[tkwalker]

Originally Posted by Jim

I haven't fished exactly like they describe, but use a light spinning rod with 10lb braid to a 6 to 10lb fluorocarbon leader and a 1/8 oz sliderhead jig with a small worm, craw, or creature bait almost year around on Old Hickory. I move up to 1/4 oz in deeper water or in the wind. It catches plenty of bass both big and small. That said I also catch a bunch on spinnerbaits and crankbaits also.

The real key is to be fishing around bass. I have fished Old Hickory a ton and know a bunch of good spots and good patterns. If you are just learning an area, then use a jig that you can feel the bottom clearly. Rig it weedless so that you can throw it anywhere. It will help in understanding the "lay of the land" as Travis describes as it continues out underwater.

From the bank or a kayak, you can't cover a ton of water so pick an area apart and you will begin to see what is holding the bass or any other species you want to catch.

Refining your technique, like in the in-fisherman articles, can make you go from 5 fish to 20 fish days, but you first have to be able to catch 5 consistently.

The best example I have is Alphahawk and his trout magnets. He can wear the fish out on those almost everyday. He will even fish them in 30 ft of water with special tungsten head jigs. This is not easy at all and takes a lot of practice, but he already knows where the fish are. But anyone can use the standard trout magnet setup and catch fish. It works - no doubt. He has just refined and practiced it to an art.

For bass, choose a major creek off the lake and focus on it for a while. I would just pick a 1/4 oz slider in green pumpkin and fish everything from the shore to the creek channel. You will find bass somewhere in there almost every day of the year.

Good luck,
Jim

PS - use scent, it helps when fishing slow.

Your input is always appreciated and respected !! ... <'TK><