Mobasser

Plastic worm- hammer. Jig- Crescent wrench. Spinnerbait- screwdriver.

Every fishing book is this way. Would a writer who fishes clear deep lakes up north have the same experiences as a writer who's fished Florida? Two different areas, two different styles.

Good point Catt. Many lakes may not even have any DD bass.

I have been specifically fishing for big bass since this spring. I've made a couple of post on this topic also. I have the right baits and tackle, most of us do. I've caught quite a few fish this season so far, but no really big bass. I'm still trying. I'll just say there are so many factors involved here, expect to put in some time. It's definitely not easy.

Yes, I think that's correct

Charleston Mo is a town of around five thousand folks located in the boot heel section of Missouri. I have a nephew named James Naile, who was born and raised there. James started little league baseball at an early age. He wanted to be a pitcher, like many boys. His first day of practice, he was told he was not strong enough to pitch, and became an outfielder. He stuck to his goal, eventually becoming a pitcher through high school, college, and minor league ball, playing for the Memphis Spurs. Just last week, James was called up to wear jersey# 68, pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals, in the major leagues. He's doing well so far. He's reached his lifelong goal, pitching in the majors for his #1 team, the Cardinals. Tenacity is a big thing in life. Setting a goal, then, sticking to it untill you've reached this goal. Set a goal, and don't give up. You might be amazed at what you can accomplish. I'm wishing James the very best in his major league career.

I would take some plastic worms, hooks and weights along too. Pick baits to cover the water column, surface, mid depth, and bottom.

When I started years ago, backreeling with spinning gear was popular. Some well known fisherman did this. I did it for years, and sometimes still do. But modern reels have such good drags that there's no need for this anymore. With a spinning reel, you could set your drag light, and apply extra pressure with your finger on the spool.

Agree on the Estwing J Francho. The best out there.

I grew up around a truck farm, and have had many successful gardens over the years. Turn the soil in the fall, and add organic compost. Manures can be very good, but only add them in the fall. They're too hot for spring crops. Read up on or talk to someone at a greenhouse about when it safe to plant your seeds, or plants. Keep your spot watered, and weeded. Good luck on your garden!

I too carry a Case med stockman

Craw, most times this hasn't worked for me. I've tried subtle changes in color or shape with poor results. So I usually move on.

I like to read through most of the threads here on BR. Great info, covering all aspects of bass fishing. Certain topics always seem to draw a lot of responses. 1. Lines. Always a hot topic here. 2. Reels. Many different opinions on all brands, and styles. Some " reel" experts here also. 3. Rods. From the least expensive, to the top of the line, they all get covered here. 4. Tackle accessories, coolers, clothing, shoes, tools, and anything else you could think of that pertains to bass fishing. All have been spoken about in depth here at BR. My own favourite threads are on structure, seasonal patterns, and fish location. I've learned things that I couldn't have learned from reading a book, because I'm communicating with some very good structure fisherman, guys who have actually done it. My question is, what are your favourite topics here on BR. What topics have you learned the most from , and what topics do you like to comment on the most?

I bought a new President last year at Christmas. Felt rough and grindy out of the package. Returned it for an identical model. Same rough feel. Returned this one for a Lew's Speed Spin, which has been working fine. I have a Trion ( older wooden knob) that's probably ten years old and works good. It's sad Phlueger has gone downhill.

I've used both these lines over the years. Both have been good overall. These two lines are readily available at any place that sells tackle, and are still very popular. My question is, does anyone else seem to notice that Trilene XL has changed? I'm not sure what's happened here, but it's not the XL I've used in years past. I've been using Big Game mono on casting reels for years, with no problems. At least for now, I'll pick Stren between these two lines. Has anyone else noticed poor performance from XL? Also, I'm open to suggestions for a reasonably priced mono line for 6 or 8lb weight.

Throw all sizes. Even the little guys will hit bigger worms, and big girls hit small ones too.

Hope your knee gets to feeling better soon Catt. I too have had knee problems from doing carpenter work, although my problems are not as bad as yours.

Carefully bending the lip on a Jitterbug, to get the best sound and action

I have never tried this, but I do know that certain hard baits that get scratched up or beat up can work better at times. Sometimes, better than brand new ones.

Take care Catt. Hope you get some relief soon.

T rig worm or craw. Various brands.

Much of this comes down to personal preference, and what you like in a reel. There's really lots of good ones out there, that will fit any budget. I've heard and read all the arguments about certain brands and prices. I've heard so many guys say they hate Quantum. Not me. I have a Quantum Tour Grade reel that's been excellent. I say pick the reel that works best for you, and go catch some fish. That's what it's all about. And be happy.

I can't post pics just yet, but you can do a Google search and see these old baits

I bought one over the weekend at a flea market. Mine is a standard 5/8 oz Jitterbug, in the coachdog color. During WW2, the Fred Arbogast company produced these Jitterbugs with a clear lexan lip, as all the metal was being used for the war effort. I'd never seen a Jitterbug like this before. I don't think it has a lot of collector value, but is a unique old bait from the past. I'll put it with my collection of older stuff, and won't fish it. The man I bought it from said they produced several colors of these clear lipped models, and some with a red lexan lip also. Has anyone else seen these old clear lipped Jitterbugs? Do you own any of these?

Several years ago, I bought a 1000 size Okuma Avenger as a spare reel to take on a trout trip to south Mo. Cost was 24.95. After that trip, I used it for the next eight years for panfish and stocked trout. I cleaned and lubed it every year. It finally gave out, and one of the plastic gears inside broke. Maybe I was lucky, IDK, but this was an impressive reel for the cost. I always thought, buy the best one you can afford, take care of it, and you might be surprised at how long they'll run. I have some nicer reels now, but I'm not sure if they're really that much better.