Mobasser

It might be a little too early for topwater baits in your area.

I havnt had the success that others have on the Ned Rig. I caught a few small fish, but the bait got hung up too much to be a keeper for me, so I've put it aside for now. I think the main reason it works so well on some lakes is its small, moves slowly, and creates an easy target for bass. But, you could say the same about 4" plastic worms, tubes, or any smaller soft plastic bait also. For me, the Ned Rig is good in theory, but not in practice. Most times I need a weedless bait when fishing near or on the bottom.

I'm not sure. The one I mentioned has been great, but I wouldn't know how to pick a really good one. I think I just got lucky.

Several years ago I bought a Storm Chug Bug, 1/4 oz size in shad color. The bait became a favourite of mine. I caught many bass on this bait, and, bought an identical Chug Bug as a spare. Even though these two baits are identical, I've never caught one single fish on the spare lure. Both of these are original, Pre Rapala Chug Bugs and are the same in every way. When I used to fish crankbaits more often, I had a similar experience with a pair of Rebel deep divers. Both the Rebels were the same also, but one caught fish far better than the other. I'm wondering if others have had a similar experience with two identical baits? I don't have an explanation. Have you ever had this happen? What baits? And can you explain why?

I don't use EWG hooks very much, but I've had very good luck with standard GAMA hooks.

T rig plastic worm would be my first choice

For me it's chatterbaits. They don't seem to work where I fish.

Some of the better things I've learned about bass fishing came from older more experienced fisherman when I was young. One thing I was made aware of years ago were tall, dead, and rotting trees. My partner called them widowmakers, and told me that these trees could be dangerous, especially in newer lakes, where they often line the banks. Some of these trees were 50 to 60 ft tall, and with the base of these trees either submerged or in and out of water during high water times, the base of the trunk becomes soft and rots quickly. With the wind that comes with springtime in many areas, it doesn't take much to uproot or snap these trees off, sending them into the lake, or at worse case, on top of a fishing boat slowly trolling along. I've seen some of the big trees waiving around in the wind, but luckily have never had one break or land in the water. Since my partner told me this year's ago, I've always been aware of these widowmakers. They could cause serious bodily harm, or at worse be fatal. If your moving along a bank where tall trees are prevelent, scan the area ahead of you, and occasionally look up to be aware of what's going on. It could save damage to your boat and gear, and possibly save your life too.

You can get some good bargain baits at Wal Mart also. Beetle Spins at less than 1.00 per pack. Creme Scoundrel and other Creme soft plastics at good prices also.

Over 40 yrs of fishing I've bought a lot of stuff. I have 2 big tackleboxes stuffed with lures of all kinds, with another big box reserved for older vintage lures I've picked up over the years. The thing is, I rarely use all this stuff anymore. I've downsized what I take fishing, and my catch rates have remained good. I think I've got between 30 and 40 rods at home, but more than half are older outdated rods. Same with reels. I've got a bunch, but some are old or need repair. So, just like you guys, I love fishing tackle. I just don't buy or carry that much anymore. When I'm done fishing, I'll pass all this stuff along to my grandson.

For a much less expensive option, t rig a 4" plastic worm. Purple, Blue and black can work well. Almost any t rig grub can work too, and these give the option of a weedless bait. In the lakes I fish I could never use these swimbaits. They'll hang up on every cast

Black/blue

I bought some SK tungsten weights to try. I can't honestly say they were better than lead. Mine are 1/8 oz. As others have said, the heavier ones may be more sensitive, but for me they're not worth the cost. Lead bullet weights have been working for me for a long time, so Im staying with them for now.

I got in the habit of doing it years ago, and still think it's a good idea

My old thread from 2018. We've had some more threads on this topic since. It's been covered for now.

Rattletrap

I havnt really bought too much fishing gear for awhile now. Mostly line, and plastic baits. If the bills are paid, my wife doesn't mind. As for clothes? I have one suit hanging in the closet, and I can't remember the last time I wore it. Same attire every day. Work clothes most times. I buy what I need.

If your seeing these shad follow your spinner, your probably fishing in a good area. The bass will be close by. Try a slower bait of a different style.

I started years ago with round ABU casting reels. It took quite a bit of practice to get maximum distance and accuracy. It was all about using your thumb, to get these reels to perform well. I think with the newer reels, it's still the same. Lots of guys expect to cast perfectly just on the reel settings alone. All the settings and brakes on new reels are great, and can help tremendously, but you still need to learn to use your thumb, in combination with the settings on your reel. It's true with any brand of casting reel. Learn the old school way, and educate your thumb. You'll be surprised how good you can cast. I'm sure many will disagree, but learning to " thumb" a casting reel will make you a better caster. Thoughts or opinions here? Agree or disagree?

Lews LFS. Great reel in that price range.

90 FOW? None of the lakes I fish even have water that deep. Proof that they work over deep water

J Francho, good point on the Spook and similar walking baits. Lots of guys may not realize that these can draw strikes over deeper water too, not just shallow.

I'll also add Heddon Zara Spook, and Rebel Pop R.

Here's your answer. If your catching fish consistently, then your not in a rut. I sometimes use the same 2 or 3 baits for weeks on end because that's what's working.

I'll still have to stick with a t rig worm. Jigs are great too, but so many guys struggle with catching bass on jigs. I know I had a harder time catching bass on jigs years ago. A t rig worm seemed a little easier to learn.