Dyerbassman

Check out tinboats.net. Read all you can and look at other peoples modifications. Then you will get a good idea for yours. That site is priceless when it comes to modifications. I must have looked at hundreds of user posts before I even began mine. Once you get a game plan, it goes much better! Good luck and show us what you do!

Ebay had some last year. Keep looking, I bet you'll find one.

Nothing but ice here.

That's one heck of a deal! Sellus is a nice rod!

Thinking isn't bad. OVERthinking is. I think you're fine with what you have. Is that extra rod gonna catch fish that the others can't? Or will it just be another thing to kick and step on?

Welcome from Dyer, IN! Where ya from in NWI?

You could try using a loop knot on the jig. That could give you similar action. If you try the split ring, let us know how it works! Worth a shot....

I have used simple casting spoons in open water in the past and caught many bass. Could have been by accident! I would cast it out as far as possible and reel it back like a spinnerbait. But they are definitely not rock and weed friendly!

I hit the jackpot at Cabela's today. Bargain cave find...bag of 100 Berkley Powerbait 7" worms in my favorite motor oil color for $15. And a spool of line $6.

I really love how this thread is going! Another of my low budget tips...I have used my wife's sparkly fingernail polish to repaint jig heads. It actually lasts quite a while!

Don't get me wrong...I have spent $$$$ in the past, but I am really going to try it this year without doing that. I honestly have enough stuff to get by for quite a while, but I am always interested in hearing how other anglers save a buck or two. WW2Farmer, I tend to fish like you. Berkley Shock rods, low end Shimano reels, Berkley soft plastics, and I always search the sales and clearance sections first. Keep 'em coming guys and gals...

I have had luck at garage sales and estate sales. That's how I got my boat!

I may be in the minority on this one, but being unemployed, I just have to ask. What are your favorite and most productive inexpensive lures, lines, rods, reels, etc.? I am seriously going to try to fish this year on a tight budget, kind of as an experiment and out of necessity. Besides, this could be a fun topic!

Is it yours or something you're looking at? I wouldn't be standing on the front of that, either!

Berkley Powerbait Worms in motor oil color have worked everywhere for me, texas rigged with a 3/16 bullet weight. I know they aren't the "cool" or "trendy" brand, but they work and the price can't be beat.

Those look great! Nice job!

Winter in Northwest Indiana

I plan on doing the same here in Indiana. Today was warm (50°) and tomorrow should be the same until Friday when its 20°! My plan of attack, whether its right or not, is I am going to fish whatever banks that have the most sunlight first. Then fish whatever docks or rocks that I can get to. Spinnerbaits and crankbaits are going to be on the rods first, then maybe a jig or a jerkbait if I can find some sluggish bass. Of course, this all sounds perfect in my head! Good luck!

Pit boss and Craw fatty are my favorites. Great soft plastics for the price.

Nice one!

Glad I'm not the only one having a tough time!

What were they hitting?

Anyone in Northwest Indiana having any luck lately? Was out yesterday and couldn't buy a bite. Threw everything at 'em and ....nothing! If you've been out there, what's working? I want to get out again tomorrow while it's still somewhat warm. It's been a while since I've been skunked twice in a row! Thanks!

I went recently with a gift card in hand and was struggling to find something that I needed. Needed, not wanted. Big difference for me. Ended up using it to get panfish gear for the kids. Of course, when I got home, remembered what I needed.....

Thanks for a great report! I may bustout my Red Eye Shads and give 'em a whirl. Its been awhile.