Mobasser

I like the Texas rig too. But, take some other things too. Spinnerbait, some shallow and deep diving cranks, lipless crankbait, and topwater. See what their biting

Are you talking about removing hooks from a crankbaits, and replacing the rear hook with a single worm hook? Never heard of this either?

Older ABU4600c or 5500c. I've been using mine for years with just yearly maintenance. My next one will be a Shimano Calcutta.But I like round casting reels.

I use roboworms all the time. Both 4.5 and 6 inch. Great plastic worm. I've caught 1 sink on Dream Shot. Not really a fan of those.

I was wondering if anyone has experience with the newest Slider rod. I'm interested in the 4'9 Tennessee handle spinning rod. I've been using an older Lews spinning rod with a graphite Tennessee handle for years. Probably one of the best rods I've ever bought. I'm fully aware this rod is very short by today's standards, but may work well fishing from our canoe, on some smaller lakes we fish. If your using this rod, I would like to know about overall action. Backbone, tip flex etc. Wanting to stick with the tape on handle. Also, after 30 yrs in the carpentry business, I've developed some slight shoulder issues. If your fishing this model, do you like it? How's the action?

Sounds like you buddy has a lot to learn.

Very nice fish! Congrats on a great catch!

Catt, we've had several threads on catching big bass. In 35 yrs I've caught one 9lb bass, and several that would be considered decent for my area. Yourself, WRB,and many others have caught far more than I have. This is why I keep harping on location. Every article I've ever read about catching large bass- with consistency talks about location, and where your fishing first.I don't know if a lot of anglers really understand how hard it is.

I agree with lo n slow. Use what your comfortable with. Both will work

I agree 100% on the Diawa as 1300 reels. One of the best spinning reels ever. I own and still use a ABU/ Zebco cardinal 4. The only drawback with these now days is their weight. Otherwise , for durability and smoothness, very hard to beat either one. J Franco, thanks for posting these. Just got home and had a chance to read them. Your reviews are very good. My point in my thread the other day was to point out good and bad points in any review.It could be as small as the handle shape on a spinning reel. No one item is perfect for everyone. Especially more costly tackle items. Again, good job on the reviews!

Back to the tackle reviews J Franco. Don't trust em either!

Very true. It really takes patience and time. Never easy for sure Maybe? Not always. Big fish pick out the best spots for cover, feeding, etc. Dinks take what's available to them.If you do find a group of 1-2lb fish, it would always pay to fish the area like J Franco says. Deeper and slower.

I used to fish some club tournaments with an older friend, "Frank" who is gone now. He rarely won these events, but would usually bring in the biggest bass- sometimes only one fish. His lure of choice- a 7.5 inch Culprit worm, Texas rigged. His secret: he studied fish location! Mainly Buck Perry. He helped a lot when I started out. Once I started reading Buck Perry's stuff, I didn't look at fishing the same way again. Targeting big fish is a different ball game. Once I started thinking that it's not about the hot new bait, but WHERE your fishing, it changed everything! Can't preach it enough! Location is where it's at!

I agree. Cheap never works. For slightly more money, you can often step up a lot in quality. Makes a huge difference for a beginner

I use lipless cranks, but have had more fish get off than any other bait. I always sharpen the hooks too. I think it's just the nature of this type of bait.

My grandson is my fishing partner too Catt. Sometimes he's quite a hotshot! When I'm reaching in the cooler for a bottle of water, or pouring a cup of coffee it's " grandpa you just missed a fish". He likes to watch my line too! It's all good. It's been the best fishing experience ever. Watching him get better all the time

Russ E , I've always felt that it's the location. Bigger fish have been caught on baits big and small, but you have to be throwing them in the right areas for success. Of course, that's probably the hardest part of bass fishing

Tubes can catch bass anywhere. I'm thinking hes talking about 3"- 4" size tubes. I don't think their as popular now as they were years ago, but don't let that deter you. If they would hit a tube, I would think a smaller craw or creature bait might work too. I would fish tubes with a Texas rig. For some good info on tube fishing, look up Guido Hibdon. One of the best at tube fishing

I've fished both ways. If you want to target big fish mainly, expect your numbers to go down. Bigger bass will hit smaller baits too. Targeting big bass is really knowing where to fish. Location is the key

Not sure about elastic either. Good question. Maybe someone will chime in

Awesome Catt! I agree 100%. It ain't the tackle

Scaleface, do you use a needle to thread them through?Now you've gotten me wanting to try this too.

That looks good. I can see the potential for a slightly bigger version for largemouths.I don't get to fish for smallmouth bass at all. Only largemouth in my area. Wish I had smallmouth bass around here

Thank you Catt. I know you see my point with this thread. Aidens combo will catch a lot of bass! Many youngsters are influenced by pro fisherman, media, and reviews. They base everything on this.Oh yea, I like his name. I have a grandson named Aiden too.

That sounds like great idea.