Bassbum

I've fished the Keitech spiders a few times, but to me, when they're on the spiders, a 4" will get the better bites. Water is cooling quickly up here, and the fish have been sluggish with the turnover beginning in most areas...... Smallies have been deep (30+) and unpredictable..... moving up and down from 20-30+ in days. Stick with the swing impacts (dropshotted)........and if need be break out the hair jigs !! Just my $1.380......... 8-)

largemouth will usually be "on the bank" smallmouth will usually be "off the bank". look for structure or breaklines away from the bank, the presence of bait makes it that much sweeter. 8-)

Nice healthy looking fish !! 8-)

thanks guys......our season is just starting and I got out last Saturday to dust the cobwebs off.....water was 39 degrees, and it was amazing to see some already started to push up. coldest water I've ever gotten fish to commit to a j/b. they did show a preference to the smaller sized (3-/1/2), and you had to dead stick the life out of it.......but they commited with a vengenece. I love these fish !!

Congrats......That fish is an absolute toad !!!! 8-)

For me, once the water temps dip below 42 degrees I'll be looking for the wintering holes and run the bottom with a sloooow presentation.

Start by fishing your "strengths"........ Are you a good jig fisherman, or maybe crankin' is your thing... I usually try to limit myself to 4 rods on my deck, which will cover the water columns from top to bottom, but each set up I am extremely confident with. This allows me to cover water quickly and find active fish.Then I'll slow down and pick the area apart.

(If this post offends the moderators, please feel free to remove it) Hey J, Johnny (BearPaw) is a good friend of mine and has some good stuff..... his web site is at www.bearpawshandpouredbaits.com and ps......alot of us "Yanks" are really "Good Ole Boys"...... 8-)

Alot of the lakes around here have a mix of them Road, although some are primarily Largemouth lakes. All of the pics here are from very well known and heavily fished lakes although the effort it requires to find fish on them does have its rewards..........

Nice fish and I'm sorry for your loss.......It seems he taught you well

Thanks for the warm welcome guys......