KyakR

Hop into a kayak

Sweet! I'm moving South......sigh!

Congrats! Try tubes. I caught two yesterday on these, the day before they were hot for wacky-rigged senkos, last week it was cranks. Looks like you've got things under control

I use them a lot! Maine has many glacially formed lakes with rocky bottoms, some very deep. I usually use them shallow in spring and fall, spinning gear,2.5" to 3.5" on a Gitzit flattened lead head, 1/16-1/8 oz, exposed hook, 8lb fluerocarbon line. I get hung up quite a bit, but it's worth it! For summer and deeper water I up the size and weight, but I use them less . They work ok then C-rigged on a GK skip-gap hook (Texsposed so the hook comes out near the tentacles) with a little MS soaked styrofoam inside. Alkaseltzer?! Gotta try that!

Amen!

I LOVE these pics! Ms here I come (sob)! Up here in Maine nobody's 2nd best bass would be a 6 1/4 poundah (Unless it was MaineBassMan?) Seriously, what I love most about these photos is the joy and love I see. I chuckled at the expression of your boy, too. Wait 'til he's my son's age (32) and he'll tell you of course he held that fish!

I so agree with this! And, as a voracious reader about fish (bass in particular) I can attest to the fact that it's hands-on that counts. I want to add that being around other anglers speeds understanding and skill enormously! I've spent a lot of time on the water but very little around other anglers, and I think of myself as almost a novice. My particular bone to pick as far as hype is concerned is the idea that bass "fatten" for the winter. Here's an amazing article I found: http://www.fishingclub.com/magazine/articles/articletype/articleview/articleid/3548/fall-bass-blitz

Oops. I got mine on ***........Perfect Strike Alpha jigs

It does feel like home! I often think about BR and all the commentary and knowledge I see here. I'm uplifted by the welcoming and encouraging spirit you all have for others! I loved reading that thread started by someone who caught his first bass. Roadwarrior, gonna be at that RoadTrip if I can! I love Twinkies. Bill,wow! Does that building sound terrific! You're one of the most encouraging voices on here and have always impressed me as an optimist, which is a great strength. I know what a joy it is to carve out that little piece of heaven. Hey, what're you doing for well and septic? Curious as my place is off grid too. Bass fishermen, I think, tend to be dreamers. Also realists and pragmatists! Can't wait to meet as many of you as I can!

They're my go-to in late fall......Rage craw trailer for me. I like the smaller ones for finesse fishing. Just ordered some of the new cam head jigs (PS). Anybody try those?

Congratulations! Sounds like a dream family! Is she interested in posting on BR? Tell her she's bigtime welcome

Came home from a pretty little lake in Bath Maine (Nequasett) just now and ran to my computer to see all the terrific advice here! Lost another one today on ika. I am SO going to try all this stuff....I have flipping hooks but was uncomfortable with them for some reason (I'm so used to EWG). And RW, thanks for that detailed explanation of a snap-set. I had been doing it wrong, thinking the term was self-explanatory. Scott, have been using fluerocarbon for exactly that reason. I was under the impression that it too had almost no give?I'll use braid more. Thanks Dwight As for circle hooks, I use them whenever I can for the reason that RW mentioned....a powerful hookset isn't necessary, only pressure. When you're self-taught (mainly books) like me, this instruction from all of you means a great deal to me. And Mike L, that pic of your boy is priceless! Thanks all

Just curious......why can't you put a kayak on top of your ride?

Was out yesterday, flipped a fat ika into pads and hooked into a NICE fish! I brought it right up to the net and saw it! Saw it shake the hook out too Now I know setting a hook through all that plastic can be a problem.....but coupled with that I have a weak hookset. I use circle hooks whenever I can and lever the butt of my rod to get some force. Is there another way to improve my hook set? Thanks!

Complete explanation! The other day I had a treble hook in my finger up to the bend ( I even took a pic of it, yikes) Went to the ER and they cut it out. I was told pretty much what JunkYard said above. Tetanus shot, intensive antibiotics (cephalexin), neosporin and a bandaid. I went out to fish the next day so they gave me a latex glove, ha! Seriously, get your T shot. I keep mine always up to date as I go barefoot alot too. And try not to worry!

Wow. All this really helped! Went out yesterday to my favorite pond to practice, anchored. I get pushed out of position easily too. Love windless days. It's why I have trolling motor. I also changed my rod. Tried tip-up, and caught my first bass on that Sammy! After my mishap with treble hooks I now have a hemostat and easily released her....caught another also about 2 lb. Then a pickerel, good size. I'm stoked

I use both depending on the conditions, lure weight and action, etc. Like Cowgirl I never left to go on the water without my scissors

Yep! Looks like she might be bit after her bass! Strikes like a thunderbolt! And take her to DSG or Cb and introduce her to the bait monkey!

PSN81, gotta tell you that although your access is (sadly) limited by homeowners who aren't neighborly, your love of fishing will be a true gift to your daughter. My father gave me my first rod and reel when I was 7 and we went out in his boat often. To this day every time I'm out on the water in my kayak I'm grateful to him. Whether or not your daughter ever fishes I think the memory of your grin as you haul up that hawg will be precious to her. Oh, and once in a blue moon if you ask enough people around the lake for permission to fish on their land you'll get a yes

Congrats on your baby! There's alot on parents you and your wife's age. I understand how important it can be to get away for just an hour! We kayakers are passionate about the way we get to glide and fish and be part of nature ! But if you can't afford anything yet, a bass club not only might have co-angler spots. Especially people who understand, like here. Try this: http://www.bassresource.com/bassfish/bass_fishing_clubs.html

Lobsters! Maine has a few.......

Sam, thank you. I was troubled to hear there are women's tournaments where men aren't allowed. Same discrimination. And I agree with the idea that it just depends on the people, male or female. I find that since I'm an oddity, men will often stare curiously and wait for me to wave first. Then the response is usually friendly and quite a few times they say,"good to see a woman out fishing! Wish there were more of you!" And when we start talking fishing the difference fades away. The only thing that matters then is do you know your stuff! Bill, I have had some bad, even scary experiences, but there are few. The one that stands out is the refusal of a local bass club to admit me. I've found, however, that like other male dominated professions (was in Navy, cable lineman) once they find you know what you're doing and are friendly, it's a go. Sometimes guys get nervous around me if they slip into cussin' or insult-talk, but I consider it a compliment that they relaxed around me. Some of the worst discrimination I've ever seen, believe it or not, has been against men in nursing. They have to work twice as hard to be accepted. So Sam, after this long post (thanks for letting me rant!) I might overcome my fears and try again to join.

Thanks! Bought pliers yesterday

Nice fish! That yellow perch's pretty amazing too. Good luck this fall!