Mobasser

Old purple and Black grape

Well, my wife has been gone on a trip to visit her sister in Arizona for a week and a half, so I've been fishing every night after work. I've also been doing a test on various colors of plastic worms. I chose the standard Zoom trick worm, in 5 colors, ranging from light to dark. These 5 are watermelon, light purple, green pumpkin, grape, and solid black. I've been giving each bait 30min fishing time, then changing regardless of if I caught fish or not. Guys used to talk about " dark days, dark bait, bright sunny sky, lighter baits. I've doubted this for several years now. On the overcast evenings, which were pre frontal the fish would strike most of the colors I threw. Other nights they became more picky. The overall winner in this was grape, followed by the lighter purple. Even with a bright sunny sky, grape outfished all. The grn pumpkin, which seems to be a very popular color these days, caught the least fish the entire time. Despite much research over the years, we still don't know why bass may choose one color over another. As for now, I'll keep doing what I've been doing for years, which is to keep several colors on hand, from lighter to dark. Sometimes, throwing a changeup in color can draw a strike. Others may disagree of course, but I think color is an important factor in bass fishing. Any thoughts or opinions here? How important is color to you? For those interested, I did my test with standard bass tackle. 6'6 med/ivy casting rod, 1/4 oz bullet weight and 12 lb Trilene Big Game mono line. I tried to duplicate a slow hop retrieve as best I could, to eliminate action being a factor in drawing a strike. And bear in mind, this test is not really very scientific, but it's about as scientific as I can get, bank fishing a small lake near my home. Any opinions? Do you think color is a big factor? How many colors do you carry in soft plastics. I think it's important, and can sometimes make a big difference at times.

I've cast right handed, and switched the rod to my left hand for a very long time. I'll never see a need for a left hand baitcaster. Don't feel like I'm missing fish or lacking sensitivity. It's automatic for me now

This one's a sleeper. Good rod for the money. The H20 mettle reels are good also

Culprit ribbon tail, Mann's Jelly Worm, Zoom trick and finesse worms, Mr. Twister Phenom, generic 6" curly tail worms from almost any brand. I fish plastic worms more than any other bait. I love em all

No, not really. I never do it for long

Agree Catt. If she can watch you, you've probably blown it already. That's how it's been for me.

20ft for me. Practice makes perfect

Charlie Brewers Slider fishing. Catches bass, panfish etc. Slow, do nothing fishing.

I've fished the larger Mann's jelly worms, and Zoom monster too. This year I plan on trying the Mister Twister mag 12 buzz worm. Warmer weather or night fishing is when I've done best. I use a 6'6 med heavy casting rod, lead weights, and 4/0 hooks.

Catt, I'm a peanut butter guy from way back. I ate tons of it as a kid, and I still like it.I might try you mixing method- that sounds pretty good. I also like it spread on graham crackers, and dipped in a glass of cold milk. Good snack for sure

Sam, unfortunately, we can't expect other guys to have good fishing manners anymore. Some still have it, some don't.

I agree A-Jay

Catt. That's a hot car! I agree sometimes it's still fun to hot rod a little!

J Francho, I'm 61 now. My donut days are over! Or, when they call you hon or honey. What? I'm old enough to be your grandpa girl!

I made a bank trip to a small lake near my house last night after work. When I got there I noticed an older man standing on the bank, holding his rod close to his face. I came by and ask him if he needed help. He had gotten a backlash, and had forgotten his glasses in his car. He couldn't see well enough to fix the backlash. I offered to get his glasses for him. He gave me his keys, and I made the hike to his car, bringing back his glasses. He was very grateful for the help, and was casting again in short time. He explained that he used to own a bass boat, but had to sell it. He couldn't go out by himself any more. He also said he fished a few tournaments years ago, and that his fishing buddies were all gone now, so that left him as he said,"walkin the banks alone". He was obviously an avid fisherman. I moved down the bank casting as I went. When it was almost dark I heard him holler" hey there thank you again". I said " your welcome". For the young guns just getting into this sport, I hope you always respect the older anglers you meet. Give them a kind word, and help them out if they need it. One day, you may need a hand too. When your "walkin the banks alone".

Weather

I like blk/blue, grape and purple shades, and watermelon/ red flake. Straight green pumpkin hasn't been that good for me

Catt, I've done a lot of the same stuff as you, here in Missouri. We don't have gators of course, but we do have copperheads and the occasional moccasins. I'm not afraid of snakes, and we have others that are non poisonous, but I always just leave them be. I've seen plenty, but have never been bit. It pays to know what's in your area for sure!

I've fished a Clarus casting rod for I think 7-8 yrs now. Great rod

I usually pick chrome or chrome/ blk back

As others have said, I'd pick a Texas rig worm or T rig craw. It's hard to beat a t rig for fishing around wood cover.

Nice old reel Harold

Catt, I don't do this at all times. When things get really slow, and the fish are striking very light, it's made a difference in fish landed. It may not work for everyone, it's just my own opinion. The opinion of an aging plastic worm dude.

I don't do it all the time, but only when I'm fishing very slow with a jig or worm.