SPEEDBEAD.

That again plays to the law of averages. If 99% of the guys are throwing jigs and worms, of course the majority of big bass are going to be caught on them. I really believe that as swimbaits continue to work their way into more guys' rotations, they will see exactly what Matt is talking about. Are they perfect for every situation? Absolutely not. No bait is. Do they appeal to a larger class size of fish more times than not? You betcha....

Who the hell wears a pinky ring? Keep your pimp hand strong....

Listen, you're going to get a lesson here.... Figuratively speaking, there is a reason you have two ears and only one mouth. You ought to be listening twice as much as you talk (or type). You're asking for advice. You're getting advice from people that have caught more big fish than you've dreamt about while sleeping (no, not counting myself in that group). It IS relative. You're stuck under 5lbs in a state that held the world record, a state where I'm good friends with more than a couple people who've caught fish well into the teens. Trust me, you're doing something wrong. Why don't you sit back, check your ego and listen / apply the information that's being presented to you. Try it. If it's something that seems totally against the grain of what you've been doing, that may be a good thing considering where you're stuck.

Don't get hung up on "baitfish" as being shad, specific minnows, etc. Bluegills live everywhere bass live. There's your baitfish. Simple.

Learn to read the terrain you see above the water to indicate what is below the water. The topo maps will help you see what I mean once you are on the water.

How about Pennsylvania? Catch and Grease, do your thing man. It's pretty obvious that I buy into the bigger bait, bigger fish theory but like others have said if you are not fishing where there are big fish then it's certain you won't catch them. Seeing where you're from, I'd say a 5+lb PB is easily attainable. Learn your water. Learn fish behavior specific to your location. Success is found through planning and preparation more often than luck.

The Savage Line Thru baits can handle a heavy fluoro leader. If you look at the origin of the bait, they are designed and marketed in Europe as big pike baits. I mean BIG PIKE. I'd say if they can handle them, it's not too much of a concern if you rig them appropriately. Baits get torn up. It happens. It's the nature of a soft bait. Glueing baits back together is part of the game.

I ask because I believe I've seen that boat running up there before, just a couple weeks ago. Looked to be two guys and a girl in the boat.

Studs!

That's your boat? Do you ever run up to Dam 5?

If you have toothy fish in your water, I'd also recommend picking up some Mend It or 316 glue to repair tears in your soft baits. The baits recommended above would be what I'd point you toward as well.

Man, 68's are a snack. Throw them around ambush points, just like any other bait. Think of them as a big jig. As far as Line Thrus, take a look at the Savage Gear and the 316 Rising son. Two different applications of the line thru, both effective.

I fished a swimbait only trip down south earlier this year. Trust me, there are fish down there plenty big enough to eat a swimbait.

Is that so?

Bearding is a serious issue. Not all can climb that mountain.

I'm not really a crankbait guy for bass but toothy fish should eat that thing up.

Got mine as well yesterday. Yes, there is a 6" Line Thru coming as well as a 12"

Looks like a good option to me, similar to the LC wakes in appearance.

Wake bait and a spook have two totally different actions. About the only thing in common is that they are a topwater bait. What wake baits are you asking about specifically?

What new law are you referencing? I don't know of any federal legislation that's causing a stir and I don't really follow CO law too much.

Just because I'm on a musky kick right now, Deps 250 and a Huddleston 8" If we're talking bass, jig and a Mattlures Hardgill.

Again, different situations call for different tools. The Savage has a more aggressive action than then Huddleston. I'd tend to use it more in warmer water and also in general as it fits the way I fish better.

Nope. Don't get hung up on size either. The bass you want to be catching have no issue eating 8" baits.

Your point?

QUE? A glide bait and a jerkbait are nowhere near the same category. Bill, you'll find that the bigger/heavier baits do more of the actual "gliding" action. The smaller baits in that category do not carry the momentum required to get a wide glide. The River 2 Sea S-waver in 168 and 200 is a decent bait at their respective price points. Savage Gear is coming out with a bigger glide later this year. It's around 8". When you start talking Deps, Roman Made, Hinkle, etc, you're going to get into paying some serious money for a single bait. I'm a big fan of the Deps 250. It's about the most entertaining bait to fish that I can think of. I don't know of another bait that can entice and reveal the number of big fish it has for me. Even if they don't eat it, knowing they are in the area is a big confidence boost.