What A Day!

I started bass fishing when I was approximately 15 years old, hampered by the Southern California reality that I could not drive and had scarce lakes to fish at. Most of my days were spent with dough baits catching catfish and carp since I felt limited fishing from docks and banks (now I know better).

So my passion for bass fishing hibernated although I kept up with information via tons of books followed by the emergence of the internet.

At 20 years old, I pursued it again but only catching bass via nightcrawlers. This was unsatisfying because it still didn't feel like "real" bass fishing. I caught a tiny one on a crankbait as well but that seemed like an accident to me since I wasn't even really trying/paying attention.

Fast forward to 14 years later and I finally pick up the sport again. I'm wiser, more well-read, have the financial means for better equipment, fishing permits and boat rentals. And of course, I have this forum to thank for a deluge of information and motivation even in such a short amount of time after discovering it.

Road Warrior's article regarding Senkos is amazing. I caught my first 2 bass on the tube bait which made me feel like I was doing something right. I went out again and caught 1 bass, again on the Senkos.

Today, it was rainy and overcast in CA so I applied what I learned. Mostly, I knew that I should be out on the water because rainy, overcast days encourage bass to feed.

I tried the Senko again but only had 1 bait that didn't set properly. But this time I was prepared. From my studying, I concluded that a fast moving crankbait would be appropriate for more active bass fishing (due to the weather), mimicking the minnows/shad I'd seen in shallow waters AND hit the deeper bass my fish finder identified (yes, I'm that guy who bought a fish finder).

I purchased the Rapala Deep Runner Shad Rap that ranges from 5 - 11 feet. I also knew my technique should be to keep my rod tip down AND
I remembered an old trick of using a permanent marker to enlarge the eyeball of this lure.

So long story long, I CAUGHT SIX (6) BASS TODAY!

I apologize for the long post. If you can't tell, I'm really amped about my really successful fishing day. I feel like I've "leveled up" after being baptised in the harsh bass waters of CA.

Looking forward to learning a lot more from all of you. Thank you.

I didn't take pics of the 3 dinks I caught. They were quite small and it amazed me that they even hit the crankbait. These bass are aggressive!

A Senko Caught Bass on One Day
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