DelfiBoyz_One_and_Only

Agree and disagree at the same time. Although you can fish them somewhat the same they are pretty different to. I mean they are as different as a worm and a cray fish or a worm and a blue gill. I have been fishing with a black and blue t-rig and not gotten a single bite and switch to a black and blue jig and absolutely murder them. The fish only know what they want and how they want it. Little differences can mean catching and not catching fish.

They look okay just need to figure out a way to do the bait keepers. Think I may have to just use after mark ones. Jay

I was looking online for shakyhead molds and noticed they all cost about 40 bucks. With a wife and 3 kids plus all the money already invested in fishing for this year that is out of the question. So I decided to make my own. I took two pieces of old aluminum that were about 1/4 inches thick in a 4inchx4inch and clamped them together. Then I took a shaky head and traced out several outlines on the top keeping the head close to the sides so the hook is outside the mold.. I then took a very small drill bit and drilled a small hole at the center of each head through one piece and in to the other piece. That created a guide so that both halves could line up later. I also drilled 2) 1/4 inch holes so that I could stick a 1/4 inch pin in and ensure they were line up perfect. Then I took a 5/8 drill bit and open the mold using a drill press cut down half way through both half’s on every head. I took a drill bit the size of the hook shaft and put the mold back together with the 2) 1/4 inch pins in it. I turned the mold on its side where the hooks would be coming out of the mold and drilled in. The hardest part is drilling a hole for the hook eye. Open the mold back up and place your hook in the channel that you just created. trace out the eye and find a drill bit slightly bigger than the eye, making sure that the hole you drill doesn't touch the hole for the lead head. You will have to create the hole for the hook eye on both halves of your mold. Then take a counter sink bit and open the very first holes you drilled through the outlined shakyheads. Don’t drill a hole bigger than 5/8 or you will have a uneven head. This will become your pour holes. When pouring lay the mold down and over fill each hole. When you over fill each hole you can take pliers and the break the lead flush with the mold. If you fill it up perfect and don’t over fill you will have nothing to grab and won’t be able to get the mold apart. Then get to pouring. You will have to file some lead once it comes out of the mold on the pour hole side . I will post pictures of the finish product ones I get a oven and start powder coating! Jay-

fstr if you go behind target there is a housing development the canal goes through there and ends at a bug lake. try a popper right at daylight or before dark. Middle of the day you have to use a chartreuse grub and should be able to sight fish for them. Jay

I use the shaky in lieu of the t-rig all the time. However that being said last year during a tournament my partner who doesn't throw the shaky cleaned house. I always out fish him with the skaky and I was stumped. We always throw the same bait just rigged differently. The same can be said for the jig. Sometimes the fish just want what they want. There is a time and a place for every lure and every technique. You should never forget any techniques you learn it you maybe selling your self short. Jay

Sam you nailed it on the head! Bank fishing on lakes can be productive but usually in deeper bluff type walls often over looked by river fisherman. Around here it seems that lake or reservoir bass live the deeper water. River fish prefer the shallower shaded cover.

Anyone can get skunked, that's why it's called fishing and not catching. Just ask Chris Lane!

Team Virginia is on the rise. Welcome to BR the best fishing forums in the world. You can get a PHD with all the information on here. Jay-

Have you ever noticed the differences between lakes and rivers? I mean it's almost day and night. The true questions is "why do the same bass act so differently depending on where they live?" It's even different above a dam and below the dam, it's the same water isn't it? The type of food is more or less the same, with baitfish, bugs, crayfish, etc. For many years now I have noticed average fishermen that fish the river come to the reservoir and get skunked or catch only a few drinks. I am also speaking from my experiences. It takes different colors, sounds, sizes, depths and techniques to catch them on the lakes and reservoirs vs the river. I mean even some Bassmaster Elite fisherman have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to this, but why? I have noticed these differences from NJ to FL and from the east coast to AR. What are your experiences with fishing both lakes/reservoirs and rivers?

You could always make your own. There are a lit of ways to make molds on YouTube. I have made a bunch with a little practice they can come out as good as new. Jay-

If the water warms up this week I should do okay. Never really tried the c-rig in the prespawn. Usually only use it in the dig days of summer. Will definitely try it I need all the help I can get. Thinking I might spend my time dragging a jig or with a fluke with a swimbsit hook. Don't have a lot of faith with jerk baits/crank baits on the reservoir. I can do it on the river but not on the reservoir. A lot of other people murder them with jerks and cranks but not me. Thanks for the tips Sam! Will keep BR posted on the outcome:-)

Ty

The canal just behind target on sample road has peacock. The canal is a part of a lake/pond that is deep enough for the peacock bass to survive the weather. Jay

Thanks for the tip. Will that work with spray paint? Not sure the paint will be fine enough for the true effect. I will give it a try and let you know how it works out! Thanks again!

I am thinking as long as I get some kind of color to my bait it will work. The action of my bait is amazing and has a lot of slow action even with no help from me. It keeps moving even with no help from myself. Truly amazing. Thanks BA Jay

I am thinking as long as I get some kind of color to my bait it will work. The action of my bait is amazing and has a lot of slow action even with no help from me. It keeps moving even with no help from myself. Truly amazing. Thanks BA Jay

Boy are you in for a treat! I use to live behind target on sample road and the peacock bass were amazing. 4inch bright color grub and poppers would produce religiously. Welcome too BR!

Yeah guess I am in trouble they are both made of wood. I am going to seal them in epoxy that should help them. Thanks for your help bobp

Has anyone ever used regular spray paint on a crankbait? I have a killer new bait different than anything out there and have to put some kind of finish on it. What do you all recommend money is tight and cant afford a airbrush kit. Jay-

Welcome to BR home of tight lines!

Thanks everyone. Hope to share tips and ideas with you all. It's good to see everyone is friendly and not territorial. I am pumped for a tournament coming up next weekend. Anyone have tips for prespawn bass holding strong at 20 ft 3 feet from the bottom? Water temp. is 40's water murky.

I am looking for someone near Woodbridge,Va that could paint s couple of hard body baits. I have a spook type bait and a crank bait type bait. Would like the spook to be white,silver,green, or blue. Then the crank bait type bait to be blue, orange, yellow, firetiger, or just green.

April is a great time of year to catch some hogs! I recommend starting with a spinnerbait or chatterbait really really shallow. Cover as much water as you can and read up on fishing during the spawn. If your body of water is clear you may see bedded fish and a drop shot is the way to go. If all else fails you can always fall back on the t-rig or shakyhead. Jay

It depends on the river you are fishing and water temp. I know here on the Potomac river fishing in the rain can be amazing when the waters at least 70 degrees. Top water i.e buzzbaits, poppers, walking baits are great during those conditions spinners and chatter baits work well too. Fishing gear should be fine if you dry your equipment after your trip. One thing is for sure you can't catch them from the coach:) Tight lines and boat safety! Jay-

Just a tip that works for me, the balls on a budget! I have used drift wood to make all kinds of baits from walk the dog type baits, poppers, jerks, and cranks. It floats and alot of times you can find something almost the shape you're looking for. Best part is that it's free. I use wood filler on the imperfections, paint, and seal with epoxy. Jay