New techniques

I'm looking to broaden my knowledge when it comes to catching the old ditch pickle. I'm planning on trying to master a new technique this year by trying stuff I never do. Give me some options on both moving bait presentations and also a slower technique. Thanks!

Before I started guiding, I spent a TON of time on the water, doing just like you are doing this year. When I finished over 5 years of work, I had CONFIDENCE IN MYSELF to figure the fish out. It is TUFF to do, to get that amount of confidence, but I still have it today. I KNOW I AM GOING TO CATCH A FISH, that often leads to catching fish in odd ways and strange circumstances. One time, using a Texas rig, I put a frog on and proceeded to catch a LOT of fish. Try thinking outside the box as you learn. It should help you get over tuff situations. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

my "new to me" thing will be ned

my new thing this year will be the "cat" rig. Tried it on Thursday with no results. May need clearer water.

I’m trying to master drop shot.

I need to re-learn spinner baits and cranks. I've been so stuck on throwing plastics, that I feel I was becoming a one trick pony. It's time to pick up some older techniques and get back on them in other ways.

Chatterbait.... Can be fished all year under nearly every condition and catches big fish.

Watching MLF reminds me how high the pros hold their pole on drop shot or wacky. I have been guilty of dropping more to a 45 degree angle. These guys hold it perpendicular to the ground to get the max feeling in the pole. Then when the fish start to run, they drop it to the 45 and then set the hook.

Yep. And those guys are using HD drop shots too.

So what's the advantage. It's not very hard to tie a palomar knot drop shot rig. Why use an rig like this. Seems like it's more for the fish to see.

I'm always refining old ways to be better at each. I keep upgrading my Chatterbait styles to see which way works on different lakes.

Jarrett, what size and color chatterbait do you throw on these clear lakes like Travis and Belton? I don't do nearly as well on these lakes with the chatterbait as on other lakes unless there is a shad spawn going on.