Shane J

Well, yeah.

So, yeah. Exactly. I just don't push 'em, because for me, there are more productive options than a stick bait. I also know that fishing patterns, is going to differentiate between us. I haven't fished a Senko for at least 5 years, because once I discovered the Rage-Rigged Craw, I didn't need to. It catches just as many, but better quality fish than a Senko, and weightless falls just as slow, if that's what you're going for. Now, me and Beverly ARE in agreement. Just saying things differently. Oh, and Beverly, your setup is perfect for what you're doing. I also use 12lb flouro on a Med action Avid for my weightless and keel-weighted baits, and heavier for my jigging. Really a perfect setup for it, until you get into heavier pads and milfoil.

And me and Big O are in agreement. A 5 pounder up here, is a 10 pounder down in Texas. a 9 pound fish up here, is like catching an 18lb, probably lake record, down there. 6's are 12's, and 8's are 16's. See the pattern? It holds true (compared to my catch rates), too. About right, for sure. There have been plenty of trophy fish posted by us in the Northeast.

Yes, your breakdown is pretty much how I feel about New England fishing. A 6+ is a great catch up here, and the one's you wanna be targeting.

Well, Beverly, you're safe. I won't start throwing Senkos anytime soon, I promise. Probably because if we were going 5 fish to 5 fish, and you were dead set on fishing a Senko, I would come back with the biggest bag 100% of the time. See, I stopped being a bass fisherman a couple years ago, and became a big fish hunter. There's a difference, and we are not on the same wavelength, which is cool. You should fish whatever you personally have confidence in, and have fun fishing. No crime in either technique. Ps- you are really off base on the fall rate thing for jigs n plastics. I can get a jig or a Tx rigged plastic to fall exactly how I want, as long as I remember, less weight, and bulkier plastics make something fall slower. A 3/4oz jig with a Lobster, falls at exactly the same rate, as a 5/8oz with a Craw.

The Senko is a known "put one in the livewell" bait, but is not known to be a big fish bait (there are some exceptions, however), even the big 7" one. That's why everyone uses them, including hard up pros. Of course, everyone's definition of big fish is different. I'm talking fish bigger than in your signature. I don't look down on the Senko, or people that use them, but there are certainly better options for specifically targeting bigger than average bass, the jig being the biggest of them. The past few years have been huge for the uprising of the swimbait generation, too. Also big fish baits. Throwing a Senko, and expecting a big bite, is like junk fishing. Sometimes you will get lucky, but for the most part, you'll be left in the dust.

Pretty sure you could catch every smallie in town with that setup.

Oh, and needless to say, the answer to your question from me, is no.

Mike, how many times this year, have you heard about really big fish being caught on a Senko? They'll catch you fish, yes, but if you listen, my friend, there is a better way.

Me n Deaknh03 went out for a couple hours yesterday. He got 1, I got none. I plan on focusing on the rivers to get me through the winter.

What little water isn't frozen, is 36-38 degrees. I hate this state. Nice job, Deaknh03, on the one you got today! I will accept the skunk, as a sign. to MOVE!!!

I fish jigs/trailers, and Tx-rigged plastics 99% of the time.Like we were talking about in another thread, I never downsize or go to a low-action trailer because the water is cold. Today I was out in 36 degree water, and the only thing that got bit was a Lobster (nothing low action about that bait).The high action bait acts the same as a noisy rattle bait in the cold months. It wakes them up, and gets them ready to strike. You can, however, work too fast. You have to slow down how you work an area to get bit. The bait or jig trailer is not the only component to catching cold water bass.

The same for me. If they're dialed in to hitting moving baits, I'm just as confident that I can get 'em swimming a jig. I was recently shown a new rigging method, in which a 1/2 oz skirtless Seibert Brush jig, was transformed into a deadly swim jig application with a Smokin' Rooster. With that setup, you can further fine tune to catch the bigger fish, and work it like a regular jig anytime.

Not dumb. You were still fishin'! I woulda been fishing a 1 oz jig/Lobster in those conditions.

I'd throw in the towel. Of fishing that shallow, that is! 2' water may hold a little guy here or there, but by now, most of the fish are scattered, and in deeper haunts. Find what depth the bait balls are at, then fish that depth off points all over the lake. Jig is your best bet for a big fish.

Let me guess. You were the guest speaker, and you talked about how you can't feel jig bites, and how you're supposed to drift with the wind when flipping, right?

Best flouro I ever used. I have only used it in 12-17lb test, though.

Mostly swimming like a spinnerbait, but I also don't hesitate to just kill that sucker next to good looking targets. Probably split between fish caught on it while swimming, and working like a jig on bottom. I might have to admit, that because I use a Rage Tail on the back, that's why it gets so much love on the bottom.

Serious digits there, man! Smallie machine for sure!

Yeah, that's a good outing there, pal.

That's a rig I use a lot (Rage Rig). I do usually paint the weight black with a sharpie, though.

OOORRRRR. You could buy the best one at an even better price at Moaner. Get the Stick'R. All I use.

You'll be the one to find out.

Haha. Yup.

AAAAHHHHHH!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! I had a couple hours free, and was gonna hit the water, so I load up, and I get there, and it's FROZEN!!! I was STANDING ON IT!!!! Somebody just shoot me now.