river-rat

I have used Oldham's jigs almost exclusively for over 25 years and can assure you they are first quality products. Terry Oldham makes three jigs that each costs under $5.00 and there is nothing cheap about any of them. Eye-Max Jig (best grass jig on the market in my opinion) - $4.75/each Trailer Hitch Jig (flipping and casting jig) - $3.75/each Oldham's Football Jigs - $4.00/each There are 24 different color combinations to choose from. If you're interested, you would have to call the company and speak with Terry to place an order. I can assure you that you will not be disappointed in the product. Here is a link - oldhamjigs.com

Living in south Louisiana, I don't have much choice but to fish shallow water year round. About the deepest I ever fish is 8-9 feet and that's only when I'm fishing in one of the few Mississippi River oxbow lakes I frequent.

At 72 my balance is not as good as it once was so I keep my Mustang inflatable on all day. And, I have two rules if someone wants to fish with me in my boat. #1 - You will wear a life jacket when the outboard is running. #2 - There will be absolutely no alcohol of any kind in the boat while fishing. No exceptions.

Zoom Ultra Vibe Speed Craw and Super Speed Craw Zoom Big Salty Chunk and Super Chunk Rage Craw Gene Larew 4' Salt Craw and 6" Hawg Craw

I grew up on CDM Dark Roast with Chicory or French Market Dark Roast with Chicory - I guess it's the New Orleans influence from my Sicilian family that lives there and it's still what I start my day on. Other than that, Community Dark Roast is my second choice.

I would also have to say that I just knew a plastic worm would catch fish. And secondly, the first time I saw a Gene Larew 4" Salt Craw I had no doubt it would produce. Like CATT I use other types of plastics from time to time, but a worm or Salt Craw on a Texas rig is still one of my confidence baits.

I change my starting and trolling motor batteries every 3 years without fail.

My sons are big time into duck and goose hunting and I'll make a couple of hunts with them during the season. Other than that I would rather be fishing.

I don't even attempt to chase new techniques. I'm still doing what I have done for years - flipping jigs, swim jigs, Texas rig, spinnerbaits/buzz-baits, top waters, and shallow crankbaits. This is what I have the most confidence in day in and day out. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure drop shots, ned rigs, etc. are very productive. I just don't feel the need to change what has been producing in the lakes and marshes I most frequently fish. And, I don't couldn't tell you the first thing about JDM or BFS tackle.

What CATT said. I have used the Silver Minnow with a skirt trailer for many years when fishing heavy grass. Be sure to sharpen the hook before trying to use it. The plating process when the spoon is made makes the hook very dull. The only other thing I would try is fishing punching with a grass jig (like Oldham's Eye Max jig) or a tungsten slip sinker of 1 oz. or more if needed. Try punching the edges of the grass mats if you think the middle is too thick.

I have been primarily bass fishing for the past 60 years not only because it's fun but because of the challenge to be good at it. To go out each trip and try to figure out what works best that day is what keeps me going after all these years.

I use Lew's reels exclusively. I turn off the centrifugal brakes and the magnetic brakes. I use only my thumb to control the spool just like I was taught as a kid. I can get away with this because the vast majority of my casts are 40-50'.

In addition to the Speed Worm, I like the 6" G-Tail Worm rigged Texas style.

These listed are a few that I wish were still available. Some of these can be found on Ebay at times. A.C. Shiner Arbogast Mud Bug Arbogast #2 Hawaiian Wiggler Original Bomber Lure Cordell Water Scout (this was a plastic model - not to be confused with the Strike King Spence Scout) Gene Larew 4" Salt Craw in the following colors - Black/Red Glitter, Butterscotch, Pumpkin Pepper/Green Glitter, Black/Powder Blue Claws, Black/Yellow Claws, and Pumpkin Pepper Gene Larew 5 and 6" Hawg Craw in the same colors as Catt mentioned. Hub's Chub Rattalur and Johnny Rattler topwater baits

The Hildebrandt Snagless Sally has been a staple for me since the mid 1960’s. And I always use a trailer on it.

Bass Assassin 7 1/2" Worm in Camoflage and Red Shad/Green Glitter Gene Larew Salt Craw in Butterscotch (out of production but thankfully I still have a good supply)

I’m 72 and it seems like the heat gets to me more each year. I launched the boat this morning at daylight and by 12:30 the heat index was 98 degrees so it was time to call it a day and head back to the camp. I figure I have caught enough fish in my life that anything I catch from here on out is just a blessing.

Sabbatical for me is when the lure is no longer made. For example, when Gene Larew was bought by Pradco, they quit making all but a handful of colors of the 4" Salt Craw. My two favorite are Black/Blue Glitter/Blue Claw and Black Neon, neither of which are available any longer. Also, the Larew 6" Hawg Craw and the regular size Hoodaddy were taken out of production. I'll always have a worm and jig-n-craw tied on because they have worked for me for many years. And, I'll put spinnerbaits in the same category.

Absolutely. I have no hesitation using a Devils Horse, Rebel Pop-R, or Spook on sunny days. I focus on shaded areas with cover.

Agree 100%.

Favorite - Gene Larew 4,5, and 6" Salt Craw - I use these texas rigged or as a jig trailer. Zoom Ultravibe Speed Craw Cross Craw Road Kill Craw Strike King Rage Craw

I'm pretty much tried and true. I think the last new thing I tried was a Biffle Hard Head swing jig with a Gene Larew Biffle Bug - and it does work. But I quit chasing new baits and techniques years ago.

Would this count for an old school lure that works great? Many years ago I took an Arbogast #2 Hawaiian Wiggler (which hasn't been in production for almost 40 years), removed the front propeller, and replaced it with the inline spinner from a Snagless Sally. To my surprise it has proven to be extremely effective in certain situations. I use this in shallow water with heavy cover where there are cypress trees, laydowns, button wood bushes, lily pads, and hydrilla. Due to the shape of the head it slides right over the cover. Anytime I'm fishing in the Atchafalaya Basin, marshes, and old oxbow lakes in central and north Louisiana I have this tied on. I have also used this to either win or place highly in tournaments when I was still doing that sort of thing. I have even used it at Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn with success. I have kept this mostly to myself except for my former tournament partner who passed away a few years back and a couple of family members. Guess it's time I let this out in the world for others to see.

In addition to what Catt mentioned I would include a Johnson Silver Minnow. But you very well could be correct in stating that it has become an unproductive area.

Bitter’s Bait and Tackle 7 1/2” Classic Worm in Red Shad/Green Glitter or Candybug/Gold. Both Texas rigged with 1/4 oz. Tungsten sinker and 3/0 straight shank hook.