Mobasser

Missouri's state record LM was caught in Bull Shoals in 1962 on a spinner bait. But I haven't heard of any fish near that size around here for a very long time. I did hear about one fish that beat the old record by a slight amount, but was not officially weighed or documented. 1962 was a long time ago... I plan on night fishing also. The lakes I'm fishing are clear. Jig/pig combos, bigger plastic worms, spinnerbait, and maybe a buzzbait. I may try a Cavitron. I'll need a buzzer I can keep up on top, but still move really slowly.

In my area, probably an eight to nine pound fish would be very good. Of course more than one of these would be excellent. My own PB I caught way back in 1989 weighed 8 lbs 9oz. I think it's important to set a realistic goal for the size of the fish in your area. There are probably some DD bass around here, but they are rare.

A-Jay, you can bet. I'll keep you posted.

Each season around my area, someone will catch a huge bass. This usually happens in the spring, when big fish are moving shallow.Many times, it's a novice fisherman who does this. And, many times, this is the only big bass he catches all season, or, for many years. I've been reading about some anglers who have consistently caught huge fish, and earned a reputation for this. There's a consistent theme among these fisherman, and many seem to share these traits. 1. They fish alone. 2. They carry fewer baits. Theyve narrowed it down to a few which work best in the waters they fish. 3. There's little if any luck involved. Most have spent years studying everything about bass behavior. 4. They tailor they're tackle to suit the baits they use, and the lakes they fish. 5. Many fish at night, to avoid the crowds. 6. Many fish with teqniques that are unconventional, and choose these methods based on many years of experience. 7. Targeting trophy bass is often a lonely pursuit.Many days, the biggest fish just don't cooperate. These anglers are in a unique group. IMO, they've taken the sport to the next level. Although I can never speak for these trophy bass anglers, I think they might agree that catching huge bass is simply not easy. It really takes some study, and dedication to catch the biggest bass consistently. For the novice bass fisherman here, expect to put in some time and study. It's not impossible, but can be very hard. I have a lot of respect for these fisherman. They're in a class of they're own among bass anglers. Its a fact, the biggest bass are a tough, worthy, opponent. I've decided to take my own fishing to the next level, and try to fish for trophy bass. It's a new challenge, and if it happens, I too can join the ranks of the Hawg Hunters. I'm looking forward to it.

My first choice is full cork grip. I like the look and feel of good cork.

I first used Heddon Bayou Boogie. I've mostly just stayed with standard Rattletrap 1/2 oz since. I always sharpen the hooks good. I like to cast them on days when there's a chop on the water. I plan on trying the Red Eye Shads this season. And, I still like the Bayou Boogie.

All Pro med/hvy spin rod,Shimano Sahara 2500 reel. Line is 8 or 10lb mono.

After you've been hunkered down all winter,shoveling snow, throwing ice melt on you walks, patiently waiting for winter to pass, that first cast is always a special cast. For many of us, it could be the best cast of the new season. The first cast of the new season is an exhilarating feeling. It's like you've had your hands tied for months, and now, your untied. I don't always catch fish on my first trip, and I've been skunked more times than I'd like to admit. But, it's all good. That first cast is a special cast, just because it means your fishing again. I'm more than ready to make that first cast. How about you? Do you look forward to that first cast as much as I do?

Thank You

I'll say Catt, A-Jay, WRB, J- Francho, and Bluebasser86. Pros? A hard one. I'll go back in time. Charlie Brewer, Billy Westmoreland, Tommy Martin, Larry Nixon, and Guido Hibdon.

I sure can't explain why these colors work well, but they do. For me, any mix of purple, grape colors light and dark, have been a winner for a long time.

Pretty much, I'll fish for what I want to fish for, and don't care about what other fisherman think. I catch some crappie in the spring, then bass fish the rest of the season. To each his own... Some guys have wondered why I catch bass then release them. They keep catfish, walleye, and everything else to eat. It's the hunt that I like most of all. Sure, I could do this with any species, but I choose to do it with bass. I'm a bass fisherman, that's just the way it is.

Ok. It wasnt Raytown. Grandview Mo

Mine is no longer here. Frank Fensom Sportsman's Headquarters in Raytown Mo. Another favourite which is gone was Clock Bait Shop in Gladstone Mo. Rogers Sporting Goods in Liberty Mo. Still good,. but have started carrying more clothing and other stuff the last few years. I bought my first ABU 4600c at Clock Bait in the latter 1980s. The owner spooled it for me, mounted on my rod and let me cast it behind the store. Service like this around my area is gone now. I wish it was still like this now.

Being from Missouri, the only alligators I've ever seen were in a zoo. I've always wondered what it's like fishing down south where gators live? Will gators attack large surface baits? How close have you ever been to gators while fishing? Have you ever had an alligator come at you, or attack you? For those that fish in gator country, tell me about your experiences, fishing around alligators.

I always liked Ditto baits years ago. The Gator Tail in blk/blue was a great worm. I would fish these also.

In the very first tournament I ever fished, I drew an older guy. He bought a nice new cap at the marina that morning. I think it was my second cast, he said something as I was bringing my rod overhead to cast. I still don't know what happened exactly, but my rattletrap hooked his new hat, and I cast it into the lake. I retrieved it , shook it off, and gave it back to him. He wasn't pleased. He said" your d**n lucky you didn't hook my ear! " Now, watch your back cast son!" It was a moron moment. I felt like I was about 2" tall.

Besides a love of fishing in general, the thing that keeps me going in bass fishing can be summed up in one word. Learning. After sixty years of fishing I'm still learning things. I don't think we can ever learn everything there is in bass fishing. What Keeps you going? What keeps you still interested in this sport?

A-Jay, thank you for posting this. Triangulation can still be effective. It seems like ancient history now, but IMO is still valid, both from the bank or in a boat. I'm sure there are many members here who don't own any electronics. They would benefit from learning this method.

My Lew's LFS has been a great reel. I spool this one with mono line of 12 to 15 pound test. It could work well with heavier braid I think.

They all go hand in hand.

Next to purple/grape colors, blue is one of my favorites. I've used sapphire blue, electric blue, and standard blue colors for years. All have worked well.

J Franchos, I think with some fast food, it's the grease and fat that slows you down.

For the last four years when I was working full time, I packed a sandwich and a piece of fruit for lunch. Usually PBJ with an apple or banana. The last year I cut it back to 1/2 of a sandwich. When all the other guys took off for the closest drive through, I'd sit in my truck and eat my lunch. Working full time, I ate fast food many times when I was younger. Usually a meal. A large burger, fries, and a coke. I later switched to unsweetened ice tea. I knew lots of guys who ate huge double burgers, large fries, and a soda that took two hands to carry. It took me years to realize how much this food actually slows you down. The guys who ate this type of lunch were slowing down by three or so, because any nutritional value in this food is gone pretty quick, if your doing physical work. I avoid all of it now. For those that are doing any physical work, you might try the sandwich and fruit lunch. I'll bet you'll feel a little lighter, move quicker, and have more energy overall. Simply put, fast food has too much fat, preservatives, and basically is no good. It, along with too much soda,can pack on the extra pounds quickly too. I'm no expert on nutrition I only know from my own experience here. I well remember one guy on our crew. Everyone called him Fish, because he loved McDonalds fish sandwiches. He usually always got two for lunch, with the usual giant fries and soda. One day I ask him, " you know what those fish sandwiches are made of"? He said " of course, fish, Duh!!". Yep, they're made of fish,. Only the finest river gar available, along with who knows what. I'm glad I quit eating this stuff years ago. Who knows? It may add a few more years to my life. Has anyone else stopped eating fast food?

I haven't had any issues with stock screws, except some are a soft metal. I use the correct size screwdriver. Snug em down without over tightening them.