papajoe222

If you decide to go with braid, I suggest 30lb. 10lb. braid on a baitcaster is asking for trouble. Mono is okay for both techniques you mention. Neither is ideal for both, so I'd say decide which technique you'll be using most often and choose the line that works best for it.

Knowing what causes fish to act a certain way is beneficial, but not imperative. Knowing that the fish turn off when the pump is on is as beneficial to you as knowing that they get tight lipped under high pressure/cold front conditions. I guessing the pump is on a timer, so planning your fishing trips when it's off would be to your benefit. I'm not saying don't fish it when the pump is on, but treat the situation knowing the bite will be tough.

Bass bite or strike a lure basically two reasons, feeding and reaction. There are multiple reasons for a reaction strike, one of which is opportunity. A Senko presents itself to both as it represents something injured. If you pay attention to the way a fish takes it, you can tell which is the reason, but does it really matter?

Always up for learning something new. Thanks

If I had to choose only one mid-day lure to use in the summer, I'd opt of a jig and craw, mainly because it can be presented multiple ways and because of the confidence I have in it. To answer your question; YES, it is worth being out in the heat if................1) the action of catching overshadows the physical discomfort of dealing with the heat 2) it's the only time you are able to get out on the water. One word to the wise if you decide to brave the summer heat: HYDRATE. Before, during and after getting on the water. Heat and humidity can and will sap your energy along with your fluid level and by the time you realize it, it's likely too late..

I never used a punch rig prior to this season and I also never snelled a hook. Now, whenever I do the first, I always tie it up will a snell knot.

I'd start out with moving baits, cranks and spinnerbaits as the fish may be making a seasonal move by then. A swim jig would give you the option of slowing down if the need arises. I would attempt to get together with your boater before hand. It's useless to put together a game plan only to find out that the guy up front has a completely different idea. If it's a draw tournament, you're just going to need to be versatile. Also, don't assume that because the event is in Sept. that summer patterns won't work. Just as in the spring, not all fish will start their seasonal movements at the same time. Keep an open mind and don't be afraid to open your mouth and make a suggestion or two to the boater, especially if neither of you are catching anything. Good luck and have fun.

I'd venture to say the area is the problem, not the cover or the baits you use. During the summer period, a percentage of fish will stay shallow rather than abandon the shallows for deep water haunts. They won't, however, use shallow cover that does not have quick access to deeper water. The only exceptions to that general rule is when there isn't any deeper water as is the situation in many retention ponds, or they have followed some form of forage into the area and are actively feeding. Look for areas that have a defined drop in depth close to the pads, not a slow taper. That quick drop may only be a couple of feet in depth, but it can be the difference maker. The other thing you must consider is what the fish are feeding on. During the post spawn, bluegill and minnows are spawning and the bass will move in to feed on them. Once the forage has moved away, there is little reason for the bass to be there.

The cover you're fishing makes all the difference in what equipment would be ideal. Personal preference should also be considered along with the bait being used. The set-up you described is adequate for flipping pockets or edges of vegetation with, say, a T-rig, but if you're flipping into heavy vegetation or dense brush/wood where you need to get the fish up and out, you'll need to go up in line size at the least. Some baits because of the diameter of the hook(s), make it necessary also. Unless you feel the fish are controlling the fight, a MH rod is all that is needed. A heavy action rod will give you more control, but reduces the 'fun' factor. That's why most tournament anglers use heavy action rods, the important thing to them is getting the fish in and doing it quickly. My favorite rod for pitching and flipping is a 7'6" MH fast action rod paired with 60lb. braid on a baitcaster. I don't loose many fish and I still enjoy the fight.

I don't think anyone is overthinking, just trying to help. The simple answer to your original post was/ is; there are times when working uphill will produce and the direction of the retrieve has little bearing on whether or not you hang up, the style of the jig does.

I use both and there is a big difference in weight. The Ol Monster is heavier and there are times when I prefer it. Don't ask me when those times are because there's no way I could tell you.

I could lie and say I get out my spinning rod and drop shot a French fry worm, but I would have already tried that. It would take about five hours of hard fishing fire me to even consider a drop shot, so I'd likely tie up to a dock and take a nap on the deck.

I've caught bass on a variety of Muskie lures the largest was likely a tripe blade in-line buzzbait maybe 12in. long.

I prefer to work shallow to deep when I'm searching. In this situation that would translate to top to bottom. This allows me to presently offering to a larger number of active or neutral fish as opposed to working deep to shallow. The more active bass using submerge the weeds won't be buried in them, but on the edges. Inside outside and topside. Along with some of the other suggestions, I'd recommend a T-rig weightless worm. One with some salt in it. It will fall slowly down to the top of the weeds, but not penetrate them.

Seeing as we are sharing about our Mentors, Why not share who's your daddy. What's the one thing that always kicks your butt when it comes to bass fishing? Work? Family? Other commitments? Or is it something fishing related like cold fronts, crystal clear water, fluctuating water, etc?. For me, it's lack of current. When the power plant lakes by me either shut down their operation, or just quit pumping I have such a difficult time putting together a pattern that I've all but abandoned them for more distant water.

I don't use mono for crankbaits anymore, but when I did, it was Original Stren. I still have maybe 150yrds. left on a bulk spool that I use mainly for my topwater reel and leaders for my C-rigs.

W.W. Grainger sells a liquid,plastic coating for hand tools. You dip the handle of your hand tool into it and it gives it a thin coating of soft plastic. One coat is about the thickness of a couple of wraps of electrical tape without concerns about heat and the tapes glue messing up the works. It's also great for your trailer's swing hitch pin.

My inspiration was my dad. He introduced me to fishing as a pre-schooler and had his fateful heart attack as we prepared for our first fishing trip of the year. I learned more (and forgot a lot of it) from the writers of Fishing Facts, Spence Petros, Dan Gapen, Carl Malz, not to mention Buck Perry, the 'father of structure fishing.' Despite all the marketing done on their shows, I still watch and enjoy Jimmy and Bill.

That's why I carry my trusty Visa card. I just put a few on charge. It may take a while to pay them off, but it beats the snot out of getting skunked.

Blame the weather. You won't catch bigger or more fish, but you'll have someone else to blame. It works for me. I, of course, am never faced with such a sad situation. If I were, I'd have to do something about it. Don't ask me what, but I'm on great medications and I don't let things bother me like before. I can't remember yesterday, but it don't bother me. What was the question?

I, for one, am totally fed up with the weather this fishing season. Fronts moving in and out almost daily. Most of us haven't seen three days in a row of stable weather since May. I believe it's time to voice our concerns to the Man in charge. I'm normally one that doesn't like to bother him with trivial, personal matters, but, as this affects more than just myself, He should be made aware of our concerns. So the next time you talk to Him to thank him for all his blessings, why not add a little request for a week-end or two of stable weather before Labor Day? If we all do this (I pray that you all do thank him on a regular basis) and maybe mention it to a friend or two, I truly believe He will acknowledge that it is a major concern of his people. I also believe that He has His own itinerary and acts at His own pace, but it couldn't hurt. Could it?

I do a mid-summer clean up/check up of most of my fishing stuff, mostly to reorganize tackle and clean up my reels. I was wondering, as I do a lot of trailering, if I shouldn't break down the hubs on my trailer and flush/lube the bearings. I keep the Bearing Buddies full of grease throughout the season. Would it be worth the effort to do?

These http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-XPS-Extreme-Tender-Tube-Jigheads/product/20806/#desc-tab Their only downside is that they don't come in a 3/16oz. size. I like the stouter hook, but if you prefer a hook that bends easier, their regular tender tube jig heads are okay

X-Calibur ( I think that's how they spell it). Big and heavy. I can cast it a mile, or pitch it with ease. Did I mention that it flat out catches?