Update: 

 

I don’t know what I did to mess up my original report. Sorry guys!  I’m going to recreate it but be a heck of a lot more succinct, lol. 
 

As a shore angler, bass fishing prospects sharply taper from near zero to “forget about it” in the pacific nw. For me, by mid September it’s over for bass and I usually target salmon. 
 

This year has been different. It’s been very good. 
 

Lots of firsts and more bass. 
 

I cracked Lake Dolloff after about 14 years and caught my first bass out of it. 
 

I cracked Fenwick Lake after about the same time period with 7 bass caught in one outing. If you’re wondering, the answer is yes. This is the lake the company Fenwick uses. 
 

Even my tough and stingy home lake, Steel Lake has been giving it up. I caught my first post mid-September bass last Sunday on a homemade experimental inline spinner intended for salmon on my home lake. I used it over and in grass beds.  

 

Then, yesterday after my inline spinner, cranks and hard jerks yielded no results, I was able to make the right adjustment when I switched to a t-rigged Creme creature with a 3/16 oz. bullet weight. 
 

I dragged it and followed that with a double pop and Bam! 
 

 

 

 

 

I brought only one rig, my new Daiwa Air DX. I’ve heard good things about this lower end and I was pleasantly surprised to find a 2-piece Air DX and for $39.00. It’s currently paired with my smallest bc reel, the venerable curado 101D. This rig feels like a light saber in hand. Smack it, flip it, rub it down, oh no, lol. 
 

It’s intended use is for lighter t-rigs and small cranks and jerks and spinnerbaits. 
 

Despite it being a bit on the thinner side, this M powered rod easily drove the hook through the upper jaw without a cross the eyes hook set (which I never do anyway). 

 

 

 

I noticed something in the bass’ gullet. It looked like the tail of a perch. I know that the bass are chasing the perch and whatever remaining stocked trout are left and this is what makes catching them hard from the shore.

 

I have to be there and ready if and when they decide to patrol the dock and shallower water. 
I was fortunate this bass took a break from chasing perch to come to the dock/swimming area. 
 

I am going to continue pursuing bass as much as I can through the fall and winter, if only to learn more and pay my dues. Either that or move south, lol. 
 

 

1 hour ago, islandbass said:

Air DX

Welcome to the dark side - we have cookies.

 

I've got 2 Aird-X rods still in my boat inventory, and two more relegated to shore fishing. Far as I'm concerned...nothing better in that price-group...even at $55 SRP.

13 hours ago, islandbass said:

 This rig feels like a light saber in hand. Smack it, flip it, rub it down, oh no, lol. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This had me cracking up!!