Djman72

Long story short. Yes. You will not be disappointed.

I just picked up a few sizes and plan on using this technique a lot this year. I'm looking forward to what people have to say, but from what I've gathered it's mainly a personal preference thing. I'm planning on using flukes for open water/light cover and using creature baits/craws around laydowns and heavy cover. Should be fun.

FYI Spiderwire bags are good, sturdy bags. I own a different model and have had it for 2 yrs with no complaints... I'm not exactly nice and easy on my bags either, I fill them to the max and take em out in the woods, mud , brush.

I'm not to far away from you, and thaw is still too far out for me to start hopin n' dreamin..... That being said, i'll echo what other's have said. Throw your favorite baits... I'll be rigging up rattle traps, various drop shots, and cranks. As I do most of the year. Cheers

I would recommend going to a local tackle store (Cabelas or BPS if you have one close by) and grabbing a staffer and explain your situation. They'll show you some good buys and maybe a few tips/tricks along the way. Also, be ready to spend more than 60 bucks after this first trip. The curiosity turns into a hobby, then an addiction.... Be Warned!

This made me laugh. So matter-o-fact.

My best bud had a girlfriend who lived on a private small farm pond with some monster bass. We would slay them on just about anything. One time my buddy's older brother was with us and me and him went out on a little row boat while my bud stayed back with his girl. We were pulling them in pretty good that day on some t rigged worms and my boat mate said he'd hooked into one. Not thinking anything of it I casted out and hooked into a little dink. Bill tells me the fish is decent sized and was about to surface right next to me and he asked me to lip it for him. I was fully focused on keeping my fish from snagging in a brush pile when he said he needed the lip. I glance over and grab the lip not knowing the size of this thing. I tried to lift at a funny angle and couldn't move it so I look over at what turned out to be a monster. My fist fit in this fish's mouth easily and i'm a big guy with big hands. It literally startled me and I lost grip when she shook. The hook ripped out and went directly into my hand deep. The fish swam away and I felt like the biggest Arse. We still talk about it to this day, and i'll always feel like a horses behind for losing such a prized fish. I still wonder how big that thing was. For a small Indiana Farm pond, this thing was a behemoth.

Not sure if this was mentioned.... but if you have any type of guide service/charter service this might be a great option. Back when my grandfather was alive we were throwing around the idea of taking him out on Lake Michigan for a Salmon Charter. Obviously, some people don't have this type of service available but its affordable, convenient and nearly guaranteed fish. As long as you think he can safely make it onto the boat and to a spot on deck you should be a okay!

I'm pretty sure the only constant that helps with catching a limit is being happy out on the water. Other than that.... Good Luck.

My biggest bass of 2014 was also my PB and it was just north of 7LB's. Caught on a 1-2ft baby bass crank. Don't remember the brand, but I love that little lure now.

Just picked one up and it was $30.00. Great stick for the price. Very Balanced on my New Pflueger Purist.

Another Vote for Pflueger President for the reel. Personally, I would pair the reel with a Fenwick HMX. I'm partial to Fenwick Rods, they're a great stick for the $60-$120 price range.

A fish better come attached for that price....

I can throw a 8" Hudd darn near over them mountains

Fenwick makes a very sensitive line of rods just above your price range (Elite tech walleye/bass). Great for drop shots. My dropshot rod is a Fenwick 6'9" HMG ML/F. I love it.

Ugly Stick..... enough said.

beat me to it.....

Does anyone know if this is also an in-store offer? I'm lucky enough to live within reasonable driving distance of a Cabelas and i'd swing by if they we're 30 bucks.

You've got a heck of a reel. They are smooth as butter and the drag system is top notch. It's second only on my list of reels to the one and only....... President. That reel is my workhorse. 4 years strong

I'm waiting as well! I already own 3 of them. I always seem to pick one up when they drop down to $50.00-$59.99. I'm also in need of another one right now! My girlfriend's Dad works at a Cabelas and i'll try and pry some information. I'll PM you if I Find out.

Various. This is my favorite bait to fish and I've caught more bass on it that any other lure. Sometimes I work it very fast with a seldom pause. Sometimes I work it painfully slow with more time spent still than moving. It's all about what they want. I will say, I get more hits on the pause than when its moving, just depends on what they want before it stops.

I just bought 7 spinner baits in various sizes and colors (mostly chartreuse, fire tiger, and bleeding shad). I don't even need any more spinners. They were just on sale......

I love both, but my go to bait (if the conditions are right) is a pop-r. I've caught more fish on that bait than anything else. If the fish are bedding/picky i'll throw a buzzbait and see if I can't get them going. I'll also use a buzzbait when there is some sparse weeds that a pop-r can't go through. Anything heavier than that it's frog'n time. Try both, you'll find out what the bass prefer on any given Sunday.

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