BassB8Caster

Hey Guys. its finally february here in Maine and its starting to feel like spring is closer and closer (even though the reality is, its quite a ways away). Starting to get the bass fishing itch. I have been thinking about a small 50 acre pond i fished at last fall without success that made me think of this topic. I think it would be interesting as well to hear how people approach these situations. i attached a pic of the pond. From what i see, it should be the perfect body of water for some big bass. It is in a rather tough location where it sees little fishing pressure. Tons of little hiding spots, fingers, beaver dams, grasses etc that should hold bass. Big bass. I fished it three times. the first time i walked the shore and tried a few spots. On my way to the pond i happened to travel on some private roads (i mistakenly missed the signs). The closest land owner saw me drive by and ended up coming down to the pond. I talked with him a bit about the pond. He said he takes his nephews and nieces out once in a while. but other than that, no one fishes it. He also said "if you catch a bass it will be a big one". He said he caught a 7.5lber out of it. The next 2 times out was in my kayak. I feel i gave it a good effort in fishing all the spots that would hold bass. I also fished several types of baits (spinners, soft plastics, topwater etc) that should have produced. Especially a pond with so little fishing pressure. There were quite a few pickerel in there, but not one sign of any bass. The water is a dark stained water. Best guess is 8 feet +/- deepest spot. There are so many ambush spots there where i do believe bass can grow very big. So, at what point do you decide that there are not any bass in a pond? I do want to try again, especially spawn. But i dont have much interest in catching just pickerel.

Congratulations! Nothing better. My daughter (first child) is 10 weeks old. I CANNOT wait to share fishing with her.

Nice work! As a newish fisherman, i appreciate you taking the time to make these videos as well as including commentary on the area and lure used. Helps me (and others im sure) implement certain strategies into their fishing. Thanks for sharing!

Off topic / on topic question....I'm from maine (and slightly off the beaten path if you will) and I've thought about this whole record thing quite a bit. I'm not talking a world record, but state record. What should one do if they were to catch a record bass? I for example fish out of a kayak and may have some difficulties documenting the fish properly. Pics would definitely be taken with some measurements. From some searching I've done, I could not find any source for getting an official scale. Options would be; keep the fish and go to a butcher, post office etc and try to get a weightaste (then we must consider how to properly keep the fish to not effect the weight). Release the fish with measurements and weight on our own scale (not official but may be enough for most). For me it's not about a name in the books and bragging rights, but for me a passionate fisherman , it would be a pretty cool thing to get into the record books. I think we can all admit that would be pretty d**n cool. I know there is a new record for maine out there and I know some of the smaller ponds I fish have the potential. This is a very interesting topic and I feel this fits well. Would love to hear everyone's opinion as one day any one of us may be on the good end with some sort of record fish!

This has been discussed fairly often. In short, you can try burning a bait by to entice a reaction bite. But most agree to ignore them. They are not gonna bite

nice fish! im not ready for those temps (are we ever really ?)

Nice! thats a tank! In Maine im guessing from your screen name? stubbornness is a tough one when it comes to fishing. You can really see the good and bad in it. The alternative i see is perhaps changing baits too soon not giving it enough of a chance. When is it too soon, or too late to change baits? Unfortunately there probably isnt an answer to this. But the big thing is changing things up when they are not working. You did this and it worked. Atleast you are admitting you are stubborn. Your story makes me wonder though, what would you have done say if you didnt see the fish and see them passing over your bait?

When fishing jigs and soft plastics in dark water, do you still fish them slow or be a little more aggressive/ active due to the lack of visibility?

I hear ya on that. Cant stay away from this forum. I have a tough time not thinking about fishing, and looking online for the next small hidden gem of a pond holding a big ol girl. Goes to show how great this forum is and how popular it is with the constant posting of new comments. Its a blessing and a curse at the same time. it it were slower and not so informative we would spend less time on here. Thankfully even during the busy times, people still come on here spreading their knowledge. Thats priceless in my book!

good work. Persistence especially pays off when you work extra hard and make that last cast take 30 more minutes! Not that i know anything about that.

Love this one. I can go to dunkin donuts and get a bfast sandwich and coffee for $7 but need to spend hours researching the best baitcaster or line for $10 that I'll use for a season. Nevermind the time spent on buying the best baitcaster combo for the money.

Really the only problems are when it's really windy or its a big fish. But yes boat (Canoe, kayak, etc) control is extremely important to landing a strong fish whether it's 3lbs up. I can't imaging a 40" pike pulling my kayak around. It would be fun though!

exactly. thats what im after, and im ready for it every bite. For me fishing out of a kayak, i have had issues in controlling the fish and kayak at the same time. It can be done but is a challenge. I have lost fish (big ones) due to trying to paddle and control my kayak. Add wind to a larger fish and it can get interesting. I have had a fish take me into a tree, only so much i could do. She wrapped her self around a branch. Thankfully i had a good hookset and i landed her. In open water i have no concern at all of a fish breaking me off just running deep. If so, it is either a monster (which i doubt will break 30lb braid or 12lb mono in open water unless there is an issue with the knot or imperfection in the line). the biggest fish i lost was when she jumped shaking her head while i was trying to hold the rod tension with one hand and control my kayak with the other. Now i basically care less where the kayak goes (obviously my health over a fish) and concentrate on the fish. If i go into a bush so be it. Im going to focus on landing that fish. As far as why a baitcaster....prior to getting into bass fishing last summer, i always used spinning gear. Now i only use baitcasters (i have 2 setups). I do wish i had a spinning set up for the smaller lighter baits (casting a popr for example is more of a challenge with a MH rod). But i get by. The biggest advantage i see (other more experience people will be able to give more info) is handling bigger baits that bass like. Once you start adding trailers and creature baits to different lures, it can get heavy for lighter spinning gear. Also, when casting and cranking a lot, a baitcaster is so much easier on the body. I have 2 cheaper (around $100) combos, but with braid, i have full confidence i can handle a big bass even in the thick stuff. The only concern i have is getting a good hookset out of the kayak. There are some good combos under $100 you can try out.

Depends where you are fishing. I am in maine as well and have fished many ponds where water is not clear. I fish 12lb mono and 30lb braid. I tend to find myself using my braid rod more. I love the confidence i have in the line. I tend to fish more grass and pads, so mono is necessary. For open water obviously mono is fine. Just may need to bump to 10 or 12lb test. The key is to keep the fish from rubbing the line. Anything can break off once it rubs one stuff. In cover you may want to consider braid. Spinning gear will work fine. Myself, i strickly use baitcasters for all my fishing. I do wish i had a spinning set up for certain situations. But i have 2 spots in my kayak and i have 2 baitcast setups. Curious, how old is the line on your reel? be sure to check for nicks or imperfections often, to prevent as many break offs as possible. Are you confident in your knots? How big are these largemouths you are getting into?

I saw that as well. Very impressive. I was waiting for it to come back to haunt him when he decided to call it a day early that last day. He just cast it down the side of the docks. I have tried to fish a few docks here and there without much luck. I would say the approach would vary depending on the fish (active vs non). With active fish i would imagine getting the bait close to them may be enough to get strikes. Where in active fish will require bait to be skipped under or cast under the docks to reach the fish.

Congrats! Nice feesh

Thank god we dont have gators. Couldnt imagine rolling up on then while fighting or eating.

Nice! I'm a big fan of the havoc line. Not that I have really tried many others. Just no reason to yet. Plus their prices are always good.

I just placed an order at berkley-fishing.com (pure fishing). They are having good prices on the havoc line (amongst other great deals) of soft plastics. I went through and purchsed a bunch of color options at $1.71 each. Not all colors are at this pricing, but plenty of selection. Ended up getting an assortment of pitboss (4" and 5", beat shad, and the federale 10" worms). Total of 60 baits (9 packages) for $21.50 including shipping. I really hate paying shipping online but at these prices it was worth the $5.

Nice job! Back with a vengeance. Knock on wood I have made it through 35 years without a significant back injury. Sports, outdoors etc are my life. Way to make it through. Better days ahead!

Yeah I don't remember which event it was (every weekend I usually look ahead and record whatever bass fishing shows I find on directv). It was an event kvd won. It was actually him who was doing this (is suspect this is normal behavior with all for culling fish). Not to mention seeing the "pros" lifting big bass by the lower jaw. Hate seeing that stuff.....anyway. sorry for getting off topic OP.

Great tip. Would probably work really well

Nice job! What a way to close season.

Since someone mentioned it, I figured I would comment. I agree with the statement of not puting another hole in the fish. However, have you guys seen how "pros" mark their fish in their livewells (saw it on bassmasters)? They drive a hook through the side of their mouth with color markers to help them cull. Kinda surprised this is ok, even if it doesn't increase mortality. Got to imagine it adds stress and difficulty to the fish under water with another hole in their mouth.

I agree. After having my first child 6 weeks ago, it works out best for me to fish at night while she sleeps vs early am or day when she is awake and my wife needs help. So I think a new father was one who first fished at night. There is only 24 hours in a given day. We can't always control our schedules. Life happens. So it's nice to still be able to venture out with nature and do some fishing at night!