Mike L

Exactly right! It’s already started down here last year for Bass Nations and BFL. Some don’t think it’s related, others do. But some of the co anglers that I know have dropped out solely because of it. Pro’s (boaters) for the most part couldn’t care less. Some, maybe most probably feel it’s a good thing. Mike

I forgot another thing that may help you. If I lose sight of her at any point.. I drop the bait on the bed and dead stick it until I’m certain she won’t come back right away. She will eventually Again this is only what I do. I hope it helps Mike

Probably not. All things being equal If you do it would be measured in inches Mike

In my opinion, when she stopped and nosed it, you had her. When she left and came back right away you had her then too. Sight fishing a LMB on a bed in shallow water is my 2nd favorite way to fish. I follow a certain procedure tho that works for me. You gotta read the signs as she’ll tell you if she’s catchable or not at that specific time, and it won’t take long. First, stealth is key! Approach as silently as you can, if you have a pole use it. I only use a white craw style bait, a Rage Craw or Bug. However, if I think the different actions of those 2 is too much by the way she acts, then I’ll usually get her dead sticking a RI Sweet Beaver. Never flip into the bed itself. I always start about a 2ft past the bed as silently as possible. I don’t want ANY splash, ripple or water displacement at all..(Very important) The first entry is always to the top of the bed the farthest away from me with all subsequent ones from the side changing the angle with each flip. Never drag to the bed as I like to bring it in closer with small erratic twitches with small pauses, never taking my eyes off her. If she acts erratically in any way… leaves quick as it gets closer, or noses in, or pushes it, swims around inside the bed, that fish is catchable! I’ll stay there until she bites or leaves and doesn’t come back within about 30 seconds. If she leaves then I leave and try again later. It takes time but reading and reacting to what a bedding fish tells you is imperative. Good Luck Mike

Agree Tried them all Mike

Or a 3 piece band! Either way I have no complaints Mike

There are certain instances that I will use #80 original Power Pro braid which is the equivalent of 18# mono. I wonder what that sounds like?? Mike

Think about it.. What do bass have to compare what fishing line is? Do they determine that it doesn’t belong there so it’ll just move on? Do they rationalize what it is and its intended purpose, slow down and turn away? The answer is nothing in its world is as thin as fishing line So as @Catt asks… “what do they think it is? My answer is they have no idea and don’t care, as they look at what’s at the end of it. Mike

That’s my point. I’d say there’s not an angler on the planet who hasn’t used a piece of plastic on the bottom of a lake to catch a bass. And before someone says it, it’s not a confidence thing. I’ll work a big one the same way in the same spot being certain not to change a thing and hook up where the little one gets bypassed. You 2 guys can apparently do the same thing and have a total different outcome. Maybe down here bass are more accustomed to seeing and eating bigger prey and turned off by the little stuff. But then again @Catt fishes the same type of water I do. Go Figure I guess in the greater scheme of things it just doesn’t matter. Anyway, I’m not smart enough and care enough to understand why. Mike

I always find it interesting how different we all are when fishing the same conditions using the same things going after the same fish. (That could be its own thread!) A full size Brush Hog for me has been my #1 follow up creature bait for years. I can’t catch a thing on the little one and gave them all away. Mike

What did you get? There’s different shapes and sizes with different actions and fall rates (Especially in the depths you’re talking about) Mike

That used to happen to me every time I had a tournament in unfamiliar waters especially out of state. Now I just start and finish with what I know because I’ll end up there anyway Mike

Exactly! Why is this even a thing? No, it’s not improper, unethical or rude. If you’re friends or in a blind draw tournament the smart play is to do what @Functional just said. Take it from a mostly tournament co angler. I’m doing my own thing in the back and don’t care what he’s doin, but I keep an eye on what’s happening up there for sure. As long as I’m not getting back boated I will absolutely throw what he is if he’s out fishing me (keeping in mind he’s casting into virgin water with 3 angles to attack where I have 2 that’s he’s already hit) What I’m doing is not effecting him at all, he already had the first shot and moved on. There are many times when the opposite is true. I have never been refused or refused to give something to someone else. Most times one of us is offering something even if we’ve never met before and before the question is even asked. Mike

Not much more to add. Well Said Mike

All of the above But the ones that stand out to me… Black Jitterbug with orange dots Hula Popper Mepps anything Beetle-spins A plain ol worm Mike

Koz Don’t believe everything you hear. This time of the year you gotta know where to go and how and when to use what. Regardless, you have a plan. Let us know how you do. Be Safe Mike I was on Placid last Friday and Saturday got 5 & 6. None less than a 4. We stayed no more than 200 yrds on both sides of the ramp I forgot about Kenansville. Great Choice Mike

You don’t say when you’re coming but it’s a good list Absolutely Toho, Istokpoga, and Rodman I’d add Blue Cypress and Headwaters if you don’t mind being crowded. Harris Chain is another one I would list, try Little Harris or Apopka first which is closer to Disney You got Todo in the Kissimmee Chain listed but I would also try Hatchineha if you wanted. St Johns River is always good but I’d get some local info before you go. I’ve been reading on here lately that Sick Marsh/Farm 13 may not be worth it for awhile which is really sad. You can check it out if you want for a few hours if you go to Headwaters as it’s at the end of the same road. Then theres The Big O (The south shore is 1 1/2 hrs from Ft Myers, less to the west side) and the Glades If you have time to drive farther South. If you decide to fish The Lake let me know and I’ll try to point you in the right direction regardless of when you go. Good Luck Mike

Bears will finish 9-8, 2 better than last year Miss the last playoff spot by 1 game to the Rams (Caleb Williams..4,075 yds, 26Td’s 10 int Rush for 425 yds and 4 td’s) That “Team from Wisconsin” and Detroit will finish 10-7 with Detroit winning the tie breaker for the Division and lose in the first round. Minn 7-10 SB.. SF 27- Baltimore 21 You heard it all here first 😜 Mike

Everything is specific as each presentation is specific. Terminal tackle Top water hard and soft baits Frogs Stick Baits/Ribbon tails Swim Baits Creature Baits Cranks/Traps Jerk/Chatt I have a separate box with jigs that I only bring when in No Florida or out of state Mike

For me it’s putting the pieces together…The spot and bait choice, after that comes the stalking and the hunt. When it comes together and the hook up happens getting her in is just the reward. Mike

Magnum UV Speed Worm June Bug Watermelon Red Mike

Don’t own one and don’t need one. Other than the big stick everything else I have are all manufacturers rated MH/F. A few are close in power and action while most are not. They each have a purpose Mike

Been doing it so long it would be unnatural and just wrong for me not to switch hands. Casting, hook setting, “working” a lure, landing etc just felt right from the first cast. Mike

Jim Prayers sent for a complete and total recovery and the best possible test result Mike

A perfectly balanced rod is gonna feel lighter in your hand than one that’s not. Personally, I like an unbalanced rod for bottom contact presentations. I like mine just a little tip heavy. Mike