Bluebasser86

I'd bet that a lot of us have kept a bass at some point in our fishing careers that we regret keeping. Catch-and-release wasn't a thing for a lot of anglers not long ago, myself included. I filleted 4 pounders just the same as a 12 incher, one I specifically remember was a 4lb smallmouth I'd caught while walleye fishing, which is huge for Kansas. Makes me sick to think of it now, but it was just food to me and my family then.

Happy New Years to everyone. Not to be the party pooper, but just a reminder that I posted on the "Photo a Day" thread. I'll be working tonight, everyone stay safe. Remember there's lots of options, there's no excuse for getting behind the wheel even after the standard "2 beers". Don't make a decision that could forever change someone's life.

I'll be working tonight, everyone stay safe. Remember there's lots of options, there's no excuse for getting behind the wheel even after the standard "2 beers". Don't make a decision that could forever change someone's life.

That wouldn't be a huge weight difference for a fish that size considering they can eat a fish weighing a pound pretty easily. Not really any way to tell unless it has distinguishing marks. I caught one fishing with my son in May that had a "U" missing from it's adipose fin. Then caught the same fish off nearly the same spot on a different bait just 2 weeks later.

A homemade 1/8oz shakyhead with a Zoom Magnum Finesse worm in redbug color, 7.43lbs on 1/2/2018.

Hard to tell with a fish that close to the camera but going off what I'm guessing the length is, I'd say in the 3lb range. It's a very pretty fish for sure.

My last bass of the year was one of the larger ones I can remember catching. Could have been much larger if it was built like they normally are from this lake. I caught one a little shorter that weight 1.25lbs heavier than this one did the same day, but still a 3.22 for a last fish of the year when it doesn't make it above freezing isn't bad.

Didn't realize your location at first. Your "winter" weather is our t-shirt weather ?

The ones I've caught fight like crazy too. Didn't eat any of mine but I know they're supposed to be good eating.

Warm trends during the winter can be great but I'd go any chance I could if you have soft water on a pond. Those fish will bite right until ice up.

I have 2 other Speed Demon Pro rods, both that I paid for out of my own pocket just like this one. I've really been impressed and enjoyed fishing with them. I feel like they fish above their price range and I don't like cork handles so the nice handles are a big plus too. I don't like the hooks keepers being below the reels but I can live with it.

I'll gladly make some for you to trade.

A KastKing Speed Demon Pro jerkbait rod. https://www.kastking.com/kastking-speed-demon-pro-tournament-series-fishing-rods_p0208.html

Less, it really feels like it is doing nothing during the retrieve, like fishing a swimjig with a wire arm and little ball that kind of comes through the water and sometimes wiggles a little bit.

Holidays got everyone worn out.

Ordered a new jerkbait rod yesterday that should be here next week. Excited to give it a try.

Hi-SEAS Grand Slam has been really good for me.

You could throw that size Bull Shad on a K and get by until you decide to throw something bigger. I fish my Bull Shads in that size on a 200B Curado and it works great.

Interested

I don't believe the ball rattles, at least mine doesn't. It doesn't do much honestly.

That plus a meanmouth is always a goal when I go to Table Rock.

Does this river feed into a nearby lake? It's unusual for them to stay in the rivers when the water gets cold here but we don't have any regular rivers that hold a fishable population of bass.

Welcome!

All the different answers here are a prime example of why you're better off getting your legal advice from the experts instead of an online forum. I've called a few times to get clarification and our guys have always been more than willing to help. They'd much rather answer a question now than have to have an unpleasant encounter later.

Every time I fish them all I catch are whites and wipers. I've had good luck with more intermediate sized spoons. One in particular I get from Academy is approximately 4.5" long and 1 1/4oz I believe, I think it's a Sprite spoon, I've had really good luck on it when bass are corralling bait on points but won't eat the usual suspects.