Black Hawk Basser

For about a year, I worked on the rail/loadout crew at the ethanol plant in Arthur, IA. It was the most interesting, physically taxing, and dangerous gig I've ever had. This was about 13 years ago.

I've been an insurance agent for about 3 years now. I'm licensed to write about any kind of insurance you could need, although not in all 50 states. Prior to that, I was a kitchen manager at two different restaurants for about a decade.

I still throw a couple different Frenzy Poppers, as well. I'll be using various Berkley Havoc plastics for years, as I seriously stocked up on a few styles and colors a couple years ago.

I have the Fusion 19 wacky hooks and weighted swimbait hooks. Good performers so far.

I feel your pain, fellow Iowan. We got hit with some marble sized hail last night in Lake View.

I think the Smoke speed Freak I got was around $120 at the time, about 3 years ago.

I like the Berkley Fusion 19's. Nice gap and seem to be plenty sharp.

I guess I never mentioned that the river I fish is small, and is barely a step above what you'd consider a creek, at least in the upper reaches where I fish it. Can you clarify? I'm not sure I understand the question, sorry.

The rod I was referring to isn't any heavier, it's just a slower action; the bend goes further down into the rod blank and seems to allow more head shakes without treble hooks being thrown out of the mouth. Walleyes are 15-17" on average, 20"+ fish are not real common. Smallmouth go anywhere from dinks to 20", with anything over 17" not common. I also haven't used a Shimano in years. I like the Speed Freak because it has a fast gear ratio for reeling back in quickly after the lure leaves the strike zone.

I have used a Quantum Smoke 6'3" ML F with a Quantum Smoke Speed Freak 30 spinning reel. 20 lb 832 and usually use an 8 lb fluoro leader so I don't lose so much braid if I snag. Lately I've used a 7' moderate fast ML custom I made for crankbaits and it keeps them hooked so much better.

I second A-Jay's notion. I'm confident that if I am in the presence of bass, I can catch some whether they are in a feeding or neutral mood. I think even the best sticks struggle when the fish are in a 'negative' mood. Evidence of this shows in some pro tourneys in which some don't even get a full bag.

Send em

Ned, crank, jig

I wouldn't cut very much off, even from the butt. Buy a blank at the right length. I would put some masking tape around the spot where you're cutting at, to mitigate hairline cracking going up the length of the blank. Maybe that won't help, but seems like it should. I've used a Dremel cutting wheel and that's worked well for me. Don't breath any of the dust in!

Another nice lunch break river fish. Good old ZMan TRD.

Not many bigs for me yet either. I've devoted more of my time on the boat to learning my sonar better, and also cashing in on a great crappie bite.

This is why I do not tie up until I am about to go, or after I've arrived. I don't have 15 rigs to take with me.

Absolutely. I have a fire tiger #8 Husky Jerk that works like magic and the other two spares haven't worked for crap. I also have a super spot that seems to be money, when all my others fail.

It saved the day for me on Sunday when jigs weren't doing much damage. Jigs did get better quality fish, which is typical. I catch so many river walleye with a TRD, it's stupid. I don't need to use anything else.

I don't think so. Too much credit for a tiny brain.

I'm a fan of the Biffle Bug. I've done well with it Texas rigged while flipping to docks when a jig wasn't getting it done. Honestly, I wouldn't fish that craw bait if it was given to me. The Prankbait is an interesting idea, but I won't give an opinion without trying it.

This place is begging for a noisy top water. Most novices at public places don't throw stuff like that. Might give them a look they aren't used to seeing except for actual creatures that they eat on the surface.

Carolina rig and drop shot. I see no need to get any better with them, either. Too many other ways to get 'em.

We have a lot of cottonwoods around here. They seem to take a dive very frequently. Anyone have to deal with these terrible things? They ruin fishing in June with all the little fuzzies on your line, getting wrapped up in your spool.

I used to frequently use it, but I eventually went with 832 and never looked back, until...I discovered Kast King braid. It's pretty comparable to 832, but much cheaper. I only use it for my light crank rod though, in 15 lb. I still use 20 or 30 lb 832 on my heavier rods.