BuzzHudson19c

Some say catching bass is easy, but catching BIG bass ain't easy. I may have posted this before but oh well...

^^^This^^^ I've caught some big bass in the middle of summer in very shallow water. Especially frogging.

I fish from a kayak as well, so I know what you mean. Sometimes it just becomes impossible with the wind.

Not a ton. If they made a ball head jig with a larger hook it's the same dang thing. Both bore me to tears (don't tell the Ned rig cult, they'll get me in my sleep).

That thing looks awesome. I'll buy 2. The only reason I don't hate savage gear after buying that stupid duck is the fact that they make my favorite frogs (lily ninja).

Sure in general during summer fish are most active in the early morning and late evening. But they are opportunist like everything else. As far fishing all day goes, always fish the whole day (if you can). Some of the biggest fish I have caught were in the middle of the day, with high heat, humidity and bright sun. When everyone says you have to slow it down or don't bother, you can still get them to hit reaction baits. Generally speaking overcast and wind is good, but don't keep from going out just because "the experts" say it's not worth it.

I just want it to be noted that I am very jealous of you. I vacationed in that area a few years back and I want to live there until I die, but I am stuck in in The People's Republic of New York for the time being. I only fished a little bit on my trip on the pigeon river. Few smallies, but nothing to write home about. Let us know how you make out.

I love the KVD 1.5. My go to smallie squarebill (blk/chart) I actually really like the Rapala scatter rap crank. Not a true square bill, but man they work.

Just keep fishing. I have been doing this for more than 20 years and I learn something new every time I go out. I doubt anyone of any age would disagree and we all get the occasional skunking. Time on the water = practicing your craft.

I caught a 10lb channel on a wacky rigged Yum dinger and one a week later on a KVD 2.5. The craziest for me was in the middle of the day, channel cat on a dry fly.

Drag? Yeah, Drag dem bass outa tha thick stuff fas as hell. As far down as it will go.

Fertilize the garden.

Yeah, they have been annoying on the river lately around here. Take advantage of it. It's the easiest time of the year to take a bunch of them with a bow.

It depends for me. Example: Last week I got out early for smallies. Started fast with a buzzbait and caught two but they didn't crush it, just sort of slurped it. So grabbed a squarebill and voila, started stacking them up. Even when I catch fish on a bait I realize there may be a better one to suit the conditions.

When I and targeting smallies I never run skirts, just plastics (beaver, creature, grub, half a senko, craw). Skirts for the largemouth. I have tried Ribbit toads as a trailer in the past and didn't like it. The blade is on the top of the water and the trailer is slightly under, it just doesn't have the desired effect. Not saying it won't work, but I didn't like it.

Speed kills! Really though, I've seen a good fisherman throw frogs with 10lb mono on a spinning setup and not have a problem and a crummy fisherman have all the "right gear" and not be able to land one. Time perfecting your craft is paramount. (Which I'm sure you know, just rambling.)

Because trout are sissy fish!!!

I have never in my 32 years used so much as a depth finder. I like learning and challenging myself. The electronics seem boring to me.

My suggestion, start eating. Catch a bunch of small bass and have a fish fry. Take away some of the competition.

For an all around compromise line, 30lb braid is my vote.

Frog!!!!!

I get out as early as I can. Nothing better than having the water to yourself. The "best time to fish" thing is overplayed. Sure more fish are active at certain times depending on weather and time of year, but you can catch them at anytime as long as you know where to look.

Rapala makes a good popper without rattles, or at least they did last I knew.

Biggest pet peeve by far... when I am fishing and someone starts talking to me. I have said it before, I know I am a *****, but I don't want to be asked "How they bitin?" or "Any luck?" or "What you hittin em on?" Please go away, let me FISH for the love of God!

Throw a bait that covers a lot of water and works well at night in shallows. That way you don't have to be too picky. BUZZBAIT! (unless it's weeded out, then go froggin.)