new to tiger and bass fishing, help?

[missxheather5]

Hello -
Going to lake tapps this weekend to try out tiger and bass fishing. Im currently only trout fishing and only have gear to do that. I heard you need different gear for bass and tiger, can someone please tell me what I'll need to have a successful weekend fishing? Im excited to expand my fishing experience but would like to get tips and advice from experienced fishermen. I'll be heading to the store to pick it all up on Friday so to know before then would be great! Help a lady out!!? Please and thank you!!

[Amx]

Where do you live? Years ago I used to use trout rods and spinning reels for bass as there were no Bass specific equipment. And I've never really fished for trout, hardly ever, and not since I started fishing for Bass way back in high scholl in Northern Calif.

If you live close enough to Pacific try to get to the Bass fishing seminar at Limit Out Marine, it'll help a lot. Look for me there and I can help you also.

I'm going to bed right now so I can get up at 3am to be on the lake before first light. I'll check this thread tomorrow whenever I get home from the lake.

Seminar info here;

http://washingtonlakes.com/forum/viewto ... 13&t=18205" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Location of Limit Out Performance Marine here;

http://www.limitoutmarine.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[missxheather5]

I live in kent wa and id do that but im on a time crunch since im going fishing this weekend. I just need to know specific gear ill need so i can pick it up friday. Ive heard u need special line for tiger muskit fishing and bass.

[Amx]

They have line and lures at Limit Out that work great for Bass. Cabela's and Sportsman's Warehouse should have Muskie stuff. Auburn Sports and Marine should have Muskie stuff.

Tapps Bass should be from 10 feet to 30 feet deep, dropshot will be the best to get to them and catch them. Also a grub on a 1/8th oz jighead, and tube lure and Senko for fishing the docks.

I only have a couple ideas where Muskies will be.

You'll need to get a map of the lake so people can tell you where to fish and you can look it up while talking to other people. There are lake maps here on wAlAKES, LOOK IN THE MAP PAGES AND PRINT OUT THE ONE FOR tAPPS. Print out the other lake maps for the other lakes you decide to fish. Mark the maps when you catch a fish and take notes on where, how, depth, lure and time on your watch. Also the weather conditions and water temps. All that can help you the next day, and the next couple/few years as well.

Ganight, I'm off to bed.

[oneshot]

there is a world of knowledge at your fingertips.. i'm new to bass fishing too.. i read reports here, search for articles online and youtube a ton..

go here..
http://bit.ly/11GErGP" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[coretron22]

Oneshot...did I mention you are THE MAN! Always helpin out...

[DavidA]

Hey MissHeather! Bass fishing should only get better as the summer progresses. If you have a decent cast, you may want to try a Rapala or two. They are the small balsa wood fish with 2-3 treble hooks on each and run about $8 per lure. They come in different fish patterns (maybe try a rainbow trout or perch) and sizes (a 5, 7 or 9 should do) and are set for rough depths to run (you might want a floating one and a sinking one). You simply cast them to 'bassy' areas (by docks, logs, lily pads, etc - bass are ambush predators) and try to get 'someone's' attention. That's a very short version of one type of bass fishing. Good luck.

[PokeyPrasch]

There are a lot of trout lures that bass will bite on. Spinners and spoons, even a worm or fake worm on a hook.

However if you are serious about bass fishing I would start with some of the techniques that don't require much in the way of gear because you may lose some tackle and some techniques are much more expensive than others.

This guy does some nice videos that usually tell you how to gear up and fish techniques.
http://www.youtube.com/user/flukemstr?feature=watch

[Natebg1]

Hello MissXHeather,

In regards to looking into more information for Tiger Musky fishing and obtaining more details on gear here is some basic info that I might be able to help you out with. If you are someone who likes using Spinning Reels you can go to a local Wal-Mart or Sportsmans Warehouse and pick up many different brands of reels. Some good basic reels to look at are Penn Fierce 5000, or a Quantum EXO Spinning Reel or an Abu Garcia 5600/5500. All of these can be found locally, however if you are wanting to go higher end bait casters you can look into Shimano Curado CU300E or CU301E or maybe a Calcutta 400b.
Now with Rods, I would recommend something between 7.5 feet to 8 feet in length Medium Heavy Action. This will have plenty of backbone to handle almost any size lure as well as any Musky you come across.
The big things that are even more important is the line you use and the leader to deal with the Musky's razor sharp teeth. If you prefer clear leaders you can go with Fluorocarbon 100 lb to 120 lb test leaders. However if you prefer steel or titanium leaders you can use 100 lb test and be plenty good for dealing with pretty much anything with teeth. Also make sure you have a very STRONG Clasp at the end of the leader, I personally recommend using Stringease "Stay Loc Pro Snap" clasps. However you could use the bigger salmon clasp and probably be OK. The other final factor would be the type of line, if you want a clear line you could certainly be safe with a 20 lb Trilene or Suffix Line. However if you like braided lines you can't go wrong with 50 lb to 65 lb test Suffix Braid or Tuff Line. These lines might run you a little more in price however you will get everything you pay for with them. Both can handle almost any size lure, cast phenomenal and don't usually have any problems with birds nests or tangling. Below are some websites where you can get some great information on Musky fishing. Also just as a side note for starters, good lures to use would be swim baits, spoons, jerk baits, and inline musky spinners. Good luck, feel free to let me know if you have any other questions on this I am more than happy to help. Enjoy learning more about Tiger Muskies and Tight Lines!

http://www.muskyshop.com/modules/web/index.php/id/1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.michiganmuskyshop.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.muskytackleonline.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.thornebros.com/shop/pc/home.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Natebg1

[oneshot]

Oneshot...did I mention you are THE MAN! Always helpin out...

haha.. father, hero and internet solutionist.. making rounds and paying dues.,.

[DavidA]

AND ... let's not forget, you have a really cool hat!

[muskyhunter]

Tom...? Did you actually get on the water and fish? Be honest now. lol

[Amx]

when?

about 7 hours today.

[Amx]

Oh, the other day, nope, it was raining.

[muskyhunter]

I know its hard to catch a fish when you're behind the computer. Did you ever get on Tapps? Lotsa small muskies out there you could knock that one off your bucket list.

[Amx]

Haven't been on Tapps in 2 1/2, or so, years. A couple times since the WaLakes picnic in '10 and '11. I think I went once in '11 And then before that not since the mid to late '90s until the picnic. Someday...

[Amx]

Oh ya, and I CAN catch a fish on the computer.

[missxheather5]

I go fishing sunday, leaving early since its supposed to be hot. Never been to tapps before so im hoping its not a fail. I go shopping tomorrow for the gear so hopefully this helps. Btw i have a 6ft ugly stik... only pole i got and cant really get a new one so hopefully it works! I just needed info on line, lures, and bait. Thanks guys! Love this website.

[Rosann G]

Good luck to you on Sunday missxheather5. The ugly stik will work just fine, we've caught them on shorter sticks and light tackle even. Muskies will bite on bass stuff and bass will bite on muskie stuff so just go out and have fun. If you're in a boat figure that the waves will get wild by noon if not before because of the skiers, tubers, etc. We always used to leave then if not before.

[missxheather5]

Not sure if were gonna be on a boat but thanks for all the advice and help!!