Bassnajr

I didn't say this before and should have ...I am watching the line, I am paying attention...when the line as much as twitches, I set the hook, a lot of times on thin air. I feel the hook I am/was using may be too small or the wrong kind, that's why I posted. I bought some Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp "Circle Sea" hooks in 2/0 size. They seem a lot like the octopus hooks, but I will give them a try....AND pay bettter attention. Thanks all, ajr

I am going to buy some of these circle hooks right now as I head out to battle "The Bait Monkey". I am also going to "mash down" the barbs on the hooks I still have. That's why I ask. The folks here never disapoint when it comes to giving great help and information. Thanks, Alan (bassnajr)

I am paying attention.....but I understand what you are saying. I am watching the line and sometimes set the hook on air. Maybe as I get more experienced with this technique, this will be less of a problem. Thanks all and I will check out the articles mentioned. Thanks 2x Glenn...great information. ajr

Hey all.... I have been using octopus hooks for wacky rigging senkos. They work great but by the very nature of this bait and its presentation, it leads to gut hooking. I have tried to remove hooks several times and did more harm then good. I have started cutting the line and leaving the hook in as opposed to hurting or possibly killing a fish. I am going through alot of hooks. Anyone have any other ideas on this "hook" situation?? Thanks, ajr

Hey all... I read all the time in these forums members who have had "that day". Well, today was, what I hope to be, the first of many of these for me. I headed out to my local pond this morning around 10:00 a.m. Overcast, 75*, very slight breeze. Nothing doing at home so...... I threw a purple flake senko, wacky rigged and instantly started catching fish. This pond is small and known for 1 1/2 and 2 lbers. I noticed by the fishfinder that the fish seemed to be in 4.6 feet of water. Not 4 not 5 but 4.6 feet....strange..... Well by the end of the day, I had caught over 20 fish, the largest 5 were about 12 pounds. Not a huge sack, but for this pond, and me personally, fantastic. My kicker fish was my personal best. 4lbs. even. Again, not a monster but boy what a fight!!! I had a strange feeling all day kind of like, OK I got it.....I finally understand. Everything clicked if that makes sense. What an amazing day....and I wanted to share it. The only bad part was my buddy was not available to fish with me today and missed the day. Well here it is. Hope that everyone here on the forums has many days like this and better!! ajr

ALL tournaments penalize for a dead fish....or should. Here's the kicker...... If no one complains about a rule violation, which this clearly is, BEFORE the scales close, there is nothing that can be done after. That applies to all violations, not just dead fish. (Right BH ??) In my small club, we watch all fish get weighed in. No one would try to weigh in a dead fish. IMO, this guy and the guy who weighed it in should be embarrased, and if it was for $$$ they are cheaters. Find a new club. PS. Nitro, my club is the same way, but bringing a dead fish in and one to replace it seems unfair to the guys who manage to keep their fish alive all day. That is a big part of T-fishing, managing your live wells. And NO ONE should throw a dead fish back in the water. That drives me crazy!! > Just my opinion. ajr

I have the SHADYS in all the colors they make. They are a bit finicky, but most of these style baits are. I play with the retrieve...some times the fish are finicky . I have no problem with these baits. I catch bigger fish on these and they seem to eliminate the dinks. I use the 4.5" version. The do have to be rigged just right, but I suppose all HB swimbaits do. I have tried several of the HB swimbaits, and durability is not good. After a few fish, they all need to be changed. I have the new Manns hard nose that I just picked up and am going to try. I love the Hard Nose baits as a whole. I am hoping they are more durable than the rest. I don't know if adding a scent makes a difference. The fish are going after the movement. I would say (IMHO) that rigging is more important. I am going to try the tip given about not bringing the hook all thee way through the SHADDYS, sounds good. Bottom line....it's all about the rigging and retrieve!! Good luck!! Peace ajr

I don't think anyone fishes for little ones RW...... They do have a tendancy to show up to the party though. ajr

Hey all.... This spring and summer has been a great learning experience for me. Although I am no puppy, I am new to bass fishing (one year). I have a lot of great people willing to teach me and I am a sponge to learn. To practice what I have learned, and add my own ideas, I have started to fish "tournaments" against myself. I know this sounds weird, but I feel it helps. I set my boat up just as I would for a tournament: gear, rods, live wells etc. My goal when I start is of course to bag five keepers. Then try to get the weight up. I find by doing these "mental tourneys" I slow down and think more about what is going on around me. The weather, where I am catching the fish, what color plastice or hard bait are they hitting, and so on. I wonder does anyone else practice like this, if not, would other members be willing to share their practice "routines". Hope to here from you all. Peace ajr

A very good question... If I may, I'd like to take it a bit farther. My quest is always the next biggest fish. I have only been bass fishing for 1 year now, and I set some goals early on. First, learn how to use a baitcaster....check. Catch a fish on a jig (was never fond of this lure).... check. Compete in a few tournaments (club and money)...check. Learn from those around me willing to teach....check. Fill my live well with keepers, and then start culling...check. And a few more. Not bad for the first year I think! Setting one goal and then making it and moving on to the next has really helped me out. It makes the whole "bass fishing thing" less overwhelming, and more enjoyable. ajr

Well...if it is THE MUDDY...welcome bac k!!!!! ajr

Is this THE MUDDY!!!!!????? ajr

Hey, "They" would say early morning or after dusk. That doesn't always fit the average Joe's plan. It's been over 90" for several days here in the Northeast. When I head out, I always make sure I have plenty of water/Gatorade and ice in the cooler, for me and the fish. (the ice not the Gatorade!!) Spray on sunsreen is my new friend. (it looks, well, STRANGE to have you fishing buddy putting sunscreen on ya'!! ;D) I have snacks so my stomach won't get upset, and I fish in the shade alot which leads you right to the fish. A large cup or empty Gatroade jug to cool the deck (and myself) off. And mosty of all, I take it slow and relax; just like laying by the pool. P.S. 3 lber. at 1:00 p.m. 2 days ago. Hiding right on the edge of the pads, temperature 98" water temp. 84 ". They fish are there in hot weather!!! ajr

X2 RW Sounds simple but anywhere where rocks meet grass, two different grasses or pads meet, stumps or trees in the water, and SHADE, (the forgotten structure!!) etc. I caught some nice ones this past weekend right at the edge of lily pads in less than a foot of water, which was around 83". These pads were easier to throw to from shore than boat, so....... Good luck!!! ajr

The lure will be mailed out today to GitRDoneIke23 in the great State of Texas!!!! My 2 cents........ I would like to see this lure catch a fish in EVERY state in the Union. In this case, size doesn't matter. Take the lure, catch a fish, post your photos, and move the lure along. ALL WE NEED IS ONE FISH IN EACH STATE!!! This would make the national news which would be cool. BassResource.com in the National spotlight!! I like that!! Just my opinion... Peace Alan (bassnajr)

Who wants the lure next?? PM me with your address so I can keep this moving!!!! Alan (bassnajr)

All set!!! Thanks for the help ajr

Can someone PM me with instructions for posting more than one photo for a thread? Thanks, ajr

Well..once I got the presentation down, I caught a couple. (see photos) They were no "lunkers" (perhaps the dink curse continues!!) but the object of this thread is to catch, release, and pass it on..... so that's what I'll do. I went to a place I call "the wall" near my home. It's a place I go to unwind and throw a few lures. It was 1:00 pm, sunny skies, 85 degrees and humid. I picked these two up in about a half an hour. Gotta' love Rapala's!!!! Just for information, this is a floating lure which suspends when "jerked" on retrieve. Very light lure. Well...Who wants it next!! let's keep it moving!!! Alan (bassnajr)

The lure has arrived in "The Biggest little State in the Union" Rhode Island!!!! Troutfisher sent it prior to vacation and today it arrived. I am heading out later on an, with luck, will do my part and move it along to the next BassResource.com'er. Wish me luck!! P.S. This thing is beat up!! I love it!! ;D ajr

From what I have heard, fishing with LBH should cure any tournament burn out!! My opinion.....any OTHER stuff going on in your life right now?? I know that when you are loaded up with "STUFF" let's say, it pulls you away from the things you really enjoy doing. They don't seem as appealing as they used to. I agree with others. Take a break, clean up any lingering problems you may have, (easier said than done some times, I know, believe me!!), and try to relax. Good luck brother!!!! Alan

Hey, I fish braid on all my reels including the spinning reels. For plastics, I use a flourocarbon leader tied to the braid. The fall of a senko is it's magic. I think that's a fair statement. That having been said, what line is best for this presentation?? (Senkos) Should I switch to all flourocarban line for senkos/plastics? I find it a handful on both spinning and baitcast reels. Let's here some ideas, opinions, or comments... Thanks!! ajr

Hey all... One of my favorite fisheries is overgrown with Hydrilla/ Coontail grass. I went out today and looked for breaks in the weedline etc. and there are very few. It's like this lake has a carpet of Hydrilla/Coontail on it!! Any advice, ideas or, tips on how to fish a pond like this?? I know the bass are somewhere!!! ajr

Hey, You didn't say if you were in a boat or on shore. I'll assume a boat. IMO, during hot weather, I normally fish deeper, cooler water with a worm or tube bait. Lately, I have been trying to find areas where weeds meet rocks in around 7-10 feet of water. The shade is always good on a hot day. I consider it another form of cover. Try a spinner bait or shallow crank where the sun meets the shade. Odds are you'lll get whacked!! And throw a frog in the pads...there's nothing like that hit!!! Good luck!! ajr

I picked up a Strike King Series 1 (2-5 ft.) at Dick's SG for a dollar yesterday.....a bargain, but let's hope it works!!!! :) ajr