pault23

I am rather new to bassin' and am really looking forward to what will be my second summer of bass fishing. Last year I had a good amount of luck late may and early june. This may have been attributed to something as simple as beginners luck but I was wondering if anyone had any tips specific to this time of year. I am in school up until the end of may so when I get out I do the bulk of my fishing. Any specific types of baits that work well? I know matching the hatch is important but what colors work best? More active baits like spinners or chatters? Is worming a good enough strategy? I know varying my retrieve is important but how can I get more consistent success and change my strategy based on time of year and weather? On a related topic I wanted to know if anyone has tips on where to fish in connecticut. I live in fairfield county and was fishing at a nice reservoir but was informed by those patrolling the area I should not be there...hahaha. The fishing was good while it lasted but I am currently looking for a new spot where I can catch anything above two pounds consistently. I don't have a boat so I do shore fishing almost exclusively. I know I asked a lot haha so any help is appreciated. I know experience is a lot but I want to prepare the best I can to have the most success I can this coming season. Thanks all God bless

Hello all, I'm sorta new to the whole sport of bass fishing and I'm hooked. I only have occasion to fish unfortunately occasionally as I am away at college for most of the year. I have been fishing with a pretty decent set of tackle 10 lb. test and, (some crank baits, spinner baits, worms, minnows, poppers etc.) but I am fishing with a pretty crappy rod and reel. It is a $30 zebco spinning combo. I like the rod a lot actually, it's light and is made of graphite so it's pretty sensitive but the reel is a nightmare. I do mostly bank fishing so I don't need a power house but was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of a relatively affordable reel or reel and rod combo. I have been looking at the new Pflueger Medalist and like that but like I said I am new to the sport and don't want to waste my money. Any tips for someone just trying to get started in bassin' would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch P