Smokinal

My favorite thing about those is some of the packages come through reading "Bubbring Shaker" Not even kidding

? If it's stained, I doubt you're spooking them in anything over 15fow. I have this issue too and I attribute it to either them not being bass; or that I'm not on the exact spot that I saw them. If you're sure you are over them or very close to them, I definitely wouldn't rule out a drop shot in any type of water, just adjust your bait color until you find something they like. Try Green Pumpkin, Morning Dawn or Chartreuse. If no go there, and they are on the bottom, try a worm of various colors on a shakey head.

First thing I want to know is how are you doing 20-50 on your trolling motor?? Is that a 72V, 340lb thrust motor?

In those conditions, honestly, I don't think it's going to make any difference. And as much of a braid/fluoro leader guy I am, I don't think you would need a leader either. I only use one because everything I fish in Maine is rock; so I like the abrasion resistance of fluoro. You could go with green and color 1 ft sections of the braid with a black sharpie to break it up.

Spinning rod or baitcaster? What types of baits/techniques will this rod be used for? What's the water color and cover you fish mostly?

I'm not sure what it's like in other parts of the country, but I wouldn't limit myself to thinking bass have to be in a certain depth at a certain time of year. My last 2 times out, before ice over, water was 34-38. We went from catching them on blade baits in 35-45 fow to, in the next spot on the same day, to catching them in 5-8 fow on small craws on a light jighead on rockpiles. There's always going to bass deep and there's always going to be bass shallow.

My advice will be this: I know you're excited and want to do well but keep your head about you. Don't be afraid to swap baits if you're not getting bit. Be versatile and try to narrow down a bait and pattern. As a co, there's not a lot you can do depending on how your boater wants to fish. Watch your boater; if he's catching fish, do what he's doing. If he's not, do something completely different. Again, don't beat yourself; keep a level head so you can think straight. Most of all, just go have fun. Keep us posted!

RIP O.N.

Congrats man!! Nice write up too

I keep around 14 rods in my boat and every one of them is set up with braid/fluoro. Keep in mind, the decision to use a fluoro leader does not lie in just water clarity and visibility. Braid has zero abrasion resistance on rock and all I fish are rocky lakes in Maine. Fluoro has good abrasion resistance but I can't stand the stretch and handling of it straight.

"Customer"

Agreed I've always gone with a bait that produces more vibration. Bladed jig, Colorado bladed spinnerbaits, aggressive trailers on jigs etc... Although I will say I gravitate towards Blk/Blue with those same baits. And I guess I'd have a hard time arguing FireTiger in muddy water.

RIP Dottie You're my recordholder ❤️

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Yeah we were happy with that. Those days can go either way. We figure if even 1 comes in the boat out of 37 degree water, we've done alright.

My buddy and I went for the last time today. It's been cold and some of the coves are already socked in. It was a mild 34-39 degrees today and cloudy. Water was 37 We ended up with 36 bass and 2 brown trout. In the spring and fall we catch browns and brookies on accident while bass fishing. Anyway, it was a nice, calm day so we could fish a particular ridge any way we wanted. Some of our fish came in 25-40 fow (on said ridge) on blades but the majority came in 4-8 on jerkbaits. Brought the boat home, washed it, wiped it down, filled the tank, hooked up the charger and she'll be going to bed for the winter ?? A couple from today

Throw in some swimbaits and small soft craws and you're in!

My name is Alan. I've had many muscle cars, street rods etc...did a lot of drag racing, lots of burnouts. Someone called me Smokin Al one night after a few burnouts and it stuck.

The fishing knowledge on this board is unparalleled. Not to take away from any pro but there's some regular Joes that are incredible sticks as well. The best part about it is everyone is willing and eager to share their knowledge. I lurk a lot and read up. I try to offer help and my advice when I see fit and when I think I have something to add; but usually someone has it covered!

I hope you all have a great T-Day!!

I'm always so jealous when I see your vids from that place. I've gotta get there some day. I'm still hesitant to travel into Mexico but I think my desire will overpower it.

They don't have to be big to have some meaning. A certain time of year, as in your case; a new bait; new technique; unfamiliar waters or depth; lot's of things Anyway...CONGRATS on making one bite when you couldn't before!

I'll send this one and a few others for cleaning once we freeze over here

Thank you but this one is locked in with another bar and does not flip. I think it's headed to @Delaware Valley Tackle for repair and cleaning.