Shane J

And so I will... You can go ahead, and take out a 17.5, and replace with this 23" beauty here, the hardest fighting under 8lb bass I have ever fought. (I put her down for her photo shoot off the "0" mark by 1/2", but you can clearly tell shes a 23", actually, she was just over) Ps- she went 7lbs, 8oz

Hey, of course it's about fun, that's why I mentioned it. So it stays fun for everyone. My only suggestion for next time, would be clear it up right at the beginning, that way there's no confusion. Now back to the fishing.

I know. That's what I said. I take the measurement with the mouth closed first.

Oooooh. No, I pretty much think you're right on point with what you're doing.

I thought it was pretty common, when measuring a fish, to measure to the inside of the "V" of a bass's tail. It is how every tournament fish is measured, and how I measure mine. After I get my length, I'll control the fish by re-lipping it and holding it, hence open mouths in my pics. Fish is out of water for not more than 30 seconds. I don't care how you all wanna measure your fish, I'm still doing it the right way.

No, you're not! I just want everyone to do it the same way is all.

Yeah, if I was just starting with a baitcaster, I'd think saving an extra 20 bucks or whatever for a used Citica would be a much better investment, and would most likely be more user friendly than that thing. Plus, it'd still be in use next year. And the year after. Long after that one is in a landfill. You get what you pay for.

Hey, Mars, not to be nit-picky or anything, but in the essence of keeping everyone on the same page, I believe you're measuring your fish wrong. The measurement is to the shortest part of the tail. Measure to the indent on the tail, NOT to the ends of it. Like I said, I don't care, but to be fair to all.

Creeping toward 100"!

Looks like you gained another 1/4" with that one.

Beverly, I feel what you're sayin'. What I do, is pitch in as far as I can if I think the fish are way in there, which a lot of the time they are. My swim jigs easily come over and through most pad fields, and get plenty of hits right on top of the stuff like a buzz frog. Tx rigs, I pitch to all the openings, and work it through until I get to the edge, and let it fall off. After letting it sit for a sec or two, when you move it, the bass that was keeping a fat eyeball on it, is going to inhale it. When I'm looking at real thick pads, I'll break out the punching rod (7'7"Heavy) with braid (65lb), and send a Space Monkey in there behind 1 1/2oz of Tungsten. Work it vertically in the holes for a few, then get it outta there and flip the next spot.

Yeah, it is kinda fun. Nice fish, Nev. That about 20"? Must've been at the upper end of 4lbs or so?

Good to see ya again, Mike! I never knew there were eels in Northwood Lake! Cool.

Sad, but true. I would force feed 'em a jig every day if I could, but there are days when it just isn't the right choice.

Nice pair right there, bud!

Rage Craw. Either on a Tx Rig, or as a jig trailer.

Good stuff!

I'm glad you are having some success on 'em, finally. Not sure I agree that there are better choices, but hey, it's cool. One note on the colors you are fishing. Not that color is the most important factor, because it's far from it, but the colors you mentioned are more specific color choices for certain situations. I'd go with either Watermelon Red, or Green Pumpkin/Purple Gold for clear water or sunny days, and Falcon Craw for overcast days and murky water. Craws and Lobsters work for me in both rocky and weedy situations, no matter how thick the crap is. I will usually go with a Tx rigged Craw if I'm in slimy stuff, because it comes through better, and clears easier when I rip it through. Don't throw in the towel yet, bud, there's a new PB waitin' for ya in that Craw, trust me. Ps- The past couple of days, my Craw bite has been much like you described, very light and subtle. You MUST keep at tight line at all times to feel these bites. I would say semi-slack, but then people think it's okay to have a bunch of loose line floating around. It is, IF you want to miss fish. Always maintain contact with that bait.

Yeah, that suuucks! Sorry, dude.

Hey, Bobh64, turn your fish around. The mouth (closed) goes against the "0" of the ruler.

Mine was a Pearl Slug-O, weightless. Caught my first 5+lb bass, and I was hooked!

Aw yeah!

Yup. Mostly 17lb.

That Tx rig is ready to fish. Notice how my hook point does NOT come out the back of the bait, but rather the hook point goes in at a slight angle, and comes to just below the surface on the back. Saves the plastic, and a sure shot hook set every time. You can bend out the point on any hook to get that angle, but Moaner has it, called the Stick'R Hook. That one there is a 5/0. Basically the only hook I fish anymore for my Tx rigs.

Just sayin'...