The Bassman

Broke the tip off a Shimano Zodias two summers ago when I laid it down to unhook a fish. Just light tension and the tip broke cleanly at the first guide. Have to believe it was damaged already. I've got four Zodias rods that get used very hard with no problems but I'm always conscious to keep force distributed through the whole length of the rod. That said, I can't count the times I've bumped the ceiling or poked the ground when I'm walking and not paying attention. I've been considering a new Poison Adrena but I know I'm just tempting fate.

But we still like new toys.

I really haven't changed my routine. Except for a day here and there I get out at some point most every day, the advantage being that bank fishing requires little prep. With a few exceptions the ponds I fish have been all to myself. Most folks are walking or running on the neighborhood trails.

Same as a couple other guys, a Stembridge Fliptail when I was about 13. Mine was blue. Bass was probably 2-3 lbs. Told my friends it was at least 4. Fliptails were the oiliest worms ever made, I think.

I've caught smaller ones on chatterbaits.

My biggest problem with any topwater is reacting too fast. It's cost me a lot of fish, I'm sure.

I remember Arbogast selling a weedless version with plastic treble guards. Can only imagine how low the hookup ratio was with them.

Competition. Another bait would have likely caught one of them. It's why guys that fish treble hook baits sometimes catch two at a time.

Sounds similar to what has been my secret weapon this spring. It's a 1/4 oz. MB Dark Sleeper with a tail spinner. Should be great for stream smallies. Total weight is 7g. (Pic is actually a 3/8 version) Both have been deadly.

I've been painting for 46 yrs., 30 of it self employed. Pretty much quit exterior 10 yrs. ago. One has to be in decent shape to handle the sets that exterior requires. Knee and ankle issues have shortened my work days. (more time to fish, though).

I fully agree that selective harvest is beneficial. I'm a bank fisherman and cover a lot of ground so keeping fish is impractical. I'm frequently asked why I don't keep them. I just tell people that the bass and I have a deal that keeps both of us happy.

I've shortened several cork handles. The rubber butt cap compensates for any balance change. I've also used metal washers to make the tip feel even lighter. Works great.

I bank fish. Main game I play is how far away can I get from where I can go to the bathroom.

Your concerns reflect mine exactly. I mentioned in another thread that I try to rationalize about ponds losing fish. They would in fact produce better fishing if there was a measure of harvest. But I'm talking smaller fish. When I see one over two lb. dead on the bank that gets under my skin. True, I don't know what happened but likely it was mishandled after capture. It takes a long time for a bass to get to bragging size so fish that size are too valuable. In my experience far too few people know how to handle fish. As many as I've caught I still lose a few. I debarb my trebles and use hemostats to unhook. Fortunately bigger bass give you more room to work when they're hooked deep.

Anyone who says they never wear the skunk lacks the truth in them.

I usually count the first few then just get too absorbed with what I'm doing and lose track.

For me the spawn means catching 12-14" buck bass one after the other on topwater. Wish I could at least catch one that was a buck and a half.

Knew it was the copper clapper skit right away. Remember it well. Thanks for sharing.

That's Kosmo with a "K". lol

Speaking of unskilled anglers I freak out when I see someone catch a decent fish and clearly doesn't know how to unhook and release it quickly. I'm seeing more dead bass on the bank lately probably due to more fishing traffic from Co-vid. I guess it might actually be helping the ponds I fish since no one harvests. Wishful thinking.

I've gotten to be a big Z-Man fan of late. Kinda nice not having to deal with torn baits. Also, I'm starting to believe there's some merit to the concern that plastisol baits are ending up in the guts of fish. That said, I do make an exception for GYBC Fat Ikas.

Open water and clean structure facilitate that style well. I fish midwest retention ponds so vegetation limits my options during warmer months. Enjoy!

Good looking fish. Even better looking rigs.

Anybody know whatever happened to @hootie?

The best time to catch bass is whenever you can go. Don't know where you're located but it sounds like you're still in pre spawn. One of the best times of the year for big bass. Just go fishing.