DogBone_384

Yeah unfortunately Jiggy, that's the way it goes. I'm 58 and had a stent put in back in 2022 and am on blood thinners. Any cold wind goes right through me. I wear more layers now and don't go out as much this time of year as I did prior to the stent. When I do go fishing, my trips are shorter. I noticed it with @Fishing Rhino. Tom stopped in October and I went year round.

I bought a Shimano Expride A 6'10" jerkbait rod that Matt Allen of TacticalBassin' touts as the perfect JB rod. I found it on sale and was curious how it stood up to the Kistler KLX I use. To answer THAT question, they're nearly identical with the Shimano being a little 'faster'. I prefer the Kistler's grip so that's my #1. That's the only rod I bought from watching YT influencers. Baits, however, is a different story....

I wouldn't sweat it. I buy tungsten as much as possible but have some lead jigs/bladed jigs/spinner baits. The few times I've come across an EPO, they've checked my license and asked me what I caught and the usual small talk. I drove through Plymouth yesterday looking for open water. Every pond I drove by was locked up except Long Pond, which was wide open. I might toss the waders and warm clothing in my car today and head over the bridge and cruise the Cape. Lastly, who's going to the New England Fishing Expo? ReelNorthernBass, a New Hampshire YouTuber has a booth this year. It's a good channel focused on our waters. Show him support. It's Jan 31 - Feb 2. https://nefishingexpo.com/

I troll from my kayak if I'm on a bigger water. I pedal a Lure 11.5 and trolling helps locate fish.

Welcome to the forum. I fish SE Mass and Cape Cod. White and Yellow perch are the most common bass snacks I see, followed by bluegill. There are a few waters that have herring. To answer your question, I rarely use white lures/spinner baits.

Which one? I have different ones depending on which bass I’m after.

You’ll have to explain to the younger members exactly who Joe Cocker is…. To answer your question, I’m a mover, a 7 or 8. Patience is not my strong point.

I have the same net. I use a Zooka II rod holder. I pedal a FeelFree Lure 11.5 with a milk crate and three rod holder. I mount the Zooka on the track just in front of a rear rod holder so I can grab it and keep it out of the way when I switch rods. I’ll post a photo of it when I get a chance.

Firstly, welcome to BassResource! I caught one smallmouth bass from shore on New Years day in Plymouth. The cold snap we're in locked up all the water around me. If you've not fished in winter much, S L O W and S L O W E R are the key. That and blade baits.

No, those are older Abu rods I got from Tackle Warehouse or Abu. The Veritas Tournament series is the current model that's available at BPS.

Did you register an account and sign up for his emails/newsletter? You might find better pricing sooner.

Firstly, welcome to BassResource. I suggest checking out Abu Garcia rods. I have Veracity, Ike, and Villian spinning rods that have stiff tips. I was at BPS recently and handled a Veritas Tournament series that had the same action. Good luck picking out your rod(s). One is never enough.

I have an ice tent and plenty of tip ups if needed.

"What fishing gimmick did you fall for?" .... ALL

I agree with other members that you’ll be hard pressed to find a rod that throws both well. I have BPS, Diawa, Abu, St. Croix, G. Loomis, and Kistler crankbait rods. My 7’3” M/M Feel ‘N Reel throws both OK, the 6XD getting the edge. My 7’ ML/R Tatula does a good job with lighter cranks like the DT6, but a 7’ M/MF Kistler KLX spinning rod sees the majority of time on the water. My MH St. Croix and Kistler KLX’s are my go-to 6XD and larger crankbaits. Good luck picking out your rod(s). Remember that how the rod feels in your hand is most important.

My kayak’s Elite Ti’s are 2017 and Ti2’s on my boat are 2020. All are just fine. I use my kayak 200+ times a year.

To me, Fantasy Fishing 2025 means it’s too cold out or waters are solid!

Welcome, from Boston. There are lots of great waters between us.

That’s like asking your significant other if she needed a bigger diamond … Find out for yourself by buying more rods and trying them. I tried a few different rods until I found a 7’3” Kistler KLX MH/MF in ‘20.

Massachusetts’ LMB record dates back to 1975. The smallmouth record is 1991. The oldest record is for a 9_5 chain pickerel caught in 1954. Because everyone gets a trophy in this great Commonwealth, Massachusetts has a second list of catch and release records based on length and not weight. Those records are relatively new.

Welcome! If you want to learn about anything bass, this is the right spot.

I'm with @Catt. I have both spinning and casting Helium LMH rods and they're perfect for what you're looking for. My swimbait rod is the only Dobyns I have experience with. I own Kistlers going back 10 years. The current Helium line is really sensitive and well worth its price. I suppose it comes down to which feels better in your hands. If you can handle both, go with your gut. I called Kistler once to pay an invoice on a custom rod and Trey himself answered the phone. He took a couple minutes to talk to me about my build. That was a nice touch you won't likely find with most other rod manufacturers. Good luck choosing your rod.

Come south to the Cape ... 😉

Not a giant, but a healthy 1 1/2 pounds. It had 'winter wallow' fight in it.

I checked off January with a nice 1 1/2 pound SMB out of Plymouth on a 4" Senko dead-stuck. I packed my waders and one rod. It was almost refreshing to KISS. That's 35 straight months catching fish in open water in MA. Best of luck to everyone else getting out there.