that's definitely something we need to do more of. good advice.

thanks for the input guys

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Live bait is certainly an option and a good one. State record was caught on live bait. If that doesn't work go to another lake, appears the fish in your lake are too smart.

This why I think bigger baits work best certain times of the year. I caught this fish this evening, that's a big gizzard shad in her gullet. And yes I caught her on a "Big Bait"

Nice !!!!

Nice fish Doug. Did you catch it on a 32 oz. beer bottle. That things sporting a good beer gut. You was throwing the right thing (as Donald would say) because she wasn't hungry.

Minnows that are usually fished with for bait are usually shiners, carp, or suckers. I think the reason bass eat more shad is 1 of 2 reason.1.)Shad are more abundant. 2.) Shad are more fragile. They are more suceptible to injury and mortality, especially do to abrupt temperature change (easier prey).

two of my biggest bass , 12.4 lbs and 11.3 lbs were caught on 4.5" straight tail worm and 5" Senko .
Big baits are great if your matching the hatch .
Swim baits were invented for a reason . The California Dept of Fish and Game always stocked 11" and 12" rainbow trout in lots of lakes , the bass were basically " trained " to when the truck dumped it's load of trout and let the feast begin . Smart lure guys started hand making big swimbaits that looked just like Trout .
If you have big bait in your lake ( trout , bluegills , crappie , hitch etc..) , then match that if you can , if you don't have those in your lake , your wasting time using bigger baits .

The legend Bill Murphy used mostly plastic worms "stitched" and only targeted big fish (8lb+).

He would use from 3 inch to 16 inch baits. Just depending on what they wanted that day.

Great fish Doug. Looks like a six pounder that is pushing Eight.

Don't worry - there are cheaper add ons that will increase your catching as much as adding speed.
Here are the add-ons and what they're worth from a speed perspective. In other words, adding all the following to a 30mph boat will increase your catch to equal someone with a 45mph boat.

Flat bill cap - 2 mph
3 - 5 fish finders (12" min) - 3 mph
Jersey - 4 mph
Two power poles - 6 mph

I think a Go-Pro adds a little bit too (btw awesome fish Doug)

I recognize the tree in the background. Nice fish.

No idea on the weight, I forgot to put my scale back in the boat last week. . But she was fun on a jerk bait and 8 pound line.

I think she ate too much Christmas day