Rattlinrogue

I agree with what's been said.Don't forget another hot Summer pattern.If you'll be on the lake a little before daybreak,you'll have a chance to catch a lunker.Big bass move up into the shallows very early to feed before they slide back into deeper structure as the sun gets up.I use topwaters(especially floating j-baits),shallow running c-baits,and downsized spinnerbaits.This is a proven method for me.I'd find a shallow flat with wood and/or grass.The flat should be close to deeper water,as the bass will want a quick escape route once the sun gets up.

Yes,use the glass beads for the sound they emit.I also believe in using a brass weight with a smaller brass clacker below the main weight.

Congrats! I know you've gotta be juiced up over this years fishing adventures.Have fun and let us see it !

Two things:water temp and level of sunlight penetration.

I like to throw 'em in lowlight conditions:early,late,night,and overcast days.

Yes,I've caught lots and lots of bass on a spinnerbait.It's my go to search bait .Don't know why you haven't caught any,but I can tell ya that you have to make LOTS of casts to find the fish.If you make 50 casts and put it down,chances are you won't catch many with a spinnerbait.I throw mine into heavy wood cover because it's virtually snagproof.Also throw it around,over,and through vegetation.

I liked him before the wrap.It just makes me respect him even more.What a class act!

Today was my last day as a public school coach and teacher.Got about $100 worth of fishing gear as gifts from teachers(some that I can actually use!).I'll have a month of freedom to fish before I start my new job.I'm in the running for the head football coach and AD at a local private school,and I'll probably get it.The private school league is about like the jr. high football at my 5a school that I retired from,so it should be a pretty easy gig.You guys pray for me that I land the job(cuz it pays REALLY well).Thanks in advance.Tight Lines,RR

Try a spinnerbait in chartreuse to search for the bass.When you find a concentration,C-rig it with a greenpumpkin or watermelon lizard or finese worm.

F150 for a towing vehicle.Nike,Reebok,and adidas to fish in.Toyota is a very dependable truck.Last one I owned,I gave it to my Dad with 300,000 miles on it.He sold it when it reached 500,000 miles.My next truck will be a Toyota.

Wow! We have pros and celebs on our forum.This ole country boy is impressed!

I'm catch and release,but I don't have a problem with someone eating their catch.I did for many years.Problem is,big bass don't taste that good.If I were eating 'em I'd much rather have 10 one pounders.It's no crime where I live to keep a big bass during the spawn(18-22 inches must be thrown back year 'round),but all of the people I know fish for sport and throw them back anyway.

I've caught most of my really big bass before anyone has woke up,but in the late winter,early spring I've caught my big bass in the middle of the day.

I think I'll catch a 10+ bass this year because that's what I fish for,not numbers.The best I caught last year was a 7 on a spinnerbait,but lost two 10+ bass including one that looked bigger than my PB(12.2).I've already caught a 5 1/2 and a 7 so far this year.I fish very early in the morning and have found that the giant bass move up into the shallows early to feed before the sun comes up.I always use big baits because I want big Florida bass.

I caught a 12.2 at 6:35 AM on 7-5-03.On 7-6-03 caught a 10.5 at 6:35 AM in virtually the same spot on the same bait.

Been married 25 years to a lady who likes to fish as much as I do.

In the past,I've just cut a piece of 3/4 plywood to fit the bow of the jon boat.Add some carpet on it,bolt it on the bow of the boat,and mount the TM on it.

With cold AND muddy,I'd probably join roadwarrior for a round or two.But if I just had to go,I'd throw a big,noisey spinnerbait.Chartreuse would be a good starting point,with a thumping Colorado blade.Look for a reaction strike.

A bass fisherman is SURELY NOT an athlete!The bass comes closer to being the athlete if you ask me!

I use a mid 70's Terry bass boat that I've customized with all the bells and whistles.Not too pretty to look at,but it's got everything I need to catch mr. bass.Also it drafts really shallow so I can go where bigger boats can't go without a lot of trouble.

Depending on the bottom(mud,hard),I've put my boat in ponds without ramps.It can be done ,but I'd be very careful.Bottom composition and having a spot that's pretty level and not a side of a hill are things to take in to consideration.To be on the safe side,It'd probably be best to go with a jon boat.

Tie on a spinnerbait and cover as much water as you possibly can.It may be hard going,but eventually you'll find 'em.It just takes patience and a lot of elbow grease.

I've caught a few white perch and have never caught one that looked like that.It looks like an overgrown shad.

Well,I'd rather watch Bill Dance than hear ole Jerry Mckinnis rail on about how many "smallies" he used to catch in Arkansas when he was a little boy!

I'm a bassin' addict.I love reading about the sport when I'm not actually bassin'.I do like how to articles,but I can pretty much pick out the new techniques that I know won't work where I fish.That being said,a technique that is a hottie on the various bass tours is one that I really want to give a try.