Mobasser

This is true. Turtles or other frogs will take a swipe at them also. Sometimes it's hard to tell exactly what's hitting them.

Our conservation dept here in Missouri stocks trout at several area lakes each fall. Most of the trout are around 12" to 14" long, rainbows, with a few browns. They also put a handful of larger trout in also, and I have seen a 21" fish caught. Power bait is what most folks use. Nightcwalers are a close second for bait. I usually try a Panther Martin spinner, or a small Marabou jig. If these don't work I throw a nightcrawler on and try that. Here's something I've noticed about these stocked trout: when they first stock them, the trout will hit almost anything, and are very easy to catch. After some have been caught, say, maybe two weeks after the stocking, they become wary, spooky, and are harder to catch. I like overcast days to fish for them the best. It's a fun way to finish off the season, before the lakes and ponds freeze over for winter. And, if not for our conservation dept stocking these trout, there wouldn't be any trout fishing close to home for me, without driving to the Ozarks, which is three or four hrs away. Do they stock trout in your area? What are your methods for catching them?

Owner has always made good jigheads. Or, you can buy most any brand and just sharpen the hook good. I bought some Kalins jigheads recently. I think the lightest they go is 1/32 oz. They have a wire hook keeper on the shank, similar to a ned rig hook. Good qaulity.

Missed strikes on frogs seems to be the biggest complaint that most guys have. It happens to everyone.

My favourite fishing days.

A small frog colored Bass O Reno was my brother's #1 favourite when I was a kid. Mine was a black Hula Popper. We also used a Lazy Ike, all on loan from my grandpa's box. Ive retired them now for sentimental reasons. I'll also add that I think these old lures will still work now, as well as they always have.

I have this same plug in bass color. One of the better spooks ever made IMO.

I think this is the #1 problem also

I think part of the problem is that's there's so many folks not working. They have too much time on they're hands. But in reality, a thug is a thug, regardless if he's working or not. Drug use is a huge problem also.

I had an uncle who was a bid man for the carpenters union in KC years ago. He helped me get my first union job. I had so many days I thought about quitting, because it was such hard work. I ended up retiring from the carpentry trade- 35yrs later.These days, they can't even get guys to show up. I eventually tested out and became a journeyman, which paid better. The journeymen carried more respect on the big jobs also. Trade work of any kind is not for everyone. It can be very hard work, and many guys are not cut out for it.

Very sad what's going on in the cities. I rehabbed old homes in KC Missouri years ago. Many bad areas. I never had any trouble, but always had a crew of carpenters with me. I wouldn't work on KCs east side today. My family went to the KC zoo last summer, and had a picnic at the park there. We heard gunshots and sirens close by. That's it guys, time to go home!

I'm not brand loyal at all. Reels are Shimano, Lew's, and Qauntum. Rods- all over the place.

I look forward to fall, with changing colors and better temperatures. Fishing can be good at times.

A blade bait ( silver buddy or similar) can work well also.

Have you used Penn grease? I bought some to try

Several years ago I bought two Falcon original ultralight spinning rods. At the time they were 60 dollars each. Moderate action, great cork, and overall very good. I've used them for crappie and stocked trout. Very good rods for the dollars.

I've heard guys complain about Rage tail baits. The soft texture doesn't last as long. But, they work very well. The soft texture is part of what makes them work IMO. I especially like the Rage Menace grub. All around versatile bait. T rig, Shakey head or jig trailer.

In the past, I've used a toothpick to put a small amount of grease on the gears of my reels. I've watched some videos of guys using a small brush, like a model paint brush. I'm trying to get the grease to adhere to only the gear teeth, and not spread to other parts that don't need it. Is there a certain method that works the best? What has worked best on your reels?

Rage tail baits are really good baits. I don't usually care about brands in soft plastics, because there are so many now days. If they catch fish, I use them.

I always admired Larry Nixon. I followed his career years ago. I later saw a video of him fishing. The first thing in my mind was, no way! No way could I ever compete against him. Every cast was on target perfectly, and if something didn't work out he didn't waste time changing up. He had a back up pattern ready to go at all times. At least for me, I've never been that good. I probably won't ever be either. I have no doubt that he knows more about bass fishing than I do. He is just one example. There are many other pro fisherman that are like this also.

I think a big part of this is the pressure that top pro's have on them. They're sponsored of course, but all eyes are on them to make a good showing in every event. They're expected to do well every time. In many ways they do know more. If one pattern doesn't work out, they have a solid back up plan, and can make it work also. How many times have you heard guys say" my pattern fell apart".

In some ways this reminds me of a big club tournament I fished 30yrs ago on Missouri's Truman lake. My partner and I thought we were good at the. We were really fired up to fish this one, and studied maps along with all sorts of other preparations. To sum it up,we came in second to last place. It was a humbling experience. At least we didn't get totally skunked. The Man who won the event had never fished that lake before, and brought his club in from Oklahoma. " Be the best in town, until the best comes to town".

I tend to think there's several guys on BR, when fishing they're best, can compete with pros. Not all the " pros" are great. There's some very good of course, but there's lots who never make it close and quit the pro fishing game. It's like that in all sports. There's a few who are consistently good, and many just so so pros.

I've lost track of my closest friends. We all graduated school so long ago. Now, I do lots of stuff on my own. It doesn't bother me. Like others here, I have lots of guys I know. But, not too many true friends anymore.

I've been using them for a long time. They can work great on fall days. I have two, in original bullfrog finish, and a shad finish. I might pickup a clear one before the seasons over. Good Points: 1. Not so big it would spook a fish, or cause them to turn away. 2. Will catch with many retrieves, steady, but works best with shorter pull/ pause style. 3. Comes in a good selection of colors to fit in any scenario. 4. Can be fished with any standard casting or spinning outfit. Improvements Needed: 1. IMO, only two. Hooks. I've fished the stock hooks with great luck, just keep them sharp. Lots of guys replace the stock hooks, which can work good also. Tinker with the props on this lure. Try bending forward or back. Make the adjustments carefully, and check the sound and action. I'm sure there are " better" top water prop baits out there, but this one has been a winner for me. It's one of Heddons all time best sellers also, and is now considered a classic. I know there are more fans of this classic bait here on BR. Tell about your experience with the Heddon Tiny Torpedo.