jr231

Yea the fat ika is deadly on all bass . I wish they had more color options but everyone I've tried I used them all up. Just like every other GY plastic I've used.

If you rig it skirt up it falls away from you naturally .

Yea I can't remember the last time I left a hook in a bass. If it's gut hooked and I can't get it out using the gill plate trick , I carry a set of diagonal cutters and push the hook up and clip the barb. Then it slides right out no problem. It amazes me how much disregard is shown in some "outdoorsman"

I agree the crappie need to go.. I can't see the bass. But a bass has to be pretty decent size for it to choke a 5 inch bluegill. That 3-10 lbs is just for bass. I'm not sure what the bluegill is. 3-10 is a broad range. And you have to adjust according to your ponds needs. The crappie do need to go if you want big bass, along with selective harvesting of the skinny adult bass. Harvesting some bluegill will not damage the pond..nobody is saying to go catch all the biggest bluegill you can and take those specific ones out. See what a pond management in your area recommends for harvesting bluegill . I almost guarantee that he/she recommends harvesting ADULT BLUEGILL. Just Google it.

I think the 4" gets more fish. But for me they tend to be smaller. Not always.. but usually. I start big(er) and downsize if necessary.

Looks like a pond hoppers dream to me. Nice !

Man that was fun wasn't it. Worth it Everytime.

@Drowning A Worm I think these may be a better option than a senko. Rigged skirt up.

You wont be able to fish that pond out. It's nearly impossible. Removing the skinny bass that are 10-12 inches is a good start. In unfertilized ponds its recommend that you take 3-10lbs per surface acre (annually) harvesting some of the gills will not hurt the pond at all. And could do some good if there are way too many. Bluegill should be harvested annually just like the bass should to keep the populations in check. Saying that the bluegill don't compete with the bass for food is not completely true. There is a pond I fish and the owner has me go to the tackle store and buy a large amount of minnows to "feed " the pond. Naturally i fish with them when I do this. And believe it or not I catch just as many gills as I do bass on 3"+ minnows.

That northern looks like perfect bait for a big northern ha-ha. Shouldve nose hooked it and let it fly . Good read. Thanks for posting.

Lol it's a dink.. but is it a LM or spot. I wish someone would chime in who thinks they are 100 % positive. I'm curious

I wish I had another sensitive spinning set up. For fishing soft plastics weightless.

I start with a 5". A trick I learned from this forum (while Texas rigging) is to cut off about a 1/4" of the senko when it gets torn up.. this keeps the hook always in fresh plastic and you would not believe that the bass could care less if the bait is a full 5 inches . You know you're having a good day when you start with a 5"senko and before you get a new one it looks about 3 3/4" . This way you can keep the thickness of the 5" and still have a shorter bait.. this is sometimes a big plus.

I found some at DSG. The screw in bullet weights. 5 pack for 3.49. bargains.

I think largemouth too.. but . No where near an expert.

You said that you like using plastics.. Fat ika and double tail hula grub have been super hot for me lately ! Both fished weightless. But this is in ohio.. your results may vary in Florida.

I just meant better than being stuck on the shore !!

I'd go dark.. blacks and purple.

Hell an inflatable raft is a better option!!

I guess it'd be hard packing a canoe on a BMW LOL

What trailer ?

You're a few hours from me... I don't think it's lure selection. Traps and senkos are proven fish catchers. I really wish I could help ya man. If the fish aren't there you won't be catching fish. I don't use any electronics when I use my jon boat and I usually do pretty decent.. I can only target the areas I THINK are productive.. it's hit and miss really. I wish I had that fancy stuff but I make do with what I have. Everyone knows it's more fun when you catch fish. Im telling ya though.. the smaller body of water is key when you bank fish IMO. Whether it's a channel , river, pond or small lake. I tried to bank fish a 3200 acre lake this past summer with all kinds of promising laydowns and got nothing. I hiked so much through the woods to areas off the beaten paths with no reward but poison ivy. I dont think one time on a canoe is a good enough experiment! I know it gets pricy renting one so id just save up and get one. No matter what; you have a better chance of finding a bass in that canoe then you do on a small portion from the bank...

You and your bro need a canoe..! You can just troll around and catch all kinds of species. I'm not sure where Beverly is.. so I can't really help you on a spot.. bank fishing big lakes is really tough. The fish have so much room. I'd try to find some ponds or rivers for bank fishing.

Did you drop shot right underneath the pier lol

I know it could have happened with any crank.. but I love rapala. Ha-ha. ! Nice job !