#jerk baits for bass

[picksey]

I write as a hobby and wrote this short story about Rush. Thought I'd share because I thought it was funny. Feel free to let me know what you think.

"Rockin' Rods and Fishy Tales"

Word length: 444 (lol)

One sunny afternoon, Alex, Geddy, and Neil decided it was high time for a break from their intense rehearsal schedule. They opted for a day out on the lake, fishing rods in hand and plenty of snacks. The trio piled into the their trailer van, which they call the "Fun craft," the windows down, and the radio blasting classic rock.

As they reached the lake, the serenity was almost immediately broken by their antics. Alex, ever the prankster, had brought a rubber fish, which he secretly slipped into Geddy’s tackle box.

They set up their fishing spot by the water, each casting their lines into the calm lake. Geddy was the first to open his tackle box, only to let out a surprised yelp as the rubber fish bounced out. Neil and Alex burst into laughter, Geddy shaking his head with a grin. “Very funny, Alex,” he said, tossing the rubber fish back.

As the day went on, their luck with real fish wasn’t great. Alex, determined to catch something, decided to up the stakes. “Alright, whoever catches the biggest fish doesn’t have to pay for dinner,” he declared.

A competitive spirit took over. Geddy was meticulously adjusting his bait, Neil was calmly reeling in and out, and Alex was making increasingly desperate attempts to attract fish by serenading them with impromptu guitar riffs.

Suddenly, Geddy felt a tug on his line. “Guys, I think I’ve got one!” he exclaimed. They all watched eagerly as Geddy reeled in his catch. After a fierce struggle, he pulled up a decent-sized bass. “Beat that!” he said, triumphantly holding up the fish. Alex scoffed "That's the weirdest bass I've ever seen. I hope you can play that thing." He joked.

Not one to back down, Alex refocused his efforts. Just when it seemed like he might come up empty, his line jerked. “Got one!” he shouted. With all the drama he could muster, he slowly reeled in… only to find a tiny, confused-looking fish dangling at the end of his line. Geddy and Neil roared with laughter.

But the real surprise of the day came from Neil. Silent and focused, he hadn’t said much about his progress. As the sun began to set, he quietly started reeling in, his rod bending under the weight. The others watched in astonishment as Neil pulled in the biggest fish any of them had ever seen.

“Looks like dinner’s on you guys,” Neil said with a satisfied grin.

They ended the day with a barbecue by the lake, their laughter echoing under the setting sun. Even though Alex had to foot the bill, the day was filled with fun, friendship, and unforgettable moments

[spaghettificationandpretzels]

If you haven’t received a Guero ask yet, I would like him with with prompt #4: 'I'm cold, and you're warm, you should do something about that." Pretty please!

Even though I love his dad more, he’s still a really cute guy!

Masterlist

Eventful Outing

Contains: Fishing (killing fish for food given a two-word mention) fluff.

1.4 K words

“When it rains on the ocean it rains on fish too.” - Matshona Dhliwayo.

As you stood in the rain with the river flowing by you, you wondered why you had agreed to this, "I brought plenty of food, can't we go inside until the rain eases up?" 

Guero snorted, "No fucking way, I told you I was going to catch us a fish for dinner and I am." 

You looked to his father, who shook his head, "The young man had a plan y/n, I'm sure we won't be waiting long." 

When Guero got you to agree to go on a fishing trip up north with him and Ibarra, you didn't think that would mean being stuck in the rain while they struggled to catch dinner, "It's not Salmon season so the only fish you're going to get now is Bass. You need to put different bait on the line." 

Guero glared at you, but there was no fire behind it, "You could have told us that an hour ago." 

His father huffed, "I tried to son, but you wanted things your way, telling me you read a book and shit. But now a pretty woman tells you and you're rushing to do what she says." 

Guero walked towards the shore, making sure to flick water at you as he took different bait from the box, "You wanna tell me how you know all of this and I don't?" 

You blinked, "I wasn't the only one, it's not a my fault you don't listen to me or your father." 

Guero smirked, "I listen to you where it counts." 

Despite your best efforts, you couldn't ignore the snicker that his dad gave, "Please shut up before I drown you." 

He turned to his father and inhaled in fake offence, "Do you hear how she talks to me Pops?" 

Ibarra shook his head, "You deserve it son, you got a big mouth." 

Your eyes widen in agreement, "Doesn't he? Holy shit, sometimes he won't shut up." Guero gave you a look and you held up a hand, "I know what you're about to say and if the words come out of your mouth I'm going to drown you for sure." 

He chuckled, "I wasn't going to say anything." 

Ibarra's hearty chuckle followed, "Yes, you were, it was as obvious as something can be." 

You shook your head, "Ok if this keeps going, I will drown myself." Still, you knew that look on Guero's face, "You are incorrigible." 

He smiled, "You love me." 

You sighed, "Yes, I do. Now please catch us food. I'm freezing my ass off over here and I know for sure I packed enough food to last us, so I'm only standing here to preserve your ego." 

He hands his father a chunk of bait before baiting his hook and throwing the line, "How did you know about the bait anyway? You hate camping." 

"One, we're not camping, we're staying in a cabin and two, I like to be prepared, so I talked to the bait shop attendant." You pointed to the box, "There's even stuff in there for crayfish since I bought a pamphlet for how to build traps from sticks and leaves and I thought you might like to try it." 

Ibarra smiled, "How thoughtful. That would be great y/n, I love crayfish." 

Guero turned to you and mouthed, "Kissass." But his eye betrayed how much he appreciated the amount of investment you had put towards this vacation. 

There was a change in the light and you looked up, the clouds growing even more ominous, "We're about to get a storm so you two better hurry up." 

Guero chuckled, "So you can predict the weather now? Tell me oh wise one, what other powers do you...." The skies opened in a torrent of water, "I stand corrected." 

You sighed, "I'd say you've got about twenty minutes before the thunder starts." 

"We'll have a fish by then." Guero sounded so sure of himself that there was no point in dissenting and sure enough, when the first crack of thunder came across the sky, Guero's rod jerked, "I told you." 

After a few mighty heaves, it was out of the water and dispatched humanely and Ibarra reeled in his line and sighed, "Alright then, can we go inside before we're hit by lightning." 

"Please, I'm freezing to death." You were so cold you swore your fingers were going to fall off. 

 Guero chuckled, "Hell yeah." 

Everyone headed inside and wrapped themselves in towels, "I'm going to clean and prep that fish and have a shower, no touches it." 

"I caught it, don't you think I should be the one to cook it." He was as smug as ever. 

Your eyes went wide, "No fucking way. A light and sweet river fish this fresh only has two preparation, baked with crispy skin or poisson en papillote. The oven here isn't powerful enough to bake it properly so poisson en papillote is it." 

Guero looked at you with such affection that you felt your heart might burst, "I have no idea what poisson en papillote but there was enough passion in your voice to let me know I should give up." 

Ibarra smiled, "It's French for fish in paper. It's really nice." 

Guero snorted, "Since when did you two get so fancy?" 

You sighed, "Please finely slice some onions. If you've got time to be all judgy, then you have time to help." 

Guero smirked, "I can do that." 

****

"Thish is sho good, you have to coo thish all the time." 

You shook your head, "Guero, don't talk with your mouth full, it's rude." 

"It is very good, all that time in the rain was worth it." You could tell Ibarra was trying extra hard, he knew how much his son loved you, and he wanted to make the most of the time away. 

You nodded, "I don't think I've ever cooked with fish that fresh, maybe tomorrow we can try and get some crayfish."

Guero suppressed a smile, "Look at you two getting along, and here I thought y/n was rude to everyone. I guess it's just me." 

You huffed in mock offence, "I am not rude to you, I just don't worship the ground you walk on like the other women you've spent you time with." The glare you fixed him stopped him from quipping back, "Yeah, that's what I thought. You're big mouth is going to get you into trouble one day." 

Ibarra, "It's already got him into plenty. Do you know about the time he landed in the principle's office for talking shit to a cop that came by the school to give a career talk?" 

"No, but I'm hoping you're going to tell me now." You weren't going to lie, you were hoping Ibarra would provide you at least one embarrassing story before you made your way back to SP. 

Guero chuckled, "Oh, you're having so much fun aren't you." 

You nodded, "Fuck yeah." 

****

The night wound down, this fish picked clean and the bread pudding Ibarra gone in one sitting. You tended to the fire in your room and shivered as Guero came up behind you, "Let me do that Mi amor." 

You pressed your lips to his cheek as you headed to the bed, moaning as the warmth from the heated blanket surrounded your skin, "You turned it on?" 

He nodded, "Of course. I can't have you going to bed cold now, can I?" 

With the fire stoked, he climbed into bed and rested on his back next to you and just as he got comfortable, you stretched your cold foot across the bed and brushed him with it, "Jesus Christ." 

 You flipped onto your side, "I'm cold, and you're warm, you should do something about that." 

Guero sighed and freed himself of his shirt before reaching over and manhandling yours off, after that, he pulled you into his arms so your skin was pressed again his, "Better?" 

You nodded, "Yep." 

He ran a hand up and down your back and rubbed your nose with his, "This is the closest we've been all day." 

You pecked his cheek, "Yeah I know, but I don't really want to make out with you in front of your father." 

He smiled, "It's not like he hasn't seen some shit." 

You huffed, "Next time he can bring someone and then it won't be awkward." 

Guero's eyebrows furrowed, "On second thought." 

You shook your head, "I have spent the whole day missing touching you." 

"Yeah?" He sounded so smug, "Maybe there's something I can do for that?"

"Nope, we're going to bed." As much as you wanted to, you had no idea how thin the walls were. 

He buried his nose in your hair and inhaled, "Alright Mi amor, I love you." 

"Goodnight Guero, I love you too." 

Fin

@withmyteeth @daydreaming-belle

[scruffyplayssonic]

Are the ArchieSonic comics actually an 80's/90's syndicated cartoon? Episode 64 - 65: Two Multi-part Finale (part 10: Sonic the Hedgehog #247)

Welcome back to my investigation of how Archie Comics’ Sonic the Hedgehog series was actually a syndicated cartoon from the 80’s and 90’s!

Last time I discussed Sonic Universe #50, where Shard made his heroic final stand, Metal Sonic went from being a repeatedly blown up chump to a very, very scary robot, and Eggman implied that he had something big in the works. This brings us to Sonic the Hedgehog #247, the final pre-boot issue of the series. Team Fighters had chased the Death Egg all the way to its fueling station in the Arctic, and joined forces with the Arctic Freedom Fighters (who thankfully were NOT characters that Ken Penders was claiming copyright for). 

The heroes smashed their way into the base and were surprised to be joined by none other than Silver. At the end of the Secret Freedom Fighters’ arc in Sonic Universe, Harvey Who had told Silver that he’d figured out who Silver’s supposed traitor was, and offscreen he explained everything he’d found out. Then at the end of Endangered Species, Shard had contacted Silver to tip him off that Team Fighters were heading to the Arctic, hence him showing up here. Sonic really didn’t have the patience for any more of Silver’s shenanigans, which is fair when you remember that Silver tried to first kill him, then Rotor, and then blamed the comatose Antoine, all in the name of stopping his supposed traitor. But Tails put together that Silver was part of a team working with Elias (or “the true king,” as they were now forced to refer to him as), and convinced Sonic to give him one more chance. 

If Silver was trying not to get Sonic angry again, he was failing abysmally.

Back in New Mobotropolis, Nicole and Team Freedom were officially presenting the newly rebuilt Castle Acorn when the latest in a series of accidents involving the city’s nanites occurred.

Fortunately , Cream and Cheese had finally managed to figure out what was causing all these problems around the city. And so Cream took her theory to Rotor.

Meanwhile back up North, Silver was explaining to everyone why Sally was his “traitor.” 

When Sally saved the planet from the world roboticiser only to fall victim to it herself, she inadvertantly kicked off a series of events that would doom the planet anyway. Sonic still wasn’t thrilled to have Silver there, but since the time traveller had now dedicated himself to saving Sally like the rest of them, Sonic let him tag along. Their first task was to infiltrate the Death Egg from below via an underwater tunnel.

Whoops. Well that didn’t work - Eggman’s forces attacked and sounded the alarm. And Eggman, who was busy getting ready for his next big move, was not pleased with this new development. 

“Albert,” you say? Well if there was any doubt left that Eggman had already met Dr Wily - and after hinting that Metal Sonic would be working with Bass, there really shouldn’t have been - it seemed pretty clear now.

Back in New Mobotropolis, Team Freedom had laid a trap for the Tails Doll, expecting it to try and destroy the city’s power plant when it was left unsupervised. Sure enough, the creepy little jerk took the bait. There was just one small problem. …well actually, it was a large problem. 

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again anyway - I don’t know what was going through Evan Stanley’s idea when she was drawing the Tails Doll’s kaiju form, but I guess I get the genital general idea of what she was going for. 😛

Back in the Arctic, things were looking pretty grim for Team Fighters and their friends. Mecha Sally had been authorised to shoot to kill, and she and her brain laser (called the “Boom Fant” by Ian Flynn) were on a rampage. Tails knocked Sonic out of the way of her point-blank shot, but both of them were hurt in the process.

Amy tried to protect Sonic and Tails as Mecha Sally moved in for the kill, and I feel like in the original timeline that Silver’s future was a result of, this is where all three of them died. However in this time an injured Silver swooped in at the last possible second and used his psychokinesis to disable Mecha Sally. 

Unfortunately they only got a few seconds to enjoy their win before another Genesis Wave went off and the world faded to white. 

And… that’s it. That’s how the preboot era of ArchieSonic ended. With the creative team facing the incredibly daunting task of having to take the story in an entirely new direction, the incredibly well-timed Sonic and Mega Man crossover gave them an extra few months to figure out where to go afterwards. So this latest Genesis Wave was set off by both Eggman and Wily, who used it to reshape both of their worlds.

Sonic’s world was changed to one more like the games, set after the latest game in the series, Sonic Generations - wow, that makes me feel old - while Mega Man’s world was catapulted forward in time to after Mega Man 10. Combining their technology and robots, Eggman and Wily captured all of Sonic’s friends, transformed them into “roboticised masters,” and tasked them with retrieving all seven Chaos Emeralds. This would allow them to set off one last Genesis Wave that would essentially make them gods. Just like last time, Sonic transformed into his super form - this time with Mega Man joining him - and attempted to restore their worlds to how they were. While Mega Man was successful, Eggman threw a hissy fit and got in the way of Super Sonic, which… well… broke reality.

The end result of this was a rebooted world for Sonic, absent of not just the characters that Ken Penders had claimed copyright over, but all the characters created by anyone who wasn’t part of the current creative team at the time. I guess that Archie wanted to play it safe and prevent any further copyright snafus from happening, and considering that Ken Penders wasn’t the only former employee who gave them trouble, I think this was probably the right decision. But it was nonetheless a decision that had a heavy impact on the pre-crossover storylines, most of which were either quickly resolved or just discarded entirely. The Secret Freedom Fighters no longer existed (except for Silver, who was doing his own thing), and neither did Geoffrey St. John. Naugus was still around and causing mayhem in Mobotropolis, safe from the purge due to him having originally been introduced as a character in the SatAM cartoon.

But he quickly ran away with his tail between his legs and didn’t return for quite awhile. Team Freedom and Team Fighters were dropped in favour of bringing back the Freedom Fighters, who had been scattered across the planet so that they could be reintroduced one by one.

Rotor had gotten buff and was busy building the team’s new mobile flying base, the Sky Patrol.

Antoine was no longer in a coma and had been assigned guard duty of “Uncle” Chuck, who was now no longer Sonic’s literal uncle but more of a “uncle to all.” I believe that was one of the dreaded SEGA “mandates,” as the Sonic cast were no longer allowed to have relatives (except for Cream, of course). I hated that, but at least Uncle Chuck survived the purge. As did Sonic's former pet dog Muttski, who had undergone what was probably the most dramatic change.

Same, Sonic and Tails. Same.

Bunnie was undercover among the Egg Army, and had gone back to being a cyborg.

And Sally was no longer a robot, and was infiltrating the Death Egg but had to leave in a hurry when Eggman sent Metal Sonic after her. Within a few issues the team were all reunited, along with Big and Cream, just as everything went to Hell. Remember how I said that Eggman broke reality?

Yeaaaaaaaah. This led into a massive adaptation of Sonic Unleashed, which went on for almost the entirety of the rest of the series. This was a pretty brilliant idea in my opinion, as a game that was so heavily focused on travelling the shattered planet was the perfect way to re-introduce Sonic’s new world. We got to visit a variety of different locations and meet friends and enemies both familiar and new. Mighty, Ray, Lupe and Dulcy all returned with new looks and backstories, as did the former Super Special Sonic Search and Smash Squad and most surprising of all, Breezie. And a bunch of new characters quickly became fan favourites, such as the pronghorn sisters Cassia and Clove, the underwater mobians Coral, Pearly and Razor, and Shadow's new dark nemesis, Eclipse.

The reboot era of ArchieSonic lasted for over three years, but eventually it came to an abrupt end when SEGA pulled the plug. This leaves the last two (completed) arcs in post-reboot ArchieSonic for me to talk about: Terror in the Skies, the end of the Sonic Unleashed adaptation in the main book, and The Case of the Pirate Princess, a Chaotix arc that ended Sonic Universe. Even though it came after the Unleashed adapation ended, I'm going to be talking about the Chaotix arc first. Terror in the Skies feels like the best way to end this series. However I will be taking a bit of a hiatus, as I’m currently preparing to move overseas. So please be patient and wish me luck, and I'll be back with these three goobers before you know it!

[fotu22]

"TOUGH ACT TO FOLLOW" - A Review of Tough Act's White Hotel Showcase

Last weekend at White Hotel will be a tough act to follow! Manchester based arts collective “Tough Act” checked guests into the night with all sorts of fun, donk cheesy edits superfast and super hard. Tough Act remained effortless and cheeky whilst summoning ciaos. The collective went b2b at time and others solo for a while, all while warming the crowd aggressively, no holding back. When the floor is warmed up like this it calls the party starters to the front. Although you may question the time and choice of pace ,the ones who don’t need to loosen up are leading the troop. Transmitting that energy across the floor and truly setting the pace for the night to follow.

Almost immediately you are pulled into the fun by the others around celebrating who they are. I notice this is a different type of joy expressed. I haven’t mentioned it yet, but Tough Act are a queer collective and so attract queer crowd. People are celebrating having a space for them to feel safe. Releasing the week gone, finding themselves or simply just wanting to dance!

I can often tell a good crowd by how long I spend in other areas of the club chatting. I kept on getting caught in conversations with warm and beautiful people, of course, in the silly and unconventional clubland way!

LCY stepped up and immediately commanded attention, I observed strong influences of London/UK bass music. Steamrolling through genre boundaries, whilst remaining extremely high quality and refined.

LCY’s ability to maintain dark and industrial all while keeping the crowd enclosed with endless groove. Hard groove techno laced with trickles of amapiano took me on a trip across the globe, whilst my feet were stomping away in Salford. This attitude is synonymous with multi-cultural energy, often exuded by artists from highly diverse ethnocultural centers such as Bristol and London.

Often with DJ’s who have played the circuit for longer than I have been alive, it can go two ways. They seem to only ever get better or in some cases seem somewhat out of touch attempting to read a “younger” audience but completely miss the mark. Misreading their youth for lack of taste in turn, opting for “bait” or more palatable set. DJ Flight was the antithesis of this.          A true pioneer of the jungle/dnb scene, had me hanging on the end of every beat, filled with curiosity for what was to come.

There’s a noticeable difference between new generation jungle DJ’s and the OG’s. The OG’s are able to keep that soul and groove within the sets no matter how much the tempo increases. The music remained dreamy, but the breaks jerked my body into all sorts of movements, just how we like it! Flight closed with some more “soulful” dnb more commonly known as “liquid”, this brought the mood down nicely allowing the audience to reflect for a moment and catch their breath.

Bringing this journey to a close was Stolen Velour, by this point I was locked into a side quest so I shall link Stolen Velour’s music below. Let me know what you think!

Big thanks to Tough Act for a brilliant night. Their next party at the White Hotel is on July 15th , if its anything close to the last one you’re in for a treat. Hopefully see you there!

Lots of love

F.O.T.U

x

[fishing-tips-and-tricks]

Largemouth bass fishing...

Fishing in shallow tips and tricks for Largemouth Bass...

1st thing I would try if you have the opportunity is to get up in shallow. Some spots that I love to try out every time that I see them are docks that are in the 4-6ft range at the end, lily pads that are not less that 2ft deep, and cat tails. My personal favorite is dock fishing, try to throw your bait about 2 feet away from the end of the dock and allow the bait to sink all the way to the bottom of the lake. Then when it gets to the bottom give it a light jerk back with your rod and begin almost twitching your rod while reading your bait back in. This strategy applies for the other 2 spots I wrote above as well.

Now onto bait. My go to bait to throw is called the Senko. you can buy these plastic worms at any fishing store really and all you basically do it throw a bullet weight above the hook and then hook the bait right in the middle through the side of the bait. This applies an amazing presentation that bass can not resist.

Again there are many other way to fish for these amazing fish but this is just one way that I love to fish for this amazing species of fish.

[rishgih]

Technique: Jigging in Open Water

Technique: Jigging in Open Water

Jigging in open water is a time-tested fishing technique that offers an effective way to catch a variety of fish species. This method involves using a weighted lure, called a jig, which is jerked up and down through the water column to imitate the movement of prey. The rapid, darting motion attracts predatory fish and triggers them to strike, making jigging a popular choice among anglers targeting species such as bass, walleye, pike, and saltwater fish like snapper or grouper. Here’s how you can master the technique for success in open water fishing.

Selecting the Right Jig

Choosing the right jig is crucial for effective jigging. Jigs come in various shapes, weights, and colors, designed to mimic different types of baitfish or create specific actions in the water. When fishing in deeper waters, heavier jigs are necessary to reach the desired depth quickly, while lighter jigs work better in shallower waters. For open water, metallic colors or bright hues like chartreuse are often effective in clear water, whereas darker shades can be more visible in murkier conditions. Adding a soft plastic trailer or tipping the jig with live bait can further enhance the appeal to fish.

Perfecting the Jigging Motion

The key to successful jigging lies in replicating the natural movements of a baitfish. Once the jig sinks to the target depth, jerk the rod tip upward to create a lifelike darting motion, and then let the jig fall naturally back down. This up-and-down movement imitates a baitfish fleeing and then resting, which triggers the predatory instincts of fish. The speed and intensity of the jigging motion should vary based on water temperature and the species being targeted—slower jigging often works better in cold water, while faster movements are suitable for warmer conditions.

Leveraging Fish-Finding Technology

Fish finders and sonar technology can significantly improve jigging efficiency by helping anglers locate fish in open water. These tools allow you to identify depth changes, submerged structures, and fish schools, enabling you to position the jig in areas where fish are likely to strike. In open water, where fish are often dispersed, using technology to pinpoint locations can enhance your success rate.

Adapting to Conditions

Jigging in open water requires flexibility, as fish behavior can change throughout the day due to weather, light, and temperature variations. Adjusting jig weight, color, or motion can make a difference when fish are not biting. Being prepared to adapt your technique ensures that you stay on top of changing conditions and maximize your chances of a catch.

technique Jigging in open water is a versatile and rewarding approach, and with the right tactics, you can consistently land fish in a variety of conditions.

[devanbald]

Mastering Bass Fishing Throughout the Year: Expert Seasonal Techniques for Every Angler

Bass fishing is exhilarating, offering anglers the thrill of landing one of the most sought-after freshwater game fish. But bass behavior is anything but predictable, changing throughout the year in response to shifting water temperatures, food availability, and seasonal cycles. Adjusting your strategy to align with these changes is essential for anglers hoping to land trophy bass regardless of the season. Whether it’s spring feeding frenzy or winter's slow bite, mastering year-round bass fishing techniques can elevate your experience on the water. This guide will explore expert strategies tailored to each season.

The Seasonal Shift: How Bass Behavior Changes Throughout the Year

Bass are cold-blooded creatures, meaning their body temperature and metabolic rate are directly influenced by the water temperature around them. As a result, their feeding habits, movement patterns, and overall activity change with the seasons. Understanding how these changes affect bass behavior is the first step in becoming a more versatile and successful angler.

In warm seasons, bass are more active and chase fast-moving prey. In contrast, cooler months cause them to slow down, and they seek comfort in deeper waters. Each season offers a unique set of challenges but ample opportunity for those who can adapt their tactics.

Spring: The Pre-Spawn Build-Up and Spawning Rituals

Spring is widely regarded as the prime time for bass fishing. The bass enters the pre-spawn phase as water temperatures rise to the 50°F-70°F range. During this time, both male and female bass move from deeper waters into the shallows to prepare for spawning. This period provides the best opportunities to catch large, aggressive bass.

In the pre-spawn phase, bass are driven by the need to bulk up before spawning. They are often found in transitional areas such as the edges of drop-offs, creek mouths, and submerged structures. Anglers can capitalize on this period using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jerk baits that imitate baitfish, as bass aggressively feeds in preparation for the spawn.

Once bass start spawning, they shift focus from feeding to protecting their nests. During the spawn, the bass (particularly males) stay close to their beds, guarding eggs from predators. Slow presentations using soft plastics, like Senkos or crawfish imitations, can trigger strikes from protective males.

After the spawn, bass tends to be fatigued and scatter into deeper waters. However, the post-spawn period still offers excellent fishing opportunities as they gradually regain energy. During this time, topwater lures and soft swimbaits can prove effective, particularly in the early morning or late evening when bass return to shallower waters to feed.

Summer: Fishing in the Heat

As summer sets in, bass faces increasing water temperatures exceeding 75°F. This temperature rise can make daytime fishing more difficult, as bass move to deeper, cooler waters to avoid the heat. Understanding the summer heat's effects and how to adapt your techniques can still yield great results during the hottest months of the year.

Fishing during the early morning and late evening is essential during summer, as this is when the water is cooler and bass are more active. Topwater baits such as poppers, buzz baits, and frogs excel in low-light conditions, enticing surface strikes from bass hunting in shallow waters.

As the sun climbs and temperatures rise, bass moves to deeper, more comfortable environments. Anglers will find more success targeting areas with deep structures, such as ledges, points, and submerged timber. Deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, and drop shot rigs are the go-to when fishing deeper water. The key during summer is patience, as bass tend to be less aggressive in extreme heat.

Pay attention to the thermocline—the layer of water where the temperature changes sharply with depth. Bass often suspend just above or within the thermocline, seeking the optimal combination of oxygen and comfort. Fishing just above this layer with slower presentations will increase your odds of a bite during the peak of summer.

Fall: The Season of Abundance

As water temperatures drop in the fall, bass instinctively feed heavily to prepare for winter. This season is characterized by abundant food, including baitfish, crawfish, and insects, making fall one of the best times to target bass. Unlike in summer, bass are much more willing to chase down prey in cooler waters.

Look for baitfish schools during the fall—bass will rarely be far behind. Fast-moving lures like lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits are excellent for imitating baitfish and triggering aggressive strikes. Covering a lot of water with these search baits is a good strategy, as fall bass tend to move frequently in search of food.

During the fall, bass are likely found in transitional zones, such as points, flats, and creek channels. Bass will follow schools of shad or other baitfish into these areas, making them prime fishing locations. As the season progresses and water temperatures continue to cool, bass will begin to retreat into deeper waters for the winter. Switching to slower, deeper presentations as the temperature drops will ensure you stay on top of them.

Winter: Slowing Down for the Cold Months

Winter is often the most challenging season for bass fishing. As water temperatures drop below 50°F, bass become lethargic, feeding less frequently and spending most of their time in deeper, warmer water. However, winter bass fishing can still be rewarding with the right approach.

Slowing down your presentation is key during the winter. Lures such as jigs, blade baits, and suspending jerk baits are effective when fished slowly along the bottom or through the water column. Anglers should focus on deeper structures, such as rock piles, drop-offs, and submerged trees, where bass gather during colder months.

Because bass are less willing to chase fast-moving prey in winter, keeping your lure in the strike zone for longer is important. Fishing slower and using smaller baits, such as finesse worms or hair jigs, can tempt cold, inactive bass into biting.

Winter fishing also rewards anglers who pay close attention to weather patterns. On sunny days, shallow waters near rock or vegetation can warm enough to attract bass looking for warmer temperatures. Focus on these areas during midday, when the sun is at its peak, for a better chance of landing a fish.

Year-Round Gear Considerations

Seasonal strategies require the right gear to maximize your success on the water. In colder months, lighter lines and more sensitive rods are essential for detecting subtle bites. Fluorocarbon line, in particular, offers increased sensitivity and invisibility underwater, making it ideal for winter and early spring fishing.

In contrast, summer and fall often call for heavier tackle. Braided lines are perfect for fishing heavy cover or deep structure, offering the strength to haul bass out of dense vegetation. Topwater fishing during summer mornings can be enhanced using monofilament, which floats and allows optimal lure action.

Finally, consider the size and speed of your reel. Higher gear ratios are ideal for fast-moving baits in the spring and fall, while slower gear ratios will give you the control needed to fish deep water during the summer and winter.

Year-round bass fishing is an art that requires a deep understanding of seasonal patterns and the flexibility to adjust your tactics as conditions change. Whether you’re battling summer heat, enticing sluggish winter bass, or capitalizing on the spring and fall-feeding frenzies, these strategies will give you the tools to stay ahead of the game. With the right gear, patience, and a little finesse, every season offers the potential for success. Happy fishing!

[francisherrbold]

The Ultimate Guide to Essential Saltwater Fishing Lures

Saltwater fishing offers an array of exciting opportunities, but it also demands the right equipment to ensure success. The type of lure you use can make a significant difference in your catch rate. Here are the top 10 must-have lures for a successful saltwater fishing adventure.

Soft Plastic Baits

Soft plastic baits are among the most adaptable lures in any angler's tackle box. They can be molded into various shapes, including worms, shrimp, and baitfish, to imitate natural prey. Available in numerous colors and sizes, these baits can be rigged on a jig head, used with a Carolina rig, or even fished weightless. Their realistic movement in the water makes them attractive to a wide range of saltwater species, from flounder to redfish.

Topwater Lures

Topwater lures are designed to create disturbances on the water's surface, attracting fish from below. They are especially effective during dawn and dusk when fish are feeding near the surface. Poppers, walking baits, and prop baits are popular types of topwater lures. These lures mimic the erratic movements of injured baitfish, enticing explosive strikes from predatory species such as tarpon and bluefish.

Metal Jigs

Metal jigs are essential for targeting deep-water species and fish in strong currents. These lures sink quickly, allowing you to reach the desired depth and then jig them vertically to mimic distressed baitfish. Their reflective surfaces and rapid descent make them highly effective for species like tuna, amberjack, and snapper. Whether you're fishing from a boat or a pier, metal jigs are a versatile addition to your tackle box.

Swimbaits

Swimbaits are designed to imitate the natural swimming motion of baitfish. Available in hard and soft varieties, these lures can be fished at different depths and speeds. When selecting swimbaits, choose sizes and colors that match the local forage. More giant swimbaits are particularly effective for big-game fish, such as striped bass and snook. Their lifelike appearance and movement make them irresistible to predators.

Bucktail Jigs

Bucktail jigs are a timeless and reliable choice for saltwater fishing. These lures consist of a weighted head and a hook dressed with hair or synthetic fibers, creating a pulsating motion in the water. Bucktail jigs can be used in various fishing conditions and are effective for species like flounder, redfish, and bluefish. They are instrumental when fished along the bottom, where they can mimic crustaceans and baitfish.

Crankbaits

Crankbaits are hard-bodied lures designed to dive to specific depths, making them ideal for exploring large areas of water quickly. They come in various shapes, sizes, and diving depths, with different lip designs affecting their movement. Shallow-diving crankbaits are perfect for inshore fishing, while deep-diving models are better suited for offshore pursuits. Their wobbling action imitates the erratic swimming patterns of panicked baitfish, enticing predatory strikes.

Spoons

Spoons are simple yet effective lures that can attract a variety of saltwater species. Their curved, reflective design creates a wobbling motion and flash that mimics a fleeing baitfish. Spoons can be cast and retrieved at different speeds or trolled behind a boat. Silver and gold are the most popular colors, but spoons also come in various patterns to match local forage. Their versatility makes them a staple in any saltwater angler's collection.

Jerkbaits

Jerkbaits are long, slender lures designed to be jerked and paused during retrieval, mimicking an injured baitfish. This erratic action is highly effective at provoking predatory responses. Jerkbaits can be fished in various water columns, making them suitable for different environments. They are particularly effective in clear water and shallow areas, where their lifelike appearance can attract wary fish. Adjusting the speed and rhythm of your retrieve can significantly improve your catch rate.

Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits combine the features of jigs and spoons. They feature a lead head with one or more spinning blades. The blades create flash and vibration as the lure moves through the water, attracting fish from a distance. Spinnerbaits are effective for species such as redfish, trout, and mackerel. They can be retrieved at various speeds and depths, making them versatile for different fishing conditions. Their unique design makes them a valuable addition to any tackle box.

Live Bait Rigs

While not a lure in the traditional sense, live bait rigs are essential for saltwater fishing. These rigs allow you to present live baitfish naturally, which can be irresistible to many species. Standard live bait options include shrimp, minnows, and crabs. Live bait rigs are particularly effective when fish are finicky or when targeting more significant, more cautious predators. Ensure your rig matches the size of your bait and the target species for optimal results.

Tips for Choosing and Using Saltwater Lures

Match the Hatch: Observe the local baitfish and select lures that closely resemble them in size, color, and action.

Consider Water Conditions: Clearwater often requires more natural and subtle lure presentations, while murky water might necessitate brighter colors and louder lures.

Adjust Your Retrieve: Experiment with different retrieval speeds and patterns. Sometimes, a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times, a fast, erratic motion is needed.

Stay Informed: Keep up with local fishing reports and talk to other anglers to learn which lures are currently producing results.

Be Prepared: Carry a variety of lures to adapt to changing conditions and target different species throughout your fishing trip.

Saltwater fishing is a thrilling and rewarding experience, but success often hinges on having the right lures. Equipping yourself with these top 10 must-have lures will enhance your chances of a successful fishing trip. From soft plastic baits and top water lures to metal jigs and live bait rigs, each lure brings unique benefits to your arsenal. By understanding their strengths and how to use them effectively, you'll be well-prepared to tackle a wide range of saltwater species and enjoy a productive and enjoyable fishing adventure. Happy fishing!

[hamatos-talk]

... Okay? Well, as I was saying, never liked fishing. Especially when the dude would take us to like... Public places to fish. Or not release the fish and instead cook em. Dude was a jerk, glad my mom broke up with him. Anyway, fishing was always boring and one time I caught a fish a little too well with the hook and uh... After it was released, it began floating and was the only floating fish. So... Yaaaay, traumatized little me slightly. I could never handle any sort of animal death. But fishing I especially didn't like. Probably because the only store the guy would go to for like... Bait and stuff? Bass Pro. With all that taxidermy... *I shudder, grimacing slightly when I miss a fish.* Yeah, no, fishing ain't for me. But at least I know how to for like... Camping or whatever the fuck. Never liked camping, either. I don't like a lot of things that do with wilderness... Because of all the germs.

-Shadow

I forgot you are a bit of a germaphobe....

[fishingwithdaniel]

Top Techniques for Bass Fishing

It's impossible to cover all the techniques in a single article due to their vast number. However, we'll mention a few and provide references for more detailed discussions on the subjects.

Using Spinnerbaits near wooden cover. One of the simplest baits to use for bass fishing is the spinnerbait. All you need to do is attach one and cast it out, then reel it in. If you're in shallow water, opt for lighter spinnerbaits and fish at a quicker pace. Conversely, in deeper waters, heavier spinnerbaits are preferable, and you can reel them in slowly to catch less active bass.

However, a spinnerbait is relatively snag-free when used around wooden cover, and if the water is clear or even murky, the spinnerbait provides a vibration that bass can detect when visibility is low. During spring, using a Colorado blade spinnerbait around shallow wood is an excellent method to hook large bass. Pay attention to cover, water clarity, and quickly move from one spot to another.

Frogs on dense vegetation. During the hotter seasons, when the grass is at its peak, a frog can successfully lure bass from their hiding spots. Regardless, it's one of the most enjoyable catches in bass fishing. So, equip yourself with a sturdy rod, a braided line, and your preferred hollow-bodied frog. Then, simply manipulate it with brief jerks of your rod tip to make the frog create a splash on the vegetation surface, attracting the bass upwards. The best advice is to pause for a moment after the bite before pulling with such force that you risk breaking the rod.

Utilizing Ned Rigs and Shaky Heads in transparent water. When you're casually fishing along the shoreline and there's not much observable cover. There's still stuff beneath the water. However, if the water is quite clear, bass can be easily scared. With a lightweight Ned Rig or shaky head, you can attach a small plastic worm to a jighead, make extensive casts, and gradually crawl, hop, and jiggle your worm to lure bass. Shaky heads and ned rigs attract a lot of bites from fish of all sizes.

Utilizing Drop Shot Worms in deep clear water bodies. When fish become wary due to overfishing or frequent use of forceful techniques, a drop shot can significantly increase your catch. The trick is to minimize its movement. Gently drag it until it reaches a rock or stump, then maneuver it around the obstacle. Continue dragging it along. This method is also effective for catching suspended fish by simply lowering it to their level and keeping it absolutely motionless.

Utilizing Texas Rigged Plastics for fishing in cover. To increase your bass catch, it's advisable to master the Texas rig technique with plastic worms. You can use this method in various environments such as grass, wood, docks, etc. The versatility of a plastic worm is unmatched. Simply cast the worm and use your rod to lift it and let it drop. Repeat this process, ensuring to take up any slack before lifting it again. During winter, this method may be less effective, but jigs and craw trailers can be used as an alternative to catch the same fish.Master the Art of Knotting. A crucial aspect of bass fishing is the ability to change lures and tie strong knots. Remove your current lure and experiment with another, but always ensure your knot is secure. If you've caught several fish or navigated through tough cover, inspect your line and tie a new, sturdy knot. To familiarize yourself with the best knots, refer to our comprehensive guide on fishing knots.

Source: https://www.wired2fish.com/bass-fishing/how-to-catch-bass-easy-bass-fishing-tip

[crazyyankee]

November 12th - We beat up the Oneida Lake Walleye population this morning! Prior to the trip I asked them their preferred fishing presentation, and they asked to troll. So that's what we set up for.

We trolled 16-18' most of the morning trying to keep our baits in that 10-12' range. It was almost impossible to keep 8 rods in. Our furthest two boards on each side pulled Bay Rat Short Shallows back 100' on 20lb braid. The two inside boards on each side pulled Deep Husky Jerk 10's and #9 Flicker Minnows back 45' on 10lb mono. Our best colors imitated Perch.

For the last couple of hours we slid out into deeper water looking for some bigger fish. We targeted 30+' of water and grabbed a couple nice Walleye, and a stud 4.7lb Smallmouth Bass. The deep water program was 85' back on the braid rods, and 85' back on the mono rods with 2oz drop weights. #9 Flicker Minnows on one side, and #10 Deep Husky Jerks on the other.

That's it for a few weeks! If weather allows we'll try to get out in early December if anyone's interested.

[outdoor-24]

Exploring Effective Artificial Lures for Estuary Fishing.

Estuary fishing presents a captivating blend of freshwater and saltwater angling, offering a unique opportunity to catch a variety of species in an ever-changing environment. When it comes to this dynamic fishing setting, selecting the right artificial lures can greatly enhance your chances of success. Let's delve into some top-notch options for estuary fishing, courtesy of HartenhengelOutdoor.

Soft Plastic Baits: Soft plastics, such as paddle tails, jerk baits, and shrimp imitations, are versatile choices for estuary fishing. Their lifelike movements and textures make them irresistible to a wide range of species like redfish, snook, and speckled trout. By adjusting your retrieval speed and imparting twitches, you can mimic wounded prey and trigger aggressive strikes.

Topwater Lures: Nothing beats the heart-pounding excitement of a topwater strike in the estuary. Poppers, walkers, and prop baits create a commotion on the water's surface, imitating fleeing baitfish. These lures are particularly effective during low-light conditions, as the noise and surface disturbance attract predators like striped bass and bluefish.

Jigs: Jigs are reliable lures that excel in various situations. For estuary fishing, consider using weedless jigs with soft plastic trailers. They can be hopped along the bottom to mimic prey like crabs and shrimp. Jigs are particularly effective when targeting flounder and sheepshead around structures and drop-offs.

Spoons: Spoons are a classic choice that imitates injured fish. They can be cast a good distance and retrieved at various speeds, making them versatile lures for estuary fishing. Look for models with realistic finishes and opt for smaller sizes to match the prevalent baitfish.

Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits combine flash and vibration to attract fish in murky water conditions often found in estuaries. These lures excel when retrieving through submerged grass and around structures. Experiment with different blade types to find the right level of attraction for your target species.

Crankbaits: Shallow-running crankbaits are suitable for covering large expanses of water in estuaries. They imitate   Artificial lures for estuary fishing and can be effective when fish are holding around drop-offs, submerged vegetation, or rocky areas.

Swimbaits: Larger swimbaits are a great choice when targeting larger predators like striped bass or even the occasional trophy-sized snook. Their lifelike swimming action can be irresistible to big, opportunistic fish.

Conclusion:

estuary fishing offers a rich canvas for anglers, and the right selection of artificial lures can make your outings truly rewarding. Explore the range of lures mentioned here, and let the estuary's diverse inhabitants lead you on a thrilling fishing adventure. Stay informed, adapt to the environment, and get ready for an unforgettable angling experience. Happy fishing from HartenhengelOutdoor!

[segkbf]

Best Jerkbaits for Bass

Jerkbaits are one of the few bass lures that are highly effective year-round. The main reason is because of how much control you have over their action. They can be fished extremely fast or slow, deep or shallow, or anywhere between. We are going to discuss the best jerkbaits for bass. A jerk bait is a longish lure made to represent an injured baitfish and has no real action. In jerk bait…

[fishernomics0]

Buy Fishing Traps & Hook Removal Kit - Quality & Affordable Gear

Fishernomics is a fantastic crew of fishermen from California. Some of our members have been fishing for over two decades and have expertise in fishing for bass, trout, surf, and deep-sea species. To share the lessons, we have learned over the years with others, we have pooled our expertise and experience.

Our key goals are to make fishing enjoyable for everyone and to supply top-notch products. To improve your upcoming fishing vacation, we enjoy trying out new items and work hard to offer the most intriguing ones. We differ from others in that we genuinely pay attention to you. We are unique and we are the ones who use and sell the products, so shop with assurance knowing that we strive to offer the most excellent customer service and support.

Buy magic fishing trap from fishernomics.com, which is excellent for fresh and saltwater fishing. It is simple to set up and use, taking only a few minutes. The traps include angling dams, lobster catches, and fishing nets available at affordable prices. They are culturally virtually global and also appear to have been independently invented sometimes. Always be aware of your target species. Whether you're after largemouth bass, stripers, trout, or perch, you should have a strategy in place so that you may approach them with our selection of lures cleverly. Use topwater when the water is calm and excellent for fishing in the morning and evening. Next, try jerk bait and swimbait lures. Start quickly and slow down to discover what the fish are biting on that day.

Buy fish hook removal kit at affordable prices where fishing equipment's stainless-steel hooks and anodized aluminum grip let you dehook freshwater and saltwater fish. The benefit of using these fishing accessories is that they make it simple to remove fishing hooks from your catch. You risk harming yourself if you try to take the hooks out with your bare hands, and this method lets you do so without contaminating the flesh. It has easy decoupling, additional protection, and a gadget to remove fishing hooks quickly, and it is the ideal gift for your loved ones. It also includes a water-resistant case and card survival supplies to keep your tools and equipment properly. Customer satisfaction is our first concern since we are confident in our fish hook remover quality.

[naturecoaster]

Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney: Snook Fishing

Getting into the first true month of spring and also a warm February, we on the Big Bend can expect a good start to our spring angling fun. Snook have always been one fish that, as much as I've fished my whole life, I've yet to figure them out. When I was young the best anglers caught them at the headwaters of our spring fed rivers. using wild shiners bought at MacRae's Bait House. The first snook I ever caught was in Mason Creek using a live shrimp when I was in my early teens off of a family friend's dock. When I think back, this was in the 80's and bass were the king of the rivers. Over time the snook have made a homestead in our region and north to Steinhatchee.  The legal limit for snook is one per angler a day that measures between 28- and 33-inches. Our snook have one thing that protects them from cold weather: our spring fed rivers give the sanctuary from the occasional below-freezing temperatures. Even during some blustery days in January, I saw some snook on the outside edge of the Gulf during low 60's water temperature. It's cool that we have a good population of line siders and again I'm not the expert at catching them but learning each day the way to possibly hook one.  March snook will be on the outside edges of the keys. Deep pockets of water that run up to the south side of a key were the sun warms the water are good spots to target. My go-to bait is a D.O.A. 5.5 glow jerk bait with a nose hooked 3/0 Owner bait hook. A 30lb. leader will prevent cut-offs sometimes, and a slow twitching retrieve with get the strike. High incoming tide will be mid-day this coming weekend.  Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report from Captain William Toney To schedule a fishing charter or shore lunch excursion with Captain Toney, visit his website. A third-generation fishing guide in the Homosassa area, a member of the Homosassa Guides Association, and author of the Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report each week in NatureCoaster.com. To read about our Shore Lunch excursion with Captain Toney, click here. If you want to learn more about how to catch Nature Coast fish from Captain Toney, subscribe to his videos at https://inthespread.com Captain William Toney is a fourth-generation Homosassa fishing guide. He provides our weekly Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report. Read the full article

[rishgih]

Technique: Jigging in Open Water

Technique: Jigging in Open Water

Jigging in open water is a time-tested fishing technique that offers an effective way to catch a variety of fish species. This method involves using a weighted lure, called a jig, which is jerked up and down through the water column to imitate the movement of prey. The rapid, darting motion attracts predatory fish and triggers them to strike, making jigging a popular choice among anglers targeting species such as bass, walleye, pike, and saltwater fish like snapper or grouper. Here’s how you can master the technique for success in open water fishing.

Selecting the Right Jig

Choosing the right jig is crucial for effective jigging. Jigs come in various shapes, weights, and colors, designed to mimic different types of baitfish or create specific actions in the water. When fishing in deeper waters, heavier jigs are necessary to reach the desired depth quickly, while lighter jigs work better in shallower waters. For open water, metallic colors or bright hues like chartreuse are often effective in clear water, whereas darker shades can be more visible in murkier conditions. Adding a soft plastic trailer or tipping the jig with live bait can further enhance the appeal to fish.

Perfecting the Jigging Motion

The key to successful jigging lies in replicating the natural movements of a baitfish. Once the jig sinks to the target depth, jerk the rod tip upward to create a lifelike darting motion, and then let the jig fall naturally back down. This up-and-down movement imitates a baitfish fleeing and then resting, which triggers the predatory instincts of fish. The speed and intensity of the jigging motion should vary based on water temperature and the species being targeted—slower jigging often works better in cold water, while faster movements are suitable for warmer conditions.

Leveraging Fish-Finding Technology

Fish finders and sonar technology can significantly improve jigging efficiency by helping anglers locate fish in open water. These tools allow you to identify depth changes, submerged structures, and fish schools, enabling you to position the jig in areas where fish are likely to strike. In open water, where fish are often dispersed, using technology to pinpoint locations can enhance your success rate.

Adapting to Conditions

Jigging in open water requires flexibility, as fish behavior can change throughout the day due to weather, light, and temperature variations. Adjusting jig weight, color, or motion can make a difference when fish are not biting. Being prepared to adapt your technique ensures that you stay on top of changing conditions and maximize your chances of a catch.

technique Jigging in open water is a versatile and rewarding approach, and with the right tactics, you can consistently land fish in a variety of conditions.