Mobasser

I work with a guy who says it doesn't matter what color his rods are. Green, orange, yellow, red- to him all are fine. Funny thing is all his rods are charcoal grey

I agree Catt. Larry was one of the all time best because of this.

Agree! I don't need a "bling" reel either.

Yes. And I think this may be the reason for the success of the Whopper Plopper. I just havnt bought one yet.

When I used to fish tournaments years ago, one of the most common things I heard for not bringing in fish was " my pattern fell apart". I read an article by Larry Nixon. When asked about his tournament success he stated " have a solid back up plan". Never expect one pattern to last. This is not only imperative in tournament fishing, but for all casual fishing as well. Being able to quickly realize that one bite shuts off, and find another is a huge part of bass fishing. It's not easy. The next spot could be a completely different type of fishing- and one that your not 100% comfortable with. Now, even on a 4hr trip, I try to have another 2 more options planned out before hand. Do you make a milk run of some different spots before you go? It can mean the difference between success and failure.

I used to fish some club tournaments years ago with an older friend, Frank. Frank was a plastic worm fisherman, and very good too. He taught me a lot about fishing. At one point, he ordered a custom rod from a builder in Texas. Since Frank helped coach the local high school team who's colors were black and gold, he had this rod built with a black blank, and gold thread wraps. I was an awesome looking rod. Does rod color matter to you? I've noticed a trend over the last several years of rods in lime green, white, orange, and shades of blue. Even though all will catch fish, I still like traditional looking rods, with understated graphics. And if given a choice, I'll go with a nice cork handle when possible. If you were to have a rod made, what would you pick for blank color, guide wrap color etc? I'd go with black blank, dark red wraps and the best cork I could get. Maybe it doesn't matter to you, any color would work.Any thoughts, or does it matter?

I'll always have some spinnerbaits in my box. Like all baits, they have their time and place. When their on- their on! Single or double blade, different colors, they all can be excellent.

I think it's human nature to over think fishing sometimes. When you enjoy fishing and your not successful, it's easy to over think, wondering "why"?

I havnt bought a whopper Plopper yet and I'm sure I won't. I like a buzzbait. Been using them for years.

I've been re reading all my stuff on structure fishing this winter. I'm looking forward to fishing deeper water for some bigger bass.Along with spend time with my family, fishing is about all I like to do any more. Have a good time out there Mike!

Enjoy your new rod! My brother was in Nam also. I respect all who served !??

This one is tricky. Mr Dance is a very experienced fisherman. He knows there may be some luck involved in a good catch. So I'm gonna say true. We can master as best we can the " skill" part of fishing, but there may always some luck there too. That's fishing

Well, next month may warm up enough to start fishing here in Missouri. I'm hoping so anyway. I usually start with a jig. For years, all I ever used was a pork trailer. #11 pork frog, 101spin frog, and U3 split tail eel were what I usually went with. I always felt that early on, pork baits may have had a slight advantage, but I've been using plastic trailers for a while now. I've had great luck with Zooms chunk trailer in both sizes. I've also done pretty good with craw trailers- Zooms small 3" craw has done pretty well. I'm always going for more of a gliding, look on the retrieve in very cold water, as opposed to a more intense flapping craw type look. Sometimes, less is more when it's very cold. What trailers are you adding to your jigs this coming season. I'd like to try some new ones. Always good to have an alternative

If your in very heavy cover, I'd pick med- hvy.

I've heard folks blame everything but themselves. They blame rod, lures weather etc. If I don't catch fish- it's my fault. I didn't find enough bass, and use a correct presentation to catch them.

100% correct Catt. Who cares what their using on TV! When your talking high end casting reels, theirs lots of good ones out there. Pick one and go!

I'll still stick with Shimano. I don't care if their on TV or not. When I finally wear out my round ABUs, a Calcutta is my next reel.

Check out some reviews NY J Francho. He writes them with fisherman in mind. By J Francho I meant to say!

Probably one of the more popular soft plastics out there. Cast, flip, pitch, all work. I like darker colors the best

Yes Catt you should. Every time we get to talkin about these old baits, I get fired up about throwing them again. This spring, I'm packing some Beetlespins.

I have an older 3/8 grape colored one also, I've never used. Virgil Wards spinner

I'm with Catt and J Francho here. Use any reel. Set to free or almost free spool and use your thumb. Any casting reel will work.

Nice! Catt. I didn't know they were making a 1/2 oz Beatle Spin. I'm gonna have to get some. I thought 1/4 oz was the biggest

One of the best all around fish catchers ever. I still throw these too

Agree. I don't think it solves anything. I won't be using it either