roadwarrior

avid, I can picture just what you are describing. I was thinking about dragging the bait over the tops of the pads and "working it" like a lizard, Slug-Go or frog. My point was that these other profiles work better for that type of presentation.

Glenn may want to respond in greater detail, but your quote (above) pretty much sums it up. Content, tone and direction are all considerations.

I fish them just like a Senko: Cast parallel to structure or cover and allow the bait to fall to the bottom on slack line. Let it sit for at least 30 seconds, then move the Fat Ika 6"-12" with a slow horizontal sweep, allowing the lure to fall back on slack line. Leave the lure motionless for at least 10-15 seconds between movements. Repeat until you feel you are out of the "zone." The Fat Ika imitates a crawdad. I think there are much better options fishing on lilly pads.

The moss is spirogyra: http://www.micrographia.com/specbiol/alg/filamen/fila0100.htm Several of my ponds are infested with this stuff right now. It makes fishing very difficult. This weekend I fished a frog Saturday morning and a Slug-Go yesterday. I caught one nice size bass each morning, but they became entangled and completely covered up in moss. I had the same experience last weekend and probably won't fish these ponds again until they clear up. The strike is pretty cool, but that's it...no fight, just mess.

Gary Yamamoto 6" Senko, Watermelon w/ black flakes, 8 bass, fished the bait for 10 years. GYCB Fat Ika, same color, 1 bass, 3 years. Micro Munch Tackle El Gordo tube, Black Neon, 1 bass, 2 years. Micro Munch Tackle 1/2 oz black jig/ GYCB Fat Baby Craw, Black w/ bue flake, 1 bass, 2 years Norman Fat Boy, Bluegill pattern, 1 bass (my PB), 2 years. Last "might have been" but I'm not counting it: 6" Senko, Black w/ blue flakes, 1/01/07 (One Cast, One Pig).

That's a great day. Congratulations!

I don't think you did anything wrong, but "moving on" was the right thing to do, too.

I like the strike, loading your rod and knowing you have a big fish. I like to have the fish, particularly smallmouth, coming up and out of the water. But what really trips my trigger is having a big 'ole brown fish strip off about fifty yards of line against drag!

If it were my property I would not issue a warning but would have you arrested and press charges. In some states you might lose your fishing equipment, vehicle and the right to hunt and fish for several years. Trespassing to me is a MAJOR crime.

Agreed. I think you would find the GYCB Fat Ika VERY productive, too.

#12 Yo-Zuri Hybrid or Hybrid Ultra Soft.

It is very difficult to estimate weight, pictures often make fish look bigger or smaller than they actually are. Just based on the pic, I would say this is a very typical "about five pounds" that wasn't weighed. If you put them on a scale, most "5 lb" bass would weigh around 3 lbs.

EXCELLENT! That's quite a weekend. Congratulations.

In general, I would suggest 6 1/2' or 7' Medium Power/ Moderate Action or Fast Action with a soft tip. I have an an all-around rod for medium weight treble hook lures, including top water. Mine is a Medium Power/ Fast Action rod with a soft tip: St. Croix Avid AC66MF. I also use this rod for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. (The tip is too soft for soft plastics and jigs).

I have two Shimano CTE200GT (5.0:1). These reels are strong, smooth and compact. I like the way they look and feel. I originally bought my first CTE200GT almost exclusively for striper fishing. If you are looking for a stout reel that will stand up to heavy freshwater fishing, but is still relatively light and compact, this is the one.

Wow! That's some amazing fishing.

avid. Thanks man! I missed all the news today...but this is just too cool. 8-) The princess in prison...wow!

Nothing you have in mind is what the lure is designed to do. A frog or Slug-Go is a much better option for you.

Wow! Seems like a waste of time to me, but I fish junk, too. Why not fish a Senko or Fat Ika and catch some big bass from the get-go? I know almost any bait will catch a bass SOMETIMES and if your're participating in a challenge I guess you have to stick with it. For anyone else though, there are much better options. I fish certain techniques and lures for fun, even when I know something else will work better. When you get to that point, fine, but if you are REALLY interested in catching some bass, stick with what works. Soft plastics are NOT always the BEST option, but they almost always produce some bass.

It's not the hook, that's all I use. When you feel the bite, try a "snap set." Reel down QUICKLY. When you feel the fish, snap the tip of your rod without moving the position of your reel relative to your body. This action will drive the hook home. The point does not need to be exposed, but if you are fishing relatively open water without mossy conditions, I like hooking up EXACTLY like the lure pictured above. BTW, Cephkiller, that is my favorite smallmouth color, Kent's classic by Mizmo (squash green).

#1 Gary Yamamoto 6" Senko, Watermelom/ black flakes (8) #2 GYCB Fat Ika, same color (1) #3 Micro Munch Tackle El Gordo tube, Black Neon (1) #4 Micro Munch Tackle 1/2 oz jig/ GYCB Fat Baby Craw, black w/ blue flakes (1) #5 Norman Fat Boy, bluegill pattern (1, PB) Those are the only lures that have produced 10+ lb bass for me.

Welcome aboard!

I like everything you are doing. I fish some ponds of similar size and would encourage you to fish the entire perimeter. In small ponds even the biggest bass must search for food, they cannot survive by simply holding at one or two ambush points. I catch big bass occasionally on spots that don't look at all interesting. All classes of lures will be productive on your pond at one time or another. I generally fish reaction baits early, in low light. My most productive time, especially for big bass, is 10:00 AM until 2 or 3:00 PM (either side of noon). During the day soft plastics are my best producers, specifically: Fat Ika, 6" Senko and Micro Munch Tackle El Gordo tube. Good luck!

The Shimano Curado is an excellent reel, but there are several models. This is the one I would suggest and this is a GREAT price, plus free delivery! http://reelfishingdeals.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=30&osCsid=c3089bb3b174c708de85c2066875416c

Your boat put a smile on my face, too!