This year I've decided to go back to the basics of bass fishing, Last year was one of my worst years, I on;y caught 106 bass all of 2011 and now Since February 20 I've caught 6 bass. So, What are some fish catching basics that can go back upon in hopes of catching more fish, I'm just going to go simpler this year, I'm thinking that may make a difference during tournament time hopefully

The ones you have confidence in

I mean I have a boat load of confidence in soft stickbaits, but those are just not producing for me this year

Jig/craw x10!!! In my opinion the most versatil bait we use. Right now Im throwing only 2 baits, a chartruse buzz bait and a blk/blu jig/craw and could not be more pleased. I have never been on so many larger sized fish.

My Gosh son, you must keep some detailed records to know the exact number of fish (lmb) you caught in 2011. I'd venture to guess your answer is right there in front of you. In those observations. Apply different timing of weather patterns in 2012 to your 2011 notes, and get busy! Also factor in added pressure, if any, on the waters you fish.

My guess is you're a little late on your timing of which baits and when, due to the abnormally warm temps, early. Perhaps you're over thinking your approach, too. My deaf, dumb and blind Grandma could catch fish on a soft-plastic jerkbait this time of year.

What's changed?

I would go with:

Jigs - Natural colors: Greens/Browns/Blacks/Reds/Whites(I use P. H. Kellner - Quality Custom Fishing Jigs)

Crankbaits - To keep it simple go with deep divers (8-20 feet) in White/Silver/Sunfish; and mid-depth (5-10 feet) in the same colors

Spinnerbait - One white one chartreuse and white

And then some soft plastics - Worms, Lizards, Senkos: Again I would go with natural colors. Be sure you get your hooks and bullet weights to Texas Rig or to throw weightless.

With just those, you should be able to fish any situation.

Hey Chris, is she a pinball wizard as well?...

TheCraftsman nailed most of your basics that will get you bit....


.....buzzbait.....and maybe a frog too...

Go to Falcon for a few days. That may get you ahead of last year if you hold your mouth right.

Soft plastics is where I cut my teeth. So, they are also one of my big confidence baits. I'm feeling the swim jig lately. Frog is very fun this time of year

My go to is a white spinner double gold willow leafs or zoom fluke.

WORM also a very basic word

The Spoon, has been fooling ALL species of fish for ever.....

I like this idea. I am also trying to "simplify" my fishing for 2012. My simple baits are a grub, a shakey head, and a crankbaits. I also like small swimbaits because you can fish them at any depth.

tx rigged worm. watermelon or pumpkin in clear water, red shad or blue fleck in darker water, black or purple in dirty water. It doesn't get much more simple than that.