The Bassman

Funny thing is that I spent years casting mono and not braid because I was afraid of trashing twenty dollar a spool line. Finally switched and don't want to go back to mono. I do actually have two outfits spooled with mono for treble hook lures because it fouls hooks less. Mono also feels smoother when you're retrieving and I like that with crankbaits. Topwater and contact baits get braid.

Weather forecast is encouraging. I'm noticing the ice on ponds is already getting dark. I'm guessing it was still under two in. even with a full week of teens and twenties. Hoping to get back at it this weekend after the rain. Anybody else have plans?

Remember this past Jan. when we were in the minus teens? I was fishing open water less than 3 acres by months end. I actually stood on the bank as half the pond which had refroze the night before broke free and passed in front of me. It was like waiting on a slow train. That was Jan. 31 and I caught a few that afternoon. This was the first year I can remember catching bass in each month.

Glad you're on here. We've lost a few guys since I've been here. (That didn't sound good, did it?) I love hearing local guys' experiences and find it beneficial. I'm still fishing locally and can't wait for the weather to warm up next week. I hope the ice doesn't get a toehold in the meantime.

Have to think that the Aldebarans are the smallest, under 5 oz. I have an Ald 50 and it feels almost too small. Guys are using them for heavier apps, though.

That's a good sized lake. I bet they were biting somewhere. A body of water like that requires a measure of research and likely a boat. I fish from the bank but in small lakes. Fishing's been pretty good here in IN. Just being out is worth something and having other interests helps I'm sure.

7/8 will handle everything from small panfish flies to moderate sized bass bugs and streamers. Big bulky stuff is a challenge even at that weight. If you want to use bigger stuff be sure to go with 8 wt. Before you pull the trigger check out Cabelas. They seem to always have deals on fly combos and they come ready to fish. Good luck.

Are we talking spinning or casting? I can't help but sense that the OP isn't quite into specifics such as lengths and actions. A reasonable quality spinning outfit can be had for under 100.00. If budget allows a medium light and a medium action rod would cover a lot of applications. If baitcasting is preferred one should get as good quality as they can afford. Cheap casting tackle isn't as forgiving as budget spinning.

You'll have no issues with the guides. Go with the higher line weight for bass fishing. It's a fun and largely overlooked technique. also, don't scrimp on line. A quality weight forward line is almost as expensive as the outfit.

I used to just assume that early Nov. was it until next March. It's all a head game. I caught a few on a wacky Senko this afternoon. Just fished slower. The wind was an issue, though. Granted, I fish from shore so I can imagine boat control is a real challenge. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice but windy again. I'm going for it because next week is supposed to get cold again.

One of the most skilled members on here is @Team9nine. Follow his blog and you'll see that's all he's talking about lately. It's all for fun. I'd fish more for crappie except that I walk small lakes where they're not as available.

That's why I got married the second time.

I use a lot of smaller cranks so the split rings are tiny. They get swapped out for VMC 00 crank snaps. My eyes can't hardly see the split section and tying there is an accident waiting to happen.

I think Godzilla would be fine on less than that.

One aggressive bluegill!

Temps moderated a little here in central IN since Thanksgiving. Just for fun I went back to my warm weather tactics by throwing a weightless Senko. Just fished it deeper and slower. Had real good results with three over 2 lb. and this big one. Sorry about the bad lighting.

Fuego LT's are great reels for the money. I have a 3000 which is the same as some other manufacturers 2500 in spool dia. I like it because it has a slightly slower retrieve ratio but still a 30" plus IPT. Plenty of torque and only 7.6 oz. It also has a T handle which is more secure to me than fingertip knobs. All just personal preference. @Darren.makes a convincing case for his 1000's. I just feel that I get a bit better casting distance with a larger spool. I'm a bank fisherman so that's important to me.

Met and Chronarch will both do what you want great. Just a matter of budget. Zodias is a very fast rod. 72MH is a bit heavy for stick worms, especially shorter ones if you're fishing weightless. Others may disagree. Can't speak for the Dobyns.

I was really looking forward to getting away some Thur. but they keep pulling back on the high temp. Sun. supposed to be 50 before another cold shot. I know the fish can be caught. I've caught some the past few days(no real size) but I really don't enjoy being cold. Fishing with gloves doesn't work for me.

I've been fishing my whole life. I've considered myself reasonably proficient a fair percentage of that time. My family and friends have always associated me with fishing. Joined these forums two years ago and started to really learn this sport. I see you're new. Get involved and you'll gradually learn to discern good advice. We have a lot of very skilled (much more than me) members. Keep the faith and welcome.

Low Sat. night 31; high Sun 38; 40% chance snow and rain mix. Better you than me. Let us know how it goes.

Gear ratio isn't critical. If you read up on this technique (more accurately referred to as midwest finesse) you'll see that tackle is secondary. Technique is key. Ned himself uses very modest gear. As for lures, manufacturers have largely lost the essence of mwf to boost sales. It's all pretty basic and pretty much what finesse guys have been doing for decades.

The focus on core temp is key. I need my hands exposed to fish effectively. That said, even though I fish in cold weather I draw the line at about 40 deg. and light wind. Hang in there. We're due for a warmup. I've seen winters that started out like this then eased off. I'm betting Thanksgiving is going to be warmer.

I've got five real nice baitcasters and four spinning outfits. I love my BC's and use them occasionally but my spinners are my go-to, especially now with cold weather. I also find them to be more accurate casters. Not having to compensate for wind is a big plus, too. Baitcasting has its place for sure but I fish from shore and spinning is superior IMHO.

Glad you're well. Wouldn't want to lose you.