The Bassman

I go really basic. I carry a lot of my baits in those velcro lure wraps like Bass Pro sells. I know it's not their intended use but it works for me. Lets 'em dry out, too.

I've spooked bass off the bank all winter in some of the ponds I fish and I'm in central IN. We've been frozen over several times including now. Kinda odd waiting for ice out in March after fishing all winter.

I mostly use 2500 Stradic FA's but have this one 1000 for finesse/winter fishing. Just didn't care for the short handle (especially the round EVA knob). Swapped it out for a 2500 handle with a left hand septon knob. Really light with the JDM 6'4" Zodias. I'd really like to try the FB's but my FA's are great and I don't think they're wearing out any time soon.

FWIW don't abandon your spinning tackle completely. There are times that you'll need it.

You're in elite company since the technique's namesake buys his there, too.

Yeah, that self centering bail was rough on that anti-reverse dog.

Until a couple of years ago I used TX 2000's. They weren't bad reels and for 30 bucks they were definitely worth the money. Always wanted to see something from Shimano above the Spirex with quickfire. It was really handy for fishing in current because of the speed you could cast and engage the bail with one hand.

In its day that rod was top tier. New stuff is way better but still a shame to know it has little value.

That's what I do but it's still a hassle. I have to stretch the bait to the point that it's just a "skin" at the keeper point then try to work it through. Then the bait never sits snug to the head. Arthritis in my thumbs doesn't help either.

Those look great. My problem is with the keeper. Blunt wire keepers take a bit of effort to stick elaztech baits. I have the same problem with my Owner Blockheads which I like otherwise. As much as I dislike Z-Man's heads the sharp keeper works.

10# Smackdown is super skinny. A large arbor reel like a Tat 4000 would give great casting distance with light baits using at least 15#. The stuff is JDM dia. like Sunline.

Picked up some Bubble Gum TRD's and put a couple in my "ned bag" with greens and such. I now have two flesh colored "pinky fingers" and they catch fish. I guess elaztech color bleeds just like plastisol.

I've been involved in this community for almost 2.5 years now. I've fished all my life and considered myself capable enough. My skill set has improved considerably since joining and I'm still learning. Lots of good input here.

We have a thread devoted to that.

Had some good action this afternoon with these two being the best. I know all my pics look the same but it's the only way I know to get them with my flip phone and no one else around. Usually by now I'm chomping at the bit for spring (still anxious to move on to other techniques) but this winter has been a fishing season in itself. Lots of memories.

These are my exact circumstances here in IN. I've been catching all winter with the ned rig and just the other day did real well with a small blade bait. Very little jerkbait use. I'm sure it's just a confidence thing since I'm so used to the finesse stuff. The bottom of my lakes do have a lot of bright green "snot moss" and I'm sure they're mucky. I use a very light head (1/32-1/16) to try to keep the bait up a bit. I've found that using a single inline hook on the back of my blades helps, too. I still have to clean them off a lot, though.

Here's another tip. Always take your elaztech baits off and store them after you're done. Some, especially Zinkerz are so porous from their salt that they stay wet for a very long time. Makes for big rust problems.

I'm just one state east of you. We're in for it, too. I will say that I remember early March blitzes like this transition to nice weather real fast. Last year everything tanked the second half of March. Let's get it over with.

Cane pole , good ole red and white round bobber, and worm. I was six. I'd caught a few bluegill before that and can still remember yelling when the bass jumped. It probably was only a 12 incher but knowing me it probably took a while to quit talking about it.

Nothing like wanting to go to bed but the neighbor is mowing grass at 9:30.

Stren. Bill Dance wouldn't be caught without it.....until High Seas pays him more money again.

I think you're trying to be too surgical. You have to tear a little skin. It heals. Better to get the fish back in the water quick than worry about a hole. I catch bass with fully disjointed jaw hinges sometimes. It's the nature of the sport. They don't hurt like we do.

A few of the HOA lakes I fish are crawling with foot longs. I'd love to eat a few but it's just not handy since I fish on foot. DNR can't enforce min. size limit either.

Hey, my two cats have never had a parasite! LOL. Catfish get a bum rap for being bottom feeding scavengers. In reality, for the most part they are quite predatory. Get bit by one while you're cranking and it'll give a whole new perspective.

I mentioned it was very thin. Causes problems. 40 would be perfect IMO.