cpm032987

I usually don't set the drag too loose, try to keep the breaks around 5, and keep the tension knob pretty tight on lighter lures. Is that a good way to have reel set? I have 17# mono on the reel. Also I may be trying to throw too hard as well

Im very new to using baitcasters, and fishing for that matter. I recently purchased a BP Pro Qualifier and been using an Abu Garcia Veritas 6'9 MH. I usually don't cast smaller baits, been recently trying to throw baits around 1/4 oz and have been noticing that every few casts ive been getting some backlash. Not too terrible that it takes a long time to get out, but just more of a pain. Ive tried different settings on the breaks and tension knob, but haven't found the combination that works best for these smaller lures. Anyone have any advice in throwing smaller baits with baitcasters without getting backlash. Thanks

I understand that a lot of people I see fishing actually fish to put food on the table. But when people take fish that aren't legal and show no respect for the area they fish it makes me even more mad. I took my girlfriend out fishing we me at a local pond that gets fished by a lot of people. The first thing she says to me is "this place is gross" . People leaving food wrappers, beer bottles, and shot gun shells all around definitely doesn't make her want to fish any more. Then on top of litter all over, watching people take fish they shouldn't is just infuriating. Maybe I should just not worry about it and go about my business but when I'm out trying to enjoy myself and have to step over Budweiser cans to throw out my line, it just doesn't settle well.

I have only been bass fishing for a little under a year. I have noticed a lot of times when I fish, people catching any size fish and throwing them into a bucket and continuing to fish. I have literally seen guys walking from a pond with a few fish in their hands and going to their cars. I get upset seeing people do this and keeping fish that are not the appropriate size. I, myself don't eat fish and my girlfriend is a vegetarian, so we only catch and release. I know that some people will eat anything they catch, is it wrong for me to say something to these people who are keeping fish they shouldn't? Or is it best to not confront others while fishing?

Ya I would definitely rather catch a few pickerel than nothing. Ive noticed using lipless crank baits recently I have been catching catfish as well

Just seems like they will go after any bait I throw, just never fun sticking my hand into the mouth!

Rat L Traps in any color Ive noticed work for pickerel

I frequently will fish in a large pond at the country club where I work. I like fishing here because not very many people fish here and I have had good luck catching good bass. I have recently noticed that I have been catching more and more pickerel on every trip. Its not fun thinking I have caught a bass and realize when I get him up to the top of the water its a pickerel that has swallowed my lure. I use a lot of Rat L Traps and getting them out of these fish while they are trying to attack my hand can be a bit of a pain. Are these fish always just extremely aggressive? What fish do you catch that you get frustrated with while fishing?

Thanks for the advice! Guess these crankbaits aren't as intimidating as I believed

I have just started bass fishing within the last year, and have found it very addictive. I don't have a boat and spend the majority of my time fishing from the ground. I have had the majority of my luck fishing using; spinners baits, worms, jigs, and lipless cranksbaits. I know the water that I fish is fairly shallow, I have tried using crankbaits when fishing from the shore but never felt like they are as effective. I know that I need to start being able to fish them, but since I mainly fish from the ground should I focus of using other types of baits or can crank baits be effective from the shore?