KYBassin'

So, is the ice off yet? Or will I need to bring a few tip-ups?

Ha. It's not a lake named "Bass" and it's not Lower Turtle. Or is it?

Great advice. Thanks.

It's a smaller lake, stained water. It's one of those "honey holes"...not many people know about it. Sorry to dodge the question, but I'm keeping the name a secret. But I do appreciate your input.

Thanks. Yeah, I know there are a lot of variables to the timing and what stage they'll be in. But I'm guessing they will be a little behind the normal process with snow and ice still present.

Have and use both. Never lost a fish because of the rod being a 1 or 2 piece.

Nice. Thanks. I'll check it out.

Now, this was like 10+ years ago...but there was great smallmouth fishing from shore on the Wisconsin River right near downtown Stevens Point. There was a lot of different areas you could get to on foot, had plenty of 20 fish trips, with several being in the 4-5 pound range.

I'll be jumping on an airplane in a month to go do some fishing...gonna need a rod case. Anyone have a recommendation? Not trying to spend a lot of cash since I don't fly to fish often...but don't want junk either. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks

Good morning, I'm heading up to a little north of Eau Claire the 1st week of June and I'm wondering what to expect from the bass spawn situation. I know it was a cold winter with some late snow fall..so I'm guessing water levels will be up. But does anyone have any insights into the normal timing of the spawn and what might happen this year? Thanks

I use an old Strike King frog with a trailer hook, rarely miss a fish. And even with the trailer hook I have very little issue with getting snagged. But it is important to give the fish a count or two before setting the hook.

For the most part, the slower the better. After the cast, I let it sink and sit. From there I use a slow retrieve, lifting the rod tip a few feet, letting it sink and reeling up the slack. Basically hopping it along the bottom. If fish are more active, you can use a slow reel and jig approach. A texas rigged (weightless) worm dragged across the top of weeds can also be effective. Also, be aggressive with your casting. Meaning, put it in cover. I typically try to work areas at a 45 degree angle. For example, if I am working a shoreline area, I will make casts at a 45 degree to the bank, rather than straight at it. The retrieve spends more time in the strike zone. That's an tip for an old tourney fisherman I know. As for the bit, it will vary. The fish might grab it and run, this is why it is important to watch your line for movement. It could be aggressive or subtle. Other times the fish will grab it and just sit there, which is why when you lift to jig you should do it slow and steady, you will feel the weight.

The day a probable state record was released. Quarry pond, in south-central WI. A friend hooked a fish, after casting from a cliff 15 feet above the water level. I walked over to him just as the fish surfaced...never seen anything like it. I yelled to my other buddy to get over here, as I looked for a spot to jump down the cliff to get the fish when brought in. After a long fight, and blood arms from sliding down the rock cliff to get the fish, I lipped a bass....literally felt like I was lipping my wrist. So thick. It's eyes were as big as silver dollars....double digit fish in my mind, although no one had a scale. After a few pics, which I haven't seen in 15 years, the fish was returned to the small pond.

Wow...very nice offer! I am not sure Thursday will work but I am going to see if I can make it work. I will let you know. But again, appreciate the offer.

Is there a place to rent a boat on Lake Wabaunsee? I'm looking but not seeing anything. Thanks

I believe south of downtown, near Overland Park.

If a guy thinks a fish is 6 lbs....who cares? Even if you see the fish and don't agree....who cares? Just say "nice fish" and move on. When you start playing the "expert" or "authority" card you just come across like a punk. Now, there is nothing wrong with a little debate or discussion but this post went a bit beyond that. There is enough negativity in the world.....lets keep it out of fishing.

KC Gents, Hey guys. I am coming to KC in mid July to visit a buddy and do some fishing, we both love bass fishing. I'm looking for some local insight on a few good spots within an hour of the city. Any help would be appreciated and I will be sure to report back on how we did. Thanks

Swim bait allows you to cover more water, faster. So in theory, the more casts you make the more fish you have the ability to catch, if the bite is on. I usually start out with a swim bait or spinnerbaits to locate fish and incorporate a jig to focus on better bites.

Any updates on the progress? I'm out of state...so if I could check on it myself I would. Thanks.

6'9"

Good info. Much appreciated.

Thanks guys. Just trying to figure out what the pattern will be by the time I get there. Keep me posted with updates if possible. I'll be sure to report back on how it went.

Makes sense. Thanks.

Thanks guys. Charlie...quick question. If 3/8 is 3/8, regardless of the type of jig, why does it matter what type of jig it is?