Mobasser

Catt it's interesting how different factors can delay the spawn. Explains why some may think the spawn is happening, when it's actually not.It can be a tough time to fish. I've probably gotten skunked more in pre spawn than any other time of year.

Catt, I also think that the reason so many of us struggle to catch bass consistently is due to springtime weather. Pre spawn bass can be hard to pattern. It seems like there's no sure way to predict how they will act. Hot summer fish are much easier to pattern

Good job. Keep on fishing. That's what I like about Bass Resource. Some of the best fisherman willing to help out others.

Catt, I sometimes think the entire spawning process is misunderstood by many folks- me included. I've caught scores of bloody tail rough looking male bass over the years. I've seen very few big females on the beds. The ones I've cast to usually ignore everything. Good question but I'm not sure on the correct answer....

I think you've got the best plan on this one. My method has worked, but I never actually took it apart, and got it super clean. Thanks again

Sorry to hear! I too would file a police report, as they may be able to help. People like this have no respect for anything. Hope you can find out who did this, and get your canoe repaired also

My spinning reels have worked perfectly for almost 40yrs. I clean, maintain them myself, including the line roller. I was only wondering how others oiled the roller. Thanks for the helpful comments though?

A famous Civil War general made this quote during the war: " Don't take council of your fears". Thomas" Stonewall " Jackson. His words make sense today too

Went to the store yesterday and got everything we needed. The shelves will be full again.The thing to do is to buy what you need, and leave some for the next guy. Well said A-Jay!

I got a notice about Mark Twain lake. Why this lake? I havnt heard of other closings in Mo, except for some conservation centers, a few campgrounds etc? Hope they don't shut us down across the state

For years, I've loosened the screw slightly that holds the roller in place, put a small drop of oil on this area, tightened the screw back down and wiped off the line roller on my spinning reels. I havnt had any problems doing this. Is this the correct method for oiling the line roller on a spinning reel? Yesterday, a guy told me this was wrong. How else would you oil the line roller on your reel?

If I lived in an area where folks broke into vehicles often, I would consider 2 pc rods also. Newer 2 pc rods seem to be made much better and, from what I understand feel as good as 1 pc rods.

I have ultralight spin setups that I use for crappie and stocked trout. They're way to light and soft to use for bass in my area. A med or med light rod still has some backbone and is light and non tiring. That's the lightest tackle I would use for bass fishing Most 1/64 and less jigs and lures won't cast well with anything but a parabolic action rod. Also the line might need to be 2 to 4lb test with this setup. With this tackle you can hook fish, but landing them may be hard, especially around any cover.

Mike, that's a sad story. Makes me get mad just reading about it

Another thing that's a good value are Berkley casting and spinning rods. Some folks may look down on them as low end. They cost less than Fenwick, Loomis, and others, but if you need a main rod or an extra rod, they're hard to beat for the price

Some things that are a good value: Academy H20 line of rods, reels, and hardbaits. Zoom plastics, Big Game mono line. Shimano and Lews reels.

I was bank fishing years ago with a friend. We were probably 25ft apart, and he was throwing a white Bill Norman buzzbait, that I had loaned him. He made several cast with no takers, when he was reeling in the buzzer about 3ft from shore. BOOM!! A good bass smashed it. He missed the fish, and said" did you see that"? I said yes, you gotta be ready. He said "Man, that scared the crap out of me"!?

I agree. I think some baits become regional favourites with anglers. I've known a few Missouri anglers who liked purple and grape worms. Buzzbaits, I think are universal. They seem.to work anywhere bass are feeding on the surface. Lots of hot summer mornings a buzzbait and plastic worm are all I use.

I was first introduced to buzzbaits almost 40yrs ago. I was bank fishing a local lake, when two older guys came in in a small boat. They showed me the rods they were using, both strung with a buzzbait. They explained that they fished for the last hour or so almost every evening, and usually used a buzzbait. It was the first time I'd ever seen one. When they left, they gave me a black Harkins Lunker Lure, and told me how to use it. He said" son, when there's a chop on the water, hang on! Bass will try to kill this lure". Of course, he was right, and I've loved fishing buzzbaits ever since. Over the years, I've used all sorts of buzzers, single and double blade models. Most times in white, chartruese , or solid black. Buzzbaits are probably one of the best lures for a novice to throw, to experience some explosive surface fishing. There's no tricky rod manipulation, as with a Spook, popper, or other surface baits. If someone can cast, and keep a buzzer on the surface slowly, eventually, they will catch bass with one. Now days, buzzbaits are considered old school. Other noisy surface baits have replaced them for many anglers. It's all a matter of opinion, but I think old school is still good. I'll always love fishing a buzzbait. What buzzbaits are you using this season? What's your tackle setup? Colors and weights? In my humble opinion, buzzbaits are one of the all time great bass lures. What's everyone say here? Are you a buzzbait lover?

Straight mono line for me. Big Game for casting reels, Stren or Trilene XL for spinning reels

Another thing that hasn't worked for me is not one specific bait, but a color. Green Pumpkin is my worst color in worms and plastic baits in 40yrs. Lots of guys like it, but I quit throwing it, and I don't carry it anymore

Chatterbait are my least favorite. I can't buy a bite on one. T rig worm is my very favourite. I

Had a good trip to Texas, and got back home safe. The trip was a lot of driving. I got to see the ocean for the first time in my life. We went to Austin, and hung around for a few hours down there. The low point of the trip was coming into Dallas at rush hour! You've got to be on your best driving for sure. Houston is the biggest city I've ever been to. It goes on forever! I hope to go back someday, except next time I'm heading to Toledo Bend for some fishing. All in all a good trip. It took me a day or two to recover from all the driving, but all is good now

Good luck Mike!

I would choose a med light as you mentioned, to throw some lighter stuff.