4 hours ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

Caught a fish today that really fooled me, for about 30-45 secs I thought I had the white whale.   Just last night I finally swapped over to 15lb Pline Ultimate Fluoro, had I not there is a 50/50 chance this fish broke that PLine 12lb CXX.    She exploded to the surface like a Beaver slap, and then proceeded to bulldog for half a minute. Spectacular fighting fish, but she only went 5.11, a far cry from what I thought.  It's been since Feb. that I felt that rush of fear and anxiety.   

 

Caught another 3.5-4lb fish, and then 10 other 1-2lb fish.....all on the D Bomb.  I was targeting shaded weed lines on wind-blown banks.    Big Swimbait, buzzbait, squarebill.....nothing, not a single bite.   Meanwhile this stupid T-Rigged creature bait keeps the lights on ?   This is the fourth color now that I've had really great results with, it's called bruised plum.    More evidence in my book that color just doesn't matter as much as we think it does.    The average fish size on this bait continues to impress me.   

 

Man, I love the looks of that shoreline Alex. You dropping that bomb into the middle of those weedbeds on 15#?

Alex, I love hard-fighting fish. L-O-V-E them! If fishing is just about weight and length, that's akin to buying a house simply because it keeps you warm and dry. Sure, warm and dry is enough for some home buyers, but whereas some home buyers also want energy efficiency, beauty, and privacy, some fishers also lean into the fight, the weather challenges, the wildlife, tenacity, and solving the puzzle. 

 

Speaking of leaning into something, I could see her straining against your rod, like a dog that's digging into the soil with four sets of claws and leaning way back.

 

You might want to upgrade your net. Of the many purchases I made this winter, I love my new net the most. It has an aluminum handle, is so long that I never worry about reaching a fish or breaking it (I broke two plastic-handled nets in 2023.), and the netting is 100% rubber, so lures don't get caught in it, unlike rubberized string, which is better than plain string, but lures still get tangled. I tried to find my site of purchase so that I could link to it, but couldn't. The only drawback is its weight, but for now, I can manage it. 

It was chilly enough last night to where the smell of firewood was in the air again. It's a strange thing to say, but I'm happy about it. Hopefully the cold will knock back this unusually early algae bloom we're seeing. Heavy rainfall on Sunday night helped to wash a dash of it over the dams, but heavy rain rarely helps the bite in super shallow water, and that's just how it played out last night. They wanted to eat, but not aggressively. Lots of nips on the bottom, and light swipes and slurps at treble baits up top. Had a few barely-hooked topwater eaters shake off but got me a few in the end. A Whopper Plopper 75 in Perch cranked so slowly it was barely ploppin' was the shizzle.

 

@PhishLI: You caught a bass on a Whopper Plopper! I'm so jelly you might as well call me Mrs. Smuckers.

 

 

7 hours ago, T-Billy said:

Man, I love the looks of that shoreline Alex. You dropping that bomb into the middle of those weedbeds on 15#?

Yeah that CXX was getting so abraded when it would wrap over a branch.  This stuff is right up your alley, pretty sure the guy who caught a 12+ did so flipping and pitching

1 hour ago, ol'crickety said:

Alex, I love hard-fighting fish. L-O-V-E them! If fishing is just about weight and length, that's akin to buying a house simply because it keeps you warm and dry. Sure, warm and dry is enough for some home buyers, but whereas some home buyers also want energy efficiency, beauty, and privacy, some fishers also lean into the fight, the weather challenges, the wildlife, tenacity, and solving the puzzle. 

 

Speaking of leaning into something, I could see her straining against your rod, like a dog that's digging into the soil with four sets of claws and leaning way back.

 

You might want to upgrade your net. Of the many purchases I made this winter, I love my new net the most. It has an aluminum handle, is so long that I never worry about reaching a fish or breaking it (I broke two plastic-handled nets in 2023.), and the netting is 100% rubber, so lures don't get caught in it, unlike rubberized string, which is better than plain string, but lures still get tangled. I tried to find my site of purchase so that I could link to it, but couldn't. The only drawback is its weight, but for now, I can manage it. 

Awesome stuff Katie, and thanks for the suggestion on the net.   I agree for sure on the rubber idea, I've wanted to make the switch for some time.    I'm sure the rubber netting is much better for them as well.    A-Jay really has a fantastic process and tools for post catch.   It's always a priority and balancing job of getting enough time with your fish all the while making sure you release as quickly as possible.  

 

That was my Grandfather's net he used fishing in Canada, thing is super old, but oddly very light weight.   I have to think he's smiling every time a toad gets netted.  He was a Walleye man though. 

 

I was watching the Elite derby this past weekend, and its funny how many times a Bass fools even the best pros in terms of size.   

8 hours ago, T-Billy said:

I couldn't do it. No way, no how. I didn't like living in a city of 30k, but couldn't talk the wife into moving out in the boonies, so we settled on my childhood home town of about 350 people. We're both happy here. 

Amen brother, and I could deal with 350 no problem, sounds like heaven....bet their are more dogs and cats than people.....a sure recipe for a happy place ?

 

I live about 20 minutes from downtown Birmingham, and that place could be the North Pole for all I'm concerned.    Not gonna end up on the First 48 ?

1 hour ago, PhishLI said:

It was chilly enough last night to where the smell of firewood was in the air again. It's a strange thing to say, but I'm happy about it. Hopefully the cold will knock back this unusually early algae bloom we're seeing. Heavy rainfall on Sunday night helped to wash a dash of it over the dams, but heavy rain rarely helps the bite in super shallow water, and that's just how it played out last night. They wanted to eat, but not aggressively. Lots of nips on the bottom, and light swipes and slurps at treble baits up top. Had a few barely-hooked topwater eaters shake off but got me a few in the end. A Whopper Plopper 75 in Perch cranked so slowly it was barely ploppin' was the shizzle.

 

Great stuff, and you work so hard for your fish.   Ain't nothing soft about the way for fish ?

20 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

That was my Grandfather's net he used fishing in Canada, thing is super old, but oddly very light weight.   I have to think he's smiling every time a toad gets netted.  He was a Walleye man though. 

My Grandfather gave me his muskie net in 2012 before he died of cancer.  He asked me if there was anything he owned that I wanted to inherit and I told him 1) his turkey blind, or 2) his muskie net.  I ended up with both.  The muskie net is a Beckman.

 

He was a die hard walleye angler too, especially later in his life.  He used to muskie fish a lot but as he aged, he did less of that because he couldn't physically do it anymore. 

 

Every spring when I turkey hunt in that blind and every time I use that net on a muskie, I am reminded of him.  Ironically, I'll be turkey hunting tomorrow morning.

1 minute ago, gimruis said:

My Grandfather gave me his muskie net in 2012 before he died of cancer.  He asked me if there was anything he owned that I wanted to inherit and I told him 1) his turkey blind, or 2) his muskie net.  I ended up with both.

 

He was a die hard walleye angler too, especially later in his life.  He used to muskie fish a lot but as he aged, he did less of that because he couldn't physically do it anymore. 

 

Every spring when I turkey hunt in that blind and every time I use that net on a muskie, I am reminded of him.  Ironically, I'll be turkey hunting tomorrow morning.

That's awesome!   Hope you score a gobbler tomorrow as well buddy!  

That's a peach, hon! Oh golly I'm hot today ????

Got out while the cloud cover and sprinkles were still around. Could have used more wind, and some rain to raise the water level a bit would be greatly appreciated - lol. Fish are really wanting to hang shallow in this lake due to the water primrose, but the dropping water level is making that tougher. Still had a fun afternoon catching 15 bass on a mix of swimbaits and swim jigs in just a foot or three of water.

 

 

Caught 2 LM and 11 Spots today. The new 4.25" Nikko Hellgrammite in Green Pumpkin works.

@GreenPig: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Not another lure to buy!!!!

7 hours ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

That was my Grandfather's net he used fishing in Canada, thing is super old, but oddly very light weight.   I have to think he's smiling every time a toad gets netted.  He was a Walleye man though. 

 

Ahh, you already have the perfect net. 

7 hours ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

Yeah that CXX was getting so abraded when it would wrap over a branch.  This stuff is right up your alley,

My favorite way to catch 'em for sure. Better get yourself a dedicated braid setup before the White Whale breaks your line and your heart in that jungle. I experienced that twice in two years with fluoro, went back to heavy mono for a year, then went to braid and never looked back.

7 hours ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

Amen brother, and I could deal with 350 no problem, sounds like heaven....bet their are more dogs and cats than people.....a sure recipe for a happy place ?

It's kinda like we moved back to 1980 in some ways. We just had dinner and ice cream at the dairy a half block over. Have a small, but well stocked hardware store with a knowledgable and friendly owner. Dollar General, lake a half block down the street, launch ramp one mile away, small family park. It's Mayberry pretty much. All in all... a pretty great place to live.

4 minutes ago, T-Billy said:

My favorite way to catch 'em for sure. Better get yourself a dedicated braid setup before the White Whale breaks your line and your heart in that jungle. I experienced that twice in two years with fluoro, went back to heavy mono for a year, then went to braid and never looked back.

It's kinda like we moved back to 1980 in some ways. We just had dinner and ice cream at the dairy a half block over. Have a small, but well stocked hardware store with a knowledgable and friendly owner. Dollar General, lake a half block down the street, launch ramp one mile away, small family park. It's Mayberry pretty much. All in all... a pretty great place to live.

Yeah a new T-Rig/Jig setup is at the top of the list, and I think it's time to revisit braid.....wow I just said that, and slapped myself at the same time ?

 

Your locale sounds fantastic, and there is a perfect balance between rural and suburban living which it sounds like you found.    Without the female species, I'm pretty sure we'd still be living in huts in the sticks with $100k Bass rigs parked outside ?

4 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

Yeah a new T-Rig/Jig setup is at the top of the list, and I think it's time to revisit braid.....wow I just said that, and slapped myself at the same time ?

LOL. I've tried a bunch. 832 is hands down my favorite for heavy cover work. I've been trying out Vicious No Fade on my #1 flippin stick, and while it's been pretty good, it's getting fuzzy. This has never been an issue with 832, and 832 handles better too. Just like Bob Wills in Texas, 832 is still the king.

12 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

Your locale sounds fantastic, and there is a perfect balance between rural and suburban living which it sounds like you found.    Without the female species, I'm pretty sure we'd still be living in huts in the sticks with $100k Bass rigs parked outside ?

^^^ TRUTH^^^ LOL!!!

@A-Jay, I just saw your vid on the mini max clip opening up on you. I've had that happen with cross locks in the past too. I use Mustad Fastach clips on the CB's I make, and have had ZERO issues with them. #2 is perfect for a standard size blade. I don't know if the hole spacing is the same on the minis or not? Might need to go with a #1 on them? They're a bit tricky to attach the first couple times, but easy peasy once you figure out the right way to twist 'em on.

1 hour ago, T-Billy said:

LOL. I've tried a bunch. 832 is hands down my favorite for heavy cover work. I've been trying out Vicious No Fade on my #1 flippin stick, and while it's been pretty good, it's getting fuzzy. This has never been an issue with 832, and 832 handles better too. Just like Bob Wills in Texas, 832 is still the king.

^^^ TRUTH^^^ LOL!!!

I don't always use braid, but when I do I use the one the #braidedwonder does....good enough for prehistoric dinosaur fish, good enough for Bass ?

1 hour ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

Yeah a new T-Rig/Jig setup is at the top of the list,

iRod 704C jigs

 

Sorry, couldn’t help myself. Just came out of me

Had the best day of fishing in a long time . A five fish 21lb limit . All on Spinnerbait . 15 inches visibility, 56 degree wter temp, shallow on wood. Heres a 5.1, 4.11 and  4,1. Also had two 3.14's.

3 minutes ago, scaleface said:

Had the best day of fishing in a long time . A five fish 21lb limit . All on Spinnerbait . 15 inches visibility, 56 degree wter temp, shallow on wood. Heres a 5.1, 4.11 and  4,1. Also had two 3.14's.

Nothing in life is wrong when you catch a 20lb bag.....congrats, all beautiful big healthy looking fish!  

Well done, @scaleface! I'll be fishing the next three days: a quantity pond tomorrow morning and then two quality bogs on Thursday and Friday. Then the wind kicks up again on Saturday. The wind decides when I fish.

41 minutes ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

Nothing in life is wrong when you catch a 20lb bag.....

I knew I was always wrong……..

28 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I knew I was always wrong……..

?

 

Don't feel bad friend, I haven't sniffed a 20lb bag in two months, and that's fishing most days of the week.    I think the day I caught a 9.1 I didn't hit 20 lol.  

 

We talked about this months ago, but that 20lb mark is what separates the pros from even awesome non pros.    Those dudes make it look so easy, I've seen it first hand on the water.  They are like wizards.  

Headed to Clear Lake with Pops for our first "annual" trip since 2019 due to 'rona and the drought. New moon and warming April weather would surely mean incredibly good fishing, right? Nah, we got it handed to us like a couple novices who had never been on the lake nor bass fished. ?

 

Best part of the morning... coffee from the hippie shop. Heavy winds and 56* water made for some tough fishing.

 

Caught a nice crappie early on a drop shot. Figured it was a good sign. It wasn't.

 

Pops with the only landed bass of the trip. #beastmode

 

Of course the weather was absolutely perfect the morning we left. Odds are the fishing is incredible now and we were just a couple days too early. That said, still an awesome and memorable trip to spend that time away from everything with my dad.

Caught a little feller up shallow waiting on my buddy at the ramp. Actually saw two small largemouth spawning Saturday as well

 

Then we went upstream to where all the white bass and skipjack were. Water temp 61, the fish felt chilly. I dragged one around as live bait on 8/0 to no avail, it should have worked tho…..

7 hours ago, AlabamaSpothunter said:

?

 

Don't feel bad friend, I haven't sniffed a 20lb bag in two months, and that's fishing most days of the week.    I think the day I caught a 9.1 I didn't hit 20 lol.  

 

We talked about this months ago, but that 20lb mark is what separates the pros from even awesome non pros.    Those dudes make it look so easy, I've seen it first hand on the water.  They are like wizards.  

Our local Tuesday night tourney took under 9 lbs to win last night, I don’t think I’ve ever even came close to 20