A-Jay

This Particular report offers a different but real side of bass fishing; sometimes we put a whole lot more into it than we get back. My wife & I chose to head out today despite the forecast for rain. The last few days have had the same forecast and today turned out to be the day they were right. After fishing only a couple of hours and scoring only a hand full of bass and pike, we saw the dark sky approaching well in advance. Despite wanting to stay, we bailed in plenty of time to avoid being on the water during the electrical portion of the show. You know there’s a decent amount of lightning when you can actually photograph it. The uphill portage back to the truck was interesting. The heavy rain (and Hail) kept filling up the canoe causing a couple of stop & bail sessions before we reached the truck. As is often the case the whole event was over by the time we got home and we spent a good hour or so pulling everything apart and laying it out to dry – good times. We’re heading back out tomorrow – and we’ll be looking for some big time redemption. A-Jay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63yhvCvFMWI&list=UUVOdp3U9QaJpxiXbHgNu0vw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teuiU0if2mI&list=UUVOdp3U9QaJpxiXbHgNu0vw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0iGzTVlrf4&list=UUVOdp3U9QaJpxiXbHgNu0vw

All of this is quite trilling - but I'm going with this . . . .. . . . . .. . As long as I can put my bait exactly where it needs to be, how it needs to land, when it needs to be there - The position of my reel & arm angle during that evolution is of little to no concern to the bass. A-Jay

Nice Bass ~ Congrats A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to BR ~ A-Jay

X2 ~ A most effective rig and one I use quite a bit during mid to late summer. I don't go super heavy, usually 10-12 lb test and an 18 inch or so dropper length. This summer a Rage Craw Tex-posed on a 2/0 EWG hook has been very good. A-Jay

Nice Bass & a Great Smile ~ Congratulations PB's are Always a Blast ! A-Jay

That's a tough one right there. Short answer could be in close proximity to whatever their food source of that day happens to be. The tough part about that is I haven't been able to find the Forecasted Bass Menu for my area anywhere on line . . . .. A-Jay

Boat trailer thoughts. Check your spare routinely. Loosen the lug nuts and retighten them to correct torque BY HAND; especially if you have your trailer serviced by an establishment the uses an air gun. You'll be glad to know you can do it with hand tools if you need to on the road. Single axle trailers owners might like one of these. A sturdy wooded plank of sufficient length to accommodate the travel of the jack will come in handy on soft surfaces. http://www.amazon.com/Shoreline-Marine-Easy-Lift-Jack/dp/B004UOVDYO/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408908444&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=Easy+Lift+Trailer+Axle+Jack#cm_cr_dpwidget Tandem axle trailer owners might like one of these ~ http://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Aid-Tandem-Tire-Changing/dp/B000I4JPZE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408907904&sr=8-1&keywords=Easy+Lift+Trailer+Axle+Jack A-Jay

Best of luck to you on your Quest for a Big Bass. I have three pieces of advice for you. First, consider beefing up your tackle, at least go up a line class or two. So when the fish you're fishing for does strike, your tackle will not be the weak link. Second, fish a healthy sized jig & craw trailer - A Lot. As the water starts to cool, and the bass you're looking for start feeding more (and moving a little shallower), put that jig in places others are not. And last but certainly not least - Be Confident. Know & Believe, that if you put the time in, fish enough of the right places with the right bait & tackle, you'll get a shot at a bigger bass. When you're doing it right, you're thinking that each & every cast can and should produce what you're hunting for. Do Not Be Surprised when it happens. They biggest bass are often not "where they are supposed to be". What has yet to be determined is, are you willing to put in the time and will you be ready ? Good Luck A-Jay

He'll probably need to be issued the ring first. A-Jay

Heard this one last week for the first time and I just can't get enough of it ! A-Jay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bysnOvFtS74

Hello and Welcome to BR ~ A-Jay

Thanks for the responses so far. OK, so let’s talk about each of these a bit. Boat control ~ For me this is a biggie. Fishing from a canoe (w/ minn kota power) I’m not going to be zooming all over the place trying a ton of different spots. So I have to pick a few areas and fish them – thoroughly. The ability to position my vessel so I can get the best / right casting angle on a spot has proven over & over to be a major factor. I will always take whatever time I need to get it right. Casting Accuracy ~ and I’ll include being able to land a bait softly in this one as well. At least half of my bass fishing involves presenting a bait to a target; the other half I’m usually long bombing a bait as far as I can (see distance casting) So, as most of us know, this is often one of those deals were a miss is as good as a mile. You’ve just got to hit the spot – or you bait is ignored. So I’m seeing this factor as one I must have. Knot tying ~ There is nothing quite as final as broken line. I hate it. This is definitely one factor that the fish will tell you if you’re doing it right or not. My initial experiences with fluorocarbon when it first came were Brutal. I was using it as a leader on the front of braid and I was popping that stuff off on every other hookset – I was freaking out ! I have since rectified that situation – Clearly plays an important role. Fish Fighting Ability – This is big – and you can’t really “Practice” this one with smaller bass, at least I can’t – doesn’t really feel the same. And Half the battle is trying to stay calm; but once that big Moose of a bass is on and all that power is transmitted down your line, through the rod & reel and directly into your very soul ~ good luck there. I’ve been on both sides of the fence here – sometimes I can stay fairly level headed and other times, especially if she jumps and I get a decent look at her, then my knees knock, my heart races and for some reason I start sounding like Alvin the Chipmunk. I guess the more you do it the better you get at it – I’m still learning. Casting distance – Tackle, Technique and ability helps here. I don’t put a whole lot of weight on this one – but there are times when those extra yards or feet on the end of a cast can make the difference over the course of a day or a trip. How do you see it? A-Jay

Cool Story ~ Congrats on the move & Good Luck with the un-packing ~ it's always the best part A-Jay

That's a Beast of a smb ~ ! Any chance you could post up a picture of that Bronz-a-saurus ? A-Jay

LOL ~ Jeff, you're always so complimentary Admittedly it could seem that way, but the Harder I work, the "Luckier" I get. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. A-Jay

We each have our own ideas of what makes us successful on the water. No doubt there are several factors that come into play and each one plays some role in putting a bass in the net, but how much? Let’s assume that the tackle used, lure selection & fishing location are suitable and you’re satisfied with your choice. Of the factors listed below, how would you prioritize them? Reply with your idea on the order of precedence for this list. And for those anglers that stalk the banks, simply skip the boat control factor. Knot tying Casting accuracy Fish fighting ability Casting distance Boat control A-Jay

I don't always throw a spinner bait, but when I do it's often a Strike King product. The Burner, the Bottom Dweller and the Hack Attack Heavy Cover have all been decent producers for me. A-Jay

X2 ~ For me as well. The 6th Sense Crush Flat X75 square bill has been the hot bait. It's been effective in both clear & off colored water. Been fishing it shallow & a little deeper ( in 8-15 ft) and the bass have been chewing the paint off it. A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to BR ~ A-Jay

Hello Dan and Welcome to BR ~ A-Jay

You and Me both ~ I was just happy to fish from the same boat with the guy . . . A-Jay

Not For Me ~ I'm non compos mentis A-Jay

Before you leave - tell someone (reliable / dependable) where you are going (exactly including which and where the boat ramp you plan on using is located) and when you'll be back. Provide this person with a complete (written - don't ask them to commit this to memory) description of you boat, motor, Truck & trailer; including registration. Provide them with the number (or numbers) of which Federal / State &/or local authorities they should call if you do not return as scheduled. If you have Any Change of Plans - Call them and up date your plan ! It's called a Float Plan - it's saved many a life and sadly, the lack of one, has cost some too. A-Jay

Think in terms of the line's diameter itself when compared to Mono. Most braided lines in the 20lb class have a diameter similar to 6lb mono. That's pretty thin and not routinely used on a casting reel. Combine that with the braids tendency to dig in / bury itself into the spool when not spun on under sufficient tension, and you have a formula for back lashes. Learning to use (and especially cast) revolving spool reels is challenging. Additionally, when first using braided line, there is a learning curve here as well. Seems to me you're try two new things at once. I'd recommend spinning off the braid, spooling up with some 15lb mono and learn to cast & fish the reel with that. Then, once you've got it down and feel confident & comfortable with the equipment, consider going back to the braid. I will tell you from experience that 40 pound braid is a very nice mix of size, manageability & strength for a casting reel. 30 lb is good too, but it's just a little more challenging in the management department. Good Luck A-Jay