gobig

Big bass like Metalica

Rat-l-trap, Norman lures, Roboworms, Owner hooks, Zoom baits, Snagproof, Dirty Jigs, Mojo, Arbogast lures and most higher end swimbaits.

Different types of vegetation play a roll but do not forget what is under the mat. Another words if you took the mat away what does the topography look like. Structure plays a roll here to. The irregularities in the mat you speak of may be the difference in bottom composition or depth.

Screwing the weight into the bait does not allow the hook to cam out. Plus you need 1 1/2 oz or 2oz bait to get through that stuff. Most people pass that kind of cover up all the time. On the delta that is where some real pigs come from.

Yes. Even deeper than that.

I strongly disagree. I have caught fish off floating docks with people on them. Fish use the shade created from the dock. Its like fishing any other part of the lake there is a top, middle and a bottom of the water column. you need to find out where the fish are active in the water column. Many times the fish will be suspended under the docks. In my experience a weightless senko, wacky rigged is one of the highest percentage baits you could use in this situation. If there are boats in slips pitch it between the boat and the dock. If there are pilings that hold the docks in place fish will hold tight to those also.

I have caught fish bouncing huds on the bottom in 40-50ft of water and they don't float in the live well. When these fish are hooked they generally shoot to the surface in a matter of seconds like a torpedo. So my question is do smaller fish take more time to adjust than bigger fish? I have found that fish which voluntarily come up in many cases have adjusted. And if they can adjust in a matter of seconds could they comfortably adjust over the course of an hour? What depth change requires major adjustment? Can a fish move from 3' of water to say 15' without major a adjustment? Most fish I have caught in 15' of water do not need to be fizzed when brought up. A lot of the water I fish is pretty deep and clear. When they are up shallow fish are pretty easy to spot. There is very little cover for these fish to relate to. If they stay the same depth suspended as they do up shallow why don't I see more fish roaming over deeper water?

This is what I use to punch. By far the best set up I have used.

Exactly

BPS selection on swimbaits pretty much sucks. The other way you can get good baits is used. Especially if money is tight. Try ebay and forum buy and sell sections. I would rather have one good bait that has a few dings than 10 new ones that are crap. If you do not have a swimbait specific rod and reel you will need to stick to the smaller/lighter baits. Okuma makes decent rods for around $110 new or you can pick them up used as low as $50 sometimes. As for a reel the shimanno cardiff (300 series is the smallest I would go) is probably the best bang for the buck. If you have enough to spring for it the calcutta is the way to go. There are a ton of good baits out there. Breaking into swimbaiting is expensive and here is a short list of decent baits you can throw on standard gear that wont break the bank. If your fishing from shore I would probably stay away from fast sink baits. Black dog- Injected punker, mini shell cracker 6in Huddleston m.s.slammer BBZ 1 JR 6in or shad Bullshad Mattlures hardgill

Cool site. Could be used for studying also. Of course they probably don't make you learn the presidents, states or capitols in school any more.

I think Bill Siemantle said it best "everything matters, yet nothing matters". For example look at this statement. If this was totally true then every time a 6oz swimbait hit the water all the fish in the area should be spooked. Now we know that's not the case. Big baits are a proven tactic. At one time or another a big splash may be the difference between getting bit or not. Another example: We are told that the noise of the big motor scares fish. Turn off your fish finder and so on... Have you ever been fishing a location with limited success, had a ski boat with music pounding come right through the middle of your spot, stirring up the bottom and all the sudden you catch fish? I had it happen. Everyone must have thought we were crazy doing figure 8's over points before fishing them. I think we have to be stewards of fish behavior for the given day. Pay attention, if its not working try some thing different. Even if it seems illogical. The perfect presentation for a given day may not be the perfect presentation by definition.

Bowfish, That blind is in tough shape. Did you flood out or is that a leak?

Yes that's it. A total police state. Maybe they could add some more taxes to go along with it. After all they know what is best for us.

Hey burley what prompted those deer to commit mass suicide?

I hunt Elk, Deer, Ducks, Geese, Pheasant, Quail and dove most every year.

I feel the opposite. I would rather have the E7. I used to think the lower ratio was better for crankin. Feels funny at first, but so much less work (higher ratio = less cranks) at the end of the day. The currado has plenty of power at the 7 to 1 ratio.

I started using the pay check baits straight shank last year and love it. Its made by Gamakatsu. Its a similar hook to the one Soccplayer mentioned.

The most productive way I have fished them, is the way they were intended. With the weight system they come with. The bait will always right itself. Nose hook the bait through the wire loop. I use a regular finesse/dropshot hook in open water and a finesse/dropshot hook with a weed guard around the weeds. IMO this bait is at its best stitched around rocks.

Remember just because you catch a fish over 20 or even 30ft of water does not mean that the fish was that deep. They may be suspended or way up in the water column to begin with. With that being said fish will travel a long way. The bigger the top water the more drawing power.

In transition to what? Please explain what you mean by transition.

I have had the same experience. My understanding is that some of the live well additives help clot the blood.

I couldn't agree more. You can't beat good lenses. I do not know about protection but as far as visual clarity there is no comparison between a $20 pair of glasses and good quality lens. Maui Jims are amazing I just don't like the styles they have to offer. I have been contemplating getting a new pair of Kaenons. I have pretty much worn Oakley and Arnette over the last ten years, both have decent polarized lenses. I can't comment on the smiths. Never owned a pair.

For me fishing a senko is painful. I would rather watch paint dry. But sometimes I have no choice but to tie one on.

Weed less or floating swimbait. Rattle traps work great ripping them through the grass. If you like watching paint dry try a senko.