Fish the Mitt

My first boat was a 15' 1981 DuraCraft consoled jon boat with a 1979 55hp Chrysler. It was brown (literally light poop brown). Was it fast? HAHAHA No. Was it durable? Yep. I made sure. Was it the cats meow? Not at all. But it worked just fine. Now I own a Skeeter/Yamaha rig. My point. You don't need the best, or even close to it, when you're starting out and young. Enjoy the time learning, get a kayak, grow as an angler, and in time, it will come. B - BUST O - OUT A - ANOTHER T - THOUSAND (As cliche as this sounds, it ain't far off).

Why not use both and see which produces better (take note of conditions). As for the clear/dirty water. Anything that displaces as much water as a spinnerbait or chatterbait does, can be a great tool when fished in dirty water around structure.

After a little investigation, water temps on Dale Hollow for April ranged from 50-60 degrees. So if you find yourself in a 48-55 degree range, I would focus on transition areas between deeper water and the shallower flats used for spawning. Targeting migration routes can be a pivotal part of your success if done properly. They're feeding heavy so understanding where the deep water is, understanding where the spawning flats can be, and understanding the migratory way to get from one to the other; while replicating it's prey, you should be all set. If you find yourself in 55-60+ degree water, I would be in one of two spots. The same areas as mentioned above to target late-spawners going in and early post-spawners coming out, or I would be up shallow targeting bedding bass. Targeting these transition areas, or holding areas (points being mentioned above [offering shallow water close to deep water]), you have a good area to target bass still in prespawn holding to that area or feeding, as well early post spawners heading back out from the flats. As far as lures, for me in this time, I am generally throwing a jerkbait, crankbait, lipless crank, or jig & craw. A lot of people throw finesse as well (and swimbaits). Just my .02. I of course have never fished this water, or fished this region during the time you mentioned. So everything I listed is how I approach my home lakes (MI)when the water temp is between 48-60 degrees (a good month later). Hoping a good ol' Tennessee boy can come point you in the right direction.

Feel free to go HERE and include a screenshot of this portion you're talking about. It might help those from the area pinpoint a location and area better. Or help with others, not from the area, with advice based on the topography and layout of the chosen section. Water temp would help as well, and I'm sure googling it would turn up an answer.

I hear ya. I throw a chatterbait, jig, and crankbait the most as well. Followed by a jerkbait, spinnerbait, and topwater. Followed closely by a limited finesse approach in T-Rigged, wacky, and mojo rigged plastics (rare tube session and drop shot as well). So as you can see, my finesse approach needs a little improvement.

Welcome!

That's funny you say that. This year, as far as lures and presentations are concerned, the shaky head is on the top of my list. The past few years, I've really focused on my jig fishing which has increased 100 fold. I'm confident with all types of power techniques, so this year, I too am focusing on some finesse style approaches. Which will also help since I'm also going to try and fish offshore more. I've actually told myself that I will be taking a trip to Higgins Lake (next to zero (some say zero) LMB and deep and clear) to force myself to fish deep, and play with some finesse stuff (drop shot and shaky head being the two biggest concerns). As far as my backhand being a concern, it's actually not that bad. Beings I'm ambidextrous, that'll probably be the last thing I focus on. I just want to fine tune it if anything.

Same for me!

Haha I'd throw it for sure. A lot of guys with 2k might actually do that if I remember correctly. But it's done on their own accord. I'm not with them, or anyone, anymore. After the untimely passing of my mother and sister last year, I stepped away from everything. Any company I was with and all series I was signed up for. Decided to just fish and not worry about any of the extra-curricular. Enjoy my time on the water, when I'm on the water, and focus on family when I'm not.

They're the only jigs I throw (excluding bladed jigs).

I agree with @Bluebasser86 as well. Think shallower when targeting largemouth. As an example, take Lake St. Clair. It in itself is a smallmouth heaven, however, come tournament time, you'll see guys run north or south on the rivers targeting big largemouth. As another example, take the first B.A.S.S. Elite Series Event on Lake Martin this past weekend. A common strategy was to catch a quick limit of spotted bass deeper, and then run the river (or shallower lake areas [docks being a big go to]) looking for that big largemouth bite. Good luck!

83 of 83! @Senko lover is beating one person at least.. (all in good fun, my man!)

I drive the state for my job so I'm always keeping an eye out, but usually not until April. I hit the canal from Lake MI to Muskegon Lake around early april last year with a blade bait. The canal between Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac is thawed, and I thought about throwing a line just to take the edge off ?

Haha very true!

When I'm tournament fishing, I have to remind myself of this often. I sometimes let the timeframe dictate my fishing and moving, instead of having faith in my ability and knowledge. But recreationally, I'm a pretty even keel angler as far as speed. I take a lot in, mentally and visually, and spend the time calculating and enjoying. Tournament time, those proverbial chains come off and I feel like a madman. Another area to improve I suppose. Now is that because of how you grew up fishing? Or perhaps where you fish? Or are you just more of a finesse guy all around?

Hey listen, as much as we talk and discuss what we are good at, or what we know, it's just as important to discuss our goals and means for improvement. As a 30yr old angler, I have a ton to learn. The first step is truly understanding what I can offer, and what others can offer me - which is why I'm here. For example, @Catt doesn't fish a crankbait, by his own accord, and I fish a crankbait A LOT. But what I may be able to help him with that, he could help me 10 fold with a dozen other items. Understanding that is imperative in being successful. My point, no one is perfect. We all have items to work on and they're just as important to talk about as the things we are good at. So kudos to you all. Glad to see some improvement here!!

It's been a little over two years since this was last brought up, and with the influx of new members, figured I'd start a new thread - and touch on the old one. To add an interesting twist, if you were a poster on the attached thread, did you find the time to improve on the area you listed? If so, post what your weakness was and how and what you did to improve. For example, @scaleface started the topic and mentioned roll cast proficiency, backhand casting, and low trajectory casting as an area of improvement. Was there improvement? For me, it's offshore fishing, and the backhand cast.

I do like them. But I will say, I will likely go Sig Saur for my next one.. Got the g/f a Sig p938 and it's legit.

I have absolutely zero qualms with either of my CZ's. I also have the CZ Upland Ultralight 20g O/U

Read the staff introductions, specifically Glenn's, and it'll give you great insight on how BR got started. It's a great read!!

Here I was, about to find something to snack on while working from home, then I see this. Guess I'm getting some meat out...

When the bladed jig popularity started, I jumped all over Z-Man's products. Every new model that came out, I got it. Over time, with more and more coming out, they got more expensive as time went on. However, I realized after a little bit that I kept reverting to the Original Chatterbait anyways. So I stopped chasing the product releases and used what I knew, and what I knew worked. I have great success with the Original Z-Man Chatterbait. I also like the Buddha Baits Swagger Jig (around $5-$6). However, I am looking at the @Siebert Outdoors Fogy. I've heard good things. Worth a shot and inexpensive for it's presumable quality. In most things in this industry, you get what you pay for - but not all things. Some are marketing ploys and gimmicks with no real up-gradeable value compared to competitors. For some, it's all in the name. Strike King can charge more for something because, well, it's Strike King. You also have the anglers who buy because it's popular, or new, or because John Smith's name is on it - so these products sell giving the illusion of greatness. Throw KVD's name on a thin wall ML/Mod blank and call it a flippin' stick and people will buy it... Stick to what works best for you. Go with your personal insight on what is quality and what is not. If I were to buy something every time someone (including the manufacturer) said it was the best, I'd be broke, and likely disappointed a lot. *Disclaimer: I have nothing against SK. It was used as an example.

Joined, but late. I'll have to sit this one out. Nothing like starting out from behind

I carry, almost daily, a CZ P07 Gen2. Caliber: .40 Ammo: Hydra Shok JHP

There is no perfect rod for anything, even specific techniques. The perfect rod is one you're comfortable with. For me, for the longest time, I had one rod. A MH/F