How long...?

[leahcim_dahc]

cavdad45 - It probably would be a good idea to put the gear away until spring...but I just can't bring myself to do it! :-D

I'll keep reading through the many resources quoted throughout the forums and get out on the water, at least for some hands on. I appreciate everyone's input, thank you!


iPodrodder - I think I have a general idea of the structure. Or at least what I interpret as decent areas to fish. Like you mention large logs and deadfall, also docks and swimming platforms (when accessible), lilypads and along edges of weed lines. I am almost convinced it is my presentation. Got to work on flipping and pitching more than what I do. Also I think my patience needs some work as well. I find myself fishing a particular lure or bait for a short bit of time and if I get no hits on what I am throwing, I will change up. It's a work in progress.


Thanks for the input!
Chad

[bpm2000]

If the lakes u fish are choked with pads and weeds in the spring/summer, walk it during the winter during a nicer day. I've found a few decent logs and structure that I wouldn't have known about doing this from the shoreline.

[leahcim_dahc]

If the lakes u fish are choked with pads and weeds in the spring/summer, walk it during the winter during a nicer day. I've found a few decent logs and structure that I wouldn't have known about doing this from the shoreline.

That's a good tip. I like to recon a lake before I go, but usually use Google Earth...unfortunately those maps and satellite images are a couple years old. It gives you a general idea of what to expect, but the fine points you miss out on unless you can get out on the water and check it out firsthand. I plan on doing quite a bit of walking of the lakes this winter, if nothing else like you said...find structure that would be otherwise obscured in the spring and summer months. Especially those couple lakes that are drained in the fall.


Chad

[iPodrodder]

If you are desperate for that big fish, go with a huge nightcrawler in deepish water. You will get more hits, pecks, etc. from small fish, but more bites = more chance for big fishy. It's how I got my first good bass. I was too impatient back then to target bigger fish. I used that dumb reasoning I said earlier, but it worked. Or, you can be very patient and work big lures.

[leahcim_dahc]

If you are desperate for that big fish, go with a huge nightcrawler in deepish water. You will get more hits, pecks, etc. from small fish, but more bites = more chance for big fishy. It's how I got my first good bass. I was too impatient back then to target bigger fish. I used that dumb reasoning I said earlier, but it worked. Or, you can be very patient and work big lures.

I wouldn't say I am desperate...I definitely would like to tie into a fattie, though. I also do realize I decided to take up learning about bass fishing at probably the worst possible time of year, from a hands on throw your line in and catch something perspective. But at the same time, I am learning quite a bit...not just my typical bottom fishing with a nightcrawler on a hook I have always done. So basically if I can learn something new and catch the occasional fattie in the process this winter...the fish will just be a bonus, sort of a baseline to gauge from. I at least hope to be polished up and have somewhat of a vague idea of what is going on by spring. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself! LOL!!


Thanks!
Chad

[iPodrodder]

I'm pretty clueless with late fall/winter fishing myself. I have always turned to trout by then.

[iPodrodder]

I'm pretty clueless with late fall/winter fishing myself. I have always turned to trout by then.

Sorry I didn't mean to post twice.

[bassackwards]

If you are desperate for that big fish, go with a huge nightcrawler in deepish water. You will get more hits, pecks, etc. from small fish, but more bites = more chance for big fishy. It's how I got my first good bass. I was too impatient back then to target bigger fish. I used that dumb reasoning I said earlier, but it worked. Or, you can be very patient and work big lures.

I wouldn't say I am desperate...I definitely would like to tie into a fattie, though. I also do realize I decided to take up learning about bass fishing at probably the worst possible time of year, from a hands on throw your line in and catch something perspective. But at the same time, I am learning quite a bit...not just my typical bottom fishing with a nightcrawler on a hook I have always done. So basically if I can learn something new and catch the occasional fattie in the process this winter...the fish will just be a bonus, sort of a baseline to gauge from. I at least hope to be polished up and have somewhat of a vague idea of what is going on by spring. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself! LOL!!


Thanks!
Chad

Chad...there's no such thing as "the worst possible time of the year" to learn bass...IT'S ALWAYS A GOOD TIME!!! Welcome to WL.com, we're glad you're here. As with everything, you get out of this what you put into it. There are some REALLY good bass fishermen (and women) here, with a ton of good information to share.

We share stories (some are REALLY stories ), pictures and we even fish together as much as we can.

Look forward to getting to know you. You gotta explain your "name" (forum name)

[leahcim_dahc]

You gotta explain your "name" (forum name)

It's actually quite lame...I have never been one who could come up with cool nicknames. leahcim_dahc is just my first name and middle name backwards.


Chad