Reel Guy

My go to lure/bait is the Strike King Shimi Stick. I can try everything else but when all else fails, the worm gets them. Crawdads and lizards come in a close second. Green Pumpkin color seems to work the best but I hardly try any other color because that one works. I really need to try another color!

I use the Strike King Shimi Stick and caught a 21 inch bass with it and have caught many bass with it. I have also used the GY Senko and also caught a close to 21 inch bass. I actually like the action slightly better than the SK but don't feel the additional cost outweighs the performance but that is just my opinion. I think the GY Senko work great. I think what you use you have to have confidence in. We like to catch fish and if you think the GY Senkos are the ticket, then, if you can afford them, by all means, get a pack. If not, buy a pack that you know will catch fish. I have read the lengthy thread on the GY vs the rest of the world senkos and say if you like the GY, then get them. It's your business. I use the SK but I also have a pack of GY in my tackle box. It's just a personal thing for all of us.

Not sure what you have tried yet so not sure about advice. I agree with Ratherbfishing on the screw on the reel handle. On my Shakespeare spinning reel that 's the screw to change left to right or right to left. Let us know how you make out. Might want to check on You Tube or just a Google search.

Congratulations! Nice fish!!!

Always worried about catching one of the bats that flew around at dusk when I was flyfishing.

Makes you appreciate the good days! I had six on today and couldn't set a hook apparently on any of them. All of them swam towards me and I am reeling as fast as I can and didn't have the hook set. Not sure what was going on today. Still a good day.

Good one!!

Went to a private pond today that I had fished earlier this summer. The landowner was correct when he said the pond was low and full of algae and weeds. It also had lots of pond scum on top with very few holes to try and get anything through. Fished a Strike King worm, various frogs on top, one of which eventually became a tree frog if you know what I mean. Finally put a rubber crawfish back on and tried to find any openings at all. I had it Texas rigged but still caught everything on the retrieve. But I kept at it as I know this pond is full of bass as I have caught some nice ones in the past. Worked on them for nearly two hours with only a bite and one of the claws was missing. Still, I kept at it because I am persistent and don't give up easily. I was down to my final casts before I had to go because of other commitments and then this 16 1/2 inch largemouth took the crawdad, finally! Persistence and lots of luck today.

I recently retired and working part time and it's working for me anyways. The home projects seem to be stacking up but I will have to get to those at some point. Until then, tight lines!

Wow! Congratulations to him! We are, on every cast, potentially, one strike away!

Don't think this needs an explanation. If it's legal, whether now or back then, that's your business. No one needs to become the moral police for something they think is wrong. Certainly entitled to their opinion but perhaps should keep that to themselves. Not sure what this person's motive was in saying that, maybe just asking a question, I don't know. Same thing happened in the hunting industry when crossbows came out. People condemned those that use them claiming they are not 'real' bows. Well, they look real to me and if it's legal, go for it. You certainly have my blessings. Just my opinion. Let's just fish and encourage other to so the same and help them become better fishermen!

Sounds like a nice day on the pond! Congratulations to both of you!

Hi, My name is Reel Guy and I have a problem...most of the above!

Is there a website that you can look up the topographic info on lakes? I'd like to see where the deep places and ledges might be on the lake I am currently fishing on.

Heading back to the lake tomorrow but 2mph winds expected so shouldn't have any issues with the wind. As a new bass fisherman I have been successful with the worms, lizards and crawfish and sometimes forget I have other tackle to use! I may try the spinner baits tomorrow just to try them and try some other top water lures I have. Thanks everyone!

Last time I was out on a small lake that I fish and normally do fairly well but it was windy and the water not choppy but moving. I didn't catch a fish nor even had a hit. So I came and read everything I could on the Bass Resource website about fishing on windy days. Went out today and very similar conditions and no fish after it got windy. Had three before it got windy. The lake does not allow boats and the wind comes nearly straight at you so positioning is a challenge. Any suggestions? It seems like they shut down when it gets windy. Another regular at the lake said he experienced the same thing. Not sure what to try next.

I had a beaver coming close to me in an inlet from this lake I was fishing. I looked down to get my camera out of my pocket and he flapped his tail and disappeared in a water explosion! Never saw or heard that before but he obviously did not want his picture taken. He was probably within 10-15 yards when he sounded the Dive! Dive! signal! Made me jump a bit! Okay, maybe more than a little.

Nice fish and good story! You put the time in, you didn't give up, you kept trying different lures and the end result is a nice fish that you earned and deserved! Congratulations!

Hi Sean, welcome to the forum!

Welcome to the forum! I am originally from Western New York from the Buffalo/Lackawanna area.

Congrats on a great evening on the water! Happy Birthday!

Here in the Northeast in Western Maryland I have been doing fairly well on a local reservoir. Yesterday I went out with high hopes (I am always an optimist and that helps with fishing!) but caught nothing. Had one on but he got off before I could set the hook. Another I set the hook too soon and missed him. No fish today but that's why we call it fishing. Don't get discouraged. Talk to some local anglers if you know any and see what works for them or start up a conversation with someone you meet at the lake and see if they will give anything up. I am more than glad to share what I have learned or know works if they ask. I want everyone to enjoy the fishing! The specific honey holes maybe not so much. Where did I catch that big one? Answer: In the water. Experiment with different lures and check out the resources on the website (Bass Resources) as there is a wealth of information there to read. Good luck and keep us posted with the pictures!!!

I'd say that was much more than an odd day but really at a loss for words how to explain it. That's a lot more than you obviously expected! You seemed to get through it ok and for that...congratulations!

Nice color on the bass! My go-to bait on the pond I fish is the crawdad by Arkie Lures. Strike King worms work but the crawdad has been the most consistent. Good luck and keep us posted!

That was one nice day on the water! Congratulations! Awesome video too!