WIGuide

Kickn' Bass. That stuff is crazy strong! So strong in fact, that I've been able to smell it on a crankbait after an hour of use. I use all three bass scents and try to match the scent to what I'm imitating.

A 1-2 lb fish will hit things a lot bigger than a 1/2 oz jig so I think you'd be fine with that.

I really like Eco Pro Tungsten weights. They're insert free and have great finishes that last. Personally for flippin' and pitchin' I use a lot of 3/8 oz weights and 1/2 oz weights.

You've got to give yourself more time. If you know what you're doing, and you give a bait a half an hour and nothing then maybe it's time to switch. If you're trying to learn how to fish a new bait, you have to give it more time. You also HAVE to watch your line! No if's, and's, or but's about it. If you're not going to watch your line, you might as well just stop before you start. The other thing to remember is to S..L..O..W down. There are times when swimming them will work, but 95% of the time you want bottom contact. You will either want to drag a T-rig or hop it. You don't want tons of rod tip movement maybe a movement from a 10 O'clock position to 11-ish. If you lift too much you no longer have a very realistic presentation because your bait is down there trying to leap buildings in a single bound like Superman. Another tip would be to be sure you're keeping your rod tip up for optimum feel. If you're using a wacky rigged senko style bait there's post on here how to fish them. I'd take a look at them before heading out next time. It's a pretty effective rig and even my grandma who's 89 years old can even catch fish on them. I'd definitely give them a try. Hang in there and you'll start catching fish! Don't get frustrated with the learning curve. I assure you it's all worth it!

I for whatever reason have no confidence in a jig (excluding swim jigs) I'm not sure what it is, but I just can't catch fish on them. I'm going to get better with them this year though!

I prefer a butt seat because it offers more room to move around. I don't have back issues so I can't comment on that, but I'd suggest to run your butt seat up front and a regular fishing seat in the back. If you need the back support at some point that day, you can swap them out if need be. Besides, you can pick up a but seat pretty cheap so it's not a huge cost.

If you've got an old rod that's shot, clip the guides off and tape the wires to the tip and use it to thread them through. Another option is to get yourself a bike safety flag with a fiberglass pole. You can do the same thing with the tape and run it up wherever you need the wire to go. In a real pinch a long wispy tree branch can work. (don't ask me how or why I know this lol)

I'd suggest one of the dual pro chargers. They'll charge all your batteries at one time and make sure they're good to go.

I think you're going to want a at least a 6'6" rod in either medium power and fast action or a medium heavy with a fast action.

Can't go wrong with the St. Croix

Get as much #thrust as you can afford. Shaft length does matter somewhat. Shaft length does make some difference. You don't want one that has too long of a shaft because it will either stick up too far and be in the way, or it will stick too deep into the water and hamper your shallow water mobility.

I actually run my unit this way almost all the time when I split the map and 2D so I can see the 3 different readings with the biggest split. That image isn't a very good representation of what it actually looks like, or at least compared to how it looks on mine.

Why can't there be a Dick's somewhere close to me!?!? The XCS's and XR's are some of my favorite baits! I would load up at that price.

I caught this little guy on a 13" smallmouth that I was reeling in. I managed to get it in the net without even getting a hook in him. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201418563858496&l=07844f0a6b

I'd say it's about what's in your area. If you've got a good idea what's big for around there then if you catch one that big or close to it I'd get the mount. If you're proud of it, go for it!

Wouldn't it be more effective just to use the live target crawfish crank? It's ultra realistic and looks like a fleeing crawfish.They come the colors that you want because those are crawfish colors. Also, crawfish are more solitary creatures and don't form schools like minnows do so you don't need multiples together. x2

Sorry for your loss. You'll be kept in thoughts and prayers, but don't let this hamper you from getting out on the water. Your dad is still with you and he'll be there with you on the water too even if your fishing by yourself.

I always tie direct and never had an issue with the split rings.You don't want to use a crankbait without them because it'll hamper the action. With hooks, you can go up in size with some baits, but you kind of have to experiment. Run the bait in the water and observe it and then change hook. If it changes the action at all then you know you went too big.

You can view Navionics maps on their website. I know here in Wisconsin the DNR has topo maps on their website that you can download and print. They aren't super detailed, but they'll give you an idea, Maybe your state DNR has something similar. Otherwise, if you're not looking for a ton of different maps, hotmaps make pretty decent paper charts for $10 to $15 a piece.

Usually things pick up when the rain comes down. The times that are the best I find are right before the storm if you've had a few days of stable weather before.

Berkley Trilene XL for spinning reels and XT for baitcasters.

The nice thing about Walmart too is if they don't sell something on clearance, they just keep marking it down. I've got some steals there in the past. Trokars for $3 a pack, Gamakatsu hooks for $1.50 per pack, bow roller for $5. Just the other day I picked up a few of the Plano Elite crankbait boxes for $4 a piece. Each place seems to have different stuff and certain stores have different prices on the same things. I think it's time to make another Walmart run! lol

It depends on the day. I like to fish them a little faster unless I have to slow down more so a lot of times I use a weight. Eco Pro Tungsten makes the Pro Wacky Weight which I really like using. It keeps everything compact and even makes your worms last longer. I mainly used the 1/32 oz. and 1/16 oz. Unless I'm trying to fish one really deep.

Honestly what is there NOT to like about fishing!?!?!?? Sure there are some annoyances at times, but all in all it's all good!

I'd suggest a St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass Plastics rod. It's 7'1" M/F it'll give you that all around performance with great sensitivity and will also handle your tubes with ease.