Sam

" was just wondering how you should dispose of old worn out tackle? You have old worn out tackle? There is no such thing. Keep it like the rest of us and go out and buy some more.

To answer your query: No! You use the pitching and flipping finesse techniques in all water situations.

Don't quit or get frustrated. Not catching them is a part of fishing and you will soon learn how to overcome the problem. In fact, by the time you retire you will have purchased over $10,000 of tackle and five bass boats!!!! As penned above, wait for the responses from the California gang, plus all of us who want to help you catch one on every cast. So here is my two-cents for you to consider: 1. Take some white bread with you and throw pieces onto the water. Wait to see if the bluegills and bream come up to hit it. If so, then fish for them by using a small gold hook with a small bobber. You can also use corn kernels out of the can as bait. Always bring your needle nose pliers with you to remove the hooks and cut your line to retie. 2. Take your finesse worm and using a #1 weedless hook rig it "wacky rigged." Search this Forum for wacky rigs and read all you can about them. And for colors, keep it simple: green pumpkin, watermelon and Junebug. Watermelon for clear water; green pumpkin for stained water; and Junebug for stained and muddy water. No sinker. Just the 4" finesse worm and the hook on no more than 8-pound test fluorocarbon line on a medium or medium heavy 6'6" or 7" spinning rod. Use a 2000 or 2500 size spinning reel. (The number is the size of the spool, with the 2500 holding more line than the 2000, etc.) 3. Search this site for "Pitching" and then "Flipping." Learn these two techniques for your spinning gear presentations. 4. Use Nightcrawlers. Yes, to the purest bass fishermen (and we have many on this site) using live bait is sacrilegious. But you can find out what types of fish are in the lake as they all will eat a Nightcrawler. You can find them at Wal-Mart in the fishing department or at your local tackle store. When I take "newbies" bass fishing I always have Nightcrawlers with me so they are guaranteed to catch something. Maybe not a bass but something that swims. I use a #1 hook under a small bobber on 8-pound fluorocarbon line on a spinning reel and sit back and watch the action. Lower test lines will tend to twist and cause one heck of a disaster on a spinning reel until you master that rig. 5. Read, read and read some more. Check out the different threads on the Forum and read them. Go to YouTube and look up Glenn May's productions or Bass Resource.com presentations. Go to Facebook and "Like" Bassresource.com to receive all of the many posts about all sorts of topics related to bass fishing. 6. As for not feeling the bites - join the club. Sometimes the bass will attack your bait and run like the police are after them. Other times they will take the bait into their mouths and just sit with it. And then there is everything in-between. Last tournament on Lake Anna had the bass just hitting the plastics and sitting there with them. Once my nonboater and I figured it out (after about 3 hours) we finally started setting the hook if the bait felt "different." Setting the hook when the bait feels "different" is an old pro's trick, as mentioned by Hank Parker many years ago. As Hank put it, "it don't cost anything to set the hook." So if you feel a "tap" or if the bait feels "heavy" or "different" you set the hook hard over your head and then duck when the bait comes sailing back at you. Keep your forefinger on the line coming off the reel and an eye on the line going into the water. If you feel or see the line move then wait a second or two and set that hook. Remember, bass fishing is like baseball: you can't expect to be a Golden Glove or hit .600 by walking onto a baseball field for the first time or for many years thereafter unless you put in a lot of practice and study. Like baseball, bass fishing is a mental game. And I am sorry to say that that little green monster has the upper hand and can humble the biggest of egos in a New York minute. Keep casting and sooner or later you will be up to speed.

Check out the Pocahontas Park boat rentals on Swift Creek Lake. Take Beach Road, route 655 towards Qualla Road and turn right into the park on route 780. http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/waterbodies/display.asp?id=128 You may want to call the park and get details. Good luck.

I am sorry to pen that I have not seen anything I would consider "bazar" while on the water. Since I am originally from south Louisiana everything I have seen to date is "normal." Now, that does not mean that the rest of the world would think what I have seen is "normal." But you need to understand Louisiana people to know that somethings that are "abnormal" to the majority of folks are just plain "normal" to us.

8 plus pounds, 8.2 on the scale. Double Secret Pond. Senko! Poor thing could hardly jump out of the water.

CH, you and those fishing ponds and banks are entering the environment of wild animals. As you know, this environment is home to many local animals, some of which are snakes. As said above, you leave them alone and they will leave you alone. However, please reread the posts about the vipers being aggressive. This is true, especially for the two major vipers in the Chesapeake area: water moccasins (cottonmouths) and copperheads. The rattlers are in the central and western part of the state. To restate what has been offered, wear boots; watch where you walk and put your hands when retrieving a bait, sitting down or moving a tree limb or bush out of the way and using a tree to get steady if you stumble. You know snakes like to hide behind and under fallen trees and in the bushes. They also like to sun themselves on rocks, roadbeds or warm places on the ground. You respect them and they will respect you. Then again................................................................................

This is the one weekend in the entire year where it is to your advantage to take a lawn chair, a cooler, your favorite beverages and snacks, and sit by any local ramp and watch the fun. For me, it is clean up and reorganize the bass boat in the driveway!!!!

Buff, having guys who actually bass fish working in a store is a great advantage to us all when we are considering baits and tackle. The new Cabela's in Richmond's west end does not have a fishing department staff knowledgeable about local bass fishing in Virginia. The guys at the BPS store north of Richmond actually fish bass tournaments and it is fun talking about bass fishing with them even if you are not in the market for any fishing gear. Glad you had a good experience. And the Bait Monkey is happy, too.

Enjoy this rendition of TAPS. I think it will make us all take a few moments to understand that there is more to life than fishing.

Don't worry about it. Water will be shallow in the Watkins area and get deeper as you head downstream to Bosher's Dam. Since the dam backs up the water the water levels stay somewhat the same other than for the current flood conditions we have on the Upper James River. The Upper James will go back to normal pool by this weekend when the rain water upriver passes through the area. Did you know there is a GMCO map of the Upper James River? Try your luck at Green Top and BPS for a copy. Great map of the Upper James and you need to study it before venturing out. Have fun and have your license with you. Sometimes the VDG&IF conversation officers check Watkins for your fishing license and the total number of teeth of the Powhatan people using the ramp. Would you like to fish a Wednesday night tournament out of Watkins? If so, send me a PM and I will send you the details. I don't recall the entry fee, although it is not much. I do recall you have to bring one canned goods item if possible. Starts around 4 and ends in the evening but don't hold me to that. Largemouth have limitations to even the playing field with the smallmouth guys. I have not fished it in years but it was fun and I think you would have a good time and get to discuss fishing the Upper James with the guys.

Jason, everyone forgets the plug sooner or later. From pros to rookies you will forget the plug. And as said by Catt and S. Doolittle above, welcome to tournament fishing!!!!!!

City of Richmond, VA management of the city lakes is as best as can be expected on a tight budget. County lakes throughout the state are managed better as the counties have more available funds to budget for their bodies of water. Richmond is on a tight budget so what funds they have are targeting social programs. Fishing is left far behind and is not important to the City as people come first, which is how is should be. However, the City does a good job managing the Historic James River as it runs through the City towards the bay. And kudos to the City for repairing Lake Cherokee and Lake Locinvar over the past two years. Lots of money spent on the drainage and improvement of these lakes. The first weekend in June is "Free Fishing Days" when families can go to the city park lakes and fish for free. My bass club and region assist the City with this event each year. What is sad is that there are no bass in the pond we fish. The City will stock the pond with trout after the event. These fish are caught and removed for food. I would think this is true throughout the country. Cities have to prioritize their funds and ponds and lakes are not high on their list of priorities. As for me, since I live in the City of Richmond it does not bother me in the least. I would rather drive to the surrounding counties and fish and launch my boat. I must admit that I am still in shock over the amount of money spent on cleaning up Lake Cherokee as the work is first class and is helping that lake survive. Just follow the money.

Still alive! Always hope when the team is still alive.

Glad you did not venture out into the river or you would have encountered white caps and a heavy current. Gordon is a good creek. Lots of kayakers use is for fun. Next time head back into the creek and fish the grass and wood. There have been some nice bass caught out of Gordon in the past.

Ideas: 1. Regular five fish limit with none smaller than 12-inches based on weight. 2. Keep a record of the weight and length of all fish species caught and the total weight of all fish wins. 3. No more than three bass and two bluegills or other sunfish family members based on weight. 4. Expand #3 to include three bass and any other two fish based on weight. 5. Very difficult challenge but you guys only throw one type bait - being of the same kind, such as a shaky head or a Senko, square bill, etc. Based on total weight. 6. Fish with Nighcrawlers, only. Each guy has the same number of worms and that is all you can use. Based on weight. 7. Number of different species of fish caught by using cell phone cameras to take photos or you can keep them in your live well. Just make sure any stripers and bass are of the legal limit. I am sure the guys can add to this list. Have fun and wave at the jet skiers for me.

Yes. Nice ramp now that VDG&IF upgraded it a few years ago. You go up river and about a mile or two down river for smallies and down river for largemouth. Smallmouth fishing is great in this area. You can catch a lot of small ones and now and then a nice one. If you go upriver watch for the rocks. The rocks may stop you from going further west so just back off and head east. Have fun and don't forget your PFD and needle nose pliers.

Any nuclear plants around where you fish? That could cause the problem. Check it out. OK. Could not help myself. Yes, go with a glass bead. But not just any glass bead. Head to a bead store that sells all types of beads and select some "different" ones. These "different" beads will make a "different" noise under water and the bass, being an inquisitive animal, will want to see what it is making that noise. I have many "different" beads in shapes and sizes. Of course, I do like to get real glass which you can find at Joanne's Fabrics for a good price. As for color, with glass I like clear. With the "different" ones, it doesn't matter.

Good question. I have a number of rods with replacement tips and they perform very well. Some are two to three inches shorter and so far, no problems. Just remember that those extra inches were there because the rod manufacturer's engineers wanted the inches so the rod could absorb the shock of a hoot set and a fight with a large lady. If the price is right then go forward with the purchase.

aku17, we have discussed how to eliminate or reduce baitcaster backlashes many times on the Forum and everyone has their own ideas. Here are some pointers you need to master to avoid backlashes. In fact, once you set up your baitcasting rig you will never have another backlash. 1. Read rod's parameters stamped on the blank and make sure the line test and bait weight is within the parameters. Also make sure the reel can handle the line test you are using. May I suggest a 12-pound flouro or mono to get started? You can adjust the line test higher or lower depending on your bait and fishing conditions. Old pros and goats like me like to throw mono for its stretch when throwing treble hook baits. Younger guys like the flouro, as do many of the pros. Each has their pros and cons so it boils down to personal preference. 2. Spool line on reel, leaving about an 1/8th inch of open space from the top of the spool. If the line does not go onto the reel evenly and piles up on one side or the other, tighten the line guide with a screwdriver. 3. Dump or heavily spray KVD Lure and Line Conditioner on the line as you spool it onto the reel, tightly. Do this throughout the spooling process and when you have completed the task. Best to allow the conditioner soak the line for a few hours or days before using it, if possible. 4. Open the side of the reel and find the "magnets." Balance the magnets in an "X" position for starters. You have the option of turning on as many magnets as you wish. The magnets help slow down the spool's speed. 5. Add your bait and take the setup outside. Point tip of rod to 11 o'clock with the bait at the rod's tip and using the drag and spool tension knob release the line with your thumb on the line on the spool. Your goal is to have the bait drop s-l-o-w-l-y to the ground (not carpet) so the spool will stop when the bait hits the grass. You do this procedure EVERY TIME YOU CHANGE YOUR BAITCASTER BAITS WHILE FISHING. 6. Cast the bait as far as you can and then remove two arm-lengths of line from the reel. 7. Now here is the trick the pros have used: Using Scotch tape or electrical tape, cover the remaining line on the baitcaster with the tape, going from left to right. Don't over-do it and try to keep tape off the side of the spool. 8. Reel in your bait and you are ready to hit the water. You have accomplished two important things when doing the above: 1) you have learned how to balance your baitcaster with your line, bait, rod and reel and 2) you have stopped any backlash at the tape on the spool. Once you get the feel for balancing your baitcasting rig you can cast and the spool will stop when the bait hits the water. This is a lot of fun when you throw buzzbaits or Chatterbaits. And you don't have to use your thumb to stop the spool from spinning. As for your line, do what the guys have penned above plus this trick: always run the line between your thumbnail and forefinger to check for any nicks, scrapes, scratches, dents, bends, etc. IF YOU FEEL ANYTHING THAT IS NOT "NORMAL" TO THE LINE, CUT IT OUT AND RETIE. Yes, you will go through a lot of line but you will not lose any fish due to damaged line. And remember to retie your bait after every two to three fish. Your knot can also be damaged and you will never know it until that big lady pops it apart. Give the above a shot and let us know if it helps you reduce or eliminate your backlashing problem. Let us know.

No, its not you. It is Mr. & Mrs. Bass not either wanting to feed or they have left the area in the reservoir. You have to take the weather into great consideration. When cold fronts move through the bass will still be in the area but they will pull off the banks and go deeper. When the sun comes out Mr. & Mrs. Bass will look for places to rest against or in something that gives them protection, such as one strand of grass, a pier, dock, floating dock, trees, brush, over-hanging foliage, etc. Now you have to take a step back and write down your baits and presentations for each day you have fished for the past three weeks. This will give you an idea of what did not work under specific conditions. You then parlay this data into different baits, colors, depths, forage and techniques to try to entice Mr. & Mrs. Bass to consider hitting your baits. If you add your geographical location and also introduce yourself in the Introductions Section we can give you more pointed input for your area of the world. Lots of difference from fishing the rich waters of Florida, Louisiana, Texas and California as compared to the New England and Big Ten states. Continue making a log of each adventure and after a few months you will see the various patterns for the reservoir. Then join BASS and FLW for their free magazines; subscribe to the Forum's Facebook page; study your body of water; and read, read and read articles about bass fishing to help you understand your opponent. Best of luck to you and please don't leave us and never return. There is no "magic pill" for bass fishing and the longer you stay with us and read the posts and input the greater your base of knowledge will expand and you will have a lot more fun when fishing, be it from the bank, a kayak or a bass boat.

I have averaged between 40,000 and 50,000 miles a year for the past 35 years on Virginia highways and byways and have never had a road rage encounter. If I see a jack### on the road I let him or her go or I speed up to get away from them. What bothers me is that there are so many drivers out there that do not know what is meant by flashing your headlights at them to tell them it is OK to come on over after they pass you. Or the drivers who stay in the bumper lane and not move over to allow the vehicles entering the roadway in the acceleration lane to get into the bumper lane or merge into traffic. Another pet peeve is a driver who does not understand that the entrance ramps are actually called acceleration lanes so you can get your speed up to merge into traffic safely. This is where you have to be very careful if one of these types of drivers is ahead of you. Yes, some drivers tick me off but I just take it in stride and let them go. What I love best about a poor driver is seeing where the cops are on the road ahead via my WAZE program on my cell phone and then watching the dummies get pulled over for speeding as they don't use WAZE and get nailed right and left.

Joe, here are a few tips if you want to go pro in bass fishing. 1. Get a college degree. 2. Know how to read, write and speak proper English. 3. Know how to dress properly and your "color code" so your outfits will enhance how you look. "Color Codes" are which colors agree with your flesh tone to make your clothes look better. My wife is a blond so she is a spring. I look good in pastels and blues and am a winter. You need to dress professionally and not have a bright green or red that does not enhance your image. Sounds dumb but it is the little things you need to be aware when you are being interviewed or considered by a sponsor. 4. Enter some "Opens" and see how you do with the big boys. 5. Join a local bass club and compete with friends while you work yourself up the ladder into the state federation tournaments and then the BASS and FLW larger tournaments. 6. Marry a rich girl who can support you while you are trying to get into the money. Take her along with you so she can tell you that you are a great guy and a wonderful person that night in bed after you skunk for the day. 7. And catch those bass. Make your name known in Florida as an excellent bass fisherman. Fish the Fishers of Men and other tournaments to get known. 8. Watch your burn out. We all love to do things but we don't want to over do them so we lose interest in doing them. Pace yourself. 9. Confidence. You have to have confidence in your tackle, techniques, finding the fish, electronics, baits and yourself. Once you have the confidence you can go out and do anything. But confidence is easier said than done. It takes practice, concentration, homework, and knowledge of the opponent. Even if you get skunked you will still know that the fish were there but they just were not biting. Happens to us all sooner or later. 10. Talk to your competitors at the tournaments. Some of the guys will be jerks but others will be helpful and share their stories with you. Meet the tournament directors and the movers and shakers in the Florida bass fishing industry. Be known. Work for your club or state federation. Do things for bass fishing that do not include fishing for bass. Now re-read all of the posts above this one; make notes; speak proper English; look and dress professionally on and off the water; and catch some fish; and do well in the tournaments so you qualify for your state team and maybe the BASS Classic. Good luck.

1. Flutter Spoon up and down directly under the boat. 2. Spinnerbaits. 3. Plastics, such as a baby brush hog or a lizard on a Texas rig or Shaky Head setup. Senkos can work, too. Any plastic you wish to throw can be the secret bait of the day. 4. Jig and Pig. 1/2 ounce blue black with a blue trailer on a bait casting rig. 5. Flukes and swim baits allowed to fall like an injured baitfish. 6. Continue with the Zoom trick worms and try your luck by rigging them wacky. Flip and Pitch to the bushes with your spinning rig and let the bait sink. Give it some twitches. Then pull it up and try again. Good luck and let us know how you do. Oh! How could I forget? Chatterbaits. Yes, try a Chatterbait going deep. Crankbaits can work but with all of the bushes they could get snagged easily.

mjn, welcome to the Forums. Hope you stay with us and start getting involved with the various topics. As for Gaston, Buggs is extremely high, around 307. This means the Corps will be pulling water out of Buggs and into Gaston at a rate that will not flood Gaston. So the water will be on the cold side, around the high 60's and stained or muddy in different places. There will be current in Gaston as the Corps releases the water at the dam. Current is good on Gaston. You will need to fish the docks and piers plus the creeks and marinas. Saturday is a rain day and the bass will probably be active. Sunday will be the day after the front passes and fishing will be tough no matter your level of experience. If you can find any clear water you can fish it or water that is a few degrees warmer than the lake. Good luck and be careful. Gaston gets dangerous when the wind blows, especially on the south side of the Eaton Ferry Bridge heading to the dam. The spawn should be over but the cold temperatures and the rain has messed it up. You may find some bass on their beds but I would not count on that technique to be very successful.