king fisher

When I was a kid I liked to play baseball. When I hit a home run, I was on top of the world, but when I struck out I still liked playing baseball. I was always sure the next time at bat I would hit a home run. Fishing is the same. When I catch a big bass I am very happy, but when I am not catching, I'm still trying and having fun at the same time. The best part is, I never know when the next cast will be the one I catch my PB on. At the end of the day even if I get skunked I can always say I will catch them tomorrow. there is always another time at bat, and maybe if I buy a new lure, I wont get skunked the next time.

I didn't want to sound like I have to catch a big fish every cast. A reminder, I am fishing lakes in Mexico with almost zero fishing pressure. The bar is set higher than most lakes in the US. On some days a 5 pound bass is considered an OK bass, and catching less than 30 total bass in a day is a disappointment. I realize 7 or 8 random bass with with a couple over 4 pounds would be considered a great day on the lakes many anglers on this forum fish. It isn't the number or size of bass that is frustrating. It is catching one and thinking I have found the type of structure, depth, and lure the bass are going to want for the day, only to discover It was pure, luck. Instead of solving the puzzle, I spent way to much time trying to get the wrong piece to fit the puzzle. I find it more satisfying when I don't catch any bass at first, but after trying different locations and baits, I find where they are located, what they want and not only catch some bass, but am able to replicate the success on other similar places on the lake. I know when I can only catch one bass on a lure, or location, that I am just not recognizing a piece of the puzzle. I am sure there are more bass willing to bite, I am simply not able to recognize and replicate what made the one I caught hit my lure. I know not even pros can find a pattern every time, and there are so many factors involved, that even the most skilled and observant angler will often miss a piece of the puzzle, but it happened more this year than in years past and was frustrating. It would be interesting to hear what other anglers do when they catch a bass on the first cast, and no bites after that. When do they decide to change up location, lures, etc. Is patience the best option, or cover the water a better plan. I did have some success giving an area I caught a singe bass a rest, and coming back later with the same lure and as luck would have it catch one more. It would be interesting on those days to have FFS. but I'm sure that could also add to the level of frustration.

I believe in the old saying. It's not the kill, It's the thrill of the hunt. Same goes for fishing.

That's a trophy. May even be one for the record books.

This past year I had more difficulty finding a pattern while bass fishing, than any other time in my whole life fishing for multiple species. One day I fished a favorite lake and, started off fishing main lake points with crankbaits. After marking fish and bait in the 12-16 foot range, on the south side of the point I threw a marker out and started casting. After casting at the spot from different angles I caught a bass. Hoping I found a pattern, I continued to make casts from that angle. After a few casts with no bites I switched color of crankbaits, with no success, then switched to a different size of crankbait, while also trying different retrieves. After spending way to much time on crankbaits I gave up and decided the bass must want a slower presentation. First cast with a Carolina rig I caught a nice 6 pound bass. Now I was sure I had found the right spot and presentation, but after many more casts from different angles, no bass. I tried different plastics and different retrieves, but nothing. Not wanting to give up on main lake points I went to another point with the same results. First few casts a bass on a crankbait, then nothing, first cast with a Carolina rig, a big bass but after that nothing. Some times I left to the next point, other times I would threw the whole box trying everything before giving up. One time the first cast with a jig landed me a nice bass, then nothing. Finally I decided, main lake points might not be the best pattern. I then tried the back of a small bay. First cast at a laydown with a spinnerbait landed me a 5 pound bass. Next twenty lay downs nothing. Switch to a Texas rigged worm, and caught a bass on the first cast, then again nothing. I then went to another bay with lots of laydowns but no bass. After trying 4 bays with no success, I tried a bluff wall. First cast parallel to the bluff with an underspin, a caught a 3 pound bass, which was the first and last bass of the day, caught on bluffs, or om underspin's. The same thing happened almost every time I went bass fishing on a variety of lakes. I could find a location, and lure to catch a nice bass, but could not manage to repeat my success at that spot, similar location, or with the same lure. One lake I was desperate and decided to try a more finesse technique. I brought a spinning rod rigged with a drop shot, and after catching a couple small bass on a crank along a rock wall extending from shore out in to the lake I decided to try the drop shot. First cast I caught a 4 pound bass. That was the last bass I caught along that wall, and the first and last bass of the day on a drop shot. Does anyone else suffer from this dreaded one fish pattern syndrome, and if so what do you do to overcome this frustrating fishing sickness? Maybe I found the best pattern, but didn't realize it. I should simply make only one cast with any lure, and only make one cast at any location. If I run out of lures to try, then I can buy more lures. The Bait Monkey would love that pattern

I feel I have accomplished an amazing feat any time I make a cast with any type of reel and don't get a backlash.

Ice out for me means no more Margaritas.

Buy a thermometer made for aquariums at a pet store. They are inexpensive an accurate. Then compare to your fish finder. Most fish finders have a Temperature offset in the settings menu. I'm not sure about your model, but it might have the option. If not, than subtract the difference in your head. On the sport fisher I captain, we have $30,000 worth of electronics on board, one garmin system, and one Furuno system, and I still check the water temp. daily with a thermometer. It is not uncommon for one unit on the boat to read a few degrees high and the other few degrees low. I go to the menu and change the setting to read correctly. Most of the time you will only have to change the offset one time, and it will read correctly for years.

25.75 inch 10.4 lbs. 7 inch Junebug Senko Jan 16 2022

2022 humbled me. I hope to be bragging non stop in 2023

I will be driving the boat for the marlin. I might have to reel in a tuna.

I wont be fishing for them until mid January. My boss wants to go to Bara De Navidad for a week around the 18 th. We will catch, lots of striped marlin, and should get a blue or two. Blacks are mostly gone from this part of the pacific, by the end of December.

I will be working and probably wont have a chance to fish for bass for a couple months. Can I post a picture of my first marlin of 2023?

First goal is to kick the Bait Monkey out of the house, and become more skilled with the baits I already have. Second goal is to catch a new PB. The pursuit of the second goal, will l make the first goal very difficult. It is much easier to buy a new lure thinking it will be the magic bait that will catch a giant bass, than it is to take the time and effort to learn to fish what I already have more effectively. ( especially jigs) After years of looking for the magic lure, I am positive I will never find a magic bullet. Even though I am aware of this fact, the force of the Monkey is strong. Third goal is take more pictures. This is a goal I set every year, and as the years go by I wish I had done a better job of achieving this goal.

Relatives came to town last night, and brought my Christmas tackle order down with them. I set my new record for smallest order, and still be over $50 for free shipping. Bait Monkey is happy, and looking forward to the day when a single bait will qualify for free shipping.

I horde mine, along with all the other lures I don't use, but am sure I might need some day.

I'm always talking about fishing, but am not really sure what I do in my daily life.

It should read. Warning. This lure requires a high degree of angling skill in order to consistently catch large bass. If you do not want to take the time and effort to acquire the necessary skills, than it will only take up space in your tackle box. To many unused jigs, in a tackle box can be heavy, and cause excessive stress on your joints which can lead to a number of arthritic ailments. Some anglers who have taken the time and effort to use this product correctly, resulting in catching large bass consistently, have been rumored to becoming addicted to this product, and it has been reported that this addiction has been the cause of financial difficulties. This product is safe, and will catch larger than average bass, if used as directed. This company is not responsible, for any angler becoming addicted to this product, or any difficulties associated with an addiction to this product. This company is not responsible for the users, lack of ability to use said product in the way it was designed to catch large bass.

Yes. It is a 1947 Piper PA11 Cub special. The model in-between the original J3 cub. and the Super cub.

I have been fortunate enough to have many inspiring moments. Including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and many breath taking places in Alaska. My fondest memories are of a valley on the southern border of Katmi Park Alaska I called home for many of my younger years. I have many fond memories, of summers fishing the streams, spring and fall hunting Cariboo, Moose and Brown bears, and winters trapping. Impossible to describe the feeling of looking out over this majestic valley knowing much of the time, I was the only human in the valley. Picture was taken from a ridge top while I was setting up a spike camp for fall bear hunting. The photo shows the valley, and small jagged mountain range to the north. Katmai Park boarder is next drainage a mile behind the person taking this picture to the south.

As long as the technology does not harm the resource, make it more difficult for those that don't choose to use that technology , or in any way interferes with an angler who doesn't have said technology, than why would any a fisherman care, what fish finder another angler uses? If you don't think using the latest live scan sonar is fair, sporting, or for any reason something you don't want to use, than don't buy or use it. As long as fish population, or other anglers experience isn't negatively effected, than I say it's a free country. Using dynamite, or electroshocking bass are methods, that are very effective, while universally considered unsportsmanlike, but are illegal because of the effect they have on the fishery. Using new technology in tournaments is a completely different topic. Everything that is allowed to be used or not used in a tournament effects all the anglers in that tournament. For example. Not allowing the use of nets gives an advantage to younger more athletic anglers. There are many other examples of limiting or not limiting gear that can have an effect not only on the angler who is using the gear, but also effects his competition, who may not have the new gear, or the ability to utilize it to full potential because of financial, or other reasons. Then the argument must be made to the organization that is organizing the tournament weather to allow a certain new technology. These are not issues that need to be addressed by those in charge of managing the fisheries of a state or a particular body of water in a state. If a person doesn't like the way JJ uses new technology to catch big bass and don't like the way he makes videos, than don't watch his videos, or use the same technology. The technology he uses is available to any one who wants to purchase it, and the lakes he fishes are open to the public. He has zero advantages over any other angler. He has purchased equipment that is on the market, taken the time to learn how to use it, traveled to the public lakes, follows the laws of the State, fishes in extreme weather, and goes through all the work and expense involved making videos of his catches. Anyone who doesn't believe that is a fair way to catch big bass, then fish the way you think is fair, but don't say he catches bigger fish than you because he cheats, or isn't a true sportsman. He is playing by the rules, and you too could play by those same rules and catch the same fish. If you chose to play by your own rules while commendable on your part, does not mean others should be bound by your personal beliefs. My only complaint about him would be charging $2000 a day for a guided trip, and only letting the client have first crack at the fish. Any reputable guide puts his clients first, and does what ever he can to get his clients fish, regardless of the clients skill level. The guide should not be concerned with catching fish himself. If he is upfront, tells the client when booking the trip, that he plans on fishing for any big bass the client wasn't able to hook, or if he asks the client if he minds if he takes a shot at a fish, and the client agrees than I have zero complaints. I fish for bass from a kayak, with what gear I like to use, and can afford. I like the way I fish, and get great enjoyment from catching bass close to the water with limited gear. I do not expect any one else to fish the way I prefer to fish, and greatly admire anyone who is has the ability to use whatever gear they have, to the highest level. I simply don't see a need to ban the technology he uses, simply because he is very good at using it.

Maybe you can get AJ to sell you some of his collection of Mega Bass. Might be enough to stock your store for a year or two.

Wiggle Warts catch monster trout.

I am captain of a private 65 foot sport fisher home port is Puerto Vallarta. I don't have the grueling schedule of a charter boat captain, but maintenance on a private yacht is definitely a full time job.

Winter is my busy season at work. I don't have time for bass fishing, but at least I am on the water. I sure wish I had some time off from work to fly north for some ice fishing.