roadwarrior

I think I would try to find somewhere else to fish.

Russ, Just wanted to keep things stirred up. galv, What's a miracle bait? Maybe something that works everywhere, all the time and can be fished by anybody with any level of skill and still catch fish? Oh! That's a Fat Ika.

Fish deeper and further out from where the bank was two weeks ago. The bass are probably still staging where they were. I had this experience at Bull Shoals a few years ago (2002) and we slayed them when everyone else was fishing the brush. The weapon of choice was a Mizmo Gitzit, 3 1/2" Kent's Classic.

Hmm... Versatility? So I'll try to catch bass on something else when I already know what works. I fish lots of lures and use different "techniques" for fun. Yep, I'm not a tournament fisherman so I have that option. I fish a lot of the same water so "versatility" isn't really all that important to catch fish, but I want to be like them! I enjoy using various equipment and fishing a variety of lures, but if comes down to actually catching bass, I know EXACTLY what works for me and it works ALL of the time. Live bait, OOPS! All right, soft plastics...Yep, Senko #1...Fat Ika #1...El Gordo #1...it just depends on the day and the profile/ action the bass like that particular day. Here in the Mid South, that's year around. I guess I'm more like George Welcome, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

Welcome aboard! There have been (will be) many posts on how members catch bass. To start with, try a 5" Senko cast about five yards out, parallel to the bank. Work it slowly off the bottom. There is a pretty good chance you'll catch a bass.

Although I certainly agree that the 5" Senko might be the best option, there is more than one way to skin a cat.

A 5 lb bass is generally 21" long. Each additional inch adds approximately 1 lb. If you want a true weight, you'll need to weigh the fish on calibrated scales. Don't assume WalleyWorld digital scales are accurate until you test them, inexpensive spring scales tend to be just as reliable. Boga Grips are probably the best and can be certified, but they are expensive.

After you read the three articles Glenn posted, visit George Welcome's website. I think you will get a good feel for what you should look for in a guide and you might develope some specific questions you should ask your prospective host. The right guide will make your trip one to remember. This is my best tip: If possible, get a reference from someone you know. I have some specific guides to recommend in Tennessee and Arkansas, others on this forum might have a guide in their area. So, ask around and be specific. Note: There are at least four guides, maybe more, that are forum members.

I'm outta there! I got caught under a gigantic thunderhead a year ago. The lightning and thunder were literally on top of us. We took refuge in a barge holding enclosure, surrounded by tall concrete walls on three sides. We were "relatively" safe and had no other option. The situation lasted more than an hour. It was intense and terrifying throughout the entire ordeal. Next time I'm seeking shelter at the first sign of imminent danger.

I think you did the right thing.

What George said...

My #1 summer bait, especially last summer, is the Micro Munch Tackle El Gordo 4 1/2" tube, black neon, T-rigged, weedless, with a bead and unpegged.

Fat Ika, watermellon with black flakes (194J), 7' MF spinning gear (St. Croix Legend Elite ES70MF/ Shimano Stella 2500FB), Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6, Gamakatsu 3/0 EWG hook.

Salute. You da Man!

Welcome aboard! We have special sections or categories for a variety of topics. This post belongs in "Bass Clubs" so that's why it was moved.

Double hooksets. I can't count all the times I have landed a big fish that was just barely hooked in the very last layer of cells on it's mouth. It is hard to believe that these fish couldn't pull that last millimeter of flesh free and be gone. This is the primary reason that I don't believe in an extra hookset. The chances of pulling out are far greater than the probability that you will have a better hook-up.

Well, I have lots of time and I use a rubber net! As recreational C&R fishermen, we don't weigh many fish unless we think they are really big. My partner and I usually weigh what we think is our first 5 lb smallie (he always thinks it's 4 1/2 if it's mine). Then it's just big fish after that. We take a picture of just about all of our 5+. With stripers it's a little harder to get a good feel for 10lbs, 8 to 12 lbs look a lot alike. But...we weigh our big fish, our benchmark being 20 lbs. BTW, if you buy the Boga Grips, they eliminate all of the hassel and they can be certified, too.

This was an idea from KU_Bassmaster that works perfectly with no harm to the fish: Put the fish in a plastic grocery bag and attach the scale to the handles. Releasing the fish is a breeze.

avid, I like the way you think. Concise and to the point, I agree with your suggestion.

AmBASSador, I don't know about that "relative to the water from where it was caught". Although I appreciate your modesty, 9 lbs 6 oz. is a GREAT bass! Congratulations. I can't wait to see some of your "big" bass.

All but one of my biggest largemouth bass have been caught between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Pretty much the same story with smallmouth, too. I think the only reason some people have better luck in low light conditions is that bigger bass sometimes come in shallow to feed at these times. If all you fish is shallow water, then that might be the case.

No! Just above the green line in this General Fishing section you will find a piece with EVERYTHING that is known about fishing a Senko. Please read those articles and if you still have a question, feel free to send me a PM and I'll answer your questions or find someone who can. This reply is not intended to be mean spirited, but there is very little that hasn't already been written and read. Take some time and go through the articles, I'm sure you will see that the material is extensive. BTW, Welcome Aboard!

If you are fishing for largemouth bass, Micro Munch Tackle 4 1/2" El Gordo Tube, black neon. I fish it T-rigged, 1/8-1/4 oz weight and a bead, unpegged. If your primary target is smallmouth and Kentucky bass, Mizmo 3 1/2" tubes, Kent's Classic (squash green). I usually fish these with a traditional insereted jig head. I have also been having good luck with the GYCB 4" single tail Hula Grub which is being discontinued and on sale for $2.98 (10 pack).

This is how I would rank the top three artificial lures/ baits for numbers: #1 5" Senko #2 Fat Ika #3 3 1/2" Gitzit For size: #1 6" Senko #2 Fat Ika #3 4 1/2" El Gordo tube (Micro Munch Tackle) For anyone who wants to catch lots of big bass, I suggest going to the Senko threads referenced a couple of posts above. Senkos catch bass...Period.

Welcome aboard!