Shoop05

If it's a knot issue, you can usually tell because the end of the line will seem to be twisted every once in awhile. I would say retie twice as often as you do now. Also, you said you catch a few fish then seem to break the line, so you aren't doing it on the first few fish. It sounds like the cover or structure you have been fishing is weakening the line or knot. I would say retie more, and if that doesn't work, start looking over all your rods and reels. Not just the eyes, but the actual shafts of the rods too.

Be sure to practice your weaknesses on good fishing days. The best way to build confidence..... CATCH FISH. Tournaments aren't necessarily the time to work on weaknesses, but the more time you spend on the water practicing and honing your weaknesses, the more confident you will be to pick up that spinnerbait in a tournament when the conditions are right and you need a kicker!!

This may be a new one, picked this up Catfishing on the Ohio River. Take your line and put a 3 way swivel on in. Tie a leader on the bottom end approximately 6" to 18" depending on your preferance and put a 1/4oz to 1/2oz sinker on the end. Small egg sinkers with gold loops make for easy attachment. A drop shot sinker works wonderfully too. Next tie the other leader roughly 6" to 12" out that will hold your bait. Dont make this leader too long or it will become difficult to feel the fish when they pick up the bait. As for lures, I have found that any bait that delivers a fluttering action in the current works great. I.E. twin tail grub, robo worm, small Zoom craw, any straight tail worm, or tubes. Cast up river or stream, and as the rig floats downstream the sinker will grab the bottom and the bait will flutter horizontally parallel to the bottom. If you can hit the edge of current breaks to where the bait barely flutters, it's a killer. With a drop shot or small egg sinker the rig will gradually float downstream usually keeping the bait fluttering just off the bottom or desired depth. You may have to experiment and adjust, but once you figure out where the fish are holding, HANG ON!!! Good Luck!!!

I am casting the lure, I have heard that a lot of guys are switching to sinking crankbaits. I have doctored up a few and they do sink pretty well, I just want to find some that can reach 25 plus, even if only for a portion of the cast. I figure if I can find a really DEEP crankbait brand then they will make up what other baits have lost due to line drag, even if it doesn't hit it's advertised depth.Thanks!!!

It's very simple. Be respectful and make sure the boater doesn't have to "baby sit" you. Most boaters and non boaters have no issue until boundaries get crossed. Yes you will always have that instance when nothing you do will be right, but for the most part boaters will do everything they can to help out co anglers, as long as it doesn't hinder them. Also, don't be afraid to do something different from the boater in the beginning of a tournament. This only goes so far though, if the boater is smashing fish on a spinnerbait, and you haven't had a look on your worm, common sense would tell you to grab what's working. Just have faith in YOUR equipment, and YOUR knowledge, the rest will fall into place. Good Luck

Hey guys, I am a new member here at Bass Resource. I am 25 years old, located up in Erie County, PA, I grew up in Ohio. I have been bass fishing since I was 5 years old. I have been fishing tournaments since I was 15. I spent awhile in the service, but never lost the love for it. Looking to broaden my horizons and learn some more about the sport. Im always looking for new fishing buddies, or tournaments to chase!!! My favorite place to bass fish is a place called Fort Laramie in Ohio. The water gets chocolate milk muddy, and it becomes interesting with all the stumps and rocks in that place!!!! Anyways, glad to be a new member!!!!

Hey everyone!! I am currently looking for the deepest running crankbaits on the market. I have DD22's but I would like something that can hit the 25ft plus depths on 8-10 pound test. Please feel free to share!!!!