Mainebass1984

I have the same problem. I need to go through my tackle box and get rid of some stuff. Or.... maybe I will just get a bigger tackle box ? Keep on fishing the jig. They do catch fish. I like to fish my jigs in the thickest nastiest cover I can find, right in the middle of it. I use a palomar knot or a double palomar knot when I tie on, no matter what lure.

Senkos are just another lure in the arsenal. I like fishing all different kinds of lures, buzz baits, crank baits, spinner baits, frogs, jigs, worms, etc. Each day I go out fishing I let the fish tell me which lure is working best for conditions. The important thing is to have confidence in the lure your using. I have confidence in all the baits I have on each of my rods. Senkos do catch big fish too, the two biggest I have caught on senkos are an 8-9 and an 8-10. I have the 8-9 mounted on my wall. I have landed lunker in several tournaments on senkos as well including a 6-2, a $500 fish in a tournament 2 years ago. If I had choice of all my lures I would prefer to fish the jig above all else. A couple senko bass ...

Congrats to Randy Howell for the win. He had an amazing and impressive last day to squeak out the win. That last day we tore them up !! I was equally if not more so impressed by Paul Mueller, falling a pound shy of the win.... A northern amateur angler who had never fished there before came out of 43rd place on day one to miss winning the classic by one pound. He didn't even get a limit on the first day. He only had 3 fish. To do what he did and set a 5 bass bassmaster classic record limit of 32 lbs 3 oz was incredibly impressive.

That 7 lb 13 oz smallmouth my friend caught was just 3 ounces shy of the Maine state record. That bass is still swimming. I am still looking for a smallmouth that is mount worthy. I have had two on but failed to land them. I am looking for one that is over 6 lbs.

The gary yamamatos work very well. They are a bit more expensive then the other stick baits. A gy senko is much softer them any other stick bait I have ever tried. I prefer to use those or the senko imitation made by his sons company kinami. I have my favorite colors too and I do believe color can make a big difference. A lot of the real serious bass fisherman I know don't like senkos. They say anyone can catch fish on them and that they take no skill to fish them. I fish against them in a tournament using senkos and do well. I usually fish them texas rigged weightless. If I am fishing deeper and want to slow down I fish them wacky using an o-ring. If you fish wacky styleI would suggest using an o-ring. You lose far fewer baits. Senkos catch fish, no denying that.

Lets see a 10lber ! Go get em ! Good luck !

When I take people out fishing for their first time I usually set them up with a Senko. Senkos catch fish. Catching fish is important to get people hooked on fishing, especially the first few times. It is a great lure for catching numbers of bass. I have caught some giants on them too, well over 8 lbs.

In the first picture, that monsterous smallmouth, weighed 7lbs 13 ozs !!

Anyone have any more pics of some New England bass ? Smallouth or Largemouth. Here is a few smallmouth... Monsterous smallmouth from Maine in November a friend of mine caught. A 3-14 smallmouth Chunky smallmouth Another November smallmouth

Lake Winnipesaukee is a pretty good lake for smallmouth and largemouth. It has the reputation as being one of the best topwater fishing lakes in the country. Average smallmouth in there is around 3lbs with bigger fish mixed in. In the past 10 years or so the largemouth really have been taking over though. Tourneys used to be won by smallmouth there, now its largemouth. There are so many places to fish on winni. Where are you staying ?

I will fish deeper water with a jig and silver buddy. First though I try and find the warmest water in the lake. A river or stream coming into the lake can be significantly warmer then the rest of the lake. I have had amazing results fishing rivers when the lakes are still very very cold. In the rivers I still use jigs but I also fish crank baits and spinner baits.

That is so true Shane !

Looks like we are going back into the deep freeze again next week.... Do you oil your reels too ?

shhhhhh there are no bass in Maine... only trout and salmon here

Awesome fish and pictures. The father son picture is perfect and should be framed.

Those are some nice bass Mike ! You forgot one lure in your bait arsenal.... jigs

That is awesome you were able to get fishing from your boat ! I went ice fishing yesterday. I caught 9 bass all smaller then the bass in your pictures. I also caught some crappie and salmon as well. Getting around on the ice was brutal, snow over my knees and 5 inches of slush... I would much rather be in my boat !

Where does you brother in law live ? I too am trying for the state record. The Maine state record is 11lbs 10oz. That will be a real tough one to beat. It was caught 5 minutes from where I grew up. In the past I know 10 plus pounders have been caught in some of the lakes I fish. I know there is always Texas but in my opinion its a much bigger accomplishment getting a 10 pounder in Maine or any place in New England then Texas. In the mean time.... Let see some more pics Shane ! New England bass only. 8-3 8-1 9-1 Lets see some more pics guys !

I think its all about personal preference. If your drag is set correctly you should not get broken off even if your fishing insanely thick cover. I do not back reel. I am constantly checking my drag.

Breaking the 10lb mark in New England sure would be something. I don't know anyone personally who has caught a 10lber in New England. I have heard rumors and such but never any photos or actual evidence. I think I know where there is a good chance at one 10 plus but to catch it.... that is another thing entirely. Shane you think your going to get a 10lber this year ? I am going to be trying for one for sure.

I wish I had a bass boat as well. They are great to have and surely make it more comfortable fishing. I have caught more giant bass out of my old jon boat then in any bass boat though. Its not the boat or equipment that makes the angler. Although a 250 hp evinrude or merc probably would get me to my spot quicker then a 55 lb thrust trolling motor.

funny ? There is nothing funny about that. I would say that is pretty friggin awesome.

What about that 9 plus pounder from a couple years ago ?

I don't mind fishing in the snow. I have had some great days fishing in snow storms. Its that stupid 30 inches of ice covering all the lakes that really sucks.

Shane lets see a couple pics. I know you have got a few.