The Patriot

Whats your location? If you're anywhere near western MA theres an Old Town on CL for $125 http://westernmass.craigslist.org/boa/5210538983.html

Most of the time I'll go with a Texas rig. Senkos, swimsenkos, craws, grubs, etc. When I'm not T rigging, I'll try one of these: drop shots with worms or a small soft plastic shad wacky rigs or carolina rig with swims. often times if im playing the bottom I'll rig up a curly tailed grub to a weighted jig hook. Usually white but if the waters clear and clean bottom I'll use a pumpkin/green. I like to dress these in a skirt at times. I found yet, for me, when this becomes a good idea. I just throw one on sometimes and see what happens.

After having fished with a few different styles of soft plastics and a handful of different brands. I can comfortably say the name on the packaging doesnt tell the whole story. I've fished a few different GYs and the only ones that have worked are the senkos and swimsenkos. And I've only had luck with a couple different colors. That said, I've caught more on green pumpkin Yums. As long as I keep catching them, the swimsenkos are the only ones I'll spend extra on. Theres times when Yums just arent getting bites. I throw the swims on the hook and they bite!

RW - thanks for posting this. How about buzzbaits? Im assuming you'd put that with #1? You say some soft plastics though. This is where my confusion comes in. Why only some? I see people saying their setup if for punching through thick stuff. Or its their texas rig setup, etc etc. What do you mean by "some", and what soft plastics would you use on that setup? Why would you not use the others? Thanks for the help, I'm learning!

Same idea, except I use a tooth pick and cut the excess off either end. If a toothpick fits through the eyelet of the hook im using that is.

Hoping this is the best place to post this. This is a shot in the dark if I've ever seen one... Wednesday night I left a small 5.11 bag at the lake. It had my wallet in it, which contained some bank cards, license and unfortunately my license to carry as well. It was gone Thursday morning when I went to check for it. If anyone knows anyone that may have been there Thursday morning that may have found it, please reach out to them. I'd love to get my stuff back. A coffee or 6-pack of beer is waiting for whomever finds it.

I take my breaks at Cabelas.

This debate has been going on for eons. Personally, I think its preference. If you practice, and train with the round you choose to carry, and become proficient with it, either one is effective. Of course the high stress scenario of a defense situation is obviously different from training at the range, but if you can quickly and accurately get rounds on target, then thats what matters. I like using a shot timer. It forces you to draw and shoot much quicker, and practice doing so accurately. I personally currently carry a 9mm Shield. If God forbid I need to use it some day, I feel confident that I could effectively put a couple rounds center mass. I feel equally comfortable saying the same about the Glock 30s, and the Glock 26 that I had. I plan on trying out the XDs45 as well.

I have a setup with clear mono, and a setup with red mono. Have caught fish on both, but more on the clear. In my worthless opinion as I have very limited fishing experience and probably even less knowledge as Im in my second year being back in the sport, I think the fish do see the line, just like they see the chartreuse senko. But I dont think what they see makes a bit a difference when the lure has their focus.

Hey folks! Just got back in to fishing after a long while. Used to fish a lot as a kid with my father and grandpa, but it was simply sitting on the shore with a worm on a hook and a bobber on the line. Couple buddies and I have been doing a lot more fishing with soft plastics and various lures. Learning how to spot potential areas to find bass, how to fish the lure and basically what works around our area and what doesnt. Haven't caught a lot over the past year or two, but we've all pulled in a few largemouths and this year I've got my first 4 smallies. Needless to say, I signed up to learn so I'll be doing more reading than posting for a while! I entered my location on the member map as well. Looks to be only one other guy from the area, hello over there in Westfield! Take care! Best of luck to everyone with the rest of their 2015 season!