Here in the West we are known for our finesse fishing. But as we look at what we do, is merely dropping down in size of baits (and the attendant tackle that fishes them better) so clever? I mean, when we go small, have we really “finessed” anything?

I ask that for a good reason after doing some reading this weekend. While I’ve heard reference to threadfin shad spawning more than just once (a year)–and that in early summer–I really hadn’t confirmed that in my head.

And I should have. (more…)

One of the great attributes of the exceptional fishermen is how quickly they assess what’s going on. Kind of like the old show “Name that Tune,” the sharpest guys only need a few notes (or make that bites) in order to get in tune with the fish.

It’s not as easy as you think. You can “bid” what you want, but even the most confident fisherman is probably just guessing with too few clues. On the other hand, if he takes too long to recognize the pattern, the time can slip by unproductively.

Here’s my take, remembering that the pace of the method (more…)

While not everyone fishes tournaments, most of us are not out there just to see the sunrise or watch the clouds blow by. As bass fishermen, we want results, whether we’re fishing for a few hours or campaigning for a week.

But to what extremes are we willing to go? I’d like to think that you can raise your game by working on just three things. Yes, it may mean some sacrifices in the short term, (more…)

JOHN KERR, 2010

As the 2003 U.S. Open champion, Ramona’s John Kerr has been to the top of the mountain in the West. Maybe that’s why he appreciates the desert venue as well as the effort it takes to compete during the brutal summers at Lake Mead.

Though he missed the money in this year’s Open, his 30th place finish was not a total bust. Indeed, there may have been more learned this year than when he finished on top.

Perhaps the biggest lessons to come out of the 2010 U.S. Open were the importance to stay focused and (more…)

(Click on to enlarge images)

I sorta get it. Many so-called collectibles were created from promotional gimmicks. Heck, the fact they put bubble gum in packs of trading cards was as much to sell the gum and it was to sell the cards.

Still, when we learned last week that the “post season” for the Bassmaster Elite Series would be marked by Bass Pro Shops (in Prattville, Ala.) giving out one of a set of 12 Elite qualifier cards with each purchase for a chance at 400 prizes in what’s called the “Bassmaster Collect & Win Contest,” (more…)

I know we live in the big bait era, and I really want to get in on it more. But unlike those fellows who are building up a career of fishing preeminence, I still get a lot of satisfaction in just getting bit. And along the way, when I get bit enough, sprinkled in are a surprising number of decent, if not quality fish in the mix.

Only I’m really not sure why, since a lot of the baits I rely on are pretty small: 4 inch worms and grubs and, of course, I give them a pretty good dose of plain old Road Runners. (more…)

THE PROS think 'big picture' in practice

Due to technology, we live in the great era of the waypoint. Just like the vacuum cleaner salesman who has your GPS coordinates, he also has access to your home address–but that doesn’t mean he’ll make his sales quota.

In a similar fashion, I see this great memory and mapping device, which clearly reduces “return time,” is creating some fallout. Where you’d think having such a tool would encourage the expansion of an angler’s scope, it seems to have the reverse effect. (more…)

Spinnerbaits are not all one thing, regardless of what anybody says. In addition to flash and vibration characteristics, things to consider include color (natural, opaque, fluorescent), wireform diameter and material, along with friction involving such things as blade size and cup, upright balance/head weight.

Yet, we have no real means to measure their relative value, so basically we’re stuck trying associate bites or fish caught with color, blade configuration, retrieve speed or something we feel is constant.

In clear water, the rules for success include (more…)

'SLOW FALL' IS IMPRECISE TERM

They sound the same, and some could argue, they mean the same. But when you’re talking lure presentation, there seems a difference between “sink rate” and those descriptions of a lure’s “fall rate.”

I don’t mean to split hairs. Bill Siemantel (Big Bass Zone, p 217) speaks of “fall rate” in discussing swimbaits that drop the through the water column more slowly, and as he puts it, “The longer it takes (more…)

Braid is hot. We get it. Thin diameter, low stretch, low casting friction, maximum sensitivity on tight line, sure hook-sets. Heck, you can even get it in a color to match your truck!

But ease of handling with braid compared to the same situations with nylon or straight fluoro–with spinning gear–also does you a big favor. Braid use literally precludes reel damage caused by inadvertent loops of the razor-like “monos.”

And what I’ve found with a switch to braid is I’ve now been able to bring older reels back into service– (more…)