rtwvumtneer6

Your ability to do this year round makes me jealous, Mike ? @JoeDeal55 I'm in PA where we get 4 distinct season. Assuming you do, too. It's a very seasonal question you are asking. Sounds like you have accumulated a lot of lures in a very short amount of time. The trick is to learn when and where each excels. My simple answer is I can't pick just one.

Slow sweeping drag, reel slack, slow drag, reel slack. Rinse and repeat. Did I mention slow? I find it painful to fish this way, but it works.

6th Sense hardware is better than most in their price range. Some come with a pretty heavy wire and EWG style treble. Something to keep in mind. Even the best hardware will need replacing, eventually. A good pair of split ring pliers (I use the Texas Tackle) can make the job quick and painless. If you're set on keeping stock hooks for the life of the lure, I would at least be sure I had a hook sharpener on hand.

Black/Blue/Purple Brown/Green/Pumpkin/Purple (Chartreuse dye, sometimes) White/Chartreuse/Ghosts Generally Speaking.

In your case, knowing what a bite feels like and experience detecting a bite is to your advantage. You're also getting bites, so you're doing something right! I would suggest reeling down to remove excess slack in your line before you hit them. This will put you in a good position to set the hook, and help you to connect as soon as soon as you swing.

Saw the same thing a couple weeks ago. They didn't spook easily so I was able to pitch into them. Interesting to watch their behavior. Some investigated and turned off, some ignored completely, and then one that was lingering some distance away closed in and ate. Cool video!!

Welcome, and thank you for your service!

Finesse jigs. Lighter wire hook, compact profile, and a weed guard. I can get away with throwing them on a M power spinning rod and 8# line.

https://www.lurenet.com/internet-specials First I've heard of this site. Looks like 3.75" and only a few colors?

Could say the same for the rod I got. Throws a trap a long way and it's just soft enough to really let them get the bait. I caught 3 last weekend and they were not getting off. It's also got enough backbone when you hang it in vegetation.

Not sure how well I can articulate what I'm thinking, but here goes. I see a lot of people getting caught up in what you're "supposed" to be throwing a particular time of day, water clarity or season of the year. Though I believe certain lures perform best in specific situations, it doesn't mean they won't work at other times. Sometimes showing them something different is as simple as not limiting yourself to the norm.

Welcome to the rabbit hole. Now it's just a matter of how deep you want to go. Remember the lures are intended to catch fish, but the companies design them to catch you. Go look at a crankbait that comes in 40+ colors. You can probably break that down into about 5 actually color categories. If you can avoid impulse buys, you will be just fine. Can't tell you how much stuff that I "had to have" that sits unused. The TW Wish List feature helps me. I'll throw stuff in there before the actual cart and let it sit for a few days. When I go back to it, I'm usually able to eliminate a handful of items. Good luck.

What's the weight of your popper? If it's heavy enough to be thrown on a casting rod, that's the direction I would go. Regardless I prefer a more moderate taper. An XF rod and smallmouths tendency to go airborne would make me nervous.

If I really break it down I have 7 casting and 2 spinning rod/reels that account for the majority of my bass fishing. A few are "multi-purpose" and others are technique specific or seasonal, but each serves its purpose. I have a few extra rods and reels that are stored away as emergency back-ups or retired, and I keep a couple older combos set up for the occasional catfish, panfish or trout session. In my system, I can take 6 rods into a tournament situation and feel comfortable that my basic needs are met (assuming I am familiar with the body of water). As far as brand is concerned, my buying habits have changed. I used to be all over the place trying different makes and models. More recently I have leaned heavily toward one reel manufacturer and two rod makers.

I have a 703 and a 734. While both would work, I would lean toward the 734 for a 1/2oz spinnerbait.

Just curious, what was your rod/reel setup? Was on an ocean charter one time and the first mate refered to rookies as "square crankers". Thought that was entertaining. Anyway the point was a fluid circular motion creates a lot less fatigue than trying to forcefully turn the handle like a box.

I bought these "vintage" bags of Gambler BB Crickets last week. Not sure how old they actually are but it's the first I've seen that style of packaging. Research is showing me maybe 7ish years? Anyway the baits themselves were in perfect shape. I would suspect this would be the case as long as they aren't stored in extreme hot or cold. The scent was non-existent but I suppose it could have been manufactured pre-Bite scent.

I think there is a lot to be learned from pond fishing. It allows the opportunity to observe fish behavior in regards to cover, structure, seasonal patterns, etc. on a smaller scale. Often that means more feedback and more fun. The only time I would say you fish a body of water too often is if you've just plain figured it out, and it's no longer presenting a challenge. Personally, I have a couple of ponds that I've fished for years with great success and they still kick my butt once in a while. Applying what you've learned from your familiar water is helpful when exploring new lakes or ponds. You can identify high percentage areas, and select your lures with more confidence. Then it becomes a new opportunity to learn and expand. If I'm exploring a new spot and it requires a decent drive to get there, I'll scout a few places in the area. Don't want to waste a trip if you find a pond is dried up, posted or has no bank access. And, of course, ask permission of it is privately owned. Good topic. I'm actually trying a new pond/small lake (35 acres) tomorrow and the only information I have is a Google satellite image and a weather report.

keitech easy shiner

So you're saying we're going fishing?! My hair was too short, I didn't have a dog with me and I couldn't find a restaurant that served real meat. Otherwise, cool town!

Welcome!

I've never seen any cup of coffee that will get me to 2pm, unless I drank it at lunch! Also have some Death Wish at the house. Can't tell that it's any "stronger" than any other coffee. Tried the Black Rifle Beyond Black. Good cup of coffee but didn't blow my socks off.

In this scenario I add a bead and a 1/16 oz weight above the hook. #1 and 1/0 is what I use most often, depending on the worm and of I'm using an O ring. For a standard 5" Senko that should be fine.

Gamakatsu G-Finesse Stinger Wacky/Neko. If you like a shorter shank and weed guard the Owner Weedless Wacky is good.

If you're in a jam, shove some BBs or small weights up the hook hole. Frog will be heavier and rattle.