RoweBoatRVA

Thanks for the response. I agree avoiding heavy is a great point to start with someone new. If I'm asking for personal opinion on how you get someone started, why post a link? It's also a vague link. If you think they question has already been answered you should say that. Thank, Catt but I am looking for fisherman's personal approach. I agree with teaching them the habits and patterns of fish from season to season. This is something that takes time. I trying to find out opinions on how people like to build someones interest in the sport. Like if its winter would you wait until Spring? Or you put them on the simplest fishing technique for the season. Or do you put them on what will catch them fish would it may be difficult?

I am trying to gather information on helping beginners with bass fishing. I'm looking for what other people think are good techniques and lures to start with. As well as what time of year and locations are best to make an inexperienced fisherman successful and building there confidence. I do have my own opinions but wanted to see how other people felt about this subject.

It's ridiculous that it seems like situations like this happens more and more because people are not taught fishing etiquette. Taking a quality boating course can easily help people with situations like this if the time is taken. @jamey1e hats off to you for being cool about it.

@J Francho I have found info but I am still sending VGIF an email because both the reservoir and lake are privately owned but are Va Stormwater BMP's. Thanks for the information.

Any idea where I could look it up? The reason would make sense with not wanting to introduce something foreign into an ecosystem.

70s in Central, Va all this week. Would it be good for my Largemouth population to help these guys over the dam? I have a local shad population already in the lake but would more help?

Do they normally spawn this early? I thought this might be what they are doing but had not seen it in previous years.

My local lake feeds into a larger resevoir. At the bottom of our dam thousands of what look like Hickory Shad are stacking up. Trying to move further up the creek but are stopped by the dam. In some of the other creeks off the reservoir the same thing is happening. Is this right for this time of the year?

If using this technique why not wacky rig a senko normally compared to on a drop shot? What are the benefits on drop shot? Do you not prefer the drop shot for prespawn? Or have a better technique?

New rod and reel for 2017: Shimano Crucial and Abu Garcia Orra SX

Crankbaits and jigs shouldnt be a problem casting far with the right line and settings. Senkos, especially weightless or wacky, are more difficult (but still not bad) with a baitcaster over a spinning setup. How heavy are the lures you are throwing?

@WRB makes a good point. What lure are you trying to cast and what size? Some lures are much more aerodynamic than others.

@Darren. The FG is definitely not an easy knot to tie on the water.

@bma3 You're lucky man. That's a beautiful lake.

@tander I was using the alberto and albright knots for joining lines. You should try the FG knot. I've started using it and I'm amazed how close it can be the the actual line diameter.

This is the route to take if you are learning to use a baitcasting reel. Get your hands on a quality rod and reel for a cheap price because you are learning. Learn on something you won't be worried about breaking. The same goes with the initial line you put on. Go the cheap route to get the hang of it and when its time to get a more expensive reel you will know what YOU are looking for in a rod and reel.

Looks like the Neko rig meets the Texas rig. I believe there also is a salt water rig using the same name.

Isn't there a saying that most lures are made more to catch the fisherman than the fish.

Just in the last two weeks I switched my spinning setups over to 'braid to flouro' and immediately notice the difference. Much more sensitive and being able to use a little heavier line gives me more confidence. I originally questioned if it was necessary for success and it's not. But if you take the time to learn to tie the right knots and manage your line properly (check for wear) you will see the improvement.

@shimanoangler Drive it 'til the wheels fall off. I don't believe in the saying 'if its not broke, don't fix it' because things can be improved. The only way to know if you need a newer reel is to try one. Feel it out in the store and if you are lucky find a friend willing to allow you to get a few casts in on a newer setup. I have been working on building my rod and reel arsenal. One of my close friends let me fish one of Abu Garcia's Revos to see if I needed to go that high. I didn't feel the price was necessary at this time and I opted for an Orra. I'm positive with my lack of experience I will not be able to see the difference.

You're right. It looks more like machined art than a fishing reel.

What is the gold reel in the middle?

It swam away not bleeding. I hope so. It was a healthy looking fish.

Caught a gut hooked bass on a crankbait and was able to remove the hook.

These hyperpigmented melanosis bass look like they are cross bred with koi.