Sam

X2, and they leave a lot of trash behind when they leave. I would like to agree with Sicklecat's premise, but with so many people fishing during the pandemic we will lose a lot of beautiful bass and other species. I also think the fishing by newbies has injured many ponds, lakes, and rivers. Many tackle stores are out of terminal tackle so we have to rely on the Internet suppliers to find what we are seeking. The new fishermen do not know how to handle fish and they damage the fish while removing the hook, dropping them on the ground, and taking them home for dinner. The new fishermen also leave trash behind.

May I suggest you guys scale down your bait sizes? Finesse worm in lieu of a trick worm. 4-inch Senko in lieu of the 5 or 6-inch Senko. Baby Brush Hog in lieu of a Brush Hog. Small spinnerbaits in lieu of larger spinnerbaits. Crappie crankbaits. Just a suggestion.

Hope you are correct.

Looks like Bama is the only team in the SEC that has a chance to keep the championship trophy in the SEC this season. Florida and Georgia are a close second, and then the talent pool seems to drop off at the other schools.

And you can add that LSU football sucks big time this year. You are being "tested" and I am sure you will pass with flying colors. Please watch your health and don't do anything that will inflame your back pain. Things will get better.

There are "new" abbreviations for baseball stats that I have no idea what they mean. Since I quite following MLB many years ago when the players had their strike and ruined the season, I really don't' care about the stats and I have no idea who the players are, other than for the LSU players who seem to be doing very well in the majors.

Studies have shown that largemouth bass will start to feed right before and during a storm as the barometric pressure drops, and then stop feeding when the storm passes. This is why the term "blue bird skies" refers to the bass no longer feeding after a storm has passed. There are many articles that discuss the impact of barometric pressure on largemouth bass so please Google the subject and see what you can find. I have no data on the impact of barometric pressure on smallmouth bass, but I would think it would parallel that of the largemouth bass in the same situation.

Kayaking, I only use conditioner on my flouro and mono lines when I spool the line onto the reel. To help balance a baitcaster rig set up please check out my post in this part of the Forum titled "Bait casting reel for 14 year old's first combo." I think balancing the rod and reel works better than the line conditioning but you do what you have confidence in doing that works for you.

Remember, it is more important to teach your son how to "balance" his baitcaster rig than which baitcaster you purchase. Any baitcaster in your price range will suffice. But he will get frustrated and lose interest in using a baitcaster if it is not "balanced." Here is how to balance a baitcaster from the pros: FIRST STEP 1. Look at the rod's parameters stamped on the rod showing line tests and bait weights. 2. Add the high and low line test together, divide by 2, and that is the most effective line test to use with your rod. 3. You can do this for a spinning rig set up, too. 4. Stay within the line weight parameters for maximum performance. 5. Make sure your baitcaster can handle the average line test of your rod as stamped on the reel. 6. Reel the line onto the baitcaster by running it through a face cloth with a wet spot created by KVD Line and Lure Conditioner. SECOND STEP 1. Rig up at least 12 pound fluorocarbon line (or the average of the low and high line tests) leaving about 1/8 inch open from the line to the top of the spool. Include your bait and weights, etc. In other words, have the rod set up as you would if you getting ready to cast the baitcaster. 2. Go outside or where there is no carpet. 3. Tighten the spool's drag. 4. Tighten the reel's spool knob so the spool does not turn. 5. Point rod tip to 11 o'clock and release the spool. 6. Using the spool knob, turn the knob to loosen the spool so the line starts to move, slowly. Then do it again by loosening the spool tension until the spool stops when the bait hits the ground. 7. Goal is to have the spool stop when the bait hits the ground so you do the above a few times to get the right pressure on the spool. 8. Adjust your drag, if necessary, and do it all over again. 9. Once the spool stops when the lure hits the ground you are ready to rock and roll without the worry of a backlash. (NOTE: Do not do this on carpet as the treble hooks will catch and tear carpet and wife will not be happy) 10. He can make little adjustments to loosen or tighten the spool as he wishes. 11. Do this every time you change baitcaster baits. 12. He will become so proficient with this way of balancing his baitcaster he will not have to have the bait hit the deck or ground to know the spool speed is correct. In fact, if he is throwing a buzzbait he can start the retrieve right before the bait hits the water. And he can cast away without using his thumb to slow down or stop the bait unless it is headed into a tree, bush or grass and not get a backlash. Give it a try and I think your son will love fishing with his new baitcaster rig. Good luck.

X2

X2

And you guys want to go pond fishing in Florida???

I have an anchor on my boat for emergencies, only. I do not anchor to fish.

Catt, you probably can go fishing in front of your house during and after the storm passes. Be safe and let us know all is well when you can. We will be thinking of you this weekend and all of the people in that part of Louisiana.

X2

Way to go, Nolan! Proud of your win. Will read about it in Bass Times.

And to add to south Florida's post, the snakes and gators plus the other swamp creatures start to look for dry land or someplace safe and houses and sheds are on their list. So you have the wind and water, no power, flooded streets and highways in addition to the swamp critters.

Hope the hurricane will bypass you this time and head farther east towards NOLA. Be sure to let us know you are OK after you get the power restored. LSU game has been moved to Missouri. Take care and be safe.

Glenn's video is excellent on feeling bites. Also, if you have not subscribed to his blog on Facebook please do so as Glenn has some excellent productions. Here is his video on feeling bites. Enjoy! https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/feel-bite.html

Bassbandit, it depends on the presentation and technique as to which hooks are best for wacky rigging a stick, trick, or finesse worm. Add to the technique the type of underwater structure (brush piles, tree roots, stumps, pilings, drop offs, etc. Here are some examples: Five Set Ups Use a hook of your choice designed to be weedless for normal wacky fishing. I like a #1 or 1/0 weedless Eagle Claw or Gammy in the middle of the bait under my shrink tube. Texas rig the Senko or YUM, Power Bait, Bio Bait, etc., with any hook and size you want, weedless or not weedless. Sometimes I use a weedless hook while other times I will use a standard worm hook. I put the hook point back under the Senko's skin. Using a Provider jig head you can Texas rig the stick bait and fish it like a trick worm on the bottom. Provider jig heads have a powerful 3/0 hook. Don't forget the Neko rig using a stick bait. You can also put them on your favorite buzzbait or Chatterbait and use those lures hooks. May I suggest going to YouTube and looking up the Senko videos and see the different ones about fishing Senkos. Your imagination is open on how to fish a Senko. There are no rules. Yes, weedless VMC circle hooks.

1. Go up to 8 pound fluorocarbon line. 2. Use a medium heavy spinning rod. 3. Use a 2000 or 2500 spinning reel 4. Use a jig head in lieu of a fine wire hook, something like this: http://providertackle.com/store/ It is the jig head the pros use and it was invented by a bass pro fisherman. The jig head has a strong 3/0 hook which will help keep the fish hooked. 5. Always keep finger on the line except when you are casting and reeling the trick worm back to you. Set the hook as you feel the tap-tap, Don't dilly dabble. Set the hook hard. 6. Relax and let your normal hand movement or a little hand movement shake the trick worm on the bottom. 7. If you use no weight and are moving the trick worm on top of the water or cover like a snake move your rod tip a little but try to control the trick worm by using your reel by reeling in the slack and then popping the worm t the right and left with your rod tip to make it move like a snake as you reel in the slack line. 8. When you feel the tapping you set the hook hard over your head. You can point your rod tip at where you believe the trick worm is in the water, reel in the slack very fast, and then set the hook, keeping rod tip at 10, 11 or Noon during the fight. 9. Always keep an eye on your line. If it moves you wait two to three seconds and set the hook. 10. Use scent on all plastics so they will keep the plastics in their mouths longer. 11. After making the hook set, never, never, never allow any slack in the line. 12. Try your luck with these basic colors: watermelon, green pumpkin with black flake, and Junebug. 13. Experiment. Try other colors and presentations. Go with a pink and see if that entices the bass. Put hook in middle of trick worm and fish it wacky style. Rig it up wacky style and put a 1/16 bullet weight on top of the hook's eye. Or use a nail or a Neko nail and fish it Neko style. Add a trick worm to your buzzbaits and Chatterbaits. Try your trick worm on the lightest Slider head you can find (1/8 ounce) and reel it back to you very slowly. Throw it onto the bank and then bring it into the water slowly. Fish the trick worm slow or fish it fast. The bass will tell what they want. Just remember to find a jig head at your favorite tackle store that has a 3/0 strong hook. If you can bend the hook with your hand/fingers then pass on that specific brand and type. Let us know about the fun you will have with your trick worms and what you catch! Just a few suggestions to improve your trick worm fishing.

John, yes, I have heard of Lake Chesdin Park but was told it is a private ramp for the people living in that subdivision. I have no idea who to call to find out if you can launch from their ramp but maybe you can find a phone number for Chesdin Landing and speak with someone in authority who would know and give you permission to launch. There are a lot of realtors working Chesdin Landing and if you call one I am sure they will tell you if the ramp is open to the pulblic or private. Just tell them that you saw Chesdin Landing on Google and their ramp and was wondering about it. And yes, lots of boulders and hidden stumps getting into the Swamp. So if you do venture there go slow and watch the water all around you until you get past the Cypress trees. As for launch sites, not many on the Historic James River, but I will try to give you the list: Historic James Above Boshers' Dam 1. Watkins Landing 2. Robious Landing Park 3. American Legion Post 354 private ramp behind Tarrington Subdivision 4. Traylor Park Estates private ramp 5. Way up river by the 522 Bridge or Scottsville. (You will need someone to drive your car to Watkins Landing or Robious Landing Park so you can get home. Rapids will prevent you from turning around and heading back to either the 522 Bridge or Scottsville, depending on how far down river you go.) If the American Legion Post is open, as it is on the third Thursday of the month, other than for November and December, after 5 PM, in back of Tarrington on the river and you can get permission you can launch from their ramp. Only problem is that the ramp is full of river mud and you will get your feet and shoes/socks soaked in river mud and you will not be able to launch a boat trailer due to the mud. Go to Welby Turn and note the Legion sign. You may be able to go by on Wednesdays as there is a work crew there on Wednesdays. If you are interested, let me know and I can put you in touch with the guys working at the Legion Post so you can recon the place. Traylor Estates has a private ramp off Cherokee Road but once again, you have to know someone living in Traylor Estates and get the gate key. Historic James Below Boshers' Dam 1. Huguenot Flatwater 2. Any place you can find along Riverside Drive to put and take kayak out, if possible. No parking, other than for a small lot just east of the Huguenot Bridge. Not kayak friendly bank. 3. A private ramp. Your best bet is Watkins Landing and Robious Landing Park. Both are kayak friendly. As for Lake Chesdin, Whipponock Creek is a great place to launch. They have good parking; safe area; nice people; BATHROOMS!; low ramp fee (I think it is $10) and you will be in the heart of some of the best Lake Chesdin fishing on both sides of the Whipponock Creek bridge. I could ask my neighbor on Cherokee Road below Boshers Dam if the old path to the river is still open. Only problem is parking your vehicle. You will have to park by my house by the Dominion Power line and walk two blocks to the path's gate, carrying or towing your kayak. Or take a chance and park on Saratoga Road close to Cherokee Road Go on Google and look at Cherokee Road and you can see Saratoga Road and the power line. Historic James River Below I-95 Bridge This is tidal water and as long as you watch the tides you will be OK. Here are some of the ramps you can put your kayak in the river: 1. Ancarrow's Ramp (not the best place but you can park there and take a chance your car will be there when you get back) 2. Osborne Landing 3. Dutch Gap Ramp off Osborne Road 4. Richmond Yacht Basin Marina (if they will allow you to launch) 5. Hopewell Marina on the Appomattox River ( Appomattox is famous for its moccasins) I will PM my phone number to you so we can discuss what is necessary to use a private ramp on the Historic James River. In the meantime, please, please, please contact GMCO maps (https://gmcomaps.com/) or go to Green Top or Bass Pro Shops and get paper maps of both the Upper James River and Tidal James River. You can view the ramps I have been writing about and see places to fish. Maybe one day you can take the day and do a recon of all of the above places plus others you may hear about. John, the Lake Chesdin Park ramp is open to the public for canoes and kayaks. It will put you in position to fish the Swamp. Check it out on Google Earth or Google maps. Amelia Wildlife Management area is really a nice place to fish and easy in and out with your kayak. You park by the ramp and you do not have to go far to launch. Whipponock Creek is still the best option. John, the Lake Chesdin Park ramp is open to the public for canoes and kayaks. It will put you in position to fish the Swamp. Check it out on Google Earth or Google maps.

Thanks for the report, Toxic. Glad to read that the Hot Side of Anna is producing. My good friend has fished that side and got skunked, and he is an excellent bass fisherman. You all did great!!!!!

The bass will tell you what they want in a lipless crankbait. The rule is silent in the winter and rattles in the summer. But in bass fishing, rules do not matter.