So most of my younger days was spent throwing the same two or three lures for bass each and every time I was out. And either they were biting or they weren't. Now that I'm older and trying to get back into the freshwater bass game, I find myself overwhelmed with all the lures, tactics, variations, and methods out there. So those of you that are up for a challenge, keep reading...

 

You haven't been fishing in months so you have zero idea what the fish are doing. You show up to a new lake (for this conversation, let's say it's a relatively small lake) that you've never been to before. You have to choose only one lure/tactic/method from your arsenal and leave the rest of your gear in the truck for the day. 

 

What are the key features you use to make that gut decision? Types of weeds/vegetation? Deep or shallow water? Rocky or sandy bottom? 

 

As an example, if I show up to a lake that's got some lily pads mixed with open water, my first go-to would be a Fin-S-Fish. I figure I can fish it slowly or quickly, in the lily pads or open water. It's overall pretty versatile for me.

 

What would you choose and why?

For most of the season, my choice would be Texas rig. It can be fished in most any cover or depth.

The water temperature is the #1. Super Fluke weightless except during winter.

Topwater, mid-depth, & bottom ?

 

Cover the entire water column until a pattern emerges.

 

Which topwater, mid-depth, or bottom lure is moot!

A ned rig or a wacki senko. 

Fluke. You can fish fast or slow, top or bottom its weedless. Get that reaction strike or let it slow fall like a senko. Can even be wacky rigged. Has to be the most versatile bait.

 

I do this already. I look at the structure I'm fishing - most likely weeds and then what depth I want to fish at and then water temp and commit.

 

I am not a junk fisherman, I pick something that never worked and stick with it. What is the fun on catching fish when you know you can catch em?

 

I am looking at you, stupid Lunkerhunt Spider.

 

 

Jig...everytime..can swim it bottom fish it..any cover any depth..all year ice out to ice up...can change the trailer size or color to do whatever you need

I would pick a swim jig.

Green pumpkin Zoom 4 inch tube t-rigged.  Weight depends on where I’m fishing.  Could be any where from 1/8-1/2.  
 

Especially on a new lake or river does not matter.  Flat out catches fish where ever I throw it.  In fact I’ve had to switch lures just because, I get bored  

T-Rigged Senko, on a Gamakatsu EWG 3/0 hook and 1/16oz weight.

My favorite lures to use are topwaters but I will use whatever lure is needed to catch bass. 

I'd choose a Senko. About as versatile a bait as you can get and can be rigged a variety of ways and even when it's not the best choice, it will still usually catch some fish.

1 bait, ya can only rig it 1 way, have to be a whacky rigged senco..

Jig or weedless plastic of some flavor. Specifics are going to depend on depth and cover.

 

 

20 hours ago, Elliot Thomas said:

So most of my younger days was spent throwing the same two or three lures for bass each and every time I was out. And either they were biting or they weren't. Now that I'm older and trying to get back into the freshwater bass game, I find myself overwhelmed with all the lures, tactics, variations, and methods out there. So those of you that are up for a challenge, keep reading...

 

You haven't been fishing in months so you have zero idea what the fish are doing. You show up to a new lake (for this conversation, let's say it's a relatively small lake) that you've never been to before. You have to choose only one lure/tactic/method from your arsenal and leave the rest of your gear in the truck for the day. 

 

What are the key features you use to make that gut decision? Types of weeds/vegetation? Deep or shallow water? Rocky or sandy bottom? 

 

As an example, if I show up to a lake that's got some lily pads mixed with open water, my first go-to would be a Fin-S-Fish. I figure I can fish it slowly or quickly, in the lily pads or open water. It's overall pretty versatile for me.

 

What would you choose and why?

Hello Elliot and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ 

 I have a question for you, if you're up for the challenge.

Here's the situation;

You haven't done any DIY projects in several years.

 There's something in your neighbor's home that needs repair.

You don't know what it may be and you've never been in this home before,

but you have to fix it. 

You open your dusty tool box and can only select one tool to get the job done.

What do you reach for first and why ?

Personally I'd go for the Adjustable Wrench. 

Doubles as a hammer.

Good Luck with your one lure deal.

A-Jay  

 

If it was right now, this time of year,  north Missouri  , spinnerbait .

20 hours ago, Catt said:

Topwater, mid-depth, & bottom ?

 

Cover the entire water column until a pattern emerges.

 

Which topwater, mid-depth, or bottom lure is moot!

Agree - if it has a hook it will catch fish - you just have figure out what and where

For the 1st quarter of the year, I wear out Jerkbaits, a personal favorite. 

 

 

 

T-Rigged Senko with an 1/8oz or 3/16oz bullet weight.

 

Or....

 

A Megabass Dark Sleeper in any bright color.  This bait has been killer for me.  I caught 6 yesterday on it when the bite was slow for everybody.  The guy I fish with caught 1 on a crankbait and zero on his favorite jig.  It seems to produce when other lures won't.   

Depends on time of year, but hollow body frog or Texas rigged creature. Honorable mention to a swim jig.

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

Hello Elliot and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ 

 I have a question for you, if you're up for the challenge.

Here's the situation;

You haven't done any DIY projects in several years.

 There's something in your neighbor's home that needs repair.

You don't know what it may be and you've never been in this home before,

but you have to fix it. 

You open your dusty tool box and can only select one tool to get the job done.

What do you reach for first and why ?

Personally I'd go for the Adjustable Wrench. 

Doubles as a hammer.

Good Luck with your one lure deal.

A-Jay  

 

When the problem turns out to be a bad light switch your adjustable wrench is worthless for this.

6 minutes ago, Log Catcher said:

When the problem turns out to be a bad light switch your adjustable wrench is worthless for this.

Exactly.

Thank you for making my point.

A-Jay

White swim jig with a paddletail trailer. Will work anywhere, any time.