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Wisdom Wanted!
#13594391
06/14/20 04:41 PM
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 53
MightyMas
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 53 |
Avid bass anglers, From wiser and more seasoned boating bass anglers, what are some things you know now that you wish you would've known starting out? I'm 24 and have just recently begun bass fishing from a boat. I'm a lifelong shore and pond fisherman but am learning quickly that lake fishing from the water is a whole other ball game. All tips are welcome: gear, finding fish, finding cover, essential baits, choosing baits, boating technique/etiquette/safety, where to spend money and where to skimp, when to stay and when to move spots, etc. Thanks in advance for imparting your wisdom and saving me years of trial and error, can't wait to read and put to practice
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: MightyMas]
#13594404
06/14/20 04:57 PM
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 12,209
sdavis24
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 12,209 |
If I had to give advice to a person just starting out... Nothing replaces Time on the Water. Don't chase special lures/colors. They are just tools and several will work in a given situation. Spend more time focusing on fish behavior, biology, food chain etc . I also think focusing on one body of water accelerates the learning curve.
Last edited by sdavis24; 06/14/20 04:59 PM.
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: MightyMas]
#13594410
06/14/20 05:01 PM
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 415
1bassdaddy
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 415 |
I'm with sdavis...don't feel compelled to buy a ton of baits. Stick to some basic colors in both plastic and hard baits. I'm betting that advice will be echoed as this thread grows.
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: MightyMas]
#13594447
06/14/20 05:51 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,618
361V
TFF Celebrity
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TFF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,618 |
Yep to the above advise^^^^! Start with the basics. Don’t have to have 15 rods on deck and the “latest-greatest” lures. A soft plastics(worms, craws, creature baits...) rod, a crank bait rod, a spinner bait rod, maybe a top water rod and a carolina rig set up.....Keep it simple(and affordable). It won’t be that long before you look in your tackle boxes and wonder where you came up with so many baits you don’t really need or use. Keep it basic and just go have fun!
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: 1bassdaddy]
#13594448
06/14/20 05:52 PM
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 53
MightyMas
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 53 |
If I had to give advice to a person just starting out... Nothing replaces Time on the Water. Don't chase special lures/colors. They are just tools and several will work in a given situation. Spend more time focusing on fish behavior, biology, food chain etc . I also think focusing on one body of water accelerates the learning curve. I'm with sdavis...don't feel compelled to buy a ton of baits. Stick to some basic colors in both plastic and hard baits. I'm betting that advice will be echoed as this thread grows. Thanks for these two tips ^ will save lots of money and travel
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: MightyMas]
#13594605
06/14/20 08:20 PM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 348
Tiltedtitan
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 348 |
I would say I would want to know what I'm using my equipment for. Instead of increasing my rods and lures, I would want to assess what rod will be used for what presentation. Some rods can be used in multiple applications. But I found myself buying rods on sale or on here that were resales... But I wish I had known to be more specific. I would start with 2 medium heavy 7ft rods, 1 heavy 7ft 3 inch, and 1 medium 7ft or 6ft 10 inch rod.
I would learn to cover water faster. Know the seasons and fish accordingly. Commit time to learning different techniques. Instead of fishing the way you like to catch them. This will increase your tool set and make you well rounded.
I would fish multiple fisheries to increase my diversity. I would ask questions on here and build relationships with others to share information and learn.
I would switch to tungsten as quick as possible. I would buy bobber stops from China and always peg my weight when flipping heavy cover and grass. I would fish fluorocarbon on Texas rig, jigs and cranks. I fish mono for spinnerbaits. Braid to mono for Carolina. I would retie more often.
I would watch a lot of content on YouTube, this helped bend the curve for me. I also really enjoyed the cup events in mlf. To watch pros put in the situation that we face with no knowledge of a lake. To see the struggle and problem solving and to see how they break it down. To see other types of fisheries that we do not have locally.
Instead of trying to force fish to bite on one area, I would move faster to cover more water.
I would attempt to pay attention to as many details as possible: sun, wind, moon, which bank, how long did I let it sit before moving, did they bite on the move or on the pause, shady side or sunny, what depth, what was the bottom composition, outside tree line or inside, horizontal tree or vertical, vary your retrieve speed, bottom contact is essential for cranking.
Down size weight and action when conditions are tough. Like a ned rig or 1/8 oz trig.
shallow water anchors are game changers.
I like change all my trolling motor batteries at one time.
Stock up on essentials when they are on sale.
Keep colors simple.
Learn different knots. Connection knots.
Make sure that you clean your reels. Don't leave your equipment on the deck when traveling because of the debris that gets in your worm gears and when bank fishing be mindful about laying your rods on the grass and dirt.
Don't be afraid to fish behind people.
Learn to use Google Earth if you're going to a new lake to study historical images via the timeline feature on Google maps. You also have to use Google maps on a PC or a Mac there is not a mobile version that has the timeline feature where you can go back in time to where the lake was drawn down and see where the creek channels are and rock formations and old ramps.
Use Navionics mobile to also study contour maps and be able to do plan your strategy before you get to the lake.
Be proactive on your trailer tires with proper maintenance to your bearings and your tire tread.
I would have extra oil for your boat in the boat or in the truck. Always check your fuel level. Do annual maintenance for your impeller. Every three or four months you can take your props off and make sure there's no line bound up in them.
Carry a spare prop whenever you're going away on a trip for your boat motor and trolling motor.
Invest in good rain gear. The cheap stuff always tears up very fast so you end up replacing it over and over again.
I would invest more in sensitivity for dragging techniques and pitching techniques then I would for cranking and moving baits.
If you are going to store your rods in a locker make sure that you have a mouse deterrent like dryer sheets or moth balls and never leave food in your boat.
I'm sure there's a hundred more things but this would be where I would start.
Pastor Tim Be Relentless.
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: MightyMas]
#13594633
06/14/20 08:51 PM
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 531
1956Zebco
Pro Angler
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Pro Angler
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 531 |
A very wise person (Johnny Neile a P-40 flight instructor, had flown them with Chennault in China) once told me to fly with as many instructors and good pilots as possible - if you fly with 10 - theoretically you'll be 10X as good as any of them because you pick up many tips no one person learns on their own. Works with fishing too. Fish with as many people as possible.
Fish have no respect for what logo is on the boat, poles, or lures or how much was paid for them. The bank does care, and wants the most expensive for you, and the longest payment stream possible. Try to avoid that whole trap.
If you get the bug to fish tournaments: remember this (even though there's thousands of videos telling you otherwise) - bass tournaments are won by fishing for bass that will actually win the tournament. Snatching sub-weight male after male off the beds doesn't win the tournament - knowing they are your fish attractor and the big females usually within 40 yards of the bed will win the tournament. Snatching the males will ensure up to 4 females egg production is potentially lost to bluegill, and especially crappie - in short - wasted effort for everyone. You may catch a female on the bed (rare) but you can always catch them at the first drop-off behind the bed in deeper water.
Thanks for asking your question - you'll be a good one I can tell - just by the asking.
Last edited by 1956Zebco; 06/14/20 08:54 PM. Reason: misspelled wod
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: MightyMas]
#13594764
06/14/20 11:10 PM
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 88
RuthlessK
Outdoorsman
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Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 88 |
I have learned many things from Mr Donald Harper about bass fishing. Hopefully he chines in here and helps you out.
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: MightyMas]
#13594784
06/14/20 11:39 PM
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Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 356
WLBDallas
Angler
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Angler
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 356 |
Buy cheap gear, fish green pumpkin, watermelon seed, black and blue plastics. Learn how to pitch and flip trees and brush. Spend a lot of time learning how to hit a target when casting, pitching, flipping. Buy no more than 10 crankbaits. A few frogs and maybe a spook. Learn how to use a carolina rig and a texas rig. That's it. Fish with better fishermen than yourself. Watch what they do.
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: MightyMas]
#13594802
06/14/20 11:57 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,559
Bassnhog
Extreme Angler
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Extreme Angler
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,559 |
Avid bass anglers, From wiser and more seasoned boating bass anglers, what are some things you know now that you wish you would've known starting out? I'm 24 and have just recently begun bass fishing from a boat. I'm a lifelong shore and pond fisherman but am learning quickly that lake fishing from the water is a whole other ball game. All tips are welcome: gear, finding fish, finding cover, essential baits, choosing baits, boating technique/etiquette/safety, where to spend money and where to skimp, when to stay and when to move spots, etc. Thanks in advance for imparting your wisdom and saving me years of trial and error, can't wait to read and put to practice Put boat in water safely and quickly. Navigate water safely. Fish and maybe catch fish safely. Load boat back up safely and quickly. Go home safely. Drink beer at home.
Semper Fi-shing
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: MightyMas]
#13594816
06/15/20 12:22 AM
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 312
BASS GURU
Angler
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Angler
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 312 |
Lots of great advice has been given. No substitute for time on the water. If you are able, join a local bass club and fish in the back seat for a while.
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: MightyMas]
#13594835
06/15/20 12:44 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 19,798
Donald Harper
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 19,798 |
I have posted a few articles on here. To be exact there are 23 of them so far that will help you get started; if you like to read. Ha..
Each person you work with holds some promise to your future success. Websiite Sponsors: www.eletewater.com - Staying Hydrated www.lakeoviachic.com - Booking Mexico Trips 20 Hot Spot Mapping - GPS Contour Chips - Custom Spinner Baits - Jigs -Spooks Pure Extracts - Minnow-Night Crawler-Crayfish-Craylic
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: MightyMas]
#13594842
06/15/20 12:47 AM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 13,522
Ken A.
Groovy
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Groovy
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 13,522 |
Install drain plug, unhook tie downs, take transom saver off, before you pull onto the ramp. Have all your gear & ice chest in the boat before you pull onto the ramp. It is very irritating when someone pulls onto the ramp, blocks a spot then starts getting the boat ready to launch. Be ready to dump the boat into the water when you pull onto the ramp.
When you come off plane and idle into the ramp trim the motor Up to the top of the "trim cycle". Many times there are rocks around the ramp to prevent erosion. Get into the habit of doing this. It surprises me how many guys idle into the ramp with their motor tucked all the way under and hit their prop on the rocks or the concrete ramp. I've watched several guys try to push their boats up onto the trailer with the motor tucked all the way under & wind up hitting their prop on the concrete. This is an expensive lesson if you have a high quality SS prop.
These 2 things sound like common sense but you would be surprised.
Power Poles are awesome if you can afford them. I love them. One of the new troll motors with spot lock technology truly is a game-changer. I used a 20# mushroom anchor & 100' of rope for summertime offshore fishing for 25 years before I got my first Ultrex TM. Spot Lock has made anchors obsolete. Thank goodness!
Good luck & be safe!
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: MightyMas]
#13594858
06/15/20 01:03 AM
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 12,449
JIM SR.
TFF Guru
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TFF Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 12,449 |
Time on the water is important,....but so is time on the golf course, tennis court or the ball diamond. But none will help you without someone to show you "how to"....!!! I think in every sport you need someone to teach you the right way. Someone to explain to you the techniques and basics. Someone to pass along his experiences...someone to pass along some wisdom.
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Re: Wisdom Wanted!
[Re: MightyMas]
#13594937
06/15/20 02:02 AM
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,002
CCTX
mapquest
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mapquest
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41,002 |
Safety first Life jacket on and kill switch attached to you with lanyard when big motor running Be vigilant with battery, hitch, trailer, tires, and boat maintenance. Walk around the trailer three times after you hook up to the truck triple checking everything. Be prepared to fix minor trailer, tire, and boat issues at all times Have tools and a dependable, long set of jumper cables.
Buy a kayak for when the boat/trailer/etc is out of commission. Mine came in handy the last two weeks waiting for new trailer license plate—mine must have fallen off sometime this winter/spring?
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