scaleface

I'm not brand picky . As long as it has a quality swivel it will catch fish . I throw a 1/2 ounce most of the time , simply because i can cast and pitch that size real well .I'm a better angler with that weight than lighter ones .

The Rapala Crankin Rap CR14 just keeps getting stronger . It has become my first choice for that productive 10 to 12 foot zone and it goes through brush real well .The CR8 and Cr10 does not go through brush like it . I guess because they have smaller lips . I've been walking that CR14 through brush as shallow as five foot ,where its shallower diving siblings get hung in .

Me too . Just added 17 lbs to my total .

There's an older gentleman from a couple of years back and I cant remember his name . I always enjoyed his post . I hope hes okay . Havent heard from him for a long time .

Yesterday Toad , crankbait , lizard 28 bass . Four over 15 inches .

I havent been in three weeks but the top baits then have been spinnerbaits , crankbaits and toads .

I have floating snake heads that slide on the line like a bullet weight . Then rig a ribbon tail worm and swim it like a snake . Never have used the things .

1 Beaver houses . They seem to always harbor a bass or more .

Twice I sat at a campground surrounded by other campers catching carp right and left while they blank . They would use the same bait as me but when I try to show them how to rig it they their reply was "I know how to catch carp"

Since the 70's buzzbaits have been my favorite lure . They havent caught me the most fish but they are the funnest to throw . The Original Lunker Lure in 1/2 ounce still occupies a spot in my spinnerbait/buzzbait box . I dont believe it has been improved upon .

I've caught bunches of carp . I lost all the photos on my computer so I cant show the rig I come up with . I take advantage of the carps shyness and use a heavy sinker and a tight line . Place the rod in a holder and just sit back , the carp does the rest . I use a treble with the barbs pinched down as a bait holder with a small octopus hook right above it . When the carp takes the bait , it feels resistance ,ejects the bait , the octopuss hook takes hold and the carp bolts . If not using a good rod holder the rod will be lost . If you want a picture of the rig I can make one up . Good baits are whole kernel corn and dough balls made from Wheaties cereal .

Buzzbaits go places ploppers cant go .

For the first time in the 4 years I have played , I am not near the cellar . So I'm playing it safe . I changed my original lineup and going with what I feel is a less risky team . Its no fun picking dark horses and coming in last . I'm not very good at that . LOL. I chose a couple of shallow water sticks and guys who are good at fishing deep .

I dont know about that . Theres a couple that just seem to be out of their league .

Hers a hack that I came up with last year that works well . After I run the hook through the nose but before running it back into the toad , I run it through a rubber disc that I punch out of a bicycle inner tube . When the toad is fresh , the hook stays in place well with the point in the groove , so I slide the disc up the hook for now . After a fish or two the toad gets worn and the point doesnt stay in the groove , thats when I slide the disc in place against the toad . I find it difficult to skin hook and this hack has works splendidly . I also use a barrel swivel on the line and through the hook to keep the toad from sliding down and from tearing up . You will catch a lot more fish per bait doing that . Last year was my first toad fishing and I really got into it . I experimented a lot and am still experimenting with them .

^^ this

Green is invisible a lot of times . I dont like it for line watching baits . My worm rod is spooled with clear blue fluorescent trilene .

I have a big black wood Muskie Jitterbug. Back in the 70's or early 80's Bassmaster had an article about how great of a big bass lure they were in the dark . I got one right away and never caught a bass on it . One of these nights I'll bring it out of retirement and give it another go . I have a LOZ trip planned this fall , I might have to chuck it around some of those docks .

Not the Rage Toad but I use the Ribbet which is the same genre . I Use braid , its the only lure I use braid with . I missed so many bass with mono that I had to make the switch . I use a 5/0 Berkely Fushion wide gap hook. Rig it up a little short so that it keeps a slight bow like a canoe on the bottom . That will keep it from flipping over .I use a 7 foot med hvy rod because a longer rod wont fit in my truck bed .

Never had much luck with them . Dont even remember the last time I used one . Still carry a couple in my top water box . Maybe someday I'll tie one on and catch fish with it .

Heres the thing with most beginners . They tie a lure on , cast out and reel in . After awhile they tire of that lure and repeat with another . I'm not saying thats what you do but most do . I was that way . No random casting . Its okay to cast straight out in the water but do so with intent . A sinking lure will let you know how deep it is . Let lures sink to the bottom and retrieve with lures either hopping on the bottom or close to it . Bass will usually be near the bottom or an object .By keeping the bait near the bottom you are keeping it in the strike zone .If something is caught pay attention to how deep it was. Look for signs of depth changes , rocks , wood , weeds , anything. All lures work . Figure out what the cover and topography is and choose lures that will work well there .

Typically I use offset hooks . EWG's are only used on fatter baits . I choose a hook at least twice the diameter as the bait . In open water I use smaller hooks than in heavy cover . If I'm out fishing deep water a 1/0 or 2/0 hook on a skinny six inch worm is a good combo . Often times I wont even set the hook , the fish are just there, so I reel fast . Those thin wired 1/0 hooks penetrate nicely in those situations .In cover , I'll up the hook size , just for the added strength.

Not an augertail but close . I have a pack of Augertails and a pack of Augertail Snakes . I'm tempted to open those snakes and use them but I dont recall seeing them before .

I use a little flexible tripod that is about 6 inches long .

My bass probably appear larger because of the angle I take pictures . The camera is usually lower than the fish .