DR_Bass

K_MAC is right the bite varies from time to time, but most often it is wieght on the line or a small tap. One thing to keep in mind though, when you get a bite point the rod to the fish, reel the slack line and set the hook that way.... Sometime the fish will swim toward you and the leader line has slack in it so you'll need to take up as much slack as possible. A long rod (7' to 7 1/2') helps with the hook set.

I also spend a good percentage of my paycheck on fising tackle and equipment.... but what about tournament entry fees, gas, food, and lodging. I think that takes up the most-part of my money on a fishing trip.

Bass love to get around all kinds of vegitation in the water. The weeds have plenty of oxygen and provide food for smaller animals, which in turn provides food to bass. As far as fishing around the weeds, I tend to stick to mostly fishing weedless soft plastics (especially since you're fishing from the bank). For the thicker grass I tend to pitch and flip some kind of texas rigged bait, such as a lizard or craw-worm. Make sure your wieght is big enough to get through the vegitation (I stick with the lightest wieght I can get away with though). For the thinner, more scattered grass I often throw a wieghtless senko or fluke, letting it sink slowly around the grass. Also since the water is clear, use a lighter line (maybe 12 or 14 lbs test) or a flourocarbon (flouro sinks so it helps the action of the slow-sinking bait) with the senko and fluke. I tend to use heavy braided line for the flipping and pitching though. I hope this with help shed some light on your grass fishing situation.