clemsondds

I know this has been done a ton, but I searched through and haven't seen a recent thread on this topic specifically. I typically use the palomar, but occasionally I am running out of room on my leader and want to switch to something that doesn't use up so much line (especially on long top water lures like super spook jr). I have tried several in the past and just need to narrow it down to two knots so that I can be more proficient with them. I have gotten pretty good at the fg knot so I like that for joining braid to leader, so now I just need to get one more lure knot. So what's your favorite? palomar, San Diego jam, improved clinch, uni, alberto... Thanks everyone

Thank you! I’ve actually heard someone recently having some luck on flat side. I’ll give it a go. I’m on Lake Norman (south portion) by the way…not sure I mentioned that. for those fishing deep brush piles and ledges at night, what’s your go to bait?

Thanks for all your help! Fished a little last night and a little this morning. No luck either time. Water clarity is 8-10ft and water temps 90. I tried a little bit of everything last night (only fished 2 hours). Tried deep bluffs/structure with football jig and deep diving crank and then a texas rig glass/brass monster worm. Flipped docks with senko and spinnterbait (black colorado). No bites...no surface blowups... Not sure what was going on. Hopefully better luck tonight.

Yeh I’ll be down there for three nights so I figured I would try the docks first and then work my way out. I love fishing offshore but frighten I would give docks a try first…there’s prob over a million on this lake lol

Oh I have no doubt about that. The question is, how far will that bait pull fish from? Just wondering if they are 10-20ft away…will they sense it…vs a chatterbait for instance. Not trying to argue…insincerely don’t know and so just want to increase my chances of getting a bite while at same time trying to cover water. Enjoying the discussion appreciate the feedback

So what is your go to for water displacement?

Anyone use livescope at night?

So you have had good success at night fishing weightless senkos around docks?

Do you put a rattle in it or anything? color?

Thank you all. I know that bass have lateral lines and more acute night vision than we do...but do you have confidence in a texas rig or do you prefer throwing something that rattles (ie spinnerbait, chatterbait...)? I love fishing a ned rig but not sure if it will be enough for bass to know it's there

I have night fished several times and have had pretty decent luck. But I've never fished much on a lake that's just known for good dock fishing. Will these bass still stay up under docks at night or will they be roaming in the vicinity? Anyway, just curious what your top baits would be for fishing docks at night? Typically during the day it would be a senko, skipping jig and swim jig. Would you put rattles on a jig or in a senko and keep the same technique? Thank you guys for your thoughts and advice.

I'll get home this evening and put the popper in water and see if it starts to sink. I should have done that before I started this thread. I've just never had this happen, but I've never used this particular lure so didn't know if it was something I was doing wrong. Thanks

Ha no not a dumb question at all. No using braid to long mono leader.

Ok, so I typically fish the mb pop x max. Decided to pick up a pop x regular size. Got out at first light and tossed it out there...but after working it a few times, I noticed it was diving down in the water if I didn't work it just perfectly. I couldn't get a sense of what caused it to happen...at first I thought it was bc I was working it to fast, so I went slower and it happened again. Then went fast and it worked fine. Happened several more times and ended up just putting it away. I did tie a loop knot (just got back from intercostal fishing and had good luck with it). I haven't been impressed lately with some megabass lures (i''ve got a ton) but tried 3 new crankbaits this trip (Z1, Z2 and S1.5) and all ran crooked at first. ThenI also had a 110 recently that straight up sunk fast right out of the box. Sent it back in and they sent me another. Love megabass...so I'm sure it's a fluke ...at least I hope so. Any thoughts?

Fantastic post! Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for the feedback and advice! Everyone’s posts have been great!

Wow ha this was from a thread 2 years ago. Good thoughts from everyone. Here is part of my original post... I know there are lots of other factors that go into this (family/relationships, spiritual fulfillment, financial peace...) but just looking at the fishing aspect of it, at what point have you received the most fun out of fishing? Is it fishing every day, fishing tournaments, fishing random weekends when you were working...? Just curious how it feels when you are retired and get to fish alot more. I assume it's heaven on earth And please don't make this too serious and negative...I'm not looking for life lessons. I treasure the days I have right now with my kids and love the stage of life I am at...but I still wish I could fish a little more Tight Lines

Right, well, I agree it's not "necessary" but I think there's something to be said with having a little bit more sensitivity...while I don't think it's necessary to have nrx sensitivity, I do think that somewhere between will be useful. I have tried both and really like being able to feel the immediate feedback of hitting a small branch or when the bait stops wobbling. Just my opinion of course.

My field and stream turned into a useless sportsman’s warehouse ?

I have heard good things about the cashion rods…haven’t had a chance to try them. looks like there’s more variety in people’s crankbait rods than anything else! Lots of cool options!

I have the legend glass...that's what I am referring to. It's very different from the rest of my mb, steez and nrx rods...so just didn't know fit here was a good crankbait rod out there that had similar weight and characterics to the high end rod while still maintaining a somewhat moderate action. I haven't fished the imx pro line yet. So I guess I'm mainly looking at the Imx pro line or a few of the megabass rods (eg Elseil, flat side...) I'm not giving up on the SC glass yet...just doing some research and getting all of your thoughts and opinions. Just a fun discussion. Thank you all! Which rods do you use for cranking? I think you have mentioned it before but I can't remember. thanks

Yeh a little surprised they stopped that line. I i have several megabass rods and have been really impressed. The more I think about it the more I think I just don't like the thickness and weight of the glass rods. So that's why I'm thinking maybe a hybrid composite rod might work better for me. I just watched a video of a very successful pro who uses a megabass jerkbait special for his squarebill rod...lol...that doesn't follow the manual too well ha

You are right. I was thinking the mbr line which I know some run crankbaits on them, but I was also thinking IMX pro cbr line. And there are several megabass crankbait rods (blade, zcrank, flatside special...) I guess I was just wondering how the traditional glass rods like st croix legend glass compare with other high end rods of gloomis and megabass.

Would love to hear from those who have fished nrx, megabass, steez cranking rods...just would like to hear your thoughts. Anyone? Thanks

Great explanation by Clunn! Appreciate sharing that video! would still love to hear from some high end rod owners. I know there are a lot of ppl who prefer not using glass rods, and so curious about the mbr line of G loomis and the megabass crank rods…how do those differ…I know great fishermen who use these…so it can’t be all hype.

Would love to hear from those that have an nrx, cobquest, steez cranking rod…what are your thoughts?