Review of the Mesa Tackle baits

[Bob La Londe]

I threw some top water yesterday morning and caught a few short. One might
have been a keeper, but I didn't have a rule in the boat so I tossed it
back. I didn't want to risk weighing in a short fish.

Like I said I fished mostly topwater. In one spot I had three hits on my
favorite Cabelas Real Image in baby bass pattern, but I just couldn't seem
to hook up. I tossed a weightless texas rigged Mesa Salt Stick worm. I
hooked up a little nine incher immediately on it. I think it was just a
matter of throwing a falling bait to a spot where a bass had just tried to
kill a minnow (my topwater) on the surface.

A few minutes later I caught my maybe 13 incher.

That was it for the day. They just developed lock jaw, so I headed for the
back waters figuring I could atleast catch some small keepers sight fishing
the channels and the standing timber int he back lakes.

Wow! Nothing. I saw very few fish in the channels, and those were all very
spooky. I never even saw a fish in the standing timber. In fact the only
decent fish I saw all day was a five pounder that ignored me in some shallow
reeds.

There was a little breeze, so I tried spinner baits off and on. Both large
ones and small ones in bleeding shad and baby bass patterns along with a
Ninja Spin three blade just to see if that obnoxious beast could provoke a
strike.

I tried smaller 6" Zoom auger tails on 6 lb diameter mono. In semi open
trees and even in the heavy weeds. I tried some large jigs with various
trailers in various colors in heavier brush. I even spent some time on one
of the bigger channels pitching the really heavy stuff. Nothing.

I weighed in zero fish.

On the other hand I did nail my first fish on a follow up technique I
learned here using on of Gilbert's worms.

About the only thing I didn't try were crank baits, small in-line spinners,
and drop shotting. There is so much weed growth here there are few places I
feel comfortable using those tangle ups, although I like to throw them in
the winter after the weed growth dies back.

Out of 21 teams there were 12 limits weighed in, and the big fish winner was
4.0 pounds. One guy complained that the poor bite was due to the fukll
moon. I might go for that. My bite died just as the sun got full up. I
have to admit I wasted almost an hour of my pre sunrise time rewiring my
trolling motor to work around a broken battery switch. I took the switch
out and wired the batteries directly to the motor using a roll of tape and a
fillet knife. I definitely need to remember to put a few basic tools in the
boat. I had a whole box of small stuff in the Skeeter including spare
switches and electrical connectors. I'll have to find that.


--
Bob La Londe
Yuma, Az
http://www.YumaBassMan.com
ADD YOUR WEB LINK TO THE LINK INDEX ON MY SITE

[Craig]

Bob,

I am confused. Your title indicated a review of Mesa Tackle products. What
I read was story of an outing you had where you use one of Mesa Tackles
lures, for one cast, and caught a fish. Hell you didn't even credit the
lure with the catch, indicating you felt any plastic lure would have done
the trick. Go use those puppies on a few more outings where they are your
primary lures, then come back and tell us what you liked and disliked about
them. Tell me why I should or should not buy them. Score them on a scale
of 1 to 10 on Quality, effectiveness, price, etc. I would love to hear an
unbiased opinion.

--
Craig Baugher

[Bob La Londe]

"Craig" > wrote in message
m...
> Bob,
>
> I am confused. Your title indicated a review of Mesa Tackle products.
What
> I read was story of an outing you had where you use one of Mesa Tackles
> lures, for one cast, and caught a fish. Hell you didn't even credit the
> lure with the catch, indicating you felt any plastic lure would have done
> the trick. Go use those puppies on a few more outings where they are your
> primary lures, then come back and tell us what you liked and disliked
about
> them. Tell me why I should or should not buy them. Score them on a scale
> of 1 to 10 on Quality, effectiveness, price, etc. I would love to hear an
> unbiased opinion.
>
> Craig Baugher
>

Well, it was the first time I used them, and you are probably right. Any
jerk bait would probably have caught that fish. I guess my only comment on
the whole thing was if anything the Mesa Tackle stuff did not catch fish
when nothing else would either.

They may be great plastics, but they didn't draw fish out of the brush on a
tough day. I threw craws, jig trailers, and worms by Mesa Tackle. One of
the two fish I caught was on a Mesa Tackle plastic.

I didn't try the drop shot stuff though. I just have a hard time throwing
a rig like that in weeds and grass.

As to what kind of review I "have to" give... nobody pays me for my opinion
and I will always have my own bias. I did use the stick worm as my primary
worm most of the day. I tried it wacky rigged. I tried it texas rigged
weighted and weightless. I spent eight hours on the water and switched up
between topwater and stick worms most of the day. I only changed up my
approach to try and pull a big fish out of heavy cover after a fulld ay of
pounding the water.

I was kind of happy that a follow up techinque produced a fish for me. I
asked about follow up tactics here a while back, but didn't get much
feedback.

Yeah it wasn't much of a review. More of a rant about a day of pounding the
water for little return.


--
Bob La Londe
Yuma, Az
http://www.YumaBassMan.com
ADD YOUR WEB LINK TO THE LINK INDEX ON MY SITE

[go-bassn]

Curious Bob, you say the lures didn't draw the fish out of the brush. How
do you know there were fish in the brush you were fishing?

You can't rely on lures to draw fish out of brush when it's tough Bob, you
have to get your bait in there & bounce it off the fish's nose son!

When I'm not catchin' em I tend to blame mysself, not my lures or the fish.

Warren
--
http://www.fishingworld.com/MesaTackleSupply/
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com http://www.secretweaponlures.com
http://warrenwolk.com/ http://www.tri-statebassmasters.com/

"Bob La Londe" > wrote in message
...
> "Craig" > wrote in message
> m...
> > Bob,
> >
> > I am confused. Your title indicated a review of Mesa Tackle products.
> What
> > I read was story of an outing you had where you use one of Mesa Tackles
> > lures, for one cast, and caught a fish. Hell you didn't even credit the
> > lure with the catch, indicating you felt any plastic lure would have
done
> > the trick. Go use those puppies on a few more outings where they are
your
> > primary lures, then come back and tell us what you liked and disliked
> about
> > them. Tell me why I should or should not buy them. Score them on a
scale
> > of 1 to 10 on Quality, effectiveness, price, etc. I would love to hear
an
> > unbiased opinion.
> >
> > Craig Baugher
> >
>
> Well, it was the first time I used them, and you are probably right. Any
> jerk bait would probably have caught that fish. I guess my only comment
on
> the whole thing was if anything the Mesa Tackle stuff did not catch fish
> when nothing else would either.
>
> They may be great plastics, but they didn't draw fish out of the brush on
a
> tough day. I threw craws, jig trailers, and worms by Mesa Tackle. One of
> the two fish I caught was on a Mesa Tackle plastic.
>
> I didn't try the drop shot stuff though. I just have a hard time
throwing
> a rig like that in weeds and grass.
>
> As to what kind of review I "have to" give... nobody pays me for my
opinion
> and I will always have my own bias. I did use the stick worm as my
primary
> worm most of the day. I tried it wacky rigged. I tried it texas rigged
> weighted and weightless. I spent eight hours on the water and switched up
> between topwater and stick worms most of the day. I only changed up my
> approach to try and pull a big fish out of heavy cover after a fulld ay of
> pounding the water.
>
> I was kind of happy that a follow up techinque produced a fish for me. I
> asked about follow up tactics here a while back, but didn't get much
> feedback.
>
> Yeah it wasn't much of a review. More of a rant about a day of pounding
the
> water for little return.
>
>
> --
> Bob La Londe
> Yuma, Az
> http://www.YumaBassMan.com
> ADD YOUR WEB LINK TO THE LINK INDEX ON MY SITE
>
>

[Craig]

I agree with Warren. A tough day is only tough because I cannot find what
the fish want or what is needed to make them strike (out of anger, fear,
instinct). But I have found during these times that my odd ball lures are
the ones that draw the strike. Like this worm somebody gave me that has a
jig head with what appears to be a Indiana blade sticking out of it. I
never use it unless all else fails, because it just doesn't fit my normal
style of fishing, but it does work in those tough conditions. I have may be
a half-dozen lures that I call odd-balls, and each has produced fish,
typically in tough conditions.

--
Craig Baugher

Living in The United States, and Loving It!
Practicing My Freedom of Speech, and Enjoying It!
Knowing how to Thank those that paid for it, by Honoring It!

[RGarri7470]

>, but I didn't have a rule in the boat so I tossed it
>back. I didn't want to risk weighing in a short fish.

We had a guy lose first place in a tournament because he lost his keeper board
that morning and brought in a short fish. Don't think I would fish a
tournament with out one - and a backup. And I learned many years ago to keep a
small tool box in the boat.
Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

[Bob La Londe]

"Craig" > wrote in message
om...
> I agree with Warren. A tough day is only tough because I cannot find what
> the fish want or what is needed to make them strike (out of anger, fear,
> instinct). But I have found during these times that my odd ball lures are
> the ones that draw the strike. Like this worm somebody gave me that has a
> jig head with what appears to be a Indiana blade sticking out of it. I
> never use it unless all else fails, because it just doesn't fit my normal
> style of fishing, but it does work in those tough conditions. I have may
be
> a half-dozen lures that I call odd-balls, and each has produced fish,
> typically in tough conditions.
>
> --
> Craig Baugher
>
> Living in The United States, and Loving It!
> Practicing My Freedom of Speech, and Enjoying It!
> Knowing how to Thank those that paid for it, by Honoring It!
>


Its funny you guys have said that. I have relied pretty heavily on the
early morning topwater bite (something that has never produced for me in the
past), and then on soft plastics this year. I spent a couple outings
throwing nothing but spinner baits and caught a few fish, but nothing
spectacular. I spent quite a bit of time thinking about it and I have been
thinking about some different things to throw at these fish. Almost
everybody here goes to flipping jigs or worms when it gets tough. Thats
what I did too.

Now I was thinking if the bite was tough why not try some of my old standby
stuff. When I was a kid I caught a lot of bass (mostly small ones) on small
Kastmaster spoons ripped very fast through the water, and small inline
spinners run as slow as I could run them. I even figured out how to run
them over weeds without hanging up. There does have to be atleast a few
inches of clear water over the weeds though. I would use a light action rig
7' or longer and hold the rod tip as high as I could to keep the lure in a
pulled up direction and crank it just fast enough to keep it out of the
weeds. I have already decided to have a couple of those tiednon next time I
go out. I also ordered a few of the Mepps minnow inlines. I only ever
owned a couple of those when I was a kid. At three bucks a pop they were
more than I could usually afford so I stuck with the cheaper Rooster Tails
or even cheaper generic spinners.

I never fished the big stuff when I was a kid tromping through the brush on
the Gila River. Crank baits were out of my price range, and I would have
never dreamed of throwing topwater.

I've listened to all this throw anchor line with boat anchors directly the
brush stuff. I've learned that topwaters do produce some nice fish.
Finesse worms do work for sight fishing when the fish are biting. I don't
know about the jig and trailer being the big fish getter, but I have
certainly tried it.

Now its time for me to go back to my basics.

Its going to be tough with all the weed growth in the water, but I will give
it a shot.

As to knowing the fish are there... I have seen them. I really can't
imagine a back water fish is going to thread his way out of a 8-10 foot deep
back lake through a bunch of shallow channels to the main river and hunt the
main curent on a slow day. Sure he may move back into heavy cover, or he
may move into to deeper water, but the fish I catch in the back waters look
different than those I catch in the current. They eat different stuff and
they hunt different prey.

Blame the bait? No that wasn't my point at all. They didn't make the
difference. Sure they are good looking baits, but they did not give me an
edge.

Further back in the brush? Thats what I do when I pitch. In fact when the
regular pitching gear failed to produce for me I started throwing light
action stuff back into the brush. By noon or one I was throwing 12 lb (6lb
dia) super mono into cover I would normally reserve for 50lb Power Pro. On
the edge of the brush and then towards deeeper water. I just wasn't
throwing what they wanted.

I was amazed though by how easily I got the lighter stuff in and out of the
heavy stuff. I figured if I hooked up with it I would have to run the boat
right up into the trash to get my fish. That was something I figured I'ld
worry about after I actually hooked one.

My other stand by when I started to be able to afford stuff was the Storm
Thin Fin Silver Shad crank bait. It was a bait that would always get me a
fish or two of I just kept thowing it out and cranking it in very slow. It
is no longer made, and it catches every weed in the area. With the heavy
weed growth its difficult for me to throw a lot of my real confidence baits,
but I think I am going try them next time out. My little green Zoom U-Tails
didn't even produce this last time out, and they have been my hard corp bait
in recent years.

Its been a tough season fishing for me. Just about the time I think I have
something I can build on it quits working. I'll find an area that produces
a few fish and a way that catches them and I'll set myself a plan to hit
that then try soemthing else, and I wind up trying something else because
that didn't produce at all. I sympathise with some of the guys who come in
here ready to just give up.

I've tried to blame my skills, but I hook most fish that I feel or see hit.
Sure I describe missing some, but I've found things I can rely on. The
Excalibur rotating hooks now decorate most of my topwaters baits. I use the
Eagle Claw rotating hooks for most soft plastic applications except light
lining jerk baits where they tend to twist line. I know I don't have much
of a touch for feeling a bite with the heavy action stuff, but I'm pretty
good at watching the line. As for finding fish. In this shallow river and
lake system the fish finders are of minimal use. Too much weed and brush
growth paired with a lot of shallow water. As Van Dam says I do try to
follw the bait. A couple weekends ago I found a school of shad pinned up
near the dock in Squaw lake. I caught a mess of small keepers there. Or as
any of the trouters would say match the hatch. When I get in waters where I
see lots of 3-4 inch bass I throw baby bass pattern baits and catch some
fish (most of the time). I just can't seem to find any patterns that will
produce consistantly for me on good days much less on a tough day.

I go out with 12 - 15 rods rigged with different stuff, and by the end of
the day I have fished every one of them. Usually a half dozen other things
as well.

I try hard points which most anglers here ignore unless they see a feed
actually going on. I fish lake mouths and back water mouths when the water
is rising or falling. I fish standing under water trees in open water when
I can. Another thing that a lot of anglers around here seem to ignore.

The things I see others here doing consistantly day in day out is throwing
topwater first thing in the morning, and pitching the shore of the main
current during the day. Some will also pitch the refuge (when its open) in
Martinez lake and the shore line in Ferguson Lake. I've spent whole days
doing each of those things trying to figure out what works when.

I try and fish with others when ever possible and I try to be a good fishing
partner. I'm always quick with the net when my partner has a fish on. I
always bring extra sodas and munchies for my fishing partner. If I am
fishing out of someody else's boat I always give them extra money for fuel.
If I damage something I always point it out and take care of fixing it no
matter the cost. I try to keep my mouth shut and not whine if I'm not doing
well, and not brag if I'm the one putting fish in the boat. Unfortunately I
have found that most of the guys around here in the clubs are either younger
and have no interest in fishing with a guy my age who has mediocre skills or
are much older and feel the same. Mostly they are 50-70 in the clubs and
those of us under 40 are the "young pups." Thats was one of the reasons I
decided I wanted my own boat. Atleast I could get out when ever I had the
time.

As to guys not members of the local clubs that is harder. Of those I have
met and who wanted to fish most have few skills, which I actually don't have
a problem with. I learned balloon rigging minnows from a guy who couldn't
cast a spinning rod in open water. That is a fish catching technique that
is unequaled. I taught him my lazy sidearm cast that can put a bait under
over hanging brush on the far bank. I learned about slow dragging worms on
sandy slopes from a ten year old kid with a broken down spincaster. He also
showed me how to use a round head jig to fish a worm in rock piles and
riprap. When it works it really works. When I was ten I figured out a trout
lake that everybody said was dead anytime after a heavy rain fall. It
turned out that with the correct presentation that was the best time to
fish. When I was about eight I figured out a technique for fishing under
bridges in current from the bank. Everybody can contribute something if
they are really interested in fishing. I kind of got turned off of a lot of
casual fishing partners though when I realized that most casual fishermen
just want an excuse to go out and drink. Quite a number only if I buy the
beer, bring my boat, supply the gear, bring the food, pick them up, and
don't even offer if they screw up some of my gear. If I wanted to pay
somebody to fish with me I would hire a guide. In fact I would but the only
local guide I know is laid up with a torn achilles tendon.

I'm trying to learn new stuff. I do change up my gear. I try different
tactics and different waters regularly. I fish with other people when I get
the chance.

You can only say so much in a usenet post. I imagine most people reading
this one got bored somewhere around the second paragraph.


--
Bob La Londe
Yuma, Az
http://www.YumaBassMan.com
ADD YOUR WEB LINK TO THE LINK INDEX ON MY SITE

[Bob La Londe]

"RGarri7470" > wrote in message
...
> >, but I didn't have a rule in the boat so I tossed it
> >back. I didn't want to risk weighing in a short fish.
>
> We had a guy lose first place in a tournament because he lost his keeper
board
> that morning and brought in a short fish. Don't think I would fish a
> tournament with out one - and a backup. And I learned many years ago to
keep a
> small tool box in the boat.
> Ronnie
>
> http://fishing.about.com

I ordered a fixed rule http://tinyurl.com/qqec and a stick-on
http://tinyurl.com/qqe9 last night. I actually went to Wally World first to
get one, but all I could find was an aluminum yard stick there. I was going
to buy it but after waiting in line for twenty minutes to check out I had
the <sarcasm> nice lady </sarcasm> at the check out counter put the lane
closed sign down down right in front of me. The Skeeter has a stick on up
front, but I didn't even have my Leatherman tool on ym belt that day.

I only wish I had more stuff for her to have to put away when I set my stuff
down and walked out.

I've already pulled my misc parts and tools box out of the Skeeter to clean
it out and see what I want in the Baker.


--
Bob La Londe
Yuma, Az
http://www.YumaBassMan.com
ADD YOUR WEB LINK TO THE LINK INDEX ON MY SITE

[Bob Rickard]

Bob, you just gave a thorough description of what fishing is. Nothing is
ever for sure. The best tackle and baits can give you an advantage, but not
always. There is always room to better your performance, and there is always
more to be learned. That is why fishing, and the quest for fishing
knowledge, is so darn much fun.

--
Bob Rickard
www.secretweaponlures.com
--------------------------<=x O')))><


"Bob La Londe" > wrote in message
...
> "Craig" > wrote in message
> om...
> > I agree with Warren. A tough day is only tough because I cannot find
what
> > the fish want or what is needed to make them strike (out of anger, fear,
> > instinct). But I have found during these times that my odd ball lures
are
> > the ones that draw the strike. Like this worm somebody gave me that has
a
> > jig head with what appears to be a Indiana blade sticking out of it. I
> > never use it unless all else fails, because it just doesn't fit my
normal
> > style of fishing, but it does work in those tough conditions. I have
may
> be
> > a half-dozen lures that I call odd-balls, and each has produced fish,
> > typically in tough conditions.
> >
> > --
> > Craig Baugher
> >
> > Living in The United States, and Loving It!
> > Practicing My Freedom of Speech, and Enjoying It!
> > Knowing how to Thank those that paid for it, by Honoring It!
> >
>
>
> Its funny you guys have said that. I have relied pretty heavily on the
> early morning topwater bite (something that has never produced for me in
the
> past), and then on soft plastics this year. I spent a couple outings
> throwing nothing but spinner baits and caught a few fish, but nothing
> spectacular. I spent quite a bit of time thinking about it and I have
been
> thinking about some different things to throw at these fish. Almost
> everybody here goes to flipping jigs or worms when it gets tough. Thats
> what I did too.
>
> Now I was thinking if the bite was tough why not try some of my old
standby
> stuff. When I was a kid I caught a lot of bass (mostly small ones) on
small
> Kastmaster spoons ripped very fast through the water, and small inline
> spinners run as slow as I could run them. I even figured out how to run
> them over weeds without hanging up. There does have to be atleast a few
> inches of clear water over the weeds though. I would use a light action
rig
> 7' or longer and hold the rod tip as high as I could to keep the lure in a
> pulled up direction and crank it just fast enough to keep it out of the
> weeds. I have already decided to have a couple of those tiednon next time
I
> go out. I also ordered a few of the Mepps minnow inlines. I only ever
> owned a couple of those when I was a kid. At three bucks a pop they were
> more than I could usually afford so I stuck with the cheaper Rooster Tails
> or even cheaper generic spinners.
>
> I never fished the big stuff when I was a kid tromping through the brush
on
> the Gila River. Crank baits were out of my price range, and I would have
> never dreamed of throwing topwater.
>
> I've listened to all this throw anchor line with boat anchors directly the
> brush stuff. I've learned that topwaters do produce some nice fish.
> Finesse worms do work for sight fishing when the fish are biting. I don't
> know about the jig and trailer being the big fish getter, but I have
> certainly tried it.
>
> Now its time for me to go back to my basics.
>
> Its going to be tough with all the weed growth in the water, but I will
give
> it a shot.
>
> As to knowing the fish are there... I have seen them. I really can't
> imagine a back water fish is going to thread his way out of a 8-10 foot
deep
> back lake through a bunch of shallow channels to the main river and hunt
the
> main curent on a slow day. Sure he may move back into heavy cover, or he
> may move into to deeper water, but the fish I catch in the back waters
look
> different than those I catch in the current. They eat different stuff and
> they hunt different prey.
>
> Blame the bait? No that wasn't my point at all. They didn't make the
> difference. Sure they are good looking baits, but they did not give me an
> edge.
>
> Further back in the brush? Thats what I do when I pitch. In fact when
the
> regular pitching gear failed to produce for me I started throwing light
> action stuff back into the brush. By noon or one I was throwing 12 lb
(6lb
> dia) super mono into cover I would normally reserve for 50lb Power Pro.
On
> the edge of the brush and then towards deeeper water. I just wasn't
> throwing what they wanted.
>
> I was amazed though by how easily I got the lighter stuff in and out of
the
> heavy stuff. I figured if I hooked up with it I would have to run the
boat
> right up into the trash to get my fish. That was something I figured I'ld
> worry about after I actually hooked one.
>
> My other stand by when I started to be able to afford stuff was the Storm
> Thin Fin Silver Shad crank bait. It was a bait that would always get me a
> fish or two of I just kept thowing it out and cranking it in very slow.
It
> is no longer made, and it catches every weed in the area. With the heavy
> weed growth its difficult for me to throw a lot of my real confidence
baits,
> but I think I am going try them next time out. My little green Zoom
U-Tails
> didn't even produce this last time out, and they have been my hard corp
bait
> in recent years.
>
> Its been a tough season fishing for me. Just about the time I think I
have
> something I can build on it quits working. I'll find an area that
produces
> a few fish and a way that catches them and I'll set myself a plan to hit
> that then try soemthing else, and I wind up trying something else because
> that didn't produce at all. I sympathise with some of the guys who come
in
> here ready to just give up.
>
> I've tried to blame my skills, but I hook most fish that I feel or see
hit.
> Sure I describe missing some, but I've found things I can rely on. The
> Excalibur rotating hooks now decorate most of my topwaters baits. I use
the
> Eagle Claw rotating hooks for most soft plastic applications except light
> lining jerk baits where they tend to twist line. I know I don't have much
> of a touch for feeling a bite with the heavy action stuff, but I'm pretty
> good at watching the line. As for finding fish. In this shallow river
and
> lake system the fish finders are of minimal use. Too much weed and brush
> growth paired with a lot of shallow water. As Van Dam says I do try to
> follw the bait. A couple weekends ago I found a school of shad pinned up
> near the dock in Squaw lake. I caught a mess of small keepers there. Or
as
> any of the trouters would say match the hatch. When I get in waters where
I
> see lots of 3-4 inch bass I throw baby bass pattern baits and catch some
> fish (most of the time). I just can't seem to find any patterns that will
> produce consistantly for me on good days much less on a tough day.
>
> I go out with 12 - 15 rods rigged with different stuff, and by the end of
> the day I have fished every one of them. Usually a half dozen other
things
> as well.
>
> I try hard points which most anglers here ignore unless they see a feed
> actually going on. I fish lake mouths and back water mouths when the
water
> is rising or falling. I fish standing under water trees in open water
when
> I can. Another thing that a lot of anglers around here seem to ignore.
>
> The things I see others here doing consistantly day in day out is throwing
> topwater first thing in the morning, and pitching the shore of the main
> current during the day. Some will also pitch the refuge (when its open)
in
> Martinez lake and the shore line in Ferguson Lake. I've spent whole days
> doing each of those things trying to figure out what works when.
>
> I try and fish with others when ever possible and I try to be a good
fishing
> partner. I'm always quick with the net when my partner has a fish on. I
> always bring extra sodas and munchies for my fishing partner. If I am
> fishing out of someody else's boat I always give them extra money for
fuel.
> If I damage something I always point it out and take care of fixing it no
> matter the cost. I try to keep my mouth shut and not whine if I'm not
doing
> well, and not brag if I'm the one putting fish in the boat. Unfortunately
I
> have found that most of the guys around here in the clubs are either
younger
> and have no interest in fishing with a guy my age who has mediocre skills
or
> are much older and feel the same. Mostly they are 50-70 in the clubs and
> those of us under 40 are the "young pups." Thats was one of the reasons I
> decided I wanted my own boat. Atleast I could get out when ever I had the
> time.
>
> As to guys not members of the local clubs that is harder. Of those I have
> met and who wanted to fish most have few skills, which I actually don't
have
> a problem with. I learned balloon rigging minnows from a guy who couldn't
> cast a spinning rod in open water. That is a fish catching technique that
> is unequaled. I taught him my lazy sidearm cast that can put a bait
under
> over hanging brush on the far bank. I learned about slow dragging worms
on
> sandy slopes from a ten year old kid with a broken down spincaster. He
also
> showed me how to use a round head jig to fish a worm in rock piles and
> riprap. When it works it really works. When I was ten I figured out a
trout
> lake that everybody said was dead anytime after a heavy rain fall. It
> turned out that with the correct presentation that was the best time to
> fish. When I was about eight I figured out a technique for fishing under
> bridges in current from the bank. Everybody can contribute something if
> they are really interested in fishing. I kind of got turned off of a lot
of
> casual fishing partners though when I realized that most casual fishermen
> just want an excuse to go out and drink. Quite a number only if I buy the
> beer, bring my boat, supply the gear, bring the food, pick them up, and
> don't even offer if they screw up some of my gear. If I wanted to pay
> somebody to fish with me I would hire a guide. In fact I would but the
only
> local guide I know is laid up with a torn achilles tendon.
>
> I'm trying to learn new stuff. I do change up my gear. I try different
> tactics and different waters regularly. I fish with other people when I
get
> the chance.
>
> You can only say so much in a usenet post. I imagine most people reading
> this one got bored somewhere around the second paragraph.
>
>
> --
> Bob La Londe
> Yuma, Az
> http://www.YumaBassMan.com
> ADD YOUR WEB LINK TO THE LINK INDEX ON MY SITE
>
>
>

[John Kerr]

Re: Review of the Mesa Tackle baits

Group: rec.outdoors.fishing.bass Date: Mon, Oct 13, 2003, 1:22am (CDT+1)
From: (go-bassn)

When I'm not catchin' em I tend to blame mysself, not my lures or the
fish.
Warren
--
Warren, that was great to hear! I often take contract jobs out at the
marina, and listen to the anglers when they come in..both the weekenders
and the pros. It's genneraly, the weather, the water, the fish, the
equiptment, or the "luck" that beat em....rarely have I ever heard "It
ws me!" But when they "win", it's always "me!" <big grin>! When we
question ourselves is the only time we really learn. That's why I know
you will be fishing on a lot of the "final" days soon.....
JK

[go-bassn]

So true Bob. I hope Bob L doesn't take this the wrong way, but I think his
basic problem stems not so much from a lack of skills & knowledge of
catching bass, but from a possible lack of fish-finding ability. I think
he's keeping a closed mind in saying "the fish have to be in the backwaters
(or anywhere else)", and ignoring the "main lake", etc.

I find bass relatively easy to catch, finding them is the difficult part.

The fish you catch in the backwaters look different because they came out of
shallower water, not because of thier diet being different. Put those fish
in deep water for a day & they'll look like the rest of the deepwater fish.

Warren

"Bob Rickard" > wrote in message
m...
> Bob, you just gave a thorough description of what fishing is. Nothing is
> ever for sure. The best tackle and baits can give you an advantage, but
not
> always. There is always room to better your performance, and there is
always
> more to be learned. That is why fishing, and the quest for fishing
> knowledge, is so darn much fun.
>
> --
> Bob Rickard
> www.secretweaponlures.com
> --------------------------<=x O')))><
>
>
> "Bob La Londe" > wrote in message
> ...
> > "Craig" > wrote in message
> > om...
> > > I agree with Warren. A tough day is only tough because I cannot find
> what
> > > the fish want or what is needed to make them strike (out of anger,
fear,
> > > instinct). But I have found during these times that my odd ball lures
> are
> > > the ones that draw the strike. Like this worm somebody gave me that
has
> a
> > > jig head with what appears to be a Indiana blade sticking out of it.
I
> > > never use it unless all else fails, because it just doesn't fit my
> normal
> > > style of fishing, but it does work in those tough conditions. I have
> may
> > be
> > > a half-dozen lures that I call odd-balls, and each has produced fish,
> > > typically in tough conditions.
> > >
> > > --
> > > Craig Baugher
> > >
> > > Living in The United States, and Loving It!
> > > Practicing My Freedom of Speech, and Enjoying It!
> > > Knowing how to Thank those that paid for it, by Honoring It!
> > >
> >
> >
> > Its funny you guys have said that. I have relied pretty heavily on the
> > early morning topwater bite (something that has never produced for me in
> the
> > past), and then on soft plastics this year. I spent a couple outings
> > throwing nothing but spinner baits and caught a few fish, but nothing
> > spectacular. I spent quite a bit of time thinking about it and I have
> been
> > thinking about some different things to throw at these fish. Almost
> > everybody here goes to flipping jigs or worms when it gets tough. Thats
> > what I did too.
> >
> > Now I was thinking if the bite was tough why not try some of my old
> standby
> > stuff. When I was a kid I caught a lot of bass (mostly small ones) on
> small
> > Kastmaster spoons ripped very fast through the water, and small inline
> > spinners run as slow as I could run them. I even figured out how to run
> > them over weeds without hanging up. There does have to be atleast a few
> > inches of clear water over the weeds though. I would use a light action
> rig
> > 7' or longer and hold the rod tip as high as I could to keep the lure in
a
> > pulled up direction and crank it just fast enough to keep it out of the
> > weeds. I have already decided to have a couple of those tiednon next
time
> I
> > go out. I also ordered a few of the Mepps minnow inlines. I only ever
> > owned a couple of those when I was a kid. At three bucks a pop they
were
> > more than I could usually afford so I stuck with the cheaper Rooster
Tails
> > or even cheaper generic spinners.
> >
> > I never fished the big stuff when I was a kid tromping through the brush
> on
> > the Gila River. Crank baits were out of my price range, and I would
have
> > never dreamed of throwing topwater.
> >
> > I've listened to all this throw anchor line with boat anchors directly
the
> > brush stuff. I've learned that topwaters do produce some nice fish.
> > Finesse worms do work for sight fishing when the fish are biting. I
don't
> > know about the jig and trailer being the big fish getter, but I have
> > certainly tried it.
> >
> > Now its time for me to go back to my basics.
> >
> > Its going to be tough with all the weed growth in the water, but I will
> give
> > it a shot.
> >
> > As to knowing the fish are there... I have seen them. I really can't
> > imagine a back water fish is going to thread his way out of a 8-10 foot
> deep
> > back lake through a bunch of shallow channels to the main river and hunt
> the
> > main curent on a slow day. Sure he may move back into heavy cover, or
he
> > may move into to deeper water, but the fish I catch in the back waters
> look
> > different than those I catch in the current. They eat different stuff
and
> > they hunt different prey.
> >
> > Blame the bait? No that wasn't my point at all. They didn't make the
> > difference. Sure they are good looking baits, but they did not give me
an
> > edge.
> >
> > Further back in the brush? Thats what I do when I pitch. In fact when
> the
> > regular pitching gear failed to produce for me I started throwing light
> > action stuff back into the brush. By noon or one I was throwing 12 lb
> (6lb
> > dia) super mono into cover I would normally reserve for 50lb Power Pro.
> On
> > the edge of the brush and then towards deeeper water. I just wasn't
> > throwing what they wanted.
> >
> > I was amazed though by how easily I got the lighter stuff in and out of
> the
> > heavy stuff. I figured if I hooked up with it I would have to run the
> boat
> > right up into the trash to get my fish. That was something I figured
I'ld
> > worry about after I actually hooked one.
> >
> > My other stand by when I started to be able to afford stuff was the
Storm
> > Thin Fin Silver Shad crank bait. It was a bait that would always get me
a
> > fish or two of I just kept thowing it out and cranking it in very slow.
> It
> > is no longer made, and it catches every weed in the area. With the
heavy
> > weed growth its difficult for me to throw a lot of my real confidence
> baits,
> > but I think I am going try them next time out. My little green Zoom
> U-Tails
> > didn't even produce this last time out, and they have been my hard corp
> bait
> > in recent years.
> >
> > Its been a tough season fishing for me. Just about the time I think I
> have
> > something I can build on it quits working. I'll find an area that
> produces
> > a few fish and a way that catches them and I'll set myself a plan to hit
> > that then try soemthing else, and I wind up trying something else
because
> > that didn't produce at all. I sympathise with some of the guys who come
> in
> > here ready to just give up.
> >
> > I've tried to blame my skills, but I hook most fish that I feel or see
> hit.
> > Sure I describe missing some, but I've found things I can rely on. The
> > Excalibur rotating hooks now decorate most of my topwaters baits. I use
> the
> > Eagle Claw rotating hooks for most soft plastic applications except
light
> > lining jerk baits where they tend to twist line. I know I don't have
much
> > of a touch for feeling a bite with the heavy action stuff, but I'm
pretty
> > good at watching the line. As for finding fish. In this shallow river
> and
> > lake system the fish finders are of minimal use. Too much weed and
brush
> > growth paired with a lot of shallow water. As Van Dam says I do try to
> > follw the bait. A couple weekends ago I found a school of shad pinned
up
> > near the dock in Squaw lake. I caught a mess of small keepers there.
Or
> as
> > any of the trouters would say match the hatch. When I get in waters
where
> I
> > see lots of 3-4 inch bass I throw baby bass pattern baits and catch some
> > fish (most of the time). I just can't seem to find any patterns that
will
> > produce consistantly for me on good days much less on a tough day.
> >
> > I go out with 12 - 15 rods rigged with different stuff, and by the end
of
> > the day I have fished every one of them. Usually a half dozen other
> things
> > as well.
> >
> > I try hard points which most anglers here ignore unless they see a feed
> > actually going on. I fish lake mouths and back water mouths when the
> water
> > is rising or falling. I fish standing under water trees in open water
> when
> > I can. Another thing that a lot of anglers around here seem to ignore.
> >
> > The things I see others here doing consistantly day in day out is
throwing
> > topwater first thing in the morning, and pitching the shore of the main
> > current during the day. Some will also pitch the refuge (when its open)
> in
> > Martinez lake and the shore line in Ferguson Lake. I've spent whole
days
> > doing each of those things trying to figure out what works when.
> >
> > I try and fish with others when ever possible and I try to be a good
> fishing
> > partner. I'm always quick with the net when my partner has a fish on.
I
> > always bring extra sodas and munchies for my fishing partner. If I am
> > fishing out of someody else's boat I always give them extra money for
> fuel.
> > If I damage something I always point it out and take care of fixing it
no
> > matter the cost. I try to keep my mouth shut and not whine if I'm not
> doing
> > well, and not brag if I'm the one putting fish in the boat.
Unfortunately
> I
> > have found that most of the guys around here in the clubs are either
> younger
> > and have no interest in fishing with a guy my age who has mediocre
skills
> or
> > are much older and feel the same. Mostly they are 50-70 in the clubs
and
> > those of us under 40 are the "young pups." Thats was one of the reasons
I
> > decided I wanted my own boat. Atleast I could get out when ever I had
the
> > time.
> >
> > As to guys not members of the local clubs that is harder. Of those I
have
> > met and who wanted to fish most have few skills, which I actually don't
> have
> > a problem with. I learned balloon rigging minnows from a guy who
couldn't
> > cast a spinning rod in open water. That is a fish catching technique
that
> > is unequaled. I taught him my lazy sidearm cast that can put a bait
> under
> > over hanging brush on the far bank. I learned about slow dragging worms
> on
> > sandy slopes from a ten year old kid with a broken down spincaster. He
> also
> > showed me how to use a round head jig to fish a worm in rock piles and
> > riprap. When it works it really works. When I was ten I figured out a
> trout
> > lake that everybody said was dead anytime after a heavy rain fall. It
> > turned out that with the correct presentation that was the best time to
> > fish. When I was about eight I figured out a technique for fishing
under
> > bridges in current from the bank. Everybody can contribute something if
> > they are really interested in fishing. I kind of got turned off of a
lot
> of
> > casual fishing partners though when I realized that most casual
fishermen
> > just want an excuse to go out and drink. Quite a number only if I buy
the
> > beer, bring my boat, supply the gear, bring the food, pick them up, and
> > don't even offer if they screw up some of my gear. If I wanted to pay
> > somebody to fish with me I would hire a guide. In fact I would but the
> only
> > local guide I know is laid up with a torn achilles tendon.
> >
> > I'm trying to learn new stuff. I do change up my gear. I try different
> > tactics and different waters regularly. I fish with other people when I
> get
> > the chance.
> >
> > You can only say so much in a usenet post. I imagine most people
reading
> > this one got bored somewhere around the second paragraph.
> >
> >
> > --
> > Bob La Londe
> > Yuma, Az
> > http://www.YumaBassMan.com
> > ADD YOUR WEB LINK TO THE LINK INDEX ON MY SITE
> >
> >
> >
>
>

[Bob La Londe]

Hmmmm.... my last three trips out I focused on backwaters because I have
primarliy fished the main channel and the two big lakes Martinez and
Ferguson the last several times out with little success. My last two times
in the back waters I caught fish. This time was a total zero.



"go-bassn" > wrote in message
...
> So true Bob. I hope Bob L doesn't take this the wrong way, but I think
his
> basic problem stems not so much from a lack of skills & knowledge of
> catching bass, but from a possible lack of fish-finding ability. I think
> he's keeping a closed mind in saying "the fish have to be in the
backwaters
> (or anywhere else)", and ignoring the "main lake", etc.
>
> I find bass relatively easy to catch, finding them is the difficult part.
>
> The fish you catch in the backwaters look different because they came out
of
> shallower water, not because of thier diet being different. Put those
fish
> in deep water for a day & they'll look like the rest of the deepwater
fish.
>
> Warren
>
> "Bob Rickard" > wrote in message
> m...
> > Bob, you just gave a thorough description of what fishing is. Nothing is
> > ever for sure. The best tackle and baits can give you an advantage, but
> not
> > always. There is always room to better your performance, and there is
> always
> > more to be learned. That is why fishing, and the quest for fishing
> > knowledge, is so darn much fun.
> >
> > --
> > Bob Rickard
> > www.secretweaponlures.com
> > --------------------------<=x O')))><
> >
> >
> > "Bob La Londe" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > "Craig" > wrote in message
> > > om...
> > > > I agree with Warren. A tough day is only tough because I cannot
find
> > what
> > > > the fish want or what is needed to make them strike (out of anger,
> fear,
> > > > instinct). But I have found during these times that my odd ball
lures
> > are
> > > > the ones that draw the strike. Like this worm somebody gave me that
> has
> > a
> > > > jig head with what appears to be a Indiana blade sticking out of it.
> I
> > > > never use it unless all else fails, because it just doesn't fit my
> > normal
> > > > style of fishing, but it does work in those tough conditions. I
have
> > may
> > > be
> > > > a half-dozen lures that I call odd-balls, and each has produced
fish,
> > > > typically in tough conditions.
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Craig Baugher
> > > >
> > > > Living in The United States, and Loving It!
> > > > Practicing My Freedom of Speech, and Enjoying It!
> > > > Knowing how to Thank those that paid for it, by Honoring It!
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Its funny you guys have said that. I have relied pretty heavily on
the
> > > early morning topwater bite (something that has never produced for me
in
> > the
> > > past), and then on soft plastics this year. I spent a couple outings
> > > throwing nothing but spinner baits and caught a few fish, but nothing
> > > spectacular. I spent quite a bit of time thinking about it and I have
> > been
> > > thinking about some different things to throw at these fish. Almost
> > > everybody here goes to flipping jigs or worms when it gets tough.
Thats
> > > what I did too.
> > >
> > > Now I was thinking if the bite was tough why not try some of my old
> > standby
> > > stuff. When I was a kid I caught a lot of bass (mostly small ones) on
> > small
> > > Kastmaster spoons ripped very fast through the water, and small inline
> > > spinners run as slow as I could run them. I even figured out how to
run
> > > them over weeds without hanging up. There does have to be atleast a
few
> > > inches of clear water over the weeds though. I would use a light
action
> > rig
> > > 7' or longer and hold the rod tip as high as I could to keep the lure
in
> a
> > > pulled up direction and crank it just fast enough to keep it out of
the
> > > weeds. I have already decided to have a couple of those tiednon next
> time
> > I
> > > go out. I also ordered a few of the Mepps minnow inlines. I only
ever
> > > owned a couple of those when I was a kid. At three bucks a pop they
> were
> > > more than I could usually afford so I stuck with the cheaper Rooster
> Tails
> > > or even cheaper generic spinners.
> > >
> > > I never fished the big stuff when I was a kid tromping through the
brush
> > on
> > > the Gila River. Crank baits were out of my price range, and I would
> have
> > > never dreamed of throwing topwater.
> > >
> > > I've listened to all this throw anchor line with boat anchors directly
> the
> > > brush stuff. I've learned that topwaters do produce some nice fish.
> > > Finesse worms do work for sight fishing when the fish are biting. I
> don't
> > > know about the jig and trailer being the big fish getter, but I have
> > > certainly tried it.
> > >
> > > Now its time for me to go back to my basics.
> > >
> > > Its going to be tough with all the weed growth in the water, but I
will
> > give
> > > it a shot.
> > >
> > > As to knowing the fish are there... I have seen them. I really can't
> > > imagine a back water fish is going to thread his way out of a 8-10
foot
> > deep
> > > back lake through a bunch of shallow channels to the main river and
hunt
> > the
> > > main curent on a slow day. Sure he may move back into heavy cover, or
> he
> > > may move into to deeper water, but the fish I catch in the back waters
> > look
> > > different than those I catch in the current. They eat different stuff
> and
> > > they hunt different prey.
> > >
> > > Blame the bait? No that wasn't my point at all. They didn't make the
> > > difference. Sure they are good looking baits, but they did not give
me
> an
> > > edge.
> > >
> > > Further back in the brush? Thats what I do when I pitch. In fact
when
> > the
> > > regular pitching gear failed to produce for me I started throwing
light
> > > action stuff back into the brush. By noon or one I was throwing 12 lb
> > (6lb
> > > dia) super mono into cover I would normally reserve for 50lb Power
Pro.
> > On
> > > the edge of the brush and then towards deeeper water. I just wasn't
> > > throwing what they wanted.
> > >
> > > I was amazed though by how easily I got the lighter stuff in and out
of
> > the
> > > heavy stuff. I figured if I hooked up with it I would have to run the
> > boat
> > > right up into the trash to get my fish. That was something I figured
> I'ld
> > > worry about after I actually hooked one.
> > >
> > > My other stand by when I started to be able to afford stuff was the
> Storm
> > > Thin Fin Silver Shad crank bait. It was a bait that would always get
me
> a
> > > fish or two of I just kept thowing it out and cranking it in very
slow.
> > It
> > > is no longer made, and it catches every weed in the area. With the
> heavy
> > > weed growth its difficult for me to throw a lot of my real confidence
> > baits,
> > > but I think I am going try them next time out. My little green Zoom
> > U-Tails
> > > didn't even produce this last time out, and they have been my hard
corp
> > bait
> > > in recent years.
> > >
> > > Its been a tough season fishing for me. Just about the time I think I
> > have
> > > something I can build on it quits working. I'll find an area that
> > produces
> > > a few fish and a way that catches them and I'll set myself a plan to
hit
> > > that then try soemthing else, and I wind up trying something else
> because
> > > that didn't produce at all. I sympathise with some of the guys who
come
> > in
> > > here ready to just give up.
> > >
> > > I've tried to blame my skills, but I hook most fish that I feel or see
> > hit.
> > > Sure I describe missing some, but I've found things I can rely on.
The
> > > Excalibur rotating hooks now decorate most of my topwaters baits. I u
se
> > the
> > > Eagle Claw rotating hooks for most soft plastic applications except
> light
> > > lining jerk baits where they tend to twist line. I know I don't have
> much
> > > of a touch for feeling a bite with the heavy action stuff, but I'm
> pretty
> > > good at watching the line. As for finding fish. In this shallow
river
> > and
> > > lake system the fish finders are of minimal use. Too much weed and
> brush
> > > growth paired with a lot of shallow water. As Van Dam says I do try
to
> > > follw the bait. A couple weekends ago I found a school of shad pinned
> up
> > > near the dock in Squaw lake. I caught a mess of small keepers there.
> Or
> > as
> > > any of the trouters would say match the hatch. When I get in waters
> where
> > I
> > > see lots of 3-4 inch bass I throw baby bass pattern baits and catch
some
> > > fish (most of the time). I just can't seem to find any patterns that
> will
> > > produce consistantly for me on good days much less on a tough day.
> > >
> > > I go out with 12 - 15 rods rigged with different stuff, and by the end
> of
> > > the day I have fished every one of them. Usually a half dozen other
> > things
> > > as well.
> > >
> > > I try hard points which most anglers here ignore unless they see a
feed
> > > actually going on. I fish lake mouths and back water mouths when the
> > water
> > > is rising or falling. I fish standing under water trees in open water
> > when
> > > I can. Another thing that a lot of anglers around here seem to
ignore.
> > >
> > > The things I see others here doing consistantly day in day out is
> throwing
> > > topwater first thing in the morning, and pitching the shore of the
main
> > > current during the day. Some will also pitch the refuge (when its
open)
> > in
> > > Martinez lake and the shore line in Ferguson Lake. I've spent whole
> days
> > > doing each of those things trying to figure out what works when.
> > >
> > > I try and fish with others when ever possible and I try to be a good
> > fishing
> > > partner. I'm always quick with the net when my partner has a fish on.
> I
> > > always bring extra sodas and munchies for my fishing partner. If I am
> > > fishing out of someody else's boat I always give them extra money for
> > fuel.
> > > If I damage something I always point it out and take care of fixing it
> no
> > > matter the cost. I try to keep my mouth shut and not whine if I'm not
> > doing
> > > well, and not brag if I'm the one putting fish in the boat.
> Unfortunately
> > I
> > > have found that most of the guys around here in the clubs are either
> > younger
> > > and have no interest in fishing with a guy my age who has mediocre
> skills
> > or
> > > are much older and feel the same. Mostly they are 50-70 in the clubs
> and
> > > those of us under 40 are the "young pups." Thats was one of the
reasons
> I
> > > decided I wanted my own boat. Atleast I could get out when ever I had
> the
> > > time.
> > >
> > > As to guys not members of the local clubs that is harder. Of those I
> have
> > > met and who wanted to fish most have few skills, which I actually
don't
> > have
> > > a problem with. I learned balloon rigging minnows from a guy who
> couldn't
> > > cast a spinning rod in open water. That is a fish catching technique
> that
> > > is unequaled. I taught him my lazy sidearm cast that can put a bait
> > under
> > > over hanging brush on the far bank. I learned about slow dragging
worms
> > on
> > > sandy slopes from a ten year old kid with a broken down spincaster.
He
> > also
> > > showed me how to use a round head jig to fish a worm in rock piles and
> > > riprap. When it works it really works. When I was ten I figured out a
> > trout
> > > lake that everybody said was dead anytime after a heavy rain fall. It
> > > turned out that with the correct presentation that was the best time
to
> > > fish. When I was about eight I figured out a technique for fishing
> under
> > > bridges in current from the bank. Everybody can contribute something
if
> > > they are really interested in fishing. I kind of got turned off of a
> lot
> > of
> > > casual fishing partners though when I realized that most casual
> fishermen
> > > just want an excuse to go out and drink. Quite a number only if I buy
> the
> > > beer, bring my boat, supply the gear, bring the food, pick them up,
and
> > > don't even offer if they screw up some of my gear. If I wanted to pay
> > > somebody to fish with me I would hire a guide. In fact I would but
the
> > only
> > > local guide I know is laid up with a torn achilles tendon.
> > >
> > > I'm trying to learn new stuff. I do change up my gear. I try
different
> > > tactics and different waters regularly. I fish with other people when
I
> > get
> > > the chance.
> > >
> > > You can only say so much in a usenet post. I imagine most people
> reading
> > > this one got bored somewhere around the second paragraph.
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Bob La Londe
> > > Yuma, Az
> > > http://www.YumaBassMan.com
> > > ADD YOUR WEB LINK TO THE LINK INDEX ON MY SITE
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[RichZ]

John wrote:
> ..rarely have I ever heard "It
> ws me!" But when they "win", it's always "me!"
>
My favorite is "My fish just never turned on today."

What does that mean? Finding fish that won't bite does not make you any
better than finding no fish at all. Worse maybe. If you weren't smart
enough to take the hint and either do something different or start looking
elsewhere, that makes you a dummy. Bear in mind that I've been that dummy
more times than I care to admit. But at least I know it was my fault, not
the fish's.

RichZ©
www.richz.com/fishing

[Bob La Londe]

"RichZ" > wrote in message
...
> John wrote:
> > ..rarely have I ever heard "It
> > ws me!" But when they "win", it's always "me!"
> >
> My favorite is "My fish just never turned on today."
>
> What does that mean? Finding fish that won't bite does not make you any
> better than finding no fish at all. Worse maybe. If you weren't smart
> enough to take the hint and either do something different or start looking
> elsewhere, that makes you a dummy. Bear in mind that I've been that dummy
> more times than I care to admit. But at least I know it was my fault, not
> the fish's.
>
> RichZ©
> www.richz.com/fishing
>

I admit it. I could not find hungry fish. Now I still need to find out
where the hungry fish are and what they are eating.

[Bob La Londe]

"Craig" > wrote in message
om...
> I agree with Warren. A tough day is only tough because I cannot find what
> the fish want or what is needed to make them strike (out of anger, fear,
> instinct). But I have found during these times that my odd ball lures are
> the ones that draw the strike. Like this worm somebody gave me that has a
> jig head with what appears to be a Indiana blade sticking out of it.

That is called a beetle spin, and Ido have some in one of the boxes. I
really didn't think about trying them. I have been considering some of my
other small baits like Rooster Tails and Kastmasters. Or even a Mepps
Minnow or a small Timber Doodle.

[go-bassn]

Keep at it Bob, you find em & you'll catch em.

Warren
--
http://www.fishingworld.com/MesaTackleSupply/
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com http://www.secretweaponlures.com
http://warrenwolk.com/ http://www.tri-statebassmasters.com/

"Bob La Londe" > wrote in message
et...
> Hmmmm.... my last three trips out I focused on backwaters because I have
> primarliy fished the main channel and the two big lakes Martinez and
> Ferguson the last several times out with little success. My last two
times
> in the back waters I caught fish. This time was a total zero.
>
>
>
> "go-bassn" > wrote in message
> ...
> > So true Bob. I hope Bob L doesn't take this the wrong way, but I think
> his
> > basic problem stems not so much from a lack of skills & knowledge of
> > catching bass, but from a possible lack of fish-finding ability. I
think
> > he's keeping a closed mind in saying "the fish have to be in the
> backwaters
> > (or anywhere else)", and ignoring the "main lake", etc.
> >
> > I find bass relatively easy to catch, finding them is the difficult
part.
> >
> > The fish you catch in the backwaters look different because they came
out
> of
> > shallower water, not because of thier diet being different. Put those
> fish
> > in deep water for a day & they'll look like the rest of the deepwater
> fish.
> >
> > Warren
> >
> > "Bob Rickard" > wrote in message
> > m...
> > > Bob, you just gave a thorough description of what fishing is. Nothing
is
> > > ever for sure. The best tackle and baits can give you an advantage,
but
> > not
> > > always. There is always room to better your performance, and there is
> > always
> > > more to be learned. That is why fishing, and the quest for fishing
> > > knowledge, is so darn much fun.
> > >
> > > --
> > > Bob Rickard
> > > www.secretweaponlures.com
> > > --------------------------<=x O')))><
> > >
> > >
> > > "Bob La Londe" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > "Craig" > wrote in message
> > > > om...
> > > > > I agree with Warren. A tough day is only tough because I cannot
> find
> > > what
> > > > > the fish want or what is needed to make them strike (out of anger,
> > fear,
> > > > > instinct). But I have found during these times that my odd ball
> lures
> > > are
> > > > > the ones that draw the strike. Like this worm somebody gave me
that
> > has
> > > a
> > > > > jig head with what appears to be a Indiana blade sticking out of
it.
> > I
> > > > > never use it unless all else fails, because it just doesn't fit my
> > > normal
> > > > > style of fishing, but it does work in those tough conditions. I
> have
> > > may
> > > > be
> > > > > a half-dozen lures that I call odd-balls, and each has produced
> fish,
> > > > > typically in tough conditions.
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > Craig Baugher
> > > > >
> > > > > Living in The United States, and Loving It!
> > > > > Practicing My Freedom of Speech, and Enjoying It!
> > > > > Knowing how to Thank those that paid for it, by Honoring It!
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Its funny you guys have said that. I have relied pretty heavily on
> the
> > > > early morning topwater bite (something that has never produced for
me
> in
> > > the
> > > > past), and then on soft plastics this year. I spent a couple
outings
> > > > throwing nothing but spinner baits and caught a few fish, but
nothing
> > > > spectacular. I spent quite a bit of time thinking about it and I
have
> > > been
> > > > thinking about some different things to throw at these fish. Almost
> > > > everybody here goes to flipping jigs or worms when it gets tough.
> Thats
> > > > what I did too.
> > > >
> > > > Now I was thinking if the bite was tough why not try some of my old
> > > standby
> > > > stuff. When I was a kid I caught a lot of bass (mostly small ones)
on
> > > small
> > > > Kastmaster spoons ripped very fast through the water, and small
inline
> > > > spinners run as slow as I could run them. I even figured out how to
> run
> > > > them over weeds without hanging up. There does have to be atleast a
> few
> > > > inches of clear water over the weeds though. I would use a light
> action
> > > rig
> > > > 7' or longer and hold the rod tip as high as I could to keep the
lure
> in
> > a
> > > > pulled up direction and crank it just fast enough to keep it out of
> the
> > > > weeds. I have already decided to have a couple of those tiednon
next
> > time
> > > I
> > > > go out. I also ordered a few of the Mepps minnow inlines. I only
> ever
> > > > owned a couple of those when I was a kid. At three bucks a pop they
> > were
> > > > more than I could usually afford so I stuck with the cheaper Rooster
> > Tails
> > > > or even cheaper generic spinners.
> > > >
> > > > I never fished the big stuff when I was a kid tromping through the
> brush
> > > on
> > > > the Gila River. Crank baits were out of my price range, and I would
> > have
> > > > never dreamed of throwing topwater.
> > > >
> > > > I've listened to all this throw anchor line with boat anchors
directly
> > the
> > > > brush stuff. I've learned that topwaters do produce some nice fish.
> > > > Finesse worms do work for sight fishing when the fish are biting. I
> > don't
> > > > know about the jig and trailer being the big fish getter, but I have
> > > > certainly tried it.
> > > >
> > > > Now its time for me to go back to my basics.
> > > >
> > > > Its going to be tough with all the weed growth in the water, but I
> will
> > > give
> > > > it a shot.
> > > >
> > > > As to knowing the fish are there... I have seen them. I really
can't
> > > > imagine a back water fish is going to thread his way out of a 8-10
> foot
> > > deep
> > > > back lake through a bunch of shallow channels to the main river and
> hunt
> > > the
> > > > main curent on a slow day. Sure he may move back into heavy cover,
or
> > he
> > > > may move into to deeper water, but the fish I catch in the back
waters
> > > look
> > > > different than those I catch in the current. They eat different
stuff
> > and
> > > > they hunt different prey.
> > > >
> > > > Blame the bait? No that wasn't my point at all. They didn't make
the
> > > > difference. Sure they are good looking baits, but they did not give
> me
> > an
> > > > edge.
> > > >
> > > > Further back in the brush? Thats what I do when I pitch. In fact
> when
> > > the
> > > > regular pitching gear failed to produce for me I started throwing
> light
> > > > action stuff back into the brush. By noon or one I was throwing 12
lb
> > > (6lb
> > > > dia) super mono into cover I would normally reserve for 50lb Power
> Pro.
> > > On
> > > > the edge of the brush and then towards deeeper water. I just wasn't
> > > > throwing what they wanted.
> > > >
> > > > I was amazed though by how easily I got the lighter stuff in and out
> of
> > > the
> > > > heavy stuff. I figured if I hooked up with it I would have to run
the
> > > boat
> > > > right up into the trash to get my fish. That was something I
figured
> > I'ld
> > > > worry about after I actually hooked one.
> > > >
> > > > My other stand by when I started to be able to afford stuff was the
> > Storm
> > > > Thin Fin Silver Shad crank bait. It was a bait that would always
get
> me
> > a
> > > > fish or two of I just kept thowing it out and cranking it in very
> slow.
> > > It
> > > > is no longer made, and it catches every weed in the area. With the
> > heavy
> > > > weed growth its difficult for me to throw a lot of my real
confidence
> > > baits,
> > > > but I think I am going try them next time out. My little green Zoom
> > > U-Tails
> > > > didn't even produce this last time out, and they have been my hard
> corp
> > > bait
> > > > in recent years.
> > > >
> > > > Its been a tough season fishing for me. Just about the time I think
I
> > > have
> > > > something I can build on it quits working. I'll find an area that
> > > produces
> > > > a few fish and a way that catches them and I'll set myself a plan to
> hit
> > > > that then try soemthing else, and I wind up trying something else
> > because
> > > > that didn't produce at all. I sympathise with some of the guys who
> come
> > > in
> > > > here ready to just give up.
> > > >
> > > > I've tried to blame my skills, but I hook most fish that I feel or
see
> > > hit.
> > > > Sure I describe missing some, but I've found things I can rely on.
> The
> > > > Excalibur rotating hooks now decorate most of my topwaters baits. I
u
> se
> > > the
> > > > Eagle Claw rotating hooks for most soft plastic applications except
> > light
> > > > lining jerk baits where they tend to twist line. I know I don't
have
> > much
> > > > of a touch for feeling a bite with the heavy action stuff, but I'm
> > pretty
> > > > good at watching the line. As for finding fish. In this shallow
> river
> > > and
> > > > lake system the fish finders are of minimal use. Too much weed and
> > brush
> > > > growth paired with a lot of shallow water. As Van Dam says I do try
> to
> > > > follw the bait. A couple weekends ago I found a school of shad
pinned
> > up
> > > > near the dock in Squaw lake. I caught a mess of small keepers
there.
> > Or
> > > as
> > > > any of the trouters would say match the hatch. When I get in waters
> > where
> > > I
> > > > see lots of 3-4 inch bass I throw baby bass pattern baits and catch
> some
> > > > fish (most of the time). I just can't seem to find any patterns
that
> > will
> > > > produce consistantly for me on good days much less on a tough day.
> > > >
> > > > I go out with 12 - 15 rods rigged with different stuff, and by the
end
> > of
> > > > the day I have fished every one of them. Usually a half dozen other
> > > things
> > > > as well.
> > > >
> > > > I try hard points which most anglers here ignore unless they see a
> feed
> > > > actually going on. I fish lake mouths and back water mouths when
the
> > > water
> > > > is rising or falling. I fish standing under water trees in open
water
> > > when
> > > > I can. Another thing that a lot of anglers around here seem to
> ignore.
> > > >
> > > > The things I see others here doing consistantly day in day out is
> > throwing
> > > > topwater first thing in the morning, and pitching the shore of the
> main
> > > > current during the day. Some will also pitch the refuge (when its
> open)
> > > in
> > > > Martinez lake and the shore line in Ferguson Lake. I've spent whole
> > days
> > > > doing each of those things trying to figure out what works when.
> > > >
> > > > I try and fish with others when ever possible and I try to be a good
> > > fishing
> > > > partner. I'm always quick with the net when my partner has a fish
on.
> > I
> > > > always bring extra sodas and munchies for my fishing partner. If I
am
> > > > fishing out of someody else's boat I always give them extra money
for
> > > fuel.
> > > > If I damage something I always point it out and take care of fixing
it
> > no
> > > > matter the cost. I try to keep my mouth shut and not whine if I'm
not
> > > doing
> > > > well, and not brag if I'm the one putting fish in the boat.
> > Unfortunately
> > > I
> > > > have found that most of the guys around here in the clubs are either
> > > younger
> > > > and have no interest in fishing with a guy my age who has mediocre
> > skills
> > > or
> > > > are much older and feel the same. Mostly they are 50-70 in the
clubs
> > and
> > > > those of us under 40 are the "young pups." Thats was one of the
> reasons
> > I
> > > > decided I wanted my own boat. Atleast I could get out when ever I
had
> > the
> > > > time.
> > > >
> > > > As to guys not members of the local clubs that is harder. Of those
I
> > have
> > > > met and who wanted to fish most have few skills, which I actually
> don't
> > > have
> > > > a problem with. I learned balloon rigging minnows from a guy who
> > couldn't
> > > > cast a spinning rod in open water. That is a fish catching
technique
> > that
> > > > is unequaled. I taught him my lazy sidearm cast that can put a
bait
> > > under
> > > > over hanging brush on the far bank. I learned about slow dragging
> worms
> > > on
> > > > sandy slopes from a ten year old kid with a broken down spincaster.
> He
> > > also
> > > > showed me how to use a round head jig to fish a worm in rock piles
and
> > > > riprap. When it works it really works. When I was ten I figured out
a
> > > trout
> > > > lake that everybody said was dead anytime after a heavy rain fall.
It
> > > > turned out that with the correct presentation that was the best time
> to
> > > > fish. When I was about eight I figured out a technique for fishing
> > under
> > > > bridges in current from the bank. Everybody can contribute
something
> if
> > > > they are really interested in fishing. I kind of got turned off of
a
> > lot
> > > of
> > > > casual fishing partners though when I realized that most casual
> > fishermen
> > > > just want an excuse to go out and drink. Quite a number only if I
buy
> > the
> > > > beer, bring my boat, supply the gear, bring the food, pick them up,
> and
> > > > don't even offer if they screw up some of my gear. If I wanted to
pay
> > > > somebody to fish with me I would hire a guide. In fact I would but
> the
> > > only
> > > > local guide I know is laid up with a torn achilles tendon.
> > > >
> > > > I'm trying to learn new stuff. I do change up my gear. I try
> different
> > > > tactics and different waters regularly. I fish with other people
when
> I
> > > get
> > > > the chance.
> > > >
> > > > You can only say so much in a usenet post. I imagine most people
> > reading
> > > > this one got bored somewhere around the second paragraph.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Bob La Londe
> > > > Yuma, Az
> > > > http://www.YumaBassMan.com
> > > > ADD YOUR WEB LINK TO THE LINK INDEX ON MY SITE
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[go-bassn]

That would be nice John, thanks for the kind words. I generally fish an
area until I tell myself "This isn't happening", then I move on without
hesitation. The aim should be to find a concentration of catchable fish,
not just an occasional fish here & there.

I had an offshore area on Lake Oneida that I could have easily gotten in the
money on. On Day 1 I never fished it because of treacherous weather - my
fault, no guts no glory...maybe or maybe not in this case (it was pretty
nasty out there). On Day 2 I fished it until I thought it was maxed-out in
terms of how big a limit it would give up. I left after about 2 hours & 30
keepers, I thought I had 13 pounds+ in the boat, but in reality I had only
12 in the well. My fault for a) leaving too soon & b) not having a digital
scale in the boat with which to cull. Normally I wouldn't blame myself for
leaving early in search of a kicker or two with 5 hours left to fish, only
at Oneida I had no biting fish to go to. I assumed I knew where the larger
largemouths lived, but I never got a big bite there in two days.

Lessons learned.

Warren

--
http://www.fishingworld.com/MesaTackleSupply/
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com http://www.secretweaponlures.com
http://warrenwolk.com/ http://www.tri-statebassmasters.com/

"John Kerr" > wrote in message
...
>
> Re: Review of the Mesa Tackle baits
>
> Group: rec.outdoors.fishing.bass Date: Mon, Oct 13, 2003, 1:22am (CDT+1)
> From: (go-bassn)
>
> When I'm not catchin' em I tend to blame mysself, not my lures or the
> fish.
> Warren
> --
> Warren, that was great to hear! I often take contract jobs out at the
> marina, and listen to the anglers when they come in..both the weekenders
> and the pros. It's genneraly, the weather, the water, the fish, the
> equiptment, or the "luck" that beat em....rarely have I ever heard "It
> ws me!" But when they "win", it's always "me!" <big grin>! When we
> question ourselves is the only time we really learn. That's why I know
> you will be fishing on a lot of the "final" days soon.....
> JK
>

[go-bassn]

There ya go Bob, you came out of the closet (or rod locker, as the case may
be)!

Now you're on the right track to recovery....

"I'm Bob, & I'm a bassaholic"

Warren


"Bob La Londe" > wrote in message
et...
> "RichZ" > wrote in message
> ...
> > John wrote:
> > > ..rarely have I ever heard "It
> > > ws me!" But when they "win", it's always "me!"
> > >
> > My favorite is "My fish just never turned on today."
> >
> > What does that mean? Finding fish that won't bite does not make you any
> > better than finding no fish at all. Worse maybe. If you weren't smart
> > enough to take the hint and either do something different or start
looking
> > elsewhere, that makes you a dummy. Bear in mind that I've been that
dummy
> > more times than I care to admit. But at least I know it was my fault,
not
> > the fish's.
> >
> > RichZ©
> > www.richz.com/fishing
> >
>
> I admit it. I could not find hungry fish. Now I still need to find out
> where the hungry fish are and what they are eating.
>
>
>

[alwayfishking]

I have to agree with Warren, when I'm not catching fish it's something I'm
doing wrong. That was not my opinion too long ago though. I went fishing and
saw bass busting all over on baitfish, yet they would not take anything I
had to throw, but I guarantee if I was dragging a live minnow over the top
of the water that thing would have been inhaled, seems thats all they wanted
that day
"go-bassn" > wrote in message
...
> Curious Bob, you say the lures didn't draw the fish out of the brush. How
> do you know there were fish in the brush you were fishing?
>
> You can't rely on lures to draw fish out of brush when it's tough Bob, you
> have to get your bait in there & bounce it off the fish's nose son!
>
> When I'm not catchin' em I tend to blame mysself, not my lures or the
fish.
>
> Warren
> --
> http://www.fishingworld.com/MesaTackleSupply/
> http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com http://www.secretweaponlures.com
> http://warrenwolk.com/ http://www.tri-statebassmasters.com/
>
> "Bob La Londe" > wrote in message
> ...
> > "Craig" > wrote in message
> > m...
> > > Bob,
> > >
> > > I am confused. Your title indicated a review of Mesa Tackle products.
> > What
> > > I read was story of an outing you had where you use one of Mesa
Tackles
> > > lures, for one cast, and caught a fish. Hell you didn't even credit
the
> > > lure with the catch, indicating you felt any plastic lure would have
> done
> > > the trick. Go use those puppies on a few more outings where they are
> your
> > > primary lures, then come back and tell us what you liked and disliked
> > about
> > > them. Tell me why I should or should not buy them. Score them on a
> scale
> > > of 1 to 10 on Quality, effectiveness, price, etc. I would love to
hear
> an
> > > unbiased opinion.
> > >
> > > Craig Baugher
> > >
> >
> > Well, it was the first time I used them, and you are probably right.
Any
> > jerk bait would probably have caught that fish. I guess my only comment
> on
> > the whole thing was if anything the Mesa Tackle stuff did not catch fish
> > when nothing else would either.
> >
> > They may be great plastics, but they didn't draw fish out of the brush
on
> a
> > tough day. I threw craws, jig trailers, and worms by Mesa Tackle. One
of
> > the two fish I caught was on a Mesa Tackle plastic.
> >
> > I didn't try the drop shot stuff though. I just have a hard time
> throwing
> > a rig like that in weeds and grass.
> >
> > As to what kind of review I "have to" give... nobody pays me for my
> opinion
> > and I will always have my own bias. I did use the stick worm as my
> primary
> > worm most of the day. I tried it wacky rigged. I tried it texas rigged
> > weighted and weightless. I spent eight hours on the water and switched
up
> > between topwater and stick worms most of the day. I only changed up my
> > approach to try and pull a big fish out of heavy cover after a fulld ay
of
> > pounding the water.
> >
> > I was kind of happy that a follow up techinque produced a fish for me.
I
> > asked about follow up tactics here a while back, but didn't get much
> > feedback.
> >
> > Yeah it wasn't much of a review. More of a rant about a day of pounding
> the
> > water for little return.
> >
> >
> > --
> > Bob La Londe
> > Yuma, Az
> > http://www.YumaBassMan.com
> > ADD YOUR WEB LINK TO THE LINK INDEX ON MY SITE
> >
> >
>
>

[Rich Conley]

Had a day like that striper fishing this season. Came down to the fact that I
just forgot to bring the right stuff, and couldnt give them what they wanted. I
was on Martha's Vineyard fishing off of a bridge, and the stripers were tearing
apart a school of 3 inch silversides. Big fish in there too, some prolly
30-40lbs. If I had thought to bring some flukes, or some fin-s fish, I think I
could have got em, but they just totally ignored all the stuff I had..which
happened to be 8 inch rapalas, and 6 inch poppers...couldnt match the hatch so
to say.

The key is finding the fish, and then figuring out what they want. I found them,
and figured out what they wanted..just couldnt give it to them. Went back the
next day, and they were still tearing up the silversides. Woman at the local
bait shop told me this goes on all summer.

So next summer I'll be down there with my surf rod drifting 4 inch flukes. THe
other surf guys will think I'm silly, but I'll catch fish.

alwayfishking wrote:

> I have to agree with Warren, when I'm not catching fish it's something I'm
> doing wrong. That was not my opinion too long ago though. I went fishing and
> saw bass busting all over on baitfish, yet they would not take anything I
> had to throw, but I guarantee if I was dragging a live minnow over the top
> of the water that thing would have been inhaled, seems thats all they wanted
> that day
> "go-bassn" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Curious Bob, you say the lures didn't draw the fish out of the brush. How
> > do you know there were fish in the brush you were fishing?
> >
> > You can't rely on lures to draw fish out of brush when it's tough Bob, you
> > have to get your bait in there & bounce it off the fish's nose son!
> >
> > When I'm not catchin' em I tend to blame mysself, not my lures or the
> fish.
> >
> > Warren
> > --
> > http://www.fishingworld.com/MesaTackleSupply/
> > http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com http://www.secretweaponlures.com
> > http://warrenwolk.com/ http://www.tri-statebassmasters.com/
> >
> > "Bob La Londe" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > "Craig" > wrote in message
> > > m...
> > > > Bob,
> > > >
> > > > I am confused. Your title indicated a review of Mesa Tackle products.
> > > What
> > > > I read was story of an outing you had where you use one of Mesa
> Tackles
> > > > lures, for one cast, and caught a fish. Hell you didn't even credit
> the
> > > > lure with the catch, indicating you felt any plastic lure would have
> > done
> > > > the trick. Go use those puppies on a few more outings where they are
> > your
> > > > primary lures, then come back and tell us what you liked and disliked
> > > about
> > > > them. Tell me why I should or should not buy them. Score them on a
> > scale
> > > > of 1 to 10 on Quality, effectiveness, price, etc. I would love to
> hear
> > an
> > > > unbiased opinion.
> > > >
> > > > Craig Baugher
> > > >
> > >
> > > Well, it was the first time I used them, and you are probably right.
> Any
> > > jerk bait would probably have caught that fish. I guess my only comment
> > on
> > > the whole thing was if anything the Mesa Tackle stuff did not catch fish
> > > when nothing else would either.
> > >
> > > They may be great plastics, but they didn't draw fish out of the brush
> on
> > a
> > > tough day. I threw craws, jig trailers, and worms by Mesa Tackle. One
> of
> > > the two fish I caught was on a Mesa Tackle plastic.
> > >
> > > I didn't try the drop shot stuff though. I just have a hard time
> > throwing
> > > a rig like that in weeds and grass.
> > >
> > > As to what kind of review I "have to" give... nobody pays me for my
> > opinion
> > > and I will always have my own bias. I did use the stick worm as my
> > primary
> > > worm most of the day. I tried it wacky rigged. I tried it texas rigged
> > > weighted and weightless. I spent eight hours on the water and switched
> up
> > > between topwater and stick worms most of the day. I only changed up my
> > > approach to try and pull a big fish out of heavy cover after a fulld ay
> of
> > > pounding the water.
> > >
> > > I was kind of happy that a follow up techinque produced a fish for me.
> I
> > > asked about follow up tactics here a while back, but didn't get much
> > > feedback.
> > >
> > > Yeah it wasn't much of a review. More of a rant about a day of pounding
> > the
> > > water for little return.
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Bob La Londe
> > > Yuma, Az
> > > http://www.YumaBassMan.com
> > > ADD YOUR WEB LINK TO THE LINK INDEX ON MY SITE
> > >
> > >
> >
> >