Ratherbfishing

If you mix all the different colors of food dye together, THAT might do the trick (or at least close).

I haven't used them much in the past couple of years (I go through phases) but they are an excellent bait to fish in and around shallow weeds. Pearl white is my favorite color. Ninety-five percent of the time I fish it weightless (because about anything else detracts from its erratic action) and I will just give it a twitch and let it fall. Repeat. Often, the bait will just "disappear" and then I'll know a bass has grabbed it. I've often wondered if they will ever introduce a "saltier" version-one that will sink faster.

Look at it this way: You could already HAVE the boat.

chicken dinner!

The answer varies quite a bit, actually. If I am going to a lake I am familiar with and conditions seem "ideal", I'll head out with a very specific tactics in mind. I'm not going to lie. I fish from memory-if it works. It's when it doesn't work that I reevaluate things. If I am going to a new lake or a familiar lake under "unusual" or difficult conditions, I am much more likely to think long and hard about how to proceed. Two conditions tend to vie for center attraction and they are Time of Year and Weather Conditions. These two (together and separately) will USUALLY determine the location of the fish and the mood they will be in. Thus, I usually have these things in mind when I'm heading out. After that, it's a matter of studying maps, watching the fish finder, and, of course, visually looking for structure and/or cover that fits the criteria I believe the fish "want."

Will you be fishing in large streams and rivers requiring long casts or, instead, small meandering streams? For the former, a 6 or even 7 weight rod will serve you better whereas for the latter, a 4 or 5 weight rod is about right. I like a weight forward floating line so I can get a little extra distance-on windy days especially. DON'T settle for the "level" line that comes with too many beginner kits. Although there are some really pretty fly reels on the market, the majority of your money should go toward the rod and the line. I can't and won't recommend any particular setups but you'll be pushing the envelope a bit by sticking with a $100 budget. Skip a few meals out and the extra dough from that will help you find something that will be far more satisfying than compromising too much.

Whereas I do think I'm a BETTER angler than I was 20 or even 10 years ago, I am also less DURABLE than I used to be (20 or even 10 years ago). When I need to stop and rest, I do. I've never fished a tournament but i can imagine the level of intensity required is more than most of us "old-timers" can handle (on a regular basis). Keep in mind that at 53, I'm at LEAST 10 years younger than most of the pioneers in the sport so I don't even want to think about what I'll be able to endure in 10 years.

Yippee! I don't have any Ripstops (yet) but if their action is like the Shadow Rap, I think you'll be pleased. I have at least 15 of them. It seems excessive but I use them ALL THE TIME in the spring and fall. I'll probably get 1 rip stop and 2 BX brats. The Field & Stream here doesn't carry many in the BX line so hopefully they stocked up for the sale.

Can you mix and match or do they ALL have to be the same "model"?

"How'd you get the beans above the frank?"

Most reels have an anti-reverse feature which keeps the line from feeding back out freely. Assuming the drag is set appropriately and the aforementioned feature is functioning, it's rarely a problem when landing a fish. The time when ones hand should be ON the reel handle and, especially, the rod is immediately after one casts. This, however, is precisely WHEN many people are changing hands (if they cast with their right hand and hold with their left-or vice versa). Many people (who have been taught incorrectly) still insist upon changing hands and will take issue with my contention however to them I can only reply "Neener neener."

Assuming the rods/reels aren't purpose built for very strict applications and are flexible in their application, I would much rather have 2 spinning/baitcasting combinations and have a plethora of baits than vice versa. Sometimes the fish are not that picky but sometimes they are and it's for these latter times that I make my choice.

They are...just okay. It takes too long to get the tail turning so you definitely want to cast beyond your intended target (if you can). There are other topwaters I like better and I'm not sure they are worth the money I plunked down for it but other people rave about them so more power to them.

I seldom see bass jump. Are you sure they aren't carp? - although I don't usually see them jump this early.

I love the Snag Proof Moss Mouse. I really don't think the bass think it's a mouse OR a frog but, instead, a dying fish (shad) but it matters not. It's durable, doesn't fill up with water quickly, has excellent hook ratios and doesn't break the bank. I never hear people talk about them which is a shame.

I haven't compared all of the options available BUT I am awfully fond of Rapala's Shadow Rap and Shadow Shad Rap. I've had good luck with both the shallow and deep divers. My only complaint (it's a very small complaint) is that the "slow rising" versions rise a bit too fast for my taste. Been meaning to get some Storm Dots to help remedy that.

That's a nice thing you are doing. Since I've lost most of my head hair already, I'm thinking of organizing a "growing hair on your back for kids" fundraiser. Do you think it will fly?

Agreed. Also, use them for Carolina rigs.

The last time the bass on my favorite lake were "busting" on dragonflies, if we were able to reach the boil with a crawdad soft plastic, most of the time the bass would hit it. There was a relatively small window of time, though.

Oh, I've taken this boy around pretty often but rarely to reservoirs-because most are too distant. I doubt it'll dampen his spirit (the first time) because he'll get to go out on a "motorboat." After whole SERIES of poor days on it and I wouldn't blame him for getting disappointed. But it will be fresh and new for him. I have, mostly, taken your advice and just gone elsewhere. But it KILLS me that it can be so close (comparatively speaking) and stink so bad. I would LIKE a place I don't have to drive two hours to get to AND where I can go early and then leave once it gets too dad blamed hot (without feeling I've wasted a half a tank of gas (or more) and an entire vacation day). If lakes were easier to come by, I'd dust the mud of this lake off my hands and never look back. That took some determination to stay with it for 30 day. I'd have likely quit after a few weeks-and maybe gone back during a different season. Rivers are a different animal, that's for sure. I've only fished small rivers (creeks by many peoples standards). 10 fish would be like a parting of the Red Sea (at this lake). Jesus had an easier time feeding the crowds with the few fish and loaves of bread they had. Clearly HE did not fish this lake.

Finding them is 3/4's of the battle. I don't know how deep they are. I suppose that depends on time of year, etc.

I have studied maps and noted such things as where the creek channel is near a shallower flat, etc. My older fish finder was not much better than distinguishing depth and depth changes but I HAVE tried to take advantage of that (see sentence one). Time of year has been, theoretically "factored in." I've tried shallow, deep, in-between, flats, drop offs, creek channels, points, cover, changes in structure, and on and on. There isn't a lot of vegetation on this lake but where there is, the fish don't seem to be on the edges or in the thick of it. Obviously I haven't tried everything but in other lakes, I can USUALLY narrow the fish down to a) main lake or back in the coves, etc. and try to adjust accordingly. Perhaps a really adept fisherman could tell me what I'm doing wrong but I've tried an awful lot and even a broken clock works twice a day (unless it is digital). I know the lake isn't barren but very often it seems that way.

Do people REALLY throw away old lures? Sorry, can't help you with your question but throwing away old lures....? It can't be!

My only hack is when I inhale a bug. : )