Choporoz

Spent much of the summer and fall cranking with braid and was generally happy with it. But, I've had 3 fish that I thought were solid come unbuttoned over the last few weeks and I'm having second thoughts. Could well have happened with any line, but it's got me thinking.....

Anyone familiar with Knowing Bass? If so, would you recommend it? http://www.amazon.com/Knowing-Bass-Scientific-Approach-Catching/dp/159228616X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416262021&sr=1-1

I found the brief observation about school bass being different was huge. But, the video left me wanting. Any suggested videos or reading on 'school bass'? Are they wired differently? Temporary? or nearly always? Aside from their swimming partners, are there a lot of other behavioral differences? Do most waters have bass behaving both ways most of the time? In a short period....hours or days....do loners move around more than schooled bass? Or do they stake out the most comfortable spot and stay put?

Any color so long as it's green.

Local rez here actually begs you to take home a limit of sub-16-inch LMB's.

I don't ride, but I've become a huge fan of blaze orange and fluorescent chartreuse helmets.

I honestly wonder whether I'll ever have the patience and confidence to fish a jerk bait correctly. 60 seconds?!?!?! 30 seconds?!?! I thought I was exhibiting extraordinary patience when I threw one this weekend and was able to count to 6 between twitches. And even then, I'm only good for a half dozen casts before moving on to something else. The only two fish I can recall catching on them...one was a slow steady retrieve and the other was on the first twitch-twitch - bam. I'm not sure I'll be able do it well. No surprise, I also don't know how many licks to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop.

Nothing wrong with production rubber collars. As long as you don't throw your jigs and spinnerbaits into laydowns....or grass....or rocks....or stumps....

Bass Slayer is correct - if unsure, check the line up of the jaw bone and the eye. Less certain, but quicker -- those vertical lines on your fish tell me 'smallmouth' immediately. Lines and coloring will vary greatly, but if the vertical markings are more pronounced, it is likely a smallmouth.

I always take one or two Granola bars. I almost always forget that I've brought them. Unless I'm fishing with someone else who reminds me, I generally forget to eat anything.

Clean and oil reels Buy too much fishing stuff Going to try my hand at some 'tackle making/modifying' this winter; paint jigheads, make skirts, change hooks, etc Study topo maps Buy too much stuff Count the days....

Going out Fri and Sat right behind the front. May be last time on the water until March, so weather be damned, I'm going fishing

Thanks, JF. I'd never seen that. I'd considered buying the Talon mj's when this thread started. But, since I was placing an order to Barlows to start making stuff this winter, I added on the mj pieces. Very glad I did. BTW, I spent a fair amount of time last night putting some together. Did it outside since I wanted to have a cigar while I did it. Even with my clumsy fumblefingers in the near darkness I was able to put a half dozen together without bending or losing more than 3 or 4 split rings....lol. I plan to try and throw one this weekend...if it isn't snowing, anyway added: I got: Split Rings - Standard (Size 3 - 100 Count Pack) $4.59 Nickel Willow Spinner Blades Smooth Finish (Size 3 - 10 Count Pack) $1.39 Barrel Swivels (Size 10 - 24 Count Pack, Black) $1.59 Lok-On Coil Keeper (25 Count Pack) $2.95

Never saw a Super Finesse worm before. I thought it was a typo until I looked them up. Seems rather oxymoronic.

USN 1982-2010. On my way to Arlington National Cemetery now. Have great day, fellow vets.

To answer your specific question....it depends. Besides, our favorites might mean nothing if we aren't fishing the same conditions you're facing....it depends

Great day on the water! Thanks, Nitro! Much appreciate sharing your time and your boat. Was only my second time on Anna, but that lake has a ton of appeal.

I suggest you start here, if you haven't already: http://www.bassresource.com/seasonal-fishing-articles#winter http://www.bassresource.com/seasonal-fishing-articles#fall There's a TON of information on every season...much of it contradicts itself, so standby....mostly, slow down.... and if that doesn't work, speed up

http://jaspertx.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7&Itemid=25

I haven't even seen one, but if you tell me you caught a six pound LMB, I'm probably gonna go buy one. Or two

You know, I haven't visited a 'hobby forum'....ANY hobby forum and found that sentence not to be true. I don't care if its a hobby that seems like it shouldn't cost a dime....you still get threads like this...lol

To me, fishing poles are made of cane or bamboo. Period. I probably visibly shudder slightly whenever a 'proper' fishing rod is called a pole....kind of the same reaction I used to have in the Navy when someone referred to my ship as a boat.....sorry if it looked like I was gagging a bit

Lexa? or maybe http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/146069-lews-speed-spool/

I'd never heard of it....figured I'd be afraid of losing spinners left and right......but after just minimal googling, I think this is something that I NEED to try. Thanks.

I've never tried a float tube, but I've seriously considered it. Maybe not in Nov/Dec/Jan, but I imagine that even with your budget you could get to some great water that few others would get to.....once it warms up