LrgmouthShad

It is difficult to see in your photo, but I do not like the blades to overlap. There are spinnerbaits that run fine like this, but you definitely do not want there to be too much overlap. The angle from the head to your line tie is poor as shown. The spinnerbait will not run balanced like it should. Reference the below photos for what I like the angle to look like:

I almost pay no attention to so-called “seasonal patterns” anymore. Water conditions, the overall weather, presence of fry, and any bait spawning may inform the angler where bass are located. The spring of the year has good, reliable patterns associated with it. It’s spawning grounds and the paths to get there and then the paths to leave. Everything else…. Fall, summer, winter…. Bass are going to be where they want to be. They do not know that they need to be 25-30ft deep midsummer and that they need to bite a worm. I really think that they just get done spawning, and then they leave looking for greener pastures… or not. Some might stay if the area is fertile. If they leave, they go somewhere they feel safe and comfortable with some food and they will stay there until uncomfortable or until they see somewhere else being more comfortable based on the changing conditions. They might want deep water close by… or maybe not. How much the water level fluctuates plays a role in this, I believe.

Same deal with largemouth and smallmouth?

Expert Amistad came in. Really like it. Can’t wait to get it on the water. Stressing the rod, I can tell it loads well and transitions quickly, but it completely locks up a good ways up the rod once it’s done giving. Definitely a fast action rod that doesn’t budge

Jig trailers and some spinnerbaits…. man those look heavy… what could I be planning with those? Annnd a rod. That will be all for this season, bait monkey.

I will try to make some time to watch tournaments even though I find them boring at times as well. I do this because I learn a lot watching. Watching the Bassmaster Elites is watching the best of the best do their thing.

Wow what a write-up. Lots of great tips in here. This should be pinned @thediscochef knows I pitch quite a bit from the bank.

Can we just go ahead and delete this thread now? It’s probably going to happen anyways

@A-Jay, he’s telling you that you need to step up your game

@Brian11719 now there’s a Texan bass. Excellent work 👏🏻👏🏻

I lean slower than most. 7 is considered universal by most nowadays. I consider 6 universal. I use a 5 speed for spinnerbaits and crankbaits. 6 I use for swim jigs, bladed jigs, lipless, and buzzbaits (all other moving baits). 7 for bottom contact or slack line baits. I never use anything above 7.

A swimming worm like an ultravibe speed worm is one of the best drop baits made. Combine that with a slow retrieve back to the boat and you have a presentation that covers the water column and allows you to move constantly. On top of that, a swimming worm is a great topwater bait, especially over vegetation or pad fields. I got on a great swimming worm bite last year until midsummer when it very abruptly stopped. They wouldn’t even sniff at the worm anymore.

Set a price range for us

Why did you do this? Great day and great bass though

Yes I’ve had some short contact with game wardens in the past and once they verify I am obeying the law, they are often kind people to talk to.

I must have misread. I like sniper slightly better than Invisx but both are good. At 20lbs I don’t think you will notice too much of a difference, especially as leader material. You have picked some great, great lines. I absolutely love sniper when I am “in practice” with my casting and when I have the funds. It is probably my favorite fishing line overall.

Greg Hackney approves of this message

Not a fan of New. I like a lot of the old heads. Hackney, Menendez, Kennedy, and Livesay I enjoy watching.

Saw a real nice topwater catch by McKinney. Was pretty glorious actually

Starting this one a little early. I have the opportunity to follow this tournament a little more closely, so I will. I’m really surprised to see some of the techniques that have been used by some of the recent top finishers. It’s not every day you see hair jigs and giant glide baits among the top baits. Rick Clunn is apparently a big story coming into this as he has won two relatively recent events here. Postspawn is a different ballgame though. Should be interesting!

Yes it was one of my top setups last year and usually ranks high every year. It is still relevant, but we do have a myriad of soft plastic rigging methods now.

Invisx

Great to hear!! Happy birthday to Lynn!!