Bankbeater

For that size spook I use a 7'0" mh/f baitcaster. The rod just feels really loaded up when I use a m/m, or a m/f rod.

I would use a smaller spinnerbait and no trailer at all. When the bass hit the bait I want them to get the hook in their mouth and not just grab hold of the trailer.

I use cash for regular daily purchases. The bank requires a debit card and photo ID to make a transaction. Other than that the debit card stays locked away at home. The only time I use the credit card is when I am making an expensive purchase and I know I'm not going to have enough cash to cover it.

I have caught a few on topwater, spinnerbait, and jigs, but a grape 6" plastic worm is the only thing that is catching consistently.

Welcome to the forums.

I went to high school back in the late 70's. Back then my dad would get off a couple of days around the end of March / first of April for a company holiday. I would skip school on a Friday and Monday and we would go down to Lake of the Ozarks for the weekend.

Bass will move into shallow water during winter months. I like fishing with Mann's one minus bait, and running them parallel to the bank as much as possible.

I know a lot of guys don't like milfoil and coontail, but I love fishing in it. On hot days the bass will move into it for shade and oxygen.

Jitterbug Cotton Cordell Big-O Heddon Lucky 13 Rebel Humpback

When the wind blows out of the east, fishing is least. When the wind blows out of the west, fishing is best.

It's been a good year for both numbers and size with several bass over 4 lbs, but I just haven't been able to break that 5 pound mark.

I learned this lesson the hard way when I had a rat-l-trap pull out of fish when that fish dove down under the boat.

I try 2 or 3 new baits and techniques each year, but I have a core group of baits that I have confidence in and I know that in most cases these baits will catch bass.

I've had several guys at work do this. I usually fish by myself and it can be really frustrating when you have a trip planned out for Saturday and they bail on Friday night. Now when they ask to go fishing with me I just tell them to let me know when and where.

I don't fish with ploppers very much, but buzzbaits seem to work better when there is some rain in the area.

I start out with a 1/2 ounce size and go down to 1/4 or up to 3/4 depending on what the bass are biting.

Lately I have been watching the line and waiting for the rod to start loading up. That way I know the bass has the frog in its mouth and is swimming off with it.

New hard baits I will give away or sell. Older hard baits I hang on to.

I've been using an excel spreadsheet since about 2004. Being able to filter the information comes in real handy sometimes as a quick reference tool.

I like spooks, poppers, and jitterbugs in the fall.

Around here that would be considered an above average catch.

Welcome!

I know a lot of people that have their identity tied to their job. I think these types tend not to last too long after retirement. I plan on retiring when my youngest daughter gets out of college in a couple of years. My wife and I plan to do a whole bunch of things, and I will forget about that place.

It depends which side is more torn up.

I like to use a 1/2 ounce size. I'll run it over the tops of submerged vegetation, but since the water is clear, I need to get it out there away from the boat.