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I live in Fl. But have fished Ohio, Lake Erie, when I was in college, and both my kids have homes on lakes in Ga. A lot of fisherman I take out fishing just seem to fish too fast. When things are tough, slow down especially when fishing plastics. When you think your slow, slow down some more. Many big bites over the years have come when the bait has just fallen and is sitting dead still. Bass are curious creatures and will slowly move over to investigate what has entered their space, even though they are not hungry! Saved many a slow day for me!

If I only had one bait to bank fish lakes in South Florida, it would be a 4” watermelon red Senko weightless, or a watermelon red trick worm, with a #3 EWG thin wire hook, on 15 lb Floro line. I bank fish South Florida 5 days a week and it will catch bass, peacock, Oscar’s, Mayans, and snakeheads. If the bites tough that day just slow down and bass will often pick it up while sitting.

I could not live in a better place for freshwater fishing. I live in the tropics so I have fishing all year round, no down time. In the boat I have the Everglades 15 minutes from the house, Lake Okeechobee 30 minutes away, and my house is surrounded by man made lakes I can walk around with no spraying and lots of vegetation. These water bodies are all connected to the vast Everglades system and loaded with largemouth, millions of peacock, clown knife fish, Oscars, and Mayans, even big snakeheads. We have freshwater snook, and tarpon that have lived their whole lives in freshwater and adjusted. I fish 6 days a week mostly from the bank, and once a week in the boat. It’s a been a great 40 year experience where I live !❤️

That’s fishing for you, not always predictable!

When fishing from the boat I often go into stealth mode with all the electronics off, the trolling motor off, and a drift bag to slow down if the wind is blowing. After a productive pass I will power up the big motor, and make a big circle, and drift through again. I have done this most of my adult life. Stealth mode helps especially when their not out chasing baits.

I feel so bad for you guys!

About 15 years ago I was active on Florida Bass Network and it was a great site for about 2 years, then the politics, and lack of controls brought the site to a rapid end. We are so lucky to have Glen and his moderators that keep that crap out, and a focus on everything fishing. I thank you everyday!❤️👍❤️

Great points made by all!❤️

When things get tough I don’t always change confidence baits, I always change cadence! This is one of the simplest things to do, but a very effective thing. If I was swimming a a bait, I let it fall to the bottom then snap it up and fall again. Another change is let it sit after initial fall, and then a slow pull along the bottom. Another is a lateral jerk with immediate slack in the line after. This will cause a walk the dog action along the bottom with plastic stickbaits. I keep changing cadence until I find something they like. You can do this with many baits in your arsenal. One thing I never do is open the tackle box and start tying new baits, because one thing I’ve learned is you can’t catch unless the lure is in the water. Another lesson is if things are tough slow down, fish are curious and even if not feeding will move slowly to a sitting bait to investigate the intruder! Another thing I will do is go into stealth mode. I turn off all the electronics, so no pinging. I stay off the trolling motor, and let the wind push me through a promising area. I have become a much more patient fisherman in my golden years.

Glen we appreciate all you do to keep it clean, and enjoyable! I’ve seen sites come and go over the years because checks were not in place and things got ugly!

Wow a lot of good info in that article on types of bass!

Florida is freshwater free after 65 for residents. But I have not seen a wildlife officer out there in the last ten years. Way back in the day, they were out doing checks all the time. I wonder if their numbers have been cut !!!!!

OMG, I am shocked at that whole thing. It was great, very impressive! I guess anyone can be a song writer now! It seems unfair!

I would add somewhere a pair of wire cutters In case you drive a hook deep into your skin. Even worse is when you and the fish are both hooked together. Wire cutters will get rid of the fish quickly and leave just you and the lure. I have done this more times then you can imagine! Always have one in the boat!

62 years, Since retired almost everyday. A lot from the bank now. 40 from a bass boat on good weekends. It’s truly my form of relaxation.

A lot depends on the body of water. But usually over 20 steady I don’t go. I just don’t want to fight it. Under 20 the wind picks where I plan to go, and what I plan to throw. I like the wind to be an asset and not a problem. Keep it simple, and as enjoyable as possible. Tonight with 25 steady winds but from the bank, no boat in this weather.

The lakes in Weston Florida are full of Peacock. I could show you a bunch if I could figure out how to post a pic!

Now that was quite funny. 😄 life is so tough and someone gets upset with what’s a sunfish. Kind of sad if really think about it!

Being a retired Florida guy I fishing a few hours almost everyday. Sometimes from the boat, most of the time from the bank. I am lucky to be surrounded by man made lakes full of bass and Peacocks. I am always at peace when out casting. Regardless of location or catch totals, I put in some ear buds, my favorite music, and go to it. Regardless of catch totals, or size, I am having the time of my life, as long as the equipment works well, and my targets are getting hit. I compare it to a game of darts, and hitting the target is what it is all about. The fish will eventually come around and the stress of life just fades away. It’s a lot cheaper then therapy!😆 I see you got the Bentley of walkers!

Colder months, especially after a front, Florida bass are much more active in the afternoon. Cold mornings can be especially tough!

Thank you guys, I appreciate the thought!👍

Back in the day his show was by far my favorite show to watch. His kids were so polite and respectful. I wonder what they are doing today???

Years ago I saw guys chumming with grain and a sling shot, to stimulate bait fish in an area. He would do it for a few days before a big trip. The bass will show up to feed on bait fish. Also on some central Florida lakes with a lot of cypress trees, a guy totd me to look for the trees with Osprey nests. These birds are sloppy eaters and scraps go in the water drawing bait fish under. There are always a few big bass looking for an easy meal on these bait fish. It made sense to me.

A new world record, documented properly, would put over a million dollars in your pocket, not counting any endorsement money in the future. I would be shouting out every way possible!

One weekend at Okeechobee, 8 of us rented a house, fished three days, and we caught one suicidal bass total. It was 23* in the mornings, with an inch of ice on the boat decks. The only positive thing was the nightly card games and good food.