On 25 Jun 2006 17:21:32 -0700, "Sees-koo-wee-hah-nay"
wrote:


I stayed out of the favorite bait thread because I don't use what
everyone else does and that begs the question "am I missing out"?

I fish 2 small lakes in central Pennsylvania. I used to fish them with
my grandfather in the late 70's. He always caught his share of bass
while I usually went hope disappointed. He only fished with one lure, a
gold floating Rapala minnow. After he passed away I only fished now
and then and with spinnerbaits and an occasional rubber worm. I'm not a
fan of the rubber worms because I really have a hard time hooking up on
a hit or telling when I even have a hit.

The past 3 years have found me with more free time and a renewed
interest in fishing but last year was enough to make me quit altogether
as I just didn't have much luck and spent more time wondering what I
was doing wrong than I did casting. This year has been much different
as I got my kayak rigged and am fishing in the same areas my
grandfather did in years past and using grandpa's Rapala technique with
the excpetion of using a silver Rapala instead of gold.

When fishing from my kayak I am on the water from 5 to 6 hours, always
starting just before sunrise and averaging about 4 to 5 fish an
hour.They range from 12" to 18".
It seems that I am the only person around using a Rapala, most others
are using spinnerbaits or tubes with the occasional crank bait. Some
days I'm catching what seems to be more than my share while others are
not even getting any hits.

So my question is should I try something else or stick with what I'm
doing? I'm catching lots of fish (it seems to me) but they are always
in this same size range. I want to catch something bigger (the lake is
a big bass waters lake, big for PA anyway, with a 15" min).
I very much enjoy the metheod I am using with the lure taking the hit
on top of the water 75% of the time, but would I be getting more action
fishing something else deeper? I keep seeing the Senko mentioned but it
makes me think of my frustration with rubber worms in the past.
Any suggestions?

Look at the baits people are talking about. Decide if you would like
to try one. Lets say a Senko style like you mentioned. Read about
the techniques people are using. Put aside at least an hour each time
you go out and use nothing but that Senko. Keep trying it until you
catch fish on it. You might even leave the rapala home and just use
the Senko for 6 or so outings.

I think your frustration with plastics may be because you need to be
patient. I know it took me a while to learn to relax and let the lure
do the work. I still find myself fishing a plastic to fast. Keep a
finger on the line and watch the line where it lays on the water.
Keep a bow in the line, not a taut line so when you feel or see any
movement you can drop your rod tip count to 3 for starters and set the
hook. Change the count up or down until you set the hook on a fish.
Use a good sharp hook, I prefer the Gamikatsu(sp) in a 2/0, 3/0, 4/0
or 5/0. I usually do not put a weight on a Senko style bait and I
Texas rig it but others out here like them wacky rigged.

I use mostly plastics myself. Senkos, Kinamis, Wermi Ernie's version
of the Senkos, Power worms, Horney toads, Super Flukes, and many other
styles of worms and creatures.

I hope I have understood your post and this helps.


I've learned that I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy it!

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