Rebbasser

I really don't have a set time. There are times I let it sit for a minute or more. I learned about that technique which is called dead sticking by mistake. I cast out and had a backlash. Took me a couple of minutes to pick it out and when I reeled down there was a fish on it. Just experiment with different durations-let the fish tell you.

el_jewapo, I use this kind of transducer mount: http://www.alabamalakes.com/site/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=414 It holds the transdicer off to the side of the TM rather than below it so there is no problem damaging the transducer-it mounts on the shaft right where it connects to the propeller housing so it is above rather than below the motor.

I'd have to say time on the water-learning both what to do and what NOT to do.

I've got 2-one on the console, one on the TM. I use it to find structrure, not fish. For mounting on a jon boat-mount it on a board, then clamp the board to the boat. It ain't permanent, but it will work.

Welcome to the forum! Sounds like you are on the right track-try a real heavy jig. When that heavy bait goes rocketing past them they will often hit on reflex-a split second decision that they have no chance to get a good look ath the bait.

What makes it even more impressive is that is an extremely tough lake to fish-very little cover and one of the busiest lakes in Texas for skiers and jet skis. I've fiished that lake and know how tough it is to fish-when I saw what they were bringing to the weigh in I thought no wonder they are pros.

If the water is up fish the shallows right up on the bank. A spinnerbait or a buzzbait is a good choice. the fish will follow the rising water into the shallows.

A soft stickbait like a Tiki Stick rigged weedless and weightless.

I pitch more than flip, too. It is easier to do IMO.

It isn't hard, Jeff but trying to visualize can be difficult. The 15 feet of line is from the rod tip to the lure. Close the bail/engage the reel at this point. Note-the 15 feet is arbitrary-use a length you are comfortable with. For argument's sake lets say you are right handed. You are holding the rod in your right hand. Grab the line between the reel and the first guide on the rod, and extend your arm straight out to your side parallel to the ground. As you extend your arm it will shorten the length of line between the rod tip and the lure. To make the flip you swing the lure forward so it swings like a pendulum. When it swings forward it will also rise-think of a kid on a swing. Ok, the kid is swinging, and as he goes back and forth he gets highest right before he changed direction. Your bait does the same thing. As the bait swings forward, drop your rod tip at the same speed the lure is rising. Instead of rising, your bait still is moving forward, but remaining parallel to the water. Then start feeding the line back to the lure by moving your left hand towards the rod, and the lure will gently enter the water. It takes a little practice, but you will get the hang of it.

Welcome to the forum, both of y'all! Feel free to jump right in.

You know two, NJ ;D Good to see you over here, buddy!

No, Boo, I haven't fished Alan Henry but have heard some good things about it. My favorite lake is Choke Canyon, which is about 75 miles south of San Antonio.

Make sure your hooks are sharp. Easiest way to lose a fish is with a dull hook. If it won't dig into your fingernail with just a small amount of pressure you need to sharpen them. I use one of these: They are about $5 at WalMart.

It takes a while to get a feel for it-I'm still learning how to read mine. I really don't have a favorite structure to fish. I use my depthfinder to find different structures though. For example, I fish a lake that has a lot of hydrilla. This time of year I use mine to find where the grass stops growing and fish the edge. I also use it to find humps, channels, etc. One big help is if you have a topo map of the lke you fish-you can spot good looking areas and then go find them with the depthfinder. I turned the fish alarm off on mine-it get to be a distraction, and I never caught one either. I just look for the structure the fish like. If I'm fishing a flat, I like to go over it and see if there is a ditch or channel running through it-the fish will relate to the channel. Also, if you don't already have some get or make some marker buoys. Say for example you find a hump in open water with no visible structure around it you can key on. I'll throw out a marker buoy on one side of it that I can use for a visual reference so I'll know where to cast. Hope this helps a little.

A largemouth's jaw is hinged behind the eye as you look at it from the side where a smallmouth's jaw is hinged in front of the eye. Also the LM had a smooth tongue where the SM has a tongue that feels like fine sandpaper.

I'd sure bother with it. I've caught a bunch of fish out of muddy ponds. Think vibration and sound. My go-to muddy water baits are a spinnerbait with a big, single Colorado blade and a lipless crankbait like a Cordell Spot.

My first guess would have been bluegill. I'd try a couple of things-change colors or downsize. You had their attention, so you might need to just tweak your presentation.

Welcome to the forum! The thing to keep in mind in muddy water is sound and vibration. I'd throw a spinnerbait with a big, single Colorado blade for vibration, a lipless crankbait like a Rat-L-Trap, or a big, bulky jig-something that will move a lot of water. If it is sunny throw bright colors, but if it is cloudy I'd go with darker, more natural colors. Good luck!

Good luck and go get 'em!

This from the man who coined the phrase, "bait monkey" ;D I know I do. I have a boat full of stuff and only use a few select baits. Overkill the the extreme, and I love it ;D!

And another vote for bubblegum.

I haven't tried this yet but it apparently works real well: http://www.in-fisherman.com/magazine/articles/if2806_HookRemoval/

I was going to say the same thing, Will. Good point!

Ditto, jerkbait. I'm always learning something new on these boards.