Mr. Ranger

Senkos on a texas rig worked for me last week, and it was my first time using it. I'm sure it was beginner's luck. I used Black with blue flake so that it can be seen in muddy waters.

Did some research with the Shelby County Assessor- it's private property.

Pine Lake in Arlington is indeed Private. Couldn't fish it. The fishing report I read incorrectly listed it as public. 385/70 is where i caught the 3 and 4 lbers. Looks like it is fished some; there's evidence of people fishing therebut I was the only one there on Saturday. If it truly is OK to fish it, then it's a good spot. There's nothing posted about no trespassing or no fishing. Wear your boots and long pants, it's not groomed for shorts and flip-flop fishermen.

Had a really good day on Saturday; all caught on a SENKO. First time fishing a Senko, and it did awesome. 3 and 4 pounders. Big thanks to @roadwarrior and @MFBAB for the tips. This good day of fishing is a DIRECT result of being active on this board.

Good to hear the buzzbait got a hit. It's about time for that bait to get hot.

I'll post and let you know how it goes. Pine Lake is listed as public, and there is Dam access. I guess if I get chased off, I'll post that info too.

I'm moving to Arlington, and found two spots I'm going to try out on Saturday. Pine Lake, just south of 40 and a couple miles east of Arlington; then there's a pond off of 385 and hwy 70. I've seen two guys put bass boats in there, so I assume that there are fish in there. Lots of visible structure in the water. Anyone ever got a hook wet at either of these spots?

This thread needed a "BUMP". Bait question: Anybody use any frogs at a pond in the area? I'm always tempted to buy some lunker hunters just to make my tackle box look more complete, but I'm not sure where in town I would use them.

I got mine at the Cordova location. I'd call up there and ask if they still have any though.

Oh man, I'm sorry. In futility, i'll answer your first question; you don't get to choose anything about the rod- it was a grab and go type of deal.

Just thought I'd pass along a good deal- Academy Sports is offering a free spinning rod and reel combo (H2O brand, retails for $69.99) if you buy any line for $14.99 or more. I bought mine yesterday, and the reel is decent but the rod is pretty nice. Definitely worth it, and I got it all for the price of the line to spool it.

MFBAB- Truly helpful stuff here. I wish I could get out as often as that to do some scouting. The journal is a good idea- I'll start that on my next trip. I'm also shopping for a decent spinning reel to use with a Senko- I've got an ultralite that I use for Trout and then a bunch of baitcasters. Again, thanks to RoadWarrior for that article. There's a wealth of knowledge on this message board. I appreciate all the help.

Great advice, MFBAB. Like I said previously, I'm a rookie when it comes to stick baits and I'm just as rookie when it comes to finesse stuff. The lakes in Missouri that I grew up fishing, all you needed was a crankbait and spinner bait. Down here, the bass make you work for it. Patience is hard. I think I'll take a trip back to Missouri and go throw an Alabama rig and catch pigs all day...just for old times sake. The Senko article will be a big help for me. Thanks RoadWarrior.

Man, nice fish MFBAB. I'll have to give IH another shot- but I'm seriously wondering if the blue water dye had something to do with it. I used a buzzbait, spinner, buzzplug, swam a grub and then tried a Texas rig. Nearly 2 hours and not a single bite. Question- Anybody use a Senko? I've never fished with one, but keep hearing how good of a bait it is. I'm a rookie when it comes to stick baits.

I fished International Harvester in Lakeland over the weekend. Lousy, lousy lousy. Not a single bite, and the kids couldn't even get the bluegill to bite a worm on a bobber. The water looks recently dyed blue, so I'm blaming that. Has anyone ever had any luck there?

Thanks- I'll be able to give both of those a try.

Let me EDIT my question: Do you know of any other GOOD FISHING lakes or ponds in the same area? You can search google maps for blue areas all day long and still not know what is fishable.

Do you know of any other lakes or ponds in the same area? Thats about 5 minutes from my house, and I don't get the opportunity to get out that often. Proximity is key...

Bummer. I was hoping for some different news on this pond. Thanks for sharing, good to know.

Have you had any luck with top water baits at GS?

Yeah I'll let you know next time I go. I'd like to figure it out, it's so close and easy to get to.

I fished a pond at a park in Bartlett near Davies Plantation. No bites but I figured I wasnt doing something right. Talked to one of the homeowners on the lake, and they said that Bass were in there, but more people caught catfish and bluegill. Water was low and the shoreline is well groomed, so nothing was laying down for the fish to sit under. Just some mud flat banks. Going to try a texas rig next time I go. Anyone ever fished that pond?

Herb Parsons. I've heard this lake is over-fished, but then I hear that it is the best place in town to go fishing. Whats the story on this lake?

Very helpful, and more specific than I was even asking! Thanks! I guess the reason I ask, is historically I have fished rocky, clear lakes in Missouri, and rarely fished muddy river water or murky pond water. So color is more what I was asking about. Call it a sunny day in muddy water, what colors work down here? Again, thanks for the great response. Very helpful.

Let's talk about Lures. Here's what I'd be interested to know- What is your go-to lure for each major pond here in the Memphis area? Example: For Grove, I like a yellow buzzbait For Kroger - i'll take a good pumpkin rage tail on a blue/black finesse jig And so on. This would be beyond helpful for us newer guys on the Memphis Pond-Hopping Circuit.