Shane J

Fish anytime you can, regardless of the conditions, forecast, moon phase, etc. Every time on the water, is an opportunity to learn something, and you might just figure something out. You might even catch a fish, and it could be your new PB. Can't catch anything from your couch.

The 10xd fills a small niche, while this new thing covers a much wider range of applications. It's not just one lure. It may be coming out as one, and that's how it will be introduced, but it will be used for waaay more than that.

I'm right handed, and reel both casting and spinning with my left.

This is a lake right up the road from him, Called Bow Lake. Give it a shot. I've fished this place, pretty sure he has, too. It's a tough lake, but holds nice Largemouth and Smallmouth. http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/bathy_maps/bow_strafford.pdf

This is something new. Actually, Bobby, you should pay attention, because it's going to affect the spinnerbait world, too.

Oh, yeah, I forgot about that! Have fun, man! I think you'll be down there at a good time. And good to see you made it, Mike!

Me too. It's not just that, either. The hard bait world is about to change. There will be a pro, not sure if I should mention who or not, so I won't, that will be using this at the Classic.

Oh, so you enjoyed our little snow flurries? Glad you had a good time and got back safe and sound to warm sunny Florida.

" But recently I have reversed the order and fished the jig first. Instead of initially beating the water to a froth by machine gunning a spinner bait through it for 30 minutes I spend some time sneaking a jig around the best spots. It's been a good deal for me and sometimes I end up never putting the jig rod down all day." Bingo! A lot of info out there to the contrary, but this approach is the way to go if you are on the hunt for big fish. Start with your big fish baits, and catch the biggest one around! In fact, catch ALL the biggest fish in the area, then move on to similar spots, and do it again!

My primary is a 7'7" Heavy Cumara, but I'm going to add a 7'11" to the lineup as well.

Hey, Mike, we fish a lot of the same bodies of water. Here's the key. GET OFF THE BANKS!!! Don't think that the early shallow bite is going to hold up. It doesn't, and that's where everyone else gets caught up. If you can get out on the water, one lake at a time, and just plug in waypoints all day by idling around, and marking spots where shallow flats or rocky points drop into deeper water, then you will be miles ahead of the game. Spend the time finding spots, and then when it comes time to fish, you will have an idea of where to move to, so you're not blowing your time guessing, trying, moving, and getting frustrated. Work those waypoints with a 3/4oz jig/Rage Craw, casting or pitching up onto the shallower part, and working it down to the deeper stuff. Look for bigger rocks, stumps, rock piles, channels, anything different. Those places are going to be your Wal Marts. The one type of place the fish can go, to meet all their needs. Food, current, oxygen, and protection. You fish these places, you will be able to find fish all day, all season, and all year.

Nice article, for sure.

Well, thank you very much, je1946. That is a real cool thing to say. I will absolutely keep on doin' it, and if anything I post helps you or anybody else out, then that is exactly what I'm shooting for. Glad you enjoy the pics, man, and maybe I'll start posting more of 'em!

That's news to me that there are smallies in Texas. Well, if there are, look for them deeper, and in rockier places, and with a jig.

Depends on the cover. For wood and real nasty slop, go with the braid. For rocks and light weed cover, go with the flouro. Size depending on depth, and water clarity. A good 17lb flouro is very versatile for jigs. I personally like Seaguar Tatsu and Berkley 100% flouro. Also been liking the Vicious in heavier lb test for real deep and real rocky jigging.

Try a drop shot with a Pearl Rage Tail Menace or Grub. Smallies love that! Just let it drop down the drops where you find baitfish.

Yup, the dollar is right. By naming a storm, insurance companies can require you to carry additional coverages, like flood for example, or any claim from said named storm will be denied.

Very nice fish! Won't be your last, I promise you that!

Nope, all free. Come and go as you want, and just soak it all in. Beer's expensive, though!

Thanks, Bill, I'll be sure to let ya know how it goes. It's a guaranteed good time down there, no matter what, the big fish are just a nice bonus. Hahah, thanks, unhbass! Those two are smallie numbers 39 and 43 for the year. The second one was actually on a Pearl Menace on a Scrounger. Forgot I switched over to compare the bites. Got more on the Grub. My fingers still don't work right, though. Think I froze somethin' !

Yeah, you're right, bassbill. Lots of boats, but lots of fish. It's fishing tough right now from what I hear, but getting better now. Should be prime in the next few weeks, and I will be there! Gonna feel good to be in 80 degree weather, wearing shorts, Catching fish like it's May here. In the mean time... 1/4oz Scrounger head with Pearl Rage Grub

Yup, sure did! It was friggin crazy! Biggest was 11.5. I'll be back in two weeks right after the Classic. Me n' Big O are headin' on down again to catch some REALLY big ones, cuz they're in pre-spawn right now. Can't wait!

Naw. You'll be alright by Sunday for a roof topper. Go fish, brother! I'll be out somewhere Sunday.

Yeah, come to think of it, that probably is more of a drop shot thing. Like I said, I don't do it, and stick to Moaner Stroker or Stick'r for the baits I C-rig.

Can't argue with that, A-Jay!