Todd2

I've busted through ice by the ramp a few times to get out to main lake but that's different. I've walked many a mile hitting ponds in my youth. In the kayak, I've been back in some really skinny waters dodging branches.

I've never quit fishing. I do have other stuff..trap shooting, competition pistol, hiking... But fishing has always been #1 in hobbies.

I think there are a few of us...welcome!

If I'm not fishing at targets with jigs or plastics, crankbaits are my main thing for covering some water. Shad Rap, Normans..I like them all.

It's a good point but I've noticed that some of my best jig trailers seem to be pretty blah. I've used a stickbait or half of a stickbait for many years after reading about it in an article long before hearing about the ned rig. Sometimes it outproduces everything. The Zoom speed craw is not overly active at slow speeds but Bass around here love them. But I'm always game to try new trailers when things are slow, I might have to look for some these Musclebacks. Any other trailers out there with active claws at rest?

I remember asking this same question probably 15 years ago. But time has a way of making you forget. Every few years, I'll buy a spool of fluoro and try again. Always...and I mean always... I return to mono. What's the definition of insanity? Trying the same thing over and over expecting different results...lol But...I know guys who love it, like many on here. I expect it may be debated for another 15 years or more.

I go with a 2/0 - 4/0 round bend offset depending on size plastic. Not a fan of EWG or Straight shanks.

I usually lift and drop a Texas rig with rod up. Carolina rig (split shot) I drag with rod down maintaining bottom contact. I pause between movements on both.

For me, when I have a type of plastic that I have confidence in I do better. Of course confidence comes from previous success. It might be in my head, but it seems real. I do think small changes (brand, color, type,retrieve) in plastics can make a difference.

Curious, what was he doing wrong to miss strikes? What helped him? Thanks

Shad Rap..it was actually my first fish of 2021. Should've just stopped after that..lol

I got away from the Christmas leftovers and got out walking and hit some ponds. In two ponds, I saw small bass (10-12 inches) chasing small fry. We've had some unseasonably warm weather but the water is still cold. What fish spawn in early Winter? I've just never seen this before that I can remember.

I either slow way down with a jig....Or slow roll a grub or shad rap. More often than not I'll catch something but not a lot..here I get a Saugeye every now and then. Mostly I vertically jig for Crappie in Winter in that 12-14 depth. Way more action than Bass fishing for me when it gets cold.

I don't think you could go wrong with a Commander or Officer 1911, especially an alloy frame. I have a 1911 full size steel (target) but it's strictly a range gun. It's just not something I want to carry around. We (Kentucky) don't have the mag restrictions you have but very rarely do I carry anything more than my Ruger EC9 with 9+1 or even just a little snub nose 38 most of the time. Only once in my whole life did I really ever think I was in a situation where I needed one. Luckily I only had to draw it out and not fire but I hope it never happens again.

I have 3 carry guns but the one I've been carrying the most this Summer is a little lightweight 38 snubby that I can slip in a pocket holster in my shorts and barely notice it. I carry something anytime I go out.