Rattlinrogue

I've come back to a lure that I used a lot in the past but got away from it.I've caught more bass on spinnerbaits than I have in ten years.Just started using them again and have had tremendous success.Also,I've never been a big buzzbait angler,but this year I've caught a lot of big fish on them.

I don't feel the need to dole out $ 200.00 for a pair of sunglasses.If you are so inclined and can afford it,more power to you .I'm catching plenty of fish wearing $ 7.99 Strike King sunglasses from Walmart.

I have a glass boat now.I had always assumed that I wouldn't be able to get in the really shallow areas like I did with my old Al,but I'm fishing in the same skinny water that I did with the aluminum.The glass boat is a much smoother,solid ride down the lake.What I like best about my glass boat is boat control in heavy wind.With my aluminum I was always riding that TM just to stay in one spot,but the heavier glas boat just doesn't get blown around like the ole aluminum.

With topwater baits,you need to pause a second after the explosion before you set the hook.I've done the same thing you're talking about plenty of times.I overcome this by reeling any slack there might be from the initial explosion in first and then giving the bass a good ,quick hookset.That second of pause does the trick for me.

I have the exact TM you're getting.You'll love it! I got mine at Walmart.It cost about the same as BPS.Ithink it was $ 299.95.

I've always fished for largemouth.There aren't any smallies where I fish.Plastic jigs are all I've ever known.Except for crappie jigs,they don't even carry hair jigs down here.

I'm bad about telling someone who asks what I'm catching 'em on and where.I guess it's just human nature to be nice to folks that are nice to you.

I fish in a lake a lot like you describe.A lot of shallow ,grassy flats.The deepest I've seen on my depth finder is 19 ft. at the dam.It's about 300 acres.I use topwaters early and late.I also have a lot of success with a spinnerbait,just keeping it above the grass.Really,you want to barely nip the grass.I also use a shallow C-bait like a Mann's Minus 1-.Weightless plastics are good.I tried something that sounds crazy ,but it works.I cast a dropshot rig and fish it just like I would fish a T-rig. Just have the hook above the grass.the weight gets some grass on it but so what.

Never had a problem with the MK.The Motorguide and Johnson TM's both gave up the ghost.

G.Swindle or Bill Dance

"Stumpjumper"

And Bill Dance as his running mate.

I use them several ways.First,Cast it and reel it on top of the water like a buzzbait.Second,let it sink and fish it like a suspending jerkbait or with a steady retrieve like a crankbait.Third ,like a frog bait.Throw it into and on heavy grass or lilly pads.Let it sink when it comes to holes in the vegetation.Lastly,Fish it like a plastic worm.You can Texas rig it or Carolina rig it.

I voted for R. Martin,but it's hard to argue 4 Bassmaster Classic Championships.

acstech's phrase..."the desire to share knowledge " is one that he not only preaches but he also puts it into practice.I got a PM today out of the blue.It was from acstech.He sent me an article on c-rig fishing.It's a technique that I've been asking around about.As a matter of fact,I'm printing the article as i'm writing this post.He took the time to help a fellow basser not for money,but out of a"desire to share knowledge".I also hope to share a boat withan ethical committed guide like that some day,maybe even acstech.

I have 5 Rapala minnow floater/divers(2 are jointed)that I bought together when I was 17.I'm now 47.I have 4 of the old Bomber deep divers with the metal lip from the early 70's.lastly,I was given an Ambassaduer 5500c 25 years ago.It must have been 5-10 years old when I got it.

I'd be looking for deep water structure and try to pinpoint cover on the structure.I'd use a c-rig w/various plastics.Also,I would use deep diving c-baits.With the early bite,I would fish shallow flats with deeper water nearby.I'd use various topwater baits

You can find a jon boat and trailer for around $500 easily.Look in the classifieds of 2 or 3 papers several times a week and you'll eventually find what you want.With an outboard that runs good,they'll ask anywhere from $1000-$1500.By the way,LBH,nice rig!

A good,inexpensive portable FF is a Hummingbird Piranha.Look on the BPS web site.Their's is $119.95.

I'm getting one soon for river and creek fishing.I don't see how anyone could pitch from it .As for electronics It'd be a tight fit.I'm planning on a paddle,one spinning R&R,and a small box of select lures.Good luck on your rig.

I've had a Hummingbird for 4 years.No problems and it gets the job done.

If the outboard runs OK,I'd say that's a good deal.If possible,get 'em to let you take it for a test run at the lake.With a little TLC, I think you'd have you a nice little rig.I had a rig like that before I got my current glass boat.I put in a marine plywood floor w/marine grade carpet,top of the line MK trolling motor,new seats,depth finder, mounted anchor,and the outboard was in good condition.Many a great morning in that boat!

Deep water with various plastics.

I use them on their own with a red trailer hook.

I've been fishing from 5:00-8:30 AM since spring.All of June and July,I've averaged 5 mornings a week.Here in south MS,the topwater action had been ouystanding up until about two weeks ago.I was catching 8-10 slot fish (18-22 inches) most mornings on topwaters.Now, I'm lucky to catch1-2 dinks on TW.I've had to go to a finese worm to catch bass early in the morning