Spankey

Mo great post. I gave everyone a + because I see a little truth in everyone’s post that has worked for me over the years. What I will never fish are those craws that are so life like in every detail. I can not get them to work. I bought some that were a black and chartreuse laminated and brown and orange laminated. They are basic working colors in my river fishing. But I can throw on a Guido Bug or Zoom or a Berkley that are not as life like and catch them smallies. Does not make sense. But life like is not necessary. But don’t overlook a nice 3” tube. Basically is a crawdad. The colors are endless. I really don’t think color is everything. But there are so many tube colors that most likely you’ll be able to do the match the hatch. Out my way if you were looking for crawdads there are a few color stages but light grey/bluish grey with a darker grey/purple grey back is pretty common I was able to match that with a tube. Works pretty good in clearer water conditions. Dark green black with chartreuse laminated is my favorite. Same with a brown laminate bottom is next.

That’s one thing about this lake I’m fishing, I was able to get two decent maps showing that was actually flooded years ago and one showing what and where man made structure was put in the lake. It’s been an eye opener the last few seasons. Whole different ball game than the river. Sometimes I think I’m trying to absorbe too much too quickly. But the grass is there and I have to handle it from a few perspectives. I’ve Bass fished my whole life from a lighter and finesse style of catching bass. Sure I want to continue that but I have to expand especially when you know the fish are there. The lighter approach I’m taken in that slop is not the answer. I’m not giving myself a real chance at the biggens in there. Afterwork I'm going to this shop we’re the guy has a bit of a rod sale on. So I’m told. I know he has some older MossyBack Rods there but that series has be gone for awhile 10-20% off of msrp of discontinued series doesn’t seem like much. But maybe I’m wrong. I have a feeling the same will be with some St. Croix Rods there. All that older stuff should have been on sale when the newer and improved series were introduced.

I’ll start my search starting tomorrow after work. I am a St. Croix fan I’ll start there. Med. Hvy. Rods lure weight max at 1 oz., Will need to compare Med. Hvy. To Heavy. But heavy will give me better length options.

Yes that's my plan. My current bait casting stuff now it too light. Set up for crankbait fishing and lighter spinnerbaits. I have a MH Spinning set up I've been doing some frogging with. It works but it's not meant for fishing that slop. Not fast or x-fast its moderate fast. I've been catching some frogging but nothing to brag about, I've had some huge blow up and short strikes. That's what I want to get down in there for. Hey they are not Okeechobee bass but, 5, 6 or 7 lb. Yankee Bass, I'm in for those. I think my version or what I feel is heavy grass is really light or moderate grass and pads to you guy. I might set myself up with 7 1/2 foot MH Fast or X-fast, try to find one that will get me to handle to 1 1/2 oz. I'm not gonna get to those bass if I don't try something. I've been bass fishing a long time but really never had to go at them this way.

Will do some rod searching Friday after work. Like everything else fishing related won’t be able to find it real local, pretty sure of that. Don’t think I’ll make out with knowledgeable persons working there either. I won’t buy anything under 7’6”. I’m a Shimano Reel fan so I’ll stick with that. Right now I’m getting in there with setups that are way too light. I know that. I need to come up with the right tool to touch them. I realize there is a right way and a wrong way to get in there. But I need to find that rod that will be heavy enough to punch, pitch, flip and heavier frog fish with. Without knowing for sure yet. But something is telling me that I’ll be maxing out at 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 oz. yes it’s thick with grass and pads but not Okeechobee thick.

Few things I have to consider. XH may be overkill. MH or heavy would most likely do it. And without ever making a cast yet. I don’t think I would throw under 3/4 oz., late summer and fall it would have to be heavier and I’m saying this with no experience at this. I know they are in there. Bluegill are in there all summer and I’ve caught bass throwing lighter hollow frogs. I just have to get in those mats. I appreciate the insite. And reels are on the fast side.....no.

Great post. Finesse fishing soft plastics and crankbait fishing are my stronger points. Been replacing some of my rods for both, that has made it better also. Not it that is a weak point but this upcoming season I need to get into punching, pitching and flipping. I just never exposed myself to it. Weak not knowing anything about it. Feel that I’m passing over some quality fish by not doing it. It will be a whole new ball game.

Guys I’m at the start of doing my homework on this area of bass fishing. I never really needed to go at them in this manner because it was never really necessary on the rivers I fish. Having to make a conversion over to lake fishing and greenies over the last couple of years this is one area I have to work at because I’m putting myself out of reach of quality fish. The lake has a lot of heavy shore line grass. The fish are there. Been catching fish in the grass but don’t have the means yet to get in there properly. Bottom line I need heavier stuff. I know were are in a time of everything being specific to a style of fishing and my question are there any suggestion or opinions as to picking up making a decent set up for punching, flipping and pitching. Up here in the north east I’m not dealing with the vegitation like that of lake Okeechobee but I do have miles of lighter grass and pads. Any help is appreciated. I could probably just wing it and come up with something but I respect your opinions on this site. This is a weak point in my fishing ability. Have not exposed myself to it really. I have the time to work on this and try to get it right. Be awhile before I can get on the water still on the hard side.

It not as good as it was many moons ago. Nothing is, but I like it. I use a lot of Trilene and the Excel. On my spinning reel the line get changed very regularly. Sometimes or most times one or two outings max on my setups that I use the hardest. On sale the price is untouchable. I trust it. That’s half the battle.

Was able to get the feel of a few rods in a moderate action. After being anal and pondering over them I just went with the best overall feel and balance. Didn’t let price interfere because for the most part they were not all that expensive. Specs were basically the same on all rods. Went with the Abu Garcia Veritas #VTSSW7015, 7 ft., 1pc., 1/4-5/8 oz., 8-17 lb. Really didn’t take long to ponder over. Picked up the SC EyeCon first. Nothing to really not like. Really thought it was coming home. Picked up the Veritas felt slightly better to me at the grip. Felt a bit softer at the tip. Put my reel on it, felt like a winner and out the door I went.

I’m not a kayaker but recently did see a bunch of the Mojo kayak versions. At first I didn’t quite pay attention about it than it hit me when I was looking at standard Spinning and casting Mojos. Shorter butt sections. Made sense won’t bind you up at life jackets. Not sure if any other manufactures are doing it. Good luck on your search.

4# mono. 2 # will give you troubles in the long run. Good quality of 4 lb. test and everything will go ok.

I hear that. I don’t have spreadsheets but my crankbaits are well layed out and organized. So are my plastics actually. Cranking is a Big part of my fishing. I have that short list of things I’m working on now. For the most part pretty inexpensive this season. i ordered two rods that just came, taking the one I like the best feel of. After work today if I can make it in time or do it tomorrow. Knocked the spinnerbaits I wanted off the list. Have a few cranks on there that I could probably get tomorrow. Going to a Smallmouth seminar tomorrow. The biggest thing I want to work on is not so much a piece of tackle but the whole picture, this year I have to properly learn to punch, flip and pitch. My new home is a lake that has its share of grass. More than enough grass. I have to learn to fish this grass properly. Im catching fish in it but I have to learn how to punch it. There has to be some biggins in there. Im a river rat in a bit of transition. The last couple of years of heavy rain has messed it up for me. So I had to make a bit of a transition to lake fishing. I have in my mind that this grass fishing must kick in mid summer into the fall until the grass starts to die off and oxygen levels start to deplete. Sorry for rambling on but you list is impressive and should help that guy. He has a lot of choices.

Great post man. A lot of good info. Many color choices, I don’t think you have to be dead on with color choice. I’m in the North East with you. Another color do not hesitate to use is a grey color. My favorite craw of all time is the Guido Bugs. I still have some left. Zoom craws work as well. A tube is a mimic of a crawfish. Your color choices are greater with tubes. Just another suggestion if you are trying to match color. My Opinion on those super life like plastic craw, they don’t work as well as other creature baits and craw patterns out there.

Good luck and have fun. I wouldn’t paint it. Just fish with it the way it is who cares. I’ve never seen one but it’s only the color. Great price and as one poster said earlier who cares if it’s yellow. I bet you can paint just fine. But you might do a crappy paint job and it may be even less appealing than the factory pink. hope you catch a personal best with it.

MN, I have never used braid. I personally have only used mono and flouro versions. Thought about trying it 1000 times. Have not because of being a creature of habit and ignorance I guess. My question do you color your line black, green, yellow or blue to camouflage it some. First 6,8, or 10 feet?

Nice fish guy. Bombers were the first crankbaits I got my hands on when I first got serious about fishing lures only. Still use them and would not leave the driveway without them. Again nice fish!

I would not concern myself about new versions vs. older versions. Still great baits, not very expensive, still available in older patterns and plenty of productive new patterns. I have a handful of older baits. Really no desire to sell them but I certainly would not pay $40.00 for an old one. Some older Rapalas are pulling a decent price also. Rapala has plenty of fish catching stuff out there to not have to plink down that kind of cash.

If the OP puts an order in for all those he’ll be set for life. You took all the guess work out of it for him. TW will love him also. BUT. You are to be commended for putting an impressive list like that together off the top of your head.

Thanks man. I have that “Winch” rod and a SC rod coming and the one that feel the best is coming home. Honestly I’ve been an SC guy pretty far back. I do like their stuff and have no complaints. I bought a Abu Ike rod a couple of seasons ago and I love that stick. I found a few at BPS, pondered it awhile and left with it. Ive been fishing it as hard as I can and even managed a few muskies with it. Was not Muskie fishing. I’ve never bought a rod unseen or touched. I can’t find the feel I’m looking for in this rod I want to buy on a local scale. I have a feeling I’m going to like one or both of these rods. I am very impressed with the Ike rod. If the Veritas feels good I’m taking it.

I should get delivery Friday or Saturday on a 7 foot “Winch” version. Medium with a Moderate action. If it’s to my liking I’m keeping it. Looking forward to it. First white colored rod. That’s sort of odd but I’m not concerned about color.

Rat-L-Traps, what a great lure. Can be used in many situations and fished various ways. Personally I my opinion you only need three colors. Chrome w/ black back Chrome w/ blue back Gold w/ black back I have a chrome w/ chartreuse that’s a killer but I don’t think they have ran that color in a long time. I have many patterns but those three are all I need. I have them on my boat deck at all times. I primarily fish the Bill Lewis brand, but Cotton Spots work as well.

I'd replace the tip and catch a few fish with it. Your dad would probably be glad you did. A trip to Bass Pro Shops is always a good thing also. No doubt you'll find something else there. Nothing wrong with that either.

That's great man. I dream and think about those similar times. My situation is just a bit different. I was taught about trout fishing at a young age. Trout and bass fishing has always been part of my life. Can't say there has ever been a gap. Family and kid obligations altered schedule over the years but somehow got around it.God bless you, you hang in there and enjoy it.

I can't remember when the spin caster was not around. I still have two from when I was a kid.