IgotWood

I think no matter what line you use, you will get a few loops or loose wraps on the spool from time to time. I have developed a habit of looking at the spool every 4-5 casts. If I see a loop, or loose wraps, I’ll bomb a cast as far as I can I retrieve the line back onto the reel nice and tight. No big deal.

Orvis Barbour fingerless! They’re 100% wool, warm, water shedding, and cheap. PI carry two pairs. They get wet but they still keep you warm. Once they get really saturated, I take them off and slap them on my knee a couple times, and good to go! On a really cold day, that backup pair comes in handy. I cant wear waterproof gloves. Usually they are cold, and I can’t stand anything between my fingers and my line.

I’m sorry...yes a weightless jig hook. Or even a wide gap swimbait hook.

I’m sure it will work just fine. You hear a lot of people ask, “what’s the best boat?”. And many of the responses are, “the one that gets you out on the water”. Use it for a while. At some point you will notice a few things that you’d LIKE to have if you buy another suit. Or, perhaps the farmer John may turn out to be just what you’re looking for.

I’ve spent many years wetsuit fishing in the New England surf. I like 5mm neoprene socks and my Korkers wading boots over them. 50 degree water is about the coldest I’d go out in. You may also find that the farmer John isn’t quite ideal. A one piece, top entry suit would be best, as it lets in much less “new” water in. The Xcel Inifinty suit was my favorite suit. But it’s a bit pricey. Another benefit to a one piece suit designed for surfing is the mobility. Dive suits and farmer johns tend to be a bit bulky and less stretchy, ultimately becoming uncomfortable very quickly.

I have the same trouble. Try shoving a nail weight in the bellies of your baits to keep them keeled. If that doesn’t work, try lead-free jig heads. Your typical size 1/8oz jig head will still have the same size hook, but will only weight 1/16.

That 6’8” St Croix makes a fantastic Senko rod. Although I tend to gravitate to spinning gear for Senko these days, if I am fishing some heavy grass with a heavier leader, that Mojo is the cat’s a$$

I typically fish in the afternoons/evenings when the water temps peak. If I get three days of consistent, and unseasonably warm weather, I’ll fish before noon. But ultimately the later half of the day is the ticket. But for right now, even though the temps are touching the 30’s at night, I suspect the mornings to still be productive on my local water. Once December rolls around and and the real winter pattern has set in, that’s when I shift to strictly afternoon fishing.

There is a decent amount of shore access near the boat ramp at Stumpy Lake. Stumpy is known for big bass. Stumpy is a very shallow and flat lake, which means any part of the lake can hold fish at any time. No need for a boat. So many trees along the banks to fish to.

Currently with the water higher than usual, I found that my local lake has a slightly noticeable current. So I have been targeting the downcurrent side of the flats, and it has been laying off quite well. Especially if you can find a flat or a point near a creek mouth.

Water 70 degrees or warmer, near banks, wood/brush, and especially on matted vegetation.

Depends on how I am fishing. If I am fishing live or artificials on a dead drift, then I will work my way upstream. Cast upstream and drift it back. If if I am fishing moving baits that I want to swing, like a crank, or spinnerbait, etc, I would work my way downstream. If working downstream, keep in mind that the fish are likely to be facing upstream, and will see you or your shadow before you’re able to present a bait to them. Not really a big deal, you just need to be a little more cautious and strategic as you’re moving around.

Wow, crazy story! It’s so easy to be complacent when we fish the same spot, the same way, all the time. Bad things never happen when it’s convenient!

I’ve been waiting a few years now for the jerkbait bite... I have never had a good day with them on my lake. I’ve witnessed others put on a clinic all around me. I’ll keep at it...

I am rather new at swimbaits myself this year. I’ve had a good bit ofsuccess fishing it like a worm. I rig on a lightly weighted swimbait hook. Cast and wait it to fall to the bottom. Slowly bring the rod tip up to about 11 o’clock, let it fall to the bottom, repeat. The bite is also much like a worm; you feel one or two gentle bumps. And I am also fishing very heavy grass. Also try downsizing and using as little weight as possible.

I stumbled upon PB&J by accident a couple years ago. I have a slight problem with color vision and picked up a bag of baits in a hurry thinking they are black/blue. Turned out to be pb&j. It was a very lucky mistake! It’s a great fall color for me. It’s also good on my lake when the bite is tough. Another great offbeat color color is black/orange. For some reason this color is good on a jig in the fall after a big rain with dirty water.

Dude I’m with you, man!!! I don’t think I’ve ever caught a fish on green pumpkin. Plenty on different shades of green with some blues swirl, but never on straight up green pumpkin.

Most guys are using a “noodle rod”; usually 8ft+, light and slow action, with 8-15lb test. In some cases you may want to tie on an even lighter leader. They can get picky at times. Load up on a bunch of different color egg sacks at one of the local shops and you should be in business. Keep changing colors. They can get on one color for an hour, and another color an hour later. And try not to spot hop all day. If you get into good water, just be patient and stay there for a while. Many days the fish will keep moving up throughout the day.

For right now, Senko Fishing doesn’t really change in my area yet. By mid November when the water temps have dropped considerably, I’ll often downsize to a 4” Senko and slow down my presentation. There are also a couple of colors that I only fish during the cold which seem to have their days.

Yup, most guys are using “noodle rods” out there. Usually a long spinning rod 8’+, with a very light action. And very light line, 6-10lb flouro. Most people are using egg sacks for bait, which can be bought at any of the shops on the rivers. Rig them on a small octopus hook, maybe a sz6, and add some weight. Fish this under a float, or just dead drift it and keep in contact.

Once in a while I use the VMC Drop Dead weighted hook in 4/0, 1/16oz. The hook shanks is quite long, and the weight is placed just in front of the hook bend, which helps the bait fall level. I use 10lb flouro with no trouble.

Funny...I’ve never noticed the lack in availability and colors. My local BPS carries red, and green pumpkin, which, ironically are the only two colors I’ve tried. And they work just fine? I also haven’t noticed imuntil now that nobody really talks about them. They work great!

If you go there to target salmon, you will wind up catching a bunch of trout and steelhead. If you go there geared up for trout and steelhead, you will probably catch a few salmon. But all jokes aside, depending on where you fish, the coho’s follow the kings up the rivers too. The coho’s will eat! They aren’t huge like the kings, but they aren’t small either, and they will drag you up and down the river!

An Atlantic...cool! They’re like missiles every time I’ve hooked them on the fly rod. Very acrobatic!

I considered this, but I don’t like having my phone out on the deck. Phones and water don’t mix well.