Rebbasser

20 feet? A C-rig, Jig-n-pig,or a jigging spoon would be good choices. You will need something to get deep, and those will.

I've only had that happen once. I was fishing a small stock tank and caught it on one side then caught it again about an hour later from the other side.

Welcome to the forum! Glenn, you beat me to it.

Since you are just getting started here is a great link that has a lot of good info: http://www.bassresource.com/beginner/beginner.html What you are asking about lures and brands is a mighty wide topic-take a look at that site and it can help point you in the right direction.

3/0 or 4/0 offset shank worm hook. For a bulkier bait I use an EWG hook.. I wacky rig on a 1/0 Tru-Turn hook.

In a tournament live bait is against the rules, but for fun fishing if you like to use live bait have at it. I haven't used live bait since I was a kid because I prefer lures, but that is me. I don't think I have ever used my depthfinder to find fish. I do use it to find fish holding cover.

The only thing I do different from what you are doing is in sunny conditions and muddy/stained water I use brighter colors. In clear warter I use naturals like watermelon seed, watermelon red and green pumpkin in adition to balck and blue.

Mine came with two knobs you tighten up. If you hit something it will give, but doesn't always go back into the vertical position. I got a spring break kit, which replaces the knobs with springs. If it hits something, it gives way, but then the springs pull the TM back into position.

It really all comes down to personal preference. Use what works for you.

If it keeps happening you may need to run the depthfinder off the cranking battery rather than the TM battery. I've heard running them both off the same battery can cause interference. I wired mine into the cranking battery to avoid any trouble.

I think I'd go nuts if Texas had a closed season. Good luck when you get on the water!

Try a jigging spoon. Gets deep quick and is a great cold water bait.

Hey, Marty! Thought I was a member already-guess the forum change messed me up. Oh well ;D

Hard to beat a spinnerbait with a big, single Colorado blade. As the others have said, noise/vibration is the key-you want to move water.