Hattrick7

Thanks guys for the additional info. I've been fishing the bait with no trailer but gonna I'm have to try some single and twin tail grubs here soon.

I think it depends on what saltwater species your wanting to target. I use my freshwater bass setup fishing for calicos and it handles them no problem. That's really the only species (and yellowtails) I actually need to cast for since I'm casting into a kelp lane or just up to the edge of the bed. Other species like rockfish, halibut, sand bass, etc that are more relating to the bottom I can just pitch it out a little ways from the boat since I'm wanting the bait to hit bottom anyways. What are you looking to target? Are you fishing from a boat, shore/jetty? Also, make sure you hose your equipment down with fresh water after each use. Saltwater is crazy corrosive.

Wow same exact thing with me. I'll sometimes see about a dozen smaller bass cruising in schools. Then I'll see a nice 4lber just cruising the bank. Nothing is getting them to bite. I think they see my lure go by and start laughing. A little frustrating but it gets my mind going on different baits and techniques. I think I'm going to have to huck a jig out as far as I can and see what happens.

Karma tells me that double digit mama is coming your way!

Absolutely tragic and disgusting.

Holy moly that fish doesn't look good.

Wally worlds you mean Walmart? Their selection for spinnerbaits is pretty limited where I'm at. I think they carry strike king and booyah I differnt sizes and colors and that's about it. I picked up a strike king spinner the other day and I'm disappointed in the quality of the skirt. Not very many strands just seems cheap to me.

Nice smallies! Been hit or miss for me. I miss the saltwater calico bite that's for sure.

I've been trying pretty much all angles. Parallel to 90 degrees.

I'm starting really love this bait. I use cranks a lot but it's gets tiresome having to pick grass/moss off my hooks almost every cast. Talk about versatile a nice catfish slammed it the other day which really surprised me but I guess for flatheads they like to go for live bait. One thing that I've noticed is that the majority of my bites are relatively close to shore (bank fishing). I've only gotten one solid hit casting straight out from the bank. Do you guys see similar patterns? Could just be lake specific.

Thanks. I'm pretty new to SB fishing so to catch a decent one does wonders to confidence.

Caught this guy off a spinnerbait at a local golf course pond. Thought I'd share the pic.

I think with spinners you need to find what depth the strike zone is at. Maybe it's closer to the surface, mid column or towards the bottom. I read somewhere that baitfish typically run with the current so casting downwind and retrieving upwards wouldn't be the typical pattern. Try casting more into the wind and retrieving as would be the more normal route of baitfish. I'm no expert by any means. There's some good articles if you google it. I do like how they slam the bait. Keep at it and good luck!

I fish a man made lake right where I live almost every day. I guess it's considered moderate to high pressured but there's one rig (drop shot) that 9 out of 10 times catches bass or at least gets bit. I've also had success in throwing crankbaits and wacky rigged senkos but not as much as the DS. I'm now trying spinners, jigs, swim baits, t rigged worms, etc. Other regulars say jigs and spinners work well. I finally got bit on my spinner but I didn't adjust my drag right and the hook set was a no go. So my point being is that there's got to be at least one bait that the bass normally go after. That's where the fun and challenge comes in. It's now up to you it find what else produces bass and hopefully lunkers. I also would start with faster moving baits that cover more water. If that doesn't produce then slow it down a bit. Still nothing then keep slowing it down until the bass tell you what they want. Gotta remember that its fishing and not catching. Good luck!

KVD 1.5 sexy shad square bill is the one that works best for me. I also like the one from Kinami in gold/black.

I'm with MacP but I use the straight tailed ones. I throw both the 6 and 4.5" versions in those colors on a dropshot and they're deadly.

Maybe I came from a spinning reel which was LH retrieve it just made more sense to me to get a LH baitcaster. My RH is the dominant hand anyways so when I set the hook and fight it's more natural to be using my dominant hand. The exception would be in saltwater trying to land a shark or something huge. I don't know how you guys cast right then switch to crank. Doesn't that get annoying and cumbersome at some point?

Ok fishing in a tourney makes sense. I remember Iaconelli saying once that competing in those higher tiered tourneys that so much of it is mental. At least you know where your weaknesses are. Good luck to you.

Fishing sounds more like your most hated job or chore when you're on your boat. Is there a reason why you feel the need to cover as much water as possible? Is there monetary pressure? Are the lakes going to disappear within a week? Relax, take a deep breath and remember that fishing is supposed to be Fun. The lakes will be there tomorrow. I just ordered some more tackle today. My point because learning to fish new baits is what keeps things fresh and interesting for me. Get that shakey head out there and enjoy yourself.

I would imagine slipping on an egg sinker or rubber grip ones before you tie your rig on should do the job.

That's the setup I have and I think you'll really enjoy it. Like yourself I came from a spinning reel and it did take me some time in learning how to use a BC in general. After about four months of constant use in saltwater also my 7' mh Veritas and SX reel is a workhorse. A couple months there I was fishing saltwater for calicos and there were times when I hooked into 20+ calicos plus the occasional barracuda. The rod is extremely sensitive. The exposed reel seat is the way to go. I don't think you can go wrong with the setup. I'd check eBay they're got great prices, no sales tax and free shipping.

I'm mainly bass year round. Will go after trout at times during the winter. Saltwater wise calico bass and halibut. Would like to get a rig for yellowtails, blue fin tuna and dorados.

Have you tried straight tailed Roboworms in either the 6 or 4.5"? Those seem to work like magic for me. Baby bass or Aaron's magic are my go to colors. I barely shake my rod tip. I usually give it about three very subtle shakes and then let it sit for a few seconds, reel in a crank or two and repeat. I like to always have some action on the bait. I typically get bit after the action stops. It sounds like you're maybe a little too focused on the bite. Relax, give it a couple shakes, crank in once or twice and repeat. You won't miss the bite I'm pretty sure of it. If you feel a tap tap it's probably some baitfish. Whenever I hook into a bass my rod always loads which tells me the bass committed to taking it. I use a pretty small circle hook. Size 4 I think and I crush the barb down. When my rod starts loading I simply start reeling and the circle hook does all the work. I think the key with this is being patient. I would also drop your rig in front of you to see what kind of action the bait gets relative to how much you shake your rod tip. This should give you a better understanding of what your bait is doing. Also, make sure your hook is pointing upwards and not down. You'll get a bite just keep at it. It's not the most exciting way to get bit but it's deadly.

Yes but only if it greatly increases my chances of winning some tourney where I can make 10x+ what I paid for them.

IMO that's why bass fishing is so much fun. There's a definite learning curve. Its not like fishing for catfish where you throw out your line with some cut bait and sit on your butt until you get a bite. All the numerous baits you can use with all the different presentations. I would suggest reading A lot of material on bass behavior, different baits, presentation, etc. You won't run out of material any time soon. When I first got started I would watch lots of videos on everything bass fishing. Then the fun part is to go out and try these techniques and see what works and what doesn't. Warning: bass fishing is highly addictive and at times expensive! Good luck