Tried out a couple things today that I've read here and while I know I AM learning, I am also being educated at just how little I know about bass fishing. Been fishing on/off for about 28 years but never really took time to educate myself as I am now.

Polarized glasses: Never owned a pair but knew they might be helpful. Picked up a pair of cheapies at Wally World last night while I wait to see if I'm going to get a pair of Maui Jims. Wow; remarkable difference these make. They are UV protected too but I am going to spend some $$ on a good pair of them.

Cavitron Buzzbaits: Amazing lures. Comes right to the surface after a turn or two and allow a very slow retrieve if you want. Wonderfully balanced lure too. Some things the extra money is worth it and these buzzbaits are worth it.

My little Pond Prowler is still undergoing an overhaul so I decide to fish from shore at my subdivision's lake this am. Caught myself several times slipping back into the habit of early morning fishing just a couple feet parallel to shore ONLY. This is despite knowing where some dropoffs/fish are in that area thanks to my depth finder. (I mapped out some areas BEFORE I started the overhaul) Stopped myself and worked the structure I remembered, ended up hooking into a beautiful fish 4-5 lbs but she got off.

Analazing conditions at the lake and trying to come up with something to throw that I think the conditions dictate make me also realize I need more lures.

Anyway, thanks for the help so far and I'll be sure to search the topics before posting any newb questions.

By the looks of that LM PB I'd say you are doing just fine. Keep on fishing and learning like all of us do. It only takes a lifetime and then you realize you haven't even gotten started yet... Enjoy every moment of it.

Just watch out for the bait monkey, he's lurking and will get in your ear and tell you all sorts of lies about what lures to buy, sizes, colors, how many, and so forth.  Keep a watchful eye out for him!!!

Great feeling when you realize you're using what you learned and it works ...

                           As Ever,

                            skillet

35 to 40 years of fishing and I consider myself a newbie to bass fishing.  My challenge is that every time I learn a new technique, I get into the rut of using it almost exclusively, neglecting the skills I already have and the techniques that I should be learning.  The more I learn, the less I know