Hey guys. It has been quite a while since I posted on here last but I am getting the fever again after being to the fishing show in Novi this past weekend and I am itching to get out on the water this year. I am really interested in learning new things to make me a better bass fisherman. I am willing to pay for gas and willing to get up early as well. I wouldn't mind entering a tournament either. If anyone on here would be so kind as to get me out this year I would really appreciate it. I live in Northville at the moment and I am willing to drive out to where ever I need to to get out and really do some fishing!
Starting the first Tuesday evening after opening day the KLBA will start up again on Kent Lake. It's not a high dollar tournament, $40 per team with 100% payback. It is more to get out and fish and have a good time. Kent can be an incredible lake (if you can find them) and the springtime and late fall are the best times. I know last year there were several people that ended up fishing alone because there were not enough non-boaters so keep an eye out for when those start back up.
Also be sure to check out the EBA, their area is down the page under TBF clubs. It is a great way to meet people and get to fish a lot of different waters in a noncompetitive manner.
Also hit me up when after the opener because I try to get on the water as much as possible and a lot of times I end up out there by myself and would be happy fish with somebody.
I appreciate it bender and I will keep that in mind after the opener. I am looking to get a bass boat within the next year or two, but I really need to get out there more. I am getting tired of shore fishing LOL! I will get back to you for sure when the season starts.
Also look into the ABA, if you are interested in tournament fishing. Don't need a boat, sign up as a non-boater get paried at the tournament. Great way to fish out of a lot of different boats and get a feel for what kind of boat you would be really interested in, not to mention learning various different techniques. I know that group was always short of non-boaters last year.
Does the KLBA have a website or is it word of mouth. I've been looking for a local night tournament and this is close since I live in Wixom.
Terry
Check out the BFL trail. It is a great chance for you to see some of the best fishing in Michigan at a reasonable cost. If you sign up with a boater it gives you priority entry. You won't fish with your boater that you signed up with on Tx day (random draw), but many boaters like to have a practice partner.
http://bfl.flwoutdoors.com/
You could always draw someone like me (average guy), but you also have the chance to draw some of the best guys in the area (Modrak, Clapper, Baylog, ect)
Seth
Cool - I'll talk with Brian. I met him at the show, he lives nearby and bought some of those great gobies off him.
Thanks for the info
Terry Bone
Nemesis Gobies don't work on Kent. Don't buy them for Kent. Once bought, don't use them on Kent. If used don't set the hook. If the fish hooks itself, don't land it, shake it off. If it won't shake off, land the fish, and immediately let it go. Do not put it in the live well. If put in the livewell, don't bring it to the weigh in.
This advice also applies to the Klk (Kent Lake Killer) color of stick worms.
Now I guess Nemesis is also producing shakey worms. For goodness sake, save your money. Don't buy those either!
I will purchase any Nemesis baits at a much reduced price from you though. Just so you can now go out a buy a bait that works.
Glad to do it. Cause that's the kind of guy I am. All heart.
Oh, yeah. And don't buy any of their jigs either.
lol
I would for sure check out the BFL's if you want to fish in some tournies. I dont fish out that way but Brian McCarter will definately point you in the right direction on the KLBA tournies. The BFL's would be a great learning experience. Like stated before you could draw one of us or a true legend on those waters. I have 2 buds that have fished with Clapper and said that it was truly amazing to just be in the boat with him and see the way he fishes. -skeeterman-
Ive got a grudge too write on something. I dont care how good your are! how can you look down upon another person?(thats for the boater out there thats think there superior to another person that sets foot in there boat). im sure im gonna get some hate mail on this. its the whole boater, co-angler deal. were all human and maybe some of us have more time and money then others and maybe its talent. I commend Eric.. His Co got a 7lber last year @ Burt.if he had that fish he WON!! only one he got and his first BFL hes ever fished, it made his day and prolly hooked him for life!! Any Co that steps foot in my boat is appreciated and will be treated like an equal! -skeeterman-
That wasnt aimed @ u Eric just some others ive heard that treat people like S***... No need for that.-skeeterman-
Sparky and I would be happy to take you out. We get around a lot, and run into many types of bites. Some are easy, others difficult.
So give us some idea of what you have experience doing. That way we can pick trips that suit your level of experience. We can also do something you've never done but wanted to. If you've never dragged jigs on the mile roads it's a cool experience; or you might be interested in drop shotting on Erie.
So expand a little guy...
Get into the DK OPEN spring edition. Sounds like its gonna be on St.Clair. you'll have an awesome time. get to meet all the people here and learn invaluable info on fishing from the best of the best from this area.-skeeterman-
Well to give you some idea of my experience I picked up drop shot last year and I am getting pretty darn good with it. I have the basics of bass fishing more or less mastered and I am looking into getting into something a little more advanced to really take my fishing to the next level. I would consider myself an average angler. I am also learing how to use baitcasting gear because I have used spinnning gear all of my life so I thought it was a time for a change. I don't have much money for gear but I do what I can.
The basics of bass fishing require using casting gear, so you might have a ways to go. I am assuming you dont throw jigs, spinnerbaits, cranks, texas rig, jerkbaits, frogs, buzzbaits, spoons, bladebaits, or topwater on a spinning rod because in most cases that would be a bad idea. I think you are heading in the right direction though by signing up here and attempting to get out with some experienced anglers. If you have no tournament experience then I would recammend you join a local club or try finding a boater that will fish small local events for atleast the first year then move up. The DK open would be a great idea to start out the year and meet some of the guys here, not to mention you would feel at home with your spinning gear on st clair and likley catch a load of smallies.
Pick one or two baits and/or techniques you want learn or improve on and then concentrate on those for at least one season. my problem when i first started getting into bass fishing was that i wanted to do everything that i seen the guys on tv doing. But i had no concept of where, when, and why they were using specific baits and techniques. If you try to do too much at once, you will end up learning very little about any.
Its sounds like you have a good grip on DS fishing. Thats a good technique to know. But there are a couple other big ones that will help you catch more fish.
I would suggest learning to throw a jig and pig (or pork) as it is one of the most versatile and productive baits out there. With learning a jig, you will need to learn a few techniques that accompany the bait. Flipping/pitching being a big one. Also, swimming a jig has really started to catch on and can really put fish in the boat under the right conditions. Spend some time with a jig this year and I guarantee you that you wont regret it.
But really, concentrate on learning, really learning, just a few things each year rather than trying to get a feel for everything at once. Its counter productive in the long run.
And as everyone else is saying, make friends with people who fish and get involved as a co angler in tournaments or in fishing clubs. the EBA is a good club to look at. They are local and they are all out there to learn and to help each other. Talk to Tom Ouwellen(sp?) also known as Revtro on this forum.
McCarter himself :-\'
;D ;D
Happy New Year Folks !! Y'all knew I couldnt stay away! From the sound of this board y'all have cabion fever or something. Nut jobs..... all of ya. Let the Mojo help this fella out here .....
Well McSavage - I know how you feel - completely. You caught the same virus I caught just a few years ago. Good luck partner, cause if you get around these addicts you're going to become even more hopeless !! Not having a boat (me too) gives you many positives, however, First - you're going to meet awesome people. Our EBA club lets non competitive NBs group with boater for the express purpose of learning different techniques from experienced boater. I fish alot with one fella and you will too. But being able to swap out boaters, like the EBA does (we even switch at lunch) lets you see how other guys attack the water. Your learning curve will go off the charts.
Next - I noticed NOONE mentioned a local NBAA tourny - if you post on this site come MArch or April and post what lakes you like to fish, chances are, someone with a boat who needs a NB will find you. About $42 bucks a boat plus gas, once a week. Some go for 10 - 14 weeks. But thats with one guy all year.
Third, Nemisis baits are a touch softer bait, but rock on LSC. Was my best DS bait last summer - 3 inch goby in 12 - 32 ft of water. I am trading the softer but more action for less resilience .... fish after fish. But hey, if a bait is getting smacked 4 - 8 times per hour, maybe $4 - 5 bucks for the day is worth it ??? Cmon guys - They last unless the fish are fighting to get to it, and at that point, if you found the school, they'll hit bubble gum so move to a similar color DS plastic and save the Nemisis gobage to attract the next school !!
Fourth, Eric is refering to me. I can post in public he GAVE UP his spot on the championship team last year so WE could have a positive tournament day. What does that mean ? Means, for 8 hours we hunted bed fish on the front deck together, he taught me color and pitch technique, what to look for and how to sneak up in 2 feet without scaring them girls. I bagged 1 or 2 fish and so did he, but he easily coulda back boated me, landed 5 fish in 4 hours and maybe even caught more once I had the boat. Hats off to that gentleman. Will you get that kind of love from up front JonyMcSavage? maybe once in a hundred. Most times you get what you give, and once in a while you land the jockstrap who grows with each fish he lands .......
But I'll tell ya this to answer your question:
* Join the DK open and youll get paired up to start and end the season.
* Join the EBA and you'll meet a dozen great humans with no cocky ahole drivers
* Sometimes just post a day you can get out and you may get several brodoskis who'll PM you and set something up.
Have at it ..... and there is no cure for what you got by the way.
Mojo
Quote from: TCook on January 14, 2009, 01:23:07 PM
I am assuming you dont throw jigs, spinnerbaits, cranks, texas rig, jerkbaits, frogs, buzzbaits, spoons, bladebaits, or topwater on a spinning rod because in most cases that would be a bad idea.
I throw small jigs, texas rigs, jerkbaits (hard and soft), frogs (soft plastic - believe it or not, although not all the time), spoons (I'm referring to jigging, not dare devale style), bladebaits (assuming silver buddy style) and topwater on a spinning rod. I also throw senko style baits, dropshot, tubes, and other stuff I'm probably forgetting on a spinning rod. They are pretty versatile with the right set-up.
QuoteI throw small jigs, texas rigs, jerkbaits (hard and soft), frogs (soft plastic - believe it or not, although not all the time), spoons (I'm referring to jigging, not dare devale style), bladebaits (assuming silver buddy style) and topwater on a spinning rod. I also throw senko style baits, dropshot, tubes, and other stuff I'm probably forgetting on a spinning rod. They are pretty versatile with the right set-up.
On a spinning rod finesse jigs yes, but any other jig never. texas rig almost never I like alot of backbone to set the hook through the plastic. jerkbaits only the 78 size with light line under certain circumstances. frogs I never use spinning again you need alot of backbone to set the hook. spoons and silver buddies I never use spinning, I like a shorter MH baitcasting setup for virticle jigging. topwater can go either way but I without a doubt prefer a short medium casting setup. senko's, dropshot and tubes or any soft plastic with an open hook I use on spinning gear. Just my opinion though. :-\'
Quote
Quote from: TCook on January 14, 2009, 03:33:06 PM
QuoteI throw small jigs, texas rigs, jerkbaits (hard and soft), frogs (soft plastic - believe it or not, although not all the time), spoons (I'm referring to jigging, not dare devale style), bladebaits (assuming silver buddy style) and topwater on a spinning rod. I also throw senko style baits, dropshot, tubes, and other stuff I'm probably forgetting on a spinning rod. They are pretty versatile with the right set-up.
On a spinning rod finesse jigs yes, but any other jig never. texas rig almost never I like alot of backbone to set the hook through the plastic. jerkbaits only the 78 size with light line under certain circumstances. frogs I never use spinning again you need alot of backbone to set the hook. spoons and silver buddies I never use spinning, I like a shorter MH baitcasting setup for virticle jigging. topwater can go either way but I without a doubt prefer a short medium casting setup. senko's, dropshot and tubes or any soft plastic with an open hook I use on spinning gear. Just my opinion though. :-\'Quote
Definitely finesse when referring to jigs and texas rigs etc (I forgot to mention split shot rigs, and shaky head as well...I knew there were more). I'm not flipping or pitching to mats with big jigs and texas rigs on a spinning rod. :D The frog thing always throws people off when they see it, but I
sometimes use a MH spinning rod that lost some of its tip in a little accident. A lot of backbone on that sucker, absolutely no problem sinking a hook, and I can throw a frog a LONG way on 30 pound braid (I'll use this setup in shallow, clear water and fish are cruising and spooky). I'm not saying any one way is the right way or better than the other, only that a spinning rod doesn't have to be limited to drop shotting and tubing.
One of the guys i fish with throws a frog on a heavy spinning rod and braided line. I think he catches more then me on it too?? i got that whole hand to eye coordination too fast i guess. I always fish boat docks with a spinning rod and usually dont have too many probs. oh wait Tim thinks im the granddaddy master @ losing big fish so maybe i should take a closer look?? rock on spinning rods!!!!-skeeterman-
I would agree anytime spent on the water is a plus. You learn something new everyday! Fishing with as many new anglers as possible is also a plus. we all have our own little tricks and tips that are different from the others. alot of them your not going to hear about on here but from the certain person himself. I wouldnt recomend thrown the frog deal on a spinning rod. As Eric said a high speed baitcaster is a must in tons of situations. spinning rods are just too slow! i have to teach myself to skip with a baitcaster and ill be set. Dont go the road that i went and try to learn all these things on your own its frustrating and at time you just want too give up. talk to as many anglers possible and fish with them just as much. it will make you a better fisherman period!-skeeterman-
i'm down to 2 spinning rods.... dropshot and a shakey head/split shot rig.
turns out a rod blank doesn't care if its built as a spinning rod or a casting rod... and they make these weeee little baitcasters in japan that would work great for drop shotting.. so hopefully i'll be down to 1 soon.
Spinning reels are getting faster (just like baitcasters). 4.7:1 is probably the most common right now (or close to that), but newer reels like the Shimanos have 6.0:1 and 6.2:1. You'll be able to crank in the smallies a whole lot faster now.
Just for fun, here's a comparison, a new Shimano Citica 200 has a 6.2:1 gear ratio which brings in 27" per turn, and a new Symetre with a 6.0:1 gear ratio brings in 35" per turn (2500 size). Which is faster? The slow gear ratio reals (4:7.1 like a Daiwa Tierra) bring in roughly 28 to 32" per turn.
Very nicely played there cheetam. got 2 of the new citicas and want a few of the new symetres. ive got the old ones and love them. from what ive looked @the new citicas bring in just as much line per turn as a curado or calais.. id much rather pay 120 bucks then 200-400? Symetre is also an awesome reel. i think what most are getting @ its the power u have with a baitcaster?? im a huge spinning rod guy like yourself.-skeeterman-
Quote from: skeeterman190 on January 14, 2009, 08:16:01 PM
Very nicely played there cheetam. got 2 of the new citicas and want a few of the new symetres. ive got the old ones and love them. from what ive looked @the new citicas bring in just as much line per turn as a curado or calais.. id much rather pay 120 bucks then 200-400? Symetre is also an awesome reel. i think what most are getting @ its the power u have with a baitcaster?? im a huge spinning rod guy like yourself.-skeeterman-
Here's the funny thing...I'm not really a huge spinning rod guy (unless I'm fishing with Dartag, then I have to pick it up :D). I'm a "power" fishing guy born and bred. I'd rather burn a trap, minus 1, buzzbait, or anything else that makes my arm and shoulder burn at the end of the day then throw a shaky head or finesse jig. I just wanted people to look past "gear ratios" and pay attention to the amount of line taken in per turn, especially when comparing apples to oranges (or in this case curados to symetres).
Well you duped us!! but point well taken. i dont believe in high dollar things in fishing. yeah i fish lucky craft and want a few c-flash crankbaits.but when it comes to certain things i think most are insane to pay price likes that to get the same thing with a few less bells and whistles for less cost. I dont want a 650 dollar calais that going to make me cast better with digital control...what bul****. ill buy 4 of something else and have a more readily available rod for a certain bait. too many people get caught up in the latest things. yeah the hummingbird things great but you still have to catch them on the same place you found with your Lowrance @ a much lower cost! plus it makes u frustrated cause you can see them there!!!-skeeterman-
Each is a tool suited to different jobs, based on lure & line size. Baitcasters are an advantage in that they don't produce line twist. They also provide greater retrieve power for the force applied, since it's a straight line retrieve without the friction of a 90 degree bend around a roller bearing.
But baitcasters require lure weight to induce spool spin. If the lure is to light, it can't overcome the resistance of the spool to spin. Spinning allows very little resistance to line release. The fact that we usually use light line for this is to reduce resistance too.
Baitcasters can handle light line just fine, we just can't manage a casting system that will get distance with light lures.
If you want speed, you need a big spinning reel. But the line twist is terrible. Sorry for the tech trip, but I was a physics major. ;)
McCarter's right. (did I say that?) Pick out a technique or two, and constantly make an effort to keep chucking it all season. You'll get soooo much better.
Sorry we kinda hijacked your thread. :( But do like was said above; put up a post when you're available. Odds are great somebody will be going out somewhere.
lightning boy nailed it... only thing i can add is the hookset is different between a spinning and casting rod.
we hold a spinning rod in our strong hand (typically if you're right handed) with you palm facing down. Your hookset utilizes your triceps & biceps and you can give it a firm, quick set. With a baitcaster your palm is up... now you're only using your bicep to set the hook.
Also when fighting a fish, the butt end of a spinning rod is braced against the outside of your forearm, allowing you to hold the rod out away from your body when fighting a fish - a casting rod you bring it into your gut or side for stability.
Wow where getting in depth here and yeah sorry we highjacked your post. And lightning you said McCaters right!! I love that guy!! any ways.dude your giving physical tips maybe we should all go out and get that gym membership to build up those muscles. i got mine just to run on the treadmill to look at the nice little fanny running in front of me. yes they are all tools thats a given. each has its own place. we have our flippin rods,our drop shot rods and our other tech specific rods. its alot of playing with things and experimenting.-skeeterman-
Well I guess my thread got hijacked but I am glad that I got lot of useful information from it. I have used spinning gear my entire time fishing and I am very comfortable with it, but I need to learn baitcasting to learn all of the right techniques. To put all of the guesswork aside, I am going to put the gear I am currently working with this season so here it goes.
Baitcasting
6'0" Berkley Cherrywood graphite MH with a Shimano Callisto C50-100 6.2:1 gear(spooled with 50lb test Spiderwire stealth braid(12lb dia.))
Spinning
DS- 6'6" Okuma ReFlexions M Fast Action w/ Shimano Solstace 2500FI 6.2:1 gear(spooled with 8lb Vanish fluorocarbon)
General purpose- 7'0" Daiwa Strikeforce M w/ Daiwa Samurai 7i- 2000 5.1 gear(spooled with 10lb Vanish fluorocarbon)
That's all I have right now but I saw a nice Quantum Accurist baitcasting combo for $99.00 at Gander Mtn. tonight that I might pick up in a few weeks. Well If I had to pick two things that I would like to learn, it would be the lipless cranks and jig and pig. I really appreciate all of the feedback guys and I couldn't be more greatful!
WOW ! This is why I love this forum, all great stuff , and where else can you find this many people willing to share their techniques like this . Now how about finding fish on new water ? Deep cranks ?
This is a really great place and I can't wait to hit the water and catch some monsters this year. I want to try for a DNR Master Angler patch as well. Hopefully with some luck I can finally nail it. As for cranks, I would love to learn how to throw them eventually. I am actually kinda curious about a lure my girlfriend bought me at the end of last season. It's a Jackall Giron in Ghost Bluegill color. At the very least I want to attempt to use it this year.
Thats a good girl 2 buy that bait keep her!! Im glad youve picked up some good info from this post.. im sure if you put more posts we'll all chime in and give more info. Crankbait fishing?? im not a master at this but can give you a few tips.. dont just throw it out and crank it back in.. pay attention to the graph and pick a bait accordindly. if its 6ft. throw a bait that runs 6ft and root up the bottom. unless the weed growth limits you. then throw something accordingly. Stick to McCarters input.. find something that works and master it. I would say a jig an pig or stick bait(senko). 2 of the best bass catching baits ever made.. the senko will give you tons of confidence it ALWAYS catches fish. Jig fishing is an art and takes some time. Pick up some terminator finesse jigs and start. throw them on a spinnig rod. another good one is the Zorro finesse jig. small trailers the Zoom baby chunck. it will teach u how to decipher things. jig fishing is all about feel!!-skeeterman-
I will definitely pick some up when I can. The lake I normally fish is full of slop during the summertime so it will be a challenge fishing some of these baits. I was thinking about maybe trying to do some topwater stuff on that lake because the weeds are so dense they pretty much choke out the motor on my girlfriend's grandfather's pontoon boat. Lots of lily pads and milfoil to be had so I was thinking about throwing some RageTail Toads on top of it to really bring out the bigguns'. So much stuff to learn, such a short season...
i would go with the Spro Bronzeye frog!! U can fish it a little slower and get more strikes!Slop fishing is an art in itself.. you can pitch a jig or a soft plastic creature. but bring a big weight. 1oz for most situatuations. if theres boat docks around skip a stik bait under them!!!-skeeterman-
I wouldn't necessarily say your post was hijacked, although you did get a little more info than you asked for :D...My point was you don't HAVE to have/use specific equipment for certain techniques. It can really limit your thinking. A lot of what we consider basic/common techniques started because someone decided to do something that was outside the norm. I didn't see this point, and if it is in here somewhere, I apoligize...If you are looking to master a new technique, bring one rod and nothing else. It forces you to really focus on learning that technique/bait. When I wanted to get the hang of carolina rigging, I think I brought two rods with me, one rigged with a 1/2 oz weight, and one with a 3/4 and only had a handful of baits to use. You definitely won't have the temptation to put down the rod and fall back on what you know best.
I completely agree jcheetam. I know spinning gear the best so I think I may need to get another baitcating set up because that's what I really want to learn most of all and I am really not good at it.
I know I may be out of line here, but I thought I would reply to the original post.
I would suggest joining a local bass club. For example, our club, Avid Bass Anglers of Michigan, Pinckney, MI., is always looking for new members, boaters, and non-boaters alike. We hold 6 local club tournaments yearly. One of the rules is you can not fish with another club member more then once. This allows non-boaters to fish with 6 different boaters, learning from each other. Here is the web site with contact information. ( Dave McGlaughlin is the club president, and will be more then happy to answer any questions )
www.avidbassanglersofmichigan.com
If you need any other information, you can always pm me.
Quote from: jcheetam on January 15, 2009, 09:01:28 AM
I wouldn't necessarily say your post was hijacked, although you did get a little more info than you asked for :D...My point was you don't HAVE to have/use specific equipment for certain techniques. It can really limit your thinking. A lot of what we consider basic/common techniques started because someone decided to do something that was outside the norm. I didn't see this point, and if it is in here somewhere, I apoligize...If you are looking to master a new technique, bring one rod and nothing else. It forces you to really focus on learning that technique/bait. When I wanted to get the hang of carolina rigging, I think I brought two rods with me, one rigged with a 1/2 oz weight, and one with a 3/4 and only had a handful of baits to use. You definitely won't have the temptation to put down the rod and fall back on what you know best.
I agree with this completely. When I've tried to learn a new technique, I'll try it for an hour and then get frustrated and switch to what I'm good at just to catch something. You really can't do that. You need to stick it out, have a friend with you that can work with you on the technique. At least you can see that they are catching it and its not impossible. Might allow you to stick with it longer. You have to build confidence it the bait and not give up. Its all to easy to set it down and pick up a worm but your missing the opportunity. One rod or a couple with different flavors of the same bait is the way to go.
Last year I forced myself to learn to crank and now I'm loving it. It is finally something I have confidence in throwing. I got so confident that my friends in the backseat were begging for a crankbait as I'd be up 10 to 1 on them.
Jerkbaits and Jigs are this years projects!
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Jerkbaits and Jigs are this years projects!
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As soon as the ice is off the lakes, there are no 2 better lures to throw in my opinion. Take 2 rods with you on your first couple trips. One with a jig and one with a jerk. No better time to learn either than in the early spring.
McCarter himself :-\'
Well not to change the subject, just getting back to the original question on the thread ;D. I'm in Westland, right down the road from ya, I'll be happy to take you out on the water, I'm wanting to fish Bellevelle and Ford more this year.
PM me your Info. I can take you out on St Clair and show you a few things. As for tournament Fishing The ABA is a great place to get started they have low fees and a great group of guys. I got my start there I fished as a co angler with them for 4 years. And learned a ton.