Bazoo

I normally use 10lb (.012) or 12lb (.014) Big Game mono. I think I get more bites though when I downsize to 8lb (.011). I have some Trilene Fluoro in 10lb (.012). Will that 10lb fluoro be equivalent to the 10lb mono as far as fish detecting it/getting bit because it's the same diameter? Will I get more bites on the 10lb fluoro or the 8lb mono? Okay, so I am planning to buy a better quality fluoro, probably Invizx. Should I go with 8lb or 10lb, or another weight? This is for the mainline on a casting reel. Basically I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around how to pick a fluoro size.

How best to utilize thse lures? I have some of each. Do I rig them just like I'd do a regular fluke? And work them the same? Do I use a jighead or what?

I have some FF Sonar Minnows, and I've seen zoom's flukes, the kind that have a solid body. How do you use these types of lures, other than using then for FFS of course. They are about 3" long. I have rigged them on a split shot rig, but I haven't had much luck that way. And they seem to spin a lot. I have rigged them on a beetle spin and they worked fine there. So, what can I do with them? Are they intended to be rigged with an EWG hook and fished like a super fluke? Are they intended solely for a jighead?

I am wanting to get into trying paddletail grubs. You know, those 3"-4" Keitech boottail swimbaits. My local stores are pretty limited on jigheads made for these. I will likely buy whatever they have just to test it out, but then make a purchase online for them. What jigheads does everyone like?

Interesting suggestions. I hadn't heard of any of them at the time of posting. D-shad sorta rings a bell now that I hear it. Sluggo... man.. I did a search about it. It appears that started the fluke craze? They look pretty useful.

@ironbjorn, what'd you ever figure out that works for your muck bottom pond?

Whatever you're doing to the flukes is causing line twist. I fish flukes a lot and I don't get line twist. Not knowing any other details, such as type of fluke, rigging technique I'll tell you what I do. I use a zoom super fluke. I use a 3/0 offset worm hook and go through the nose and down, then up through the belly and skin hook it on the back. I rig it so that the back of the fluke is straight or has a slight bend so that the nose is pointed downward. I make sure it's rigged straight left to right too. I normally use a Krey Loop knot so that I have more swing when twitching it. But I have used a regular knot. When working it, I twitch it with 6"-12" jerks of the rod tip, letting the line go slack between twitches. I can work it fast or slow this way. If I have my rod tip high the fluke will skim the surface, if low, it'll stay a foot or two below the surface if worked fast and not allowed to sink upon then initial fall. I almost always throw it on a baitcasting rod and reel with mono line. I use 8lb, 10lb, and 12lb Trilene Big Game most of the time. If I was getting line twist, I would look at using an EWG hook, to act as a keel. Might do do use a twist lock hook as well. If you're fishing deeper anyways, you could use a belly weighted hook. If I needed a swivel, I'd run it about 6" above the fluke, and I'd use a large, silver ball bearing swivel. That would cause the swivel to flash and appear as though the fluke was chasing a smaller baitfish. Another option might be to add a plastic bead and bobber stop in front of the swivel to keep the swivel from hitting the tip top. Postscript, I forgot to mention, I make sure to only use flukes that aren't bent out of the package. If the tails are bent very much at all to either side they will twist when retrieved.

I saw Randy Blaukat mention roughing up soft plastics. He demonstrated it, and said that he gets more bites with it because it allows more salt/scent to enter the water. Anyone do this and find that it helps?

I have since used the Creme flukes and caught on them the same as I normally do a Zoom Fluke. Caught some bass on the stick worm too, but I rarely fish a senko style worm so not much to report there.

I love the Zoom Fluke... but what are the alternatives? I am aware of the 6th sense 5.2 https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/6th_Sense_Flush_52_Soft_Jerkbait/descpage-SSFSA.html The Strike King Caffeine shad https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Strike_King_KVD_Perfect_Plastic_Caffeine_Shad_5_8pk/descpage-SKPCS.html Creme Pro Series jerkbait https://cremelure.com/Pro-Series-Jerk-Bait-Smoke-Shad-_p_94.html Are there any others?

Old, but, I'll throw out my 2 cents. First, weightless fluke. Second, a light caroline rig using a 1/8oz or 3/16oz bullet weight and a floating worm.

I stopped by the lake for a few minutes earlier while I was out with my family. I fished probably about 30 minutes without a bite, working my way along one side of a cove from shore, then I crossed the narrow creek and fished up the other side. I had tried a crankbait, a fluke, a carolina rigged worm, and finally back to the fluke. This time I changed colors on the fluke from baby bass to junebug. The water was somewhat stained, and visibility ran about 18" or so. I cast the fluke out towards some buckbrush, and worked it back to where I was on shore. Nothing, repeat. After about 7 or 8 casts, I decided to work the fluke higher, letting it break the surface. When it was about 8' from shore, I gave it a good twitch and the fluke came out of the water. As the lure broke the surface, so did a bass from my left side and engulfed the fluke in mid air! As the bass re-entered the water, my line started moving to the right. I had my rod tip high, as I was keeping the lure up, so I reeled down 3 or 4 turns and set the hook hard to my lower right. Got him! He put up a good fight, but it was over in a few seconds as I pulled him to shore, and then lifted him out. A solid 2 pound bass, short, but fat. Very aggressive, hungry. He had very sharp teeth. He was a perfect green, darker on the top and white on the belly. I didn't have the phone with me for a picture, but it's a catch I will always remember. The fish wasn't huge, but his attitude was that of which memories are made and cherished. I fished a bit more, but soon left to finish my errands. I had started the trip a little irritated, just having a bad day, but this memorable catch turned my attitude around.

I appreciate all the input. It's certainly a lot to consider.

@Lottabass said, "If you started a club what would your goals be?" Well, my goals are all personal I reckon. They would include making friends, having informal tournaments, getting together to eat pizza and talk bass fishing. My idea for a club, since there isn't one around here (or at least one I can find), is to have a group of folks that like fishing as much as I do, we'd just talk bass fishing and go fishing a couple times a month. Share spots, share techniques, share ideas, show off our gear. Honestly, I ain't got a clue as to what @Choporoz said about: "You will need to be tirelessly communicating, marketing, planning, bookkeeping, moderating, appeasing... members, potential members, sponsors, potential sponsors, conflicting 'groups', local (and maybe state?) authorities, etc." My idea doesn't involve much or any of that. It involves just a group of guys to get started and see where it goes from there. If I'm not mistaken B.A.S.S. started in similar fashion. So I suppose it's possible it could get big. So I guess the question is, does my idea have any merit? Is it feasible? Or is it something that just won't work without having a formal organization? ---------- Next question is, how do I find a local bass club? I've looked online via google and on facebook. I seen a few posts where someone mentioned a club that was semi-local, and in that post, they displayed a person of interests email. I sent several emails, but they all came back as non-existent, as they were from 20 years ago. I recently found out one of the local highschools has a bass club. I sent the guy in charge a message on facebook asking him if he knew of any clubs around. He hasn't responded yet.

None of the places in town I have looked have had mend-it. I'll be picking a bottle up when I'm able though. I appreciate everyone sharing.

Thanks @gim. I didn't even think about a tip, what would be an appropriate tip? I looked at a local guide that was $250 for 6 hours on a local lake. I'm not going to run out and hire a guide next week, but I am considering it as I have almost no experience on the water. It would help me to learn a lot of boat stuff I am clueless about.

Thanks @Scott F. Sounds like I could also make some money from it eventually? Right now I'm thinking just a group of like minded folks and getting together for some informal tournaments. Throw in $20 bucks and winner take the pot.

I have the idea to start a local bass club. I haven't much of a clue as to what to do. I've never been part of a club, and only read about them. As far as I know there isn't one anywhere local to me. I'd appreciate some suggestions and direction.

Honestly, I'd just deal with injuring fish rather than losing them. Fishing is a blood sport.

What level of screaming is acceptable when one catches a good'un? -------- Okay, here's an etiquette question: If I was to hire a local fishing guide to take me out, what is expected of me? Nothing?

I still ain't figured out what an overhand roll cast is.

I like open hook keepers the best. Position... hmmm, I think I like different positions for different things so far. For crankbaits I prefer just forward of the reel. The ones I've tried were at 0 o-clock. I'm not sure if I'd like them better if they were to the right side or perhaps slightly to the bottom because with them in front of the reel, the reel keeps them from snagging on other things. True, they do get fouled in the line, but I'd rather them foul the line or my hand, shirt, or pants. I have a Lews rod with the keeper between the grip sections. I don't mind it, especially for a non-treble hook lure. I like it pretty good for spinnerbaits, jigs, texas rigs, carolina rigs, and drop shots rigs. @FloridaFishinFool I too have used the small spot on the reel seat mount. On rods where there is enough room, it works pretty good. I do use the top of the reel for a lure keeper, especially if I am actively fishing. I rarely if ever do so if I'm transporting. I've had this catch the line coming off the spool though and I am careful when hooking a lure there to make sure that the line doesn't get nipped. I don't mind some minor finish wear on a reel.

@LokiDawg I'm south, in Hardin county, just outside of Elizabethtown in Cecilia.

How do you like it @Columbia Craw?

I've been really happy with my Pro Qualifier 2 casting reels.