BrianMDTX

Bass under 2.5 to 3.0 lbs just don’t cut it anymore. Up until May, my PB largemouth may have been 2 to 2.5 lbs. I caught it on a nightcrawler when I was 13-14 years old in Wye Mills pond in the early 70s. At that time I thought it was huge. Other than that, it was a steady diet of 10”, 12” to maybe 14” bass. I really have not fished seriously for close to 30 years and just started to casually get back into fishing last month. I knew Texas was a bigger bass state than Maryland, but “bigger” does not always equate to “better” or more opportunity. Yeah, I knew the chance at a really big bass was better here than back in MD (I think the state record here is 7 lbs. more than in MD), but that doesn’t mean that I was going to catch bigger bass lol. But in a month and a half I’ve shattered my PB by 4 to 5 lbs. and caught numerous bass between 2 and 3 lbs, with some close to or exceeding 4 lbs. I never thought I’d ever catch so many “big” bass in my life. But now I’ve caught so many 2-3 lb. bass that...well, I don’t want to say I’m bored, but it’s no longer unexpected. I used to hang around some bowhunters that always saw trophy bucks while I seemed to always see spikes, forkies and small sixes. Same with bass. I feel like a kid in a candy store. I know many of you consistently catch 4,5 and 6 lb. bass and have PB up into the DD. That was a pipe dream not so long ago. Now it’s a goal. And to be truthful, this forum has helped me a lot. It’s a great site!

Went back out this evening. Caught two dinks on a 5” watermelon Senko wacky and then tossed it to a different spot and this bass was hungry! Almost broke the 4 lb mark. Had my fish grippers on it before I weighed it, dropped the bass and it almost swam away with my grippers! Grabbed it just before it got away lol. Bites stopped on the wacky, so I had a green pumpkin Zoom trick work weightless Texas rigged. First cast and the line shot out. Only 1.5 lbs or so but I was not expecting that quick a strike!

I don’t know what the advantages are, either. I’m sure there must be (longevity, more precise drag settings, etc), but I am really pleased in how smooth it is on the retrieve. It looks and feels like a much more expensive spinning reel. For less than $50, it’s well worth it!

Good point. Bad juju!

Congrats on the nice brown bass!

Worked 1/2 midnight shift last night. Stopped at pond on the way home. 2nd cast! 18”. 5” green pumpkin Senko wacky rig. I CAN’T stop throwing them out!

I got bit, but not too bad.

Sounds like a good day there!

If I stopped bowhunting places due to being skunked, I’d own no bows lol. I know you’re glad your brother beat the jinx, but from that large head comment, you’re probably a bit sad you’ve lost that “Bro, you suck at fishing!” comeback lol.

That’s how I’m looking at it. I looked at a Lifetime Tamarack 10’. At $299 it’s inexpensive, but way too small and would sit very low in the water for my taste. For what $399 gets you in the Sea Eagle Packfish, it’s worth a shot. Just being able to actually stand is worth it to me.

See if you catch it on the least productive lure in your tacklebox. Some ancient piece of junk you should have deep sixed years ago but still have. At least it will up the ante. If if that works, try a bare hook!

I just recently upgraded my rigs, and one was my finesse rig with a Daiwa Revros LT2500 on a Fenwick HMX 66M-FS rod. I opted to try it as the reviews looked good. To say I was surprised is an understatement. It is extremely smooth and seems to be a very well-built reel for the $42.94 it went for on Amazon Prime. I'm very pleased with it!

Now...that’s tight! I think I have my mind pretty much made up to purchase it. I have read a lot of positive reviews elsewhere. At $399.00, I’m not out much if it doesn’t suit me.

Fenwick HMX 66M-FS, Daiwa Revros LT2500, 8# YZH, 5” Senko wacky, 1/0 Gamma octopus hook.

That is a very good explanation.

That would be it!

I would be traveling no more than 50’ from the bed of my truck to the water. Frankly, my biggest issue with a yak is storage. I could get a 10’ or even 12’ kayak in the bed of my truck for the two minute drive to the closest pond. It’s just simply no room to store it. I could likely rig something in the garage but it would take up a lot of space. As far as rowing, these ponds are small. I’m not overly concerned if it’s a bit slow and maybe a bit unwieldy, as it’s maybe 250 yards from one end to the other. It just appears to be pretty comfortable, likely much drier, and being able to stand and cast is a big plus to me.

Looks like not many use one of these lol.

I use an IC a lot. Also a Trilene knot.

I started with circle hooks and now am using octopus hooks (1 or 1/0). I seem to get better hook-ups with octopus hooks. All after reeling in the slack until tight (no true hook setting). Most hook-ups are in the upper lip near the jaw joint.

Sometimes you can't catch a bass to save your life on anything- artificial or natural. Sometimes you could place a hook in a wad of Dubble Bubble wrapped in foil and catch one. I have to admit- rat baits just look humorous. But I have seen real rats swim and they do indeed leave a big wake, so I can see how these would produce. I may have to give one a try.

I think, with a Palomar knot, you really have to take care that no part of the line is contacting the end of the hook eye when you start to tighten the knot. For some reason, the line always seems to migrate to that area when I’m tying a Palomar. Never had an issue with mono but have with FC. One possible nick and the knot is toast.

Probably it was “really” in 2012!!

You would likely be better served spending a few more $$ on a Revo Inshore than a SX.

Let me start by stating: I have access to many small (1 to 4 acre) ponds; even a 10’ fishing kayak would pose a storage issue; a 10’ fishing kayak would likely be too small and/or uncomfortable for me (about 225 lbs and have back issues); a 10’ or 12’ kayak or especially a canoe would not be easy for me to load/unload and launch solo; I have no need for a trolling motor due to the relatively small size bodies of water; and finally I have no wish to spend $700 or so on a kayak so that I had something that would not kill my back sitting in or moving it. Looking at at several options, I think a Sea Eagle Packfish 7 would fit my needs. Easily stored and inflated. Comfortable seat. With the optional plywood floor you are able to stand. Definitely a good deal ($399 right now with free shipping if ordered by 06/30). But I would like to hear some real world experience if anyone owns one or has fished out of one. I realize it will have limitations but I don’t need something large or fast on such small acre ponds. Let me know real world pros and cons, please.