beginningfisherman

I've run into this problem as well. Is it possible to sharpen the hooks without replacing them?

Most spinnerbaits should stay upright on the retrieve assuming they are running true. If not, you can bend the head of the bait to one side or the other to make it run straight.

A lot of it depends on how you pull it through the lay down. If you move it slow enough that you can feel what the jig is touching (rocks, mud, tree, fish) you can decide how to respond to that. As you get more experienced, you can fish faster. I use the the siebert outdoors brush jigs when I fish laydowns (actually for almost all of my jigging needs). I have found that they come through weeds very well. Maybe give them a shot if you still have problems.

I've never used anything but an improved clinch knot. It is fast, easy, and always seems to hold strong for me.

I'm with clackerbuzz on this one. I've done just fine with the clacker so I don't see any reason to cut it off

I think your best bet is to keep an eye on the flea market here. Some guys have big lure lots for sale with some of the things you mentioned listed.

Bluebasser, how would you compare the ethos rods to a mojo bass from st croix or dobyns fury?

Where are you at in Iowa? I would be interested in joining a club if it's close.

Thanks!

Thanks for the input guys. fishnkamp I think I might give that dobyns rod a try. Yankee, I'm looking for an excuse to buy a new rod. Don't spoil it for me! Haha

I feel like it's too stiff for the spinnerbaits. Maybe I just need to get used to it.

I am looking for a new baitcasting rod. I've got a 6'8" mh/f Fenwick Aetos that I use right now but it seems a little heavy for the buzzbaits and spinnerbaits I have been throwing. I live in Iowa so I don't usually catch anything big. I am thinking I'll get something like a m/f or m/mf for this purpose but most guys seem to think mh is the way to go. Thoughts?

I like the idea of using high visibility lines for situations where you need to watch the line. However, I'm not so sure that it wouldn't affect my ability to catch fish. If the line diameter makes a difference, why wouldn't the color?

Is this seasonal or are they in the same spots year round?

Hello all, I fish a medium sized river in northern Iowa (Cedar) and I struggle finding smallies consistently. Sometimes I stumble upon one but rarely am I able to replicate that success in other spots, even if they seem similar. I feel like I spend a lot of time casting at things that may or may not hold fish. I me sure depending on conditions it changes but could someone help give me a place to start? Thanks!

I bought a pair of Cabela's stocking foot breathable waders (waist high) for trout fishing. They were a little over $100 but I have loved them.

Let me know how you like the dock rockers. I was thinking about picking some up myself

I just bought a Lews Tournament MB. This is my first baitcaster and was kind of pricey for me so I'd like to keep it nice as long as I can. What should I do before I use it and how do I maintain it after (cleaning and oiling and such)?

I think this picture was taken when the lake was just starting to be filled so the water levels are higher but it still shows the layout

Hi guys. I need some help fishing a new lake near me. It's called Lost Grove Lake (Iowa). It's about 5-10 years old. The DNR built a dam and flooded a pasture valley. It's about 50 feet deep at the deepest and contains tons of trees that were flooded. Most of the trees that were flooded are in the 15-40 ft deep range. I feel like there has to be bass in there but I'm not exactly ire how to draw them out of the trees. Could someone help me out with where I should be trying to fish as well as what techniques to use to get my lures in front of the fish?

That's kind of what my thinking was. I may be wrong and someone feel free to correct me if I am, but it seems to me that the talon has several advantages over the power poles. Maybe the power poles were just marketed better?

Thanks for the tips everyone. A-Jay, how do I learn about those predator/prey interactions? And how do I apply that to knowing what to throw when? Could you explain to me what the difference between reaction and finesse is and how it would make a difference in when you use them?

Ok everyone, I'm starting to understand what everything is and how to fish it. The problem I'm having now is knowing when to use certain techniques & baits. In what conditions do I use t-rig, c-rig, pitching jigs, weightless senkos, lipless, squarebill and deep diving crankbaits, frogs, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, Ned rig, dropshot, etc?

I understand how these could be effective, but why does nobody use the minn Kota talon? They seem to be much better from what I've seen

It's Friday and I can not find where it says the sale on TW. Am I doing something wrong?