This was the first year that my largest bass came on a spinnerbait, and that way back in the early spring. 

Spooks produced some nice bass out of ponds this year, but when the temps heated up the topwater bite died off and really never recovered.

Another first this year was that jigs were way down on the list of productive baits. Usually they are in the  #1 or #2 spot for catching both numbers and size.

I didn't get out as much this year and nothing close to 5, but still managed some decent fish, for me.

The baits that caught me the biggest fish of the year (some weighed, some guessed - I don't weigh pike) were:

- 4 lb LMB and a 3.5 SMB  - Castaic Jerky J (Fluke-Style Bait)

- 4 lb SMB - Ned Rig with a Savage Gear Salamander

- 4 lb SMB - Yamamoto D-Shad (Green)

- 3.9 LMB and 4 lb LMB - Both on Keitech Crazy Flapper, 4.3 Size. 

- 3.8 SMB - Evil 4x4 Spinnerbait (4 Bladed Spinnerbait)

- Many LMB and two 32 Inch Pike - Evergreen Flat Force (Flat Sided Crankbait)

- 12 lb Pike - Jackall Rerange (Ghost Minnow) 

 

For numbers it was the D-Shad and a Duo Realis Skimmer (Skinny walking bait) in a silver/ghost colour. 

 

In terms of new baits (to me) I was impressed most with the Evergreen crankbait. 

2022 I didn't catch any mosters but caught plenty solid fish both from bank and kayak.

Best producers were:
3/8 Mini Max Chatterbait in Pearl Ghost/3" Yamamoto Zako White Trailer I couldn't put this thing down late summer/early fall ended up being my confidence bait my last few outings.  I'd just cruise the banks casting it at any target and when they bite usually was good ones.

5" Senko Green Pumpkin Magic Wacky rigged did some damage both quantity and quality wise.  Caught several nice preapawn females on it bank fishing some ponds in the spring.

3/8 oz Dirty Jigs Finesse in The Goto with Big Bite Baits Yomama 3" trailer in Green Pumpkin.  This was my intro to jig fishing combo and it got me my 3 biggest in the spring.