Big Bassman

If you're not in a hurry, wait for TW or Cabelas for a sale. Sometimes TW will give 20% off plus you get free shipping! As long as you go black & white combo instead of color you should be able to easily stay under $450 and get a 4.5" or 5" screen as well. I purchased a HB 597 Ci DI Combo for under $500 that way.

+1

Love balsa crank baits of misc. makers. I agree with whoever said get a few and try them. Once you get comfortable you can expand on what you like and try something different once and awhile. With our buddy the "Bait Monkey" around, you will be addicted in no time! There are many good baits available now at reasonable prices.

5/16 & 3/8 in dark green w/green metal flake trailer, black w/blue trailer, and brown w/orange trailer. Usage depends on lake and water clarity. Agree with jigs good year around. Sometimes use a jig with long worm trailer in bright blue or grape color and swim it as well.

Hey Brian, I have never fished this lake but the week you're coming is perfect for big bass in southern Iowa. The big brood bass will be working into the spawn areas from deep water so just look for those types of areas, particularly if the river or creek has a bend in it and runs next to a point or unusual structure near the spawn area. The map you furnished sure makes me want to fish it, looks like there are at least 3 sweet spots. As far as lure choice goes, jig & pig, crank, or spinner bait should work well. The biggest 5 fish limit I ever caught was in southern Iowa on a state lake in April, weight was 33#. Unfortunately one bass was only 3#.

I started in a wooden jon boat, then customized a metal jon boat for bass fishing, in the 60's went to a Quachita fiber glass bass boat, in the late 70's bought a Venture bass boat, and now my ride is a 94' Nitro 170DC pictured below.

I know I am new here fellas, but I am sooooo proud of your commitment to bass fishing and support for the "Bait Monkey", our true friend and lasting fishing partner! And SB, I can relate to the ever spiriling "rod needs reel" or "reel needs rod" senario. I quit counting how many times that has happened to me, but in the end I always feel good about the final result. You can never have too much of a good thing! Congrats on all the quality savy smart buys you boys have gotten lately!

Thanks JF for the vid! Will try this knot for sure.

You can never have too many rods, reels, or baits! First of all, you have to have spares in case there is a need and you don't have time to purchase new. Maybe perfect fishing weather or tournament this weekend? Anyway, spares are an absolute must! Second, if you pass up a good deal you will always regret it! And third, already mentioned "womens math", the amount of money you will save over a lifetime of bass fishing will be incredible! One also must remember the security and peace of mind along with the mental stability you and your family will benefit from. As I have previously stated, YOU MUST EMBRACE, LOVE, AND CHERISH the BAIT MONKEY! He is now and always will be a bass fishermans best friend. He only does what he does because we mean so much to him! One is the Master and one is the Slave, you decide!

Nice job Tom!

I have 3 boys & 2 girls. The boys started bass fishing with me when they were each 3-4 years old. They got bait casting rods & reels, tackle boxes with all artifical baits right from the start and every Easter & Christmas thereafter. The 44 year old can't really afford a rig, but the 42 and 34 year olds both have fully outfitted bass boats and fish whenever they can. I still fish with them as much as I can, but after a lifelong marriage I finally have my wife fishing with me so we do alot of family fishing trips. Only Bass! Because we live in cold country our season starts with spring break, 4 families, 3 bass boats, 2 houses on Table Rock and a whole lot of fishing! Break'em in young and break'em in right, you won't regret it. Our family prays together, plays together, and stays together!

Bigger display is good for old tired eyes!

Wow jb, that is incredible! Do you know the individual weights? Can you give us the rest of the story?

David, welcome, I'm new too. Would you happen to know a fella named Al Posella? He lived in Owensboro and I believe he is divorced now. He lived up in Iowa for awhile and that is how I met him. He moved back to Owensboro and we fished Kentucky Lake once and awhile when I would go down and visit. Just wondered?

papajoe, you're taking the wrong approach. You love bass fishin don't ya? Take that little bait monkey and EMBRACE HIM, HUG HIM! Show him how much you care by feeding him senseless! Your addiction isn't a bad thing but a good thing. It keeps you away from more hurtful things like drugs and booze. Bait Monkey is your friend, respect him and let him lead you to great adventures and monster bass!

WRB +1

BB, I don't think I can continue to see you go fishin & catchin and can't go myself! As soon as I get my work caught up I'm heading south. Congrats on another great winter fishin trip!

Hey BB, that trip was sure worth it. congrats again on those 2 piggies!

Great way to start off the season. Congrats BB!

Just wondering who all fished Lake Rathbun, Iowa in 2012. How is the fishery doing there these days?

Hey Cp, considering the time of year and your location, small crank, spinner bait or jig. My understanding is your weather is gonna turn cold and blistery soon, so make sure you fish these real slow. You might even want to try a drop shot but that's a little more difficult if you're fishing from shore. Slow is the key in cold weather, hard to do, but works. Also, if you see you have a couple of nice warm days comin up, try and go on the second day, around noon give or take.

I prefer the upper Mississippi, but considering I live in Muscatine, I fish upper pool (Andulusia), Muscatine, and lower pool (New Boston) and also Lake Odessa regularly. Spring and early summer were very good this year and lots of fish were caught. Muscatine "The Breaks" area was hit very hard particularly by Quad City folks. Lake Odessa was pretty free of fishermen, but there was a fish kill late this summer and I don't know how adversely it may be affected next year? Any of you that use boats should consider these areas, you won't regret it. I agree with Big Ken.

From your post I assume you have bass angling background. Therefore just hang in there and maintain patience. Keep fishing and reflect back on previous fishing trips. Don't tense up and worry about catching fish and most important stay confident. I don't care how good you are or think you are, we all have bad days. If you allow those days to affect your thinking it will effect your fishing. Relax, keep pitchin, and put the "Gone Fishin" sign on your door. Bass fishing is like everyother sport, Practice makes perfect! If that is you in the pic, you have your whole life ahead of you young man, and you have chosen a great sport to put your free time into! Good Luck!