It's not so much that we're targeting big fish when we say that we're after big fish. Although sometimes we are targeting them, it's more so that we are hoping for a bigger fish because that's where the adventure lies for us as anglers sometimes. Like Woody is pointing out. There's a pretty big gap between the little guys and the big guys and there's a lot lot lot of little guys. And yeah you can catch them all day long around here but it's not very fun and you almost feel bad catching them when you do.

 

Some people throw 2 inch swim baits and ned rigs routinely around here.

 

It's not that those would not work here. It's that I would pretty much catch 8-in bass and panfish and that's not really my goal.

Thanks, @Woody B and @Pat Brown. Well, then, I guess I fish for big fish too. I tried a Ned rig one time and caught maybe fifteen, but I didn't enjoy fishing it. I like the distance I get with bigger lures and I like their commotion too, but mostly I like that four, five, and six-pounders like them too. 

I think for most days and conditions you get diminishing returns fairly quickly when up sizing or downsizing.  Larger bass seem fairly particular about the size of the things they eat and it seems like it's usually in that 3-6" sweet spot around here for profile.

 

Exceptions of course exist like the 10" worm bite that seems to happen every year but that's a very very thin and natural profile.  It's not a 10" glide bait.

13 hours ago, Team9nine said:

 

I'm an 'old man'   that spent about 30 years fishing tournaments when I was younger, so I've seen a good bit of water. My #1 driving rule was always, "don't blank," so I built my whole approach around getting bites, and letting size fall where it may. Another was something Al Lindner said in a seminar I attended when I was a teenager that has always stuck with me - "There's no such thing as 'the fish aren't biting.'" So I simplified and streamlined a lot of aspects of my approach, probably OVER simplified, but it seems to work for me. Of course, it now really tests my patience trying to add some 'big fish' tactics/approaches into that mix, but I'm not getting any younger, and I put more value on quality these days than I ever did prior.  

 

 

Thanks - haven't found a single fishable pond I can access down here, so it's looking like reservoirs for a good long while - lol.

I’m guessing that means you’re closer to the piedmont ? Hard to have a pond when the water is rushing downhill 

6 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I’m guessing that means you’re closer to the piedmont ? Hard to have a pond when the water is rushing downhill 

The foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, elevation just over 1,000 ft. There are a few ponds around, but they’re small and private. Building codes are much different here than where I came from, and the ground doesn’t seem right for holding water.

Quote

 Larger bass seem fairly particular about the size of the things they eat and it seems like it's usually in that 3-6" sweet spot around here for profile.

 

My Keitechs are 4.8". I bought some larger ones, but they just didn't feel right and they make too big a splash when they land. I also bought smaller ones, but they felt wrong too. In short, I agree with your sweet spot. The bass do too.

18 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

The foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, elevation just over 1,000 ft. There are a few ponds around, but they’re small and private. Building codes are much different here than where I came from, and the ground doesn’t seem right for holding water.

We are on the same kind of areas just opposite sides of the ridge 

3 hours ago, Woody B said:

 

First a disclaimer,  My "big" fish are minnows compared to many I see caught around here.  

 

For me it's not so much that "I fish for big fish"......I just don't fish for tiny fish.   Most of the lakes I fish have areas full of 8 to 10 inch Spots.   While it is cool to catch 15 in 20 casts sometimes sore lipping juvenile Bass get's old.  The last time I skunked I considered going and targeting an 8 inch spot but I didn't.   The last time I went fishing I was struggling with the muddy water.  I went to a bridge where there's always tiny spots and caught one.  I didn't even take a picture.  It still felt like a skunk to me.   

 

Laws vary........and don't really matter since I don't keep any fish, but 14" is the minimum most places around here.  I want 14 inchers and larger.  

Woody, you are much too humble. I've seen countless pictures you've posted and your fish are NOT minnows. I, on the other hand, can claim to be a minnow fisher!

@Blue Raider Bob Your post above reminded me of an old photo my dad had so I was forced to dig through the photo albums of yesteryear & finally found it. Note what he wrote at the bottom. 😂

19 hours ago, Team9nine said:

 

Of course, it now really tests my patience trying to add some 'big fish' tactics/approaches into that mix, but I'm not getting any younger, and I put more value on quality these days than I ever did prior.  

 

I agree with that sentiment completely. Aging does have an effect on your expectations. 

Interesting comments above.

I absolutely fish for the biggest bass in the system I am fishing on that day.

"Blanking" or a Skunking as it were, is part of it.  Dinks bite just about all day. I recieve zero satisfaction from catching 1 or 50.

I actually feel like I am jacking up potential trophies in Training. Simply can not justify the time, money and effort I put into this and feel rewarded. 

YMMV

A-Jay

Naturally, there's just not going to be as many plus sized bass in any given body of water as there is smaller versions because 1) bigger fish need more space and take up more resources, and 2) they're probably smarter/better at avoiding being caught.  Targeting that smaller proportion of the population quite often results in far less catch rates.  Its just simple math.

 

Also, keep in mind we're from all parts of North America here, so a "plus sized" bass in one geographic area may differ from those in another.

 

Started out good with a 3 pound bass on a jerkbait…then got sidetracked a bit by crappie as big as some of the bass I catch. Only took two fish to get me to set down the bass gear for the afternoon - lol.  
 

Is it me or are the largemouth being posted lately really pale in color? They almost have a whitish type color. Maybe it’s the cold water.

11 minutes ago, gimruis said:

Is it me or are the largemouth being posted lately really pale in color? They almost have a whitish type color. Maybe it’s the cold water.

 

In my case, this has been the second wettest January on record, so the lakes are muddy and the water is cold (low to mid 40s). They become almost white/silver in color under those circumstances.

2 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

so the lakes are muddy and the water is cold

 

Hook, line & sinker. 🤣

Got out briefly, water is raging and 43-45 degrees

When the water gets cleared out again it's gonna be tough to switch back slow and sneaky but not THAT tough since I'll be staring straight at them on bed 😍😍😍

 

I don't even know if I care if I always catch them when it's the spawn, I just know I walk around at my ponds going 😮😮😮😮😮 for about 2-3 months.

On the board

@thediscochef Nicely done. Get a weight? Looks pretty stout. Now tell us, was it worth the wait? 😉

28 minutes ago, RipzLipz said:

@thediscochef Nicely done. Get a weight? Looks pretty stout. Now tell us, was it worth the wait? 😉

It's about 2.5, maybe 3. My buddy and the guide have each caught one about the same size. Typing while running. Worth it.

Gorgeous fish @thediscochef!  Glad you're back on em!

3 hours ago, Pat Brown said:

Gorgeous fish @thediscochef!  Glad you're back on em!

Thanks! I've only caught the one. My buddy has bested his PB twice which is cool

@thediscochef Glad you got on one. You’re due for a slob soon buddy! 👍