Mobasser

I think Slider Fishing. Still popular with older anglers who remember them. Lots of younger guys may not have heard of Sliders these days. They still work.

Catt, the old Moss Boss is a good one. I still have a white one I use when the weeds get thick.

8lbs or better

On Feb 27th, I made a post about consistently catching trophy size bass. I promised A- Jay and Catt that I would keep them updated on this topic, so, in keeping my promise here's how it's gone so far. It hasn't happened yet. I've caught quite a few bass so far, but none are near the size I'm after. Here's some observations: 1. When you sit on a prime spot and slowly work a jig for an hour or more with no action, your mind can easily wander. Patience is super important here. 2. Once you leave a spot and go to another, you second guess yourself a lot. Was there a big fish there? Should I have stayed there longer? Maybe the big bass was there, but not feeding at that time? 3. Timing. Most who commented on my first post mentioned this. It's 100 percent true. And, I think this may be the most important thing. You've got to be there when the big fish is ready to strike. I've double checked everything to eliminate any mistakes. Super sharp hooks, longer cast in the clear water,focusing on the best retrieve, etc, and have fished in bright sun, misting rain, warming and cooler days. And last but certainly not least, I appreciate all the good tips and encouragement from A-Jay, Catt, WRB, Dwight Hottle roadwarrior and many others. Lots of guys talk about catching big bass consistently, but as we all know, this is probably just talk. Being a member of BR allows me to actually communicate with guys who have actually done this, which is awesome. To sum up so far, this is not easy. I'm in no way ready to give up. Instead I'm ready for the challenge, and, I believe I'll get there. This may be a good ongoing thread also. Guys who are wanting to target the biggest fish in they're lakes can comment on they're own experiences with this topic. A-Jay and Catt, I'll keep you guys posted.

I like the Zoom Critter Craw on smaller jigs. I like the longer antenna on these craws. Blk/ blue has been the most productive.

Has anyone ever used the ball head jigs that Tony Bean designed? A standard ball head, with a cut out in the front lower section of the leadhead. It looks like a mouth on this jig. Do a Google search on Tony Bean grub fishing to get a picture of these heads.

I like a 6 to 6'6 med heavy casting rod with a little tip flex. A composite rod can be good.

Have had many over the years. Hold a lighter or match close to them. They'll back out.

When I started I had Berkeley Lightning Rods, and caught many bass with them. I say get the best you can afford and have fun.

You can use a 1000 dollar rod to fish for panfish, but there's really no need to. My wife and I catch a lot of crappies each year on Falcon lt action rods and Shimano Sienna spinning reels. Cost is around 120 for each outfit. You also don't need a 1000 rod to catch bass also.

North central Mo got hammered last night. Very heavy rain, some hail and winds. Be safe out there.

I still use two round ABU 4600c reels. I just finished cleaning them, and spooling them with new line. Both of mine are thumbar models. One is over 20yrs old now. I had to have the AR repaired on the older one a few years ago. That's the only repair I've done to either one. These were the standard reels when I started years ago. I'll probably pass them along to my grandson when I can't use them anymore. These have been great reels over the years. I'm curious if anyone else is still using one anymore?

Eagle Claw Featherlight fits your specs.

Pro angler a consider retying as taking too much time. They're trying to save every minute they can.

2ABU 4600C. 1 Qauntum Tour grade. 1 Lew's LFS casting reel. 1 Shimano Sahara spinning reel. 1. Lew's spinning reel. These all get swapped around with different lines as the season goes on.

Lots of good ones these days. I can't comment on a rod, but will say the Less LFS is a good reel for the price.

There was a guy named John Powell who fished many early B.A.S.S. events years ago. Strictly casting to the bank with a t rig worm. He hopped it once or twice, then reeled in to make another cast. His theory was that shallow fish were feeding fish. He was successful with his method, winning and placing near the top in many big events.

This time of year I like to fish afternoons more often,and give it a chance to warm up a little. I think it's a good idea to bring some baits that you can cover the whole water column with also. Warming spring days can be good for spinnerbaits, lipless or similar baits. And yes, suspended fish can be tough at any time.

Tom, there's been so many good ones. Very hard to pick just one GOAT.

Catt, this would have been really hard! Lucky to have enough gas to get to the next town.

When I was much younger, I fished some tournaments here in Missouri. Honestly, I was never very good at it. But, I had dreams of being a famous professional fisherman. Winning big events, lots of money, and having sponsors pay for my tackle. Travelling the country, giving seminars, and fishing from the newest boat, with only the finest gear money can buy. But, I don't have these dreams anymore, and haven't had for a long time. Of course the money would be nice, but I think this lifestyle could be hard also. If your a married man, what if your wife didn't want to travel with you? If you have children, they couldn't go much of the time, because they have to go to school. This means a lot of time away from home and family. And last thing. If your considered one of the say, top five pros in the country, all eyes are on you to win, or at least place very high consistently. The level of competition at the top events is fierce. Your only human. You'll have good and bad days regardless. I'm sure others here on BR have had dreams like this also. If you were in this group of pro anglers, how would your life change? Do you think you could happily live that lifestyle? For me, I say no. I'm too much of a home boy, and too locked in to change. How about you? Could you live the life of a famous professional fisherman?

Yes.

J Francho, I'm going to open it up and take a good look at it tonight. I don't think I bent anything, it's more like a part became loose inside. AR switch still works fine. Reeling forward, there's an occasional knock. Reeling backwards, it's a steady knocking which you can feel. I have a spare spool, but it's the same with both spools.

I worked outdoors back in the 70s. Everyone took they're shirts off, to get a dark tan. Now at 64 I cover up and wear sunscreen where needed. I'm not risking any sunburns, and I could care less about a suntan.

I recently dropped a Shimano Sedona spinning reel on a hardwood floor. Now, when I turn the handle, there's a knocking sound inside this reel. The sound and feel is more pronounced with the AR switch off. This is an older Sedona, but in very good shape.Does anyone have any ideas on what may be causing this problem? This one's been a favourite reel for a number of years, and I'd still like to keep it going. Any help is greatly appreciated.