Jay Ell Gee

Very nice man! I have been getting a few bass on the suspending jerks as well, Rick Clunn STX's to be exact. My girlfriend nailed her first bass on a baitcaster using an STX as well! Boy was she excited. I would post pics, but I'm not here to hijack your thread. Keep tossing those jerkbaits! They are a blast, aren't they?

Good afternoon everyone. This winter weather has been really odd this year, with all the rain and whatnot. Needless to say, it has utterly ruined most of my usual fishing spots, and I am really beginning to get some serious cabin fever. Until I get my tax return to pick up a kayak this year, I am stuck on the bank, for the most part. It isn't too bad for the time being, but I have really been wanting to find some more productive bank fishing spots than those I have been "piddling" with lately. I have been considering making the drive to Okhissa Lake, as I have had some success from the bank up there before, but I have no idea if I will be able to reach fish from the bank this time of year. It's also quite a long drive. With Mississippi's rain lately, it may be a total bust anyway. Regardless, I was hoping to ask the locals about some insight to some accessible fishing spots that I can get into some decent bass fishing, preferably somewhat local to the Denham Springs/Baton Rouge area, though I don't mind driving a good bit for some good fishing (I'll just make a day of the trip.) Likewise, if anyone ever has the need for a fishing partner, I will gladly pitch in for gas and food to get some fishing time in. I have this entire weekend off (EXTREMELY rare for me) and I am really wanting to get on some fish instead of giving the PS3 all of the attention for the weekend. Also, if anyone is kind enough to divulge some decent spots, they are welcome to send them via PM. I promise that I will not disclose them. I was raised as an outdoorsman and will not litter, trash, snoop, or disrespect any property that I am fishing. Even a small handful of fishing spots would mean more than you could imagine. Thank you everyone in advance for any advice!

I particularly like the UV speed craw on the back if finesse jigs. However, I absolutely love using them in my local clear water streams and creeks around here on a jika rig for spotted bass!

Hey everyone. To be fair, I actually won a combo rod and reel for Christmas, but I don't really need that type of rod in my lineup, so it will be held for a spare. I won a Bass Pro Shops MegaCast rod and reel combo, 6'6 MH/F. The reel is 6.3/1. http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-MegaCast-Baitcast-Reel/product/104117/ Braid is out of the question. However, I really lack any type of dedicated treble setup. Considering how I fish, I don't toss them as often as I would like. Would this reel be serviceable as a treble bait reel? I don't mind putting a free reel to work, but I figured that I would just put it on light duty, at least until I see how it holds up. Any suggestions on a fairly (universal) treble rod? I throw poppers, zara puppies, squarebills, rattle traps, and am starting to take an interest in fishing hard jerkbaits. I know that those are a lot of different techniques, but I am mainly just looking for a rod that is light enough to walk poppers and spooks without wearing me out, as well as light enough (tip wise) to keep trebles planted on the rare occasion that I actually catch a bass. If it helps, I also really like the rod to have some flex because I feel like it is easier on the wrists to actually pop and walk lures, if that makes sense. Stiff rods simply feel like they create more resistance or drag, and seems to make working lures harder than it needs to be. Short and easy handling enough to bank or kayak fish with would be amazing as well. Maybe some line recommendations? I'm thinking mono. I really appreciate the help guys. It's just hard to turn down a free reel, as I only have four other setups and a dedicated treble setup simply wasn't an option between those four. However, I can certainly justify putting this one to use, assuming I can find a decent price point on a rod.

I will absolutely second the Calcuttas. Awesome little sunglasses for the price. I recently got a pair of Batwolf glasses as a gift... I wonder if I could send them in and get some polarized lenses put in?

Glad to see that someone else knows and posted. I have been trying to decide whether or not to post that info since I saw this thread.

I recommend taking a stout fly rod (6/7 wt or higher, depending on size) and going after those carp for some C&R. It's an absolute blast! I second squarebills and swimbaits. Maybe toss a wacky worm around, or even a green pumpkin grub.

Are you sure that you don't mean Louisiana?

I hate to call you out, but I didn't actually write that article... Ike is pretty good too though!

If coyotes get near you, consider yourself lucky. I hunt them and it's hard enough to get a shot on one in full camo with a call! It's a lot of fun. Colorado blade spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, big curly tails or loud plastics, even paddle tails all work very well. Get you some this summer!

You really should give it a try Trap. I actually fish the pond outside of work when I get off late. It is extremely weedy, so I only bring ribbit frogs and hollow body frogs/mice. I don't have enough open water to run a buzzbait or gunfish, even if I wanted to.Think a topwater bite during the day will surprise you? Try it during a quiet night!

I'm guessing that you returned the bass to it's home after catching it? I say assume because if you did not, you should be able to measure it, I suppose. If you did, kudos for the release! I agree with holding out on the citation as well, if only to protect the integrity of the program. You are still young, and you are picking a great hobby to pursue. You have a long time to catch a bigger one, and inspiration to boot! Regardless, that is a GREAT fish. Nothing wrong with catching them on minnows this time of year. Bass fishing in the winter can be brutal. No sense in using a few minnows to even the odds a bit. I am also looking forward to more pics. Please keep us updated in the fishing reports section as well! Take comfort in knowing that you have caught a bigger bass than some recreational fisherman have caught in their lives. That's no small feat! Also, you can pick up a little roll-up type tape measure from bass pro shops for under two dollars. It rolls up when you press the little button, just like a big one. You could grab a small rapala, berkley, or bass pro electronic scale as well and be out the for less than thirty dollars. You will always have ways to keep track of your fish at that point. Again, great bass and welcome to BR!

I can't say enough good things about this post. The most frustrating thing you can do is go buy a ton of lures that you have no confidence in. You will spend more time wondering what lures to throw then you will fishing. On the water you will end changing them all day instead of focusing on how to properly present the ones you are comfortable with. Pick a few versatile, tried and true lures. The key word is versatile. Senkos are a great place to start, or worms in general. Are you working those senkos weightless? Weighted? Wacky? Like jerkbaits? You can do a lot with them. If I was going to add anything, I would add a jig. Want to really get ahead? Buy a small, cheap crayfish trap and bait it, then put it in the canal behind your house. You can't beat having an accessible fishing hole right behind your house. When you plan on fishing, take a few minutes a couple of times a week (remember, it's in your back yard, it's not like you have to drive to the river) to bait it and keep a close eye on the crayfish colors. Use those color jigs or even soft plastic crayfish like rage claws or Zoom UV speed craws. I'll bet you start slamming them on a regular basis if you learn to fish those lures properly on the bottom. Heck, you could even rig the small crayfish up live and really get into some great action. No shame in doing that. I myself love senkos. If I could go a full day in the winter nailing bass only on senkos, I would be absolutely ecstatic. A day of fishing with one rod, a few packs of plastics and hooks/weights in my pockets with no 25 lb tackle box and multiple rods to lug around? Why, that sounds fantastic!

My one addition is that I would HIGHLY recommend (as in don't leave the store without it) the little pond boat cover. It's about $40 but I can promise that the first time you let your little boat sit out in the rain (not just the Bass Pro boats, but any of this type/style, such as the pelicans or raiders) you will have converted your boat to a 350 lb model.

Great advice. I think he meant Senkos, and that is another excellent suggestion. One thing about watching fishing videos and shows... you will be buying every lure you see. If you are bank bound and start reading about winter lures, jigging spoons won't do you any good. Pick a few key lures and start there. Buying a ton will do nothing but overwhelm you when it comes time to choosing what to tie on. Senkos, Trick Worms, Finesse Worms, and Spinnerbaits are great suggestions. I may toss in a suggestion for a popper or two, and possibly some flukes. Nothing will get you addicted to bass fishing like topwater and jerkbait hits. Then again, spinnerbait hits aren't gentle, either.

I have it and like it a lot. It holds more than enough gear for a bank bound angler (heck, too much). Three 3700 size boxes fit well. I had a 3600 in the front, but I took that out and filled it with soft plastics. Put a small plano box in the side compartment for terminal tackle, fingernail clippers, etc, and my electronic scale in the other. Perfect.

I will agree that the spro popping frog is pretty great. I prefer pumpkin, as my frogs down here are brown. Favorite hard popper for the longest was the H2O express poppers. However, after using a few Damiki D Pop 70's... I'm sold. They are a great size, cast well, and can walk the dog like a spook. I like the Holo Bluegill color myself, but the shad colors work as well.

Oops! What he said. I have the DB's and I like them.

I just picked up a few from tackle warehouse. Two white, two sunfish, and a baby bass. They all seem to be excellent quality.

My girlfriend caught her first (and still PB) bass with a Pit Boss. Almost four pounds. I like the watermelon orange flake baby brush hogs, but love flipping super hogs as well. Damiki Hydra and the Yamamoto Fat Ika's are pretty cool. I also enjoy flipping the Missile Bait's D Bomb as well as Ugly Otters. I have far too many flipping plastics...

No good at all. In all honesty, selling them to WayUpNorth would almost be considered a sin, taking money for such a pitiful, useless lure. Send them to me and I will then take the hooks off and tie them on as practice casting plugs for my girlfriend while she learns to use my baitcasters. But really, reel them down to depth and let them suspend... followed by a couple of sharp jerks on slack line. Reel up some of the line (not all), wait for hits (the colder the water, the longer the pauses) and if you manage to catch a really, REALLY stupid fish on one of those pieces of garbage, perform a sweeping hookset similar to a crankbait and hope that the lure doesn't fall apart before you get that stupid fish to hand. I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.

I use the Booyah pond buzz and I like them. I use them while wading Louisiana creeks and streams for spotted bass. They love them. I have been wanting to try a 1/4 oz Cavitron though...

Do these suspend at all? I have seen them before and love the colors, but there is next to zero information on the box.

A weedless super fluke will work as well. I'm fishing the exact same conditions right now. When the swimbait bite dies toss that fluke and jerk it around.

I wade fish for spotted bass in a small, clear river near my house. The Zara puppy is a great suggestion. I throw them in clear, baby bass, and a clear with black back and glitter (forgot the color, but a very good one.) Tiny buzzbaits such as the booyah pond buzz also get thrown around quite a bit. Awesome lure for creeks. Small walking poppers like the Damiki D Pop 70 work great as well. My all time favorite is a Bass Pro Shops Floating Worm in pink and earthworm, thrown weightless on a 1/0 thin wire hook. You can make it absolutely dance along the water, just twitch it like a jerkbait. You can also skip it like an absolute pro. I may look into the baby popper spro. The small H20 express frogs work well, can't see why the spro wouldn't.