PWE

I appreciate the warm welcome - its great. I went to my local store today and asked some questions there from different guys to see what the opinion was. They set me up with a drop shot rig and showed me regular and "whacky" style. They gave me a purple pack of roboworms and some varied colored ones - mostly dark colors they say work for our waters. They suggested casting it out and jiggling it once it hits bottom and do this over and over in a fan shape across an area. They also showed me how to rig it so the drop shot is above the hook and drag the bottom. In addition, I got 2 spinnerbaits, white and white/chartreuse 3/8oz and 1/2oz Colorado style (is that right - Colorado style?"). I still have some questions though - How many times can you use the worms - they have scents and mention salt something or other - seems like salt will dissolve in the water very rapidly...1 times use or more per worm? What is the best way to analyze the water environment - does the same bait work off points into depth as it does in 5 feet of water through weeds etc? I know much of this is going to be down to the body of water and experience - but any guidance in the right direction is much appreciated. Thanks again all

Wow thanks for all the great replies and sorry for a lack of the "usual info" on conditions I fish in 2 different lakes usually - both are reservoirs inside of national parks in Northern California. Both are extremely well known for producing good quality catches. I will check the water temp today when I got out again (right now actually) and let you all know, but recently it has been mid- upper 50s I believe, the shallows didn't feel cold to me yesterday. The Carp are jumping around in the water and there is tons of above water vegetation around the shore. There are a few rocky points that jut out into deeper water and drop offs. The biggest problem with one lake is weekend water skiers. Tomorrow I am heading to the better of the 2 (in my opinion) as it has distinct fishing zones and tons more cover. The water is usually stained or a little murky. I am particularly interested in imitation type baits, I like to make a challenge of it to entice the Bass to go for my reaction bait. I think this might be harder (I'm not sure) but my local bait and tackle assure me these baits work consistently and that it is a matter of technique. I have tried different retrieve speeds, and yo-yo (starting and stopping) and different colors. I have changed out the hooks for better quality hooks than the stock. I use an 8lb test hybrid line on a medium action 7" graphite Ugly stick spinning rod. Well, I'm heading to the lake for another go at it - I'm on a mission here - thanks again for all the advice - it's all much appreciated. Thanks Sam for the detailed information, I will do that and I have been reading a lot.

Hi - I am totally new to fishing and especially bass fishing. I have caught some trout recently and before that all my experience was deep sea. My local tackle shop set me up with a few crankbaits and suspending jerks baits I believe. I went out to a lake where the bass and known to be in large numbers consistently and I tried my best to use various retrieval techniques, fish near structures/cover and shoreline. I never once came close to any type of a catch and it must be noted neither did any of the others fishing that day. Before I go out again I would like to know if I am on the right track. I cast the crankbait out in various colors either along the shore or near cover or just out straight from a point and bring ti back in various different ways. These are 2-6 feet running crankbaits. What else should I be doing to get a response. Any thoughts or advice is appreciated.