:11 PM, Mottel said:I only use rapala countdowns my whole life
I bet you've caught some fish tho !
SJex reply :
When I catch a fish I rub my worm over it ;)
Choporoz reply :
On 5/11/2018 at 9:38 AM, BuzzHudson19c said:
That is to this day the best frog blowup on Youtube.
I knew what fish you were talking about before even watching the link above....even though I haven't watched his vids in the past year...lol
Ratherbfishing reply :
Lately I've taken to acquiring a sample of lake water and gargling it. This tells me everything I need to know (about parasites, dysentery, diarrhea, vomiting, etc).
rboat reply :
I hate flourocarbon line, gave up on it completely. It is brittle, your knot must be perfect or it will burn or cut itself. Breaks if you look at it wrong. I tried several brands and all had the same issue. I fish all lures with straight braid or mono and do better than my friends who swear by flourocarbon.
soflabasser reply :
On 5/30/2018 at 10:18 AM, Mosster47 said:When they grow into true apex predators you have to fish where the high value targets live. That's usually not hugging shore. Pre-spawn and spawn excluded.
Come to Florida and your opinion might change on this subject. I and many other Florida bass fishermen catch trophy bass from the shore and many of these trophy bass are from public waters, even in June- August which are months not associated with the pre-spawn and spawn.
On 5/31/2018 at 3:00 AM, NittyGrittyBoy said:Yup never have used a senko here either
I don't like senkos since its a boring bait to use for me but these lures have their place and time they do well, such as a beginner lure, a lure for someone that fatigues quickly with moving lures, or sometimes it's one of the best lures to use in certain conditions,etc.
soflabasser reply :
On 5/23/2018 at 1:41 AM, MarkK76 said:AS far as rather I'm missing a lot of fish due to line visibility I cant no for sure.. been told by lots line vis makes a difference and been told by others it doesn't /shrug Tell I can get PRO enough to use fluoro without all the bait casting blow ups Ill just stick to braid and hope that the bass are not line shy
My little cousin uses yellow braid for all his bass fishing and he does well with it. Fished with orange braid before and still caught some nice bass on it. I prefer using green braid but having confidence in what you are using is far more important.
RealtreeByGod reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 8:28 AM, Graham said:Rather than buying into the wacky rigging tool and o-ring hype I’ve always used little elastic hair bands made for braiding. 5$ gets you about 100 of em.
They are super small I just double them over once and they fit nice and tight.
IDK what it is if it's just a weird reaction between the different plastics or something, but these things tend to melt if I leave them on my lures when putting them back in the Plano. It's especially bad with classic Senkos.
Bucky205 reply :
I have days that I don't catch fish.
Graham reply :
On 6/24/2018 at 7:43 AM, RealtreeByGod said:IDK what it is if it's just a weird reaction between the different plastics or something, but these things tend to melt if I leave them on my lures when putting them back in the Plano. It's especially bad with classic Senkos.
Hmm that’s odd, never had an issue
WRB reply :
Did I mention I catch giant bass on hair jigscwithbpork rind trailers.
Tom
Brown Town reply :
Keep oars in the boat and if the fish are in thick mat or pads I pull the trolling motor up and sneak in. People give me weird looks seeing I have a trolling motor on deck but I'm paddling an entire shoreline. It helps me when I'm punching thick weeds and I can get right on top of the fish without spooking them which leads to better hook up ratios since I don't have to make long pitches. Hook set straight up and buries right in the top of the mouth every time
Slade House reply :
On 6/1/2018 at 5:23 AM, rboat said:I hate flourocarbon line, gave up on it completely. It is brittle, your knot must be perfect or it will burn or cut itself. Breaks if you look at it wrong. I tried several brands and all had the same issue. I fish all lures with straight braid or mono and do better than my friends who swear by flourocarbon.
You must fish in muddy water where it doesn't matter as much. First off, never use vanish. with flurocarbon you have to use the Palomar knot, there is no other knot but this knot. and use the alberto knot to tie flurocarbon to braid. also when spooling flurocarbon onto a bait caster make sure you keep the spool label side down on the ground . dip it in a bucket of water periodically as you spool it.
I give soft baits to people i meet out fishing. i tell them and give them whats working for me. if you think that by giving a tackle tip and showing someone what bait your using is going to ruin fishing at your spot your a selfish idiot.
Mike L reply :
I use Flouro for everything except punching and frogs, Love the stuff and only use a SDJ knot and never had a problem.
Only use mono to hang pictures on a wall
Mike
thinkingredneck reply :
I reel left handed on a spinning rod and fly rod, right on a BC. Cast right.
Sometimes I only take junebug plastics. I focus on presentation speed, shape.
If I catch a couple on one bait I will change and see if they'll bite something else.
I use a Lunker City Salad spoon like a toad
I throw weightless with my BC
DomQ reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 9:37 PM, Loochy88 said:I've been throwing a maribou skirted custom chatterbait lately that the fish have been going bananas over. Don't know if anyone else is making these, but it's been amazing.
Ill sure will be now!
DomQ reply :
On 5/14/2018 at 8:05 PM, Seth_7 said:I tie trailers for the rear treble on my crankbaits and poppers. been liking white and red deer hair and crystal flash. Works great!
I try and dress every test treble hook on all my cranks, jerks and poppers.
HeyCoach reply :
I change the reel handle to the right so I can reel and cast with my right hand with my spinning rods.
I will sometimes put a Swim Senko on a shaky head and swim it around lay downs.
CrankFate reply :
I use softer, lighter rods than most recommend. I don’t like the fast tip rods that are all the rage these days. I use brighter artificial colors than people recommend. I fish braid with a 12” or shorter fluorocarbon leader. I adjust my bait a lot to find the right depth for the fish, so if I was drop shot fishing I might start 20” up from the sinker and keep lowering the hook down 2-4” until I get it in the strike zone where I get the most bites. And I agree with people that say line capacity is overrated, except for very large types of fish. I use a bass casting setup for just about all types of fish freshwater or saltwater.
Loochy88 reply :
On 6/26/2018 at 7:46 PM, DomQ said:Ill sure will be now!
I've given a couple away and everyone I've shared with reports back that they love them. The material is just way better in my opinion than the rubber skirts when it comes to the action of the chatterbait.
bhoff reply :
Well if I told you guys then other people might start doing it... Seems like a catch 22 to me.
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