Top products from r/bassfishing

I agree with NuclearFishing, an anchor trolley is the way to go to keep a reasonable position in wind or current. Remember there are a few ways to attach to the anchor trolley. You can use a traditional anchor, a stake out pole, or a bush anchor/gripper. I know you said you were already full on gear so the choice is yours on what to bring with.

As far as "landing" any fish have you considered a collapsible fishing net? I got myself one of the Frabrill folding nets. It is incredibly lightweight but in the heat of the moment I wish it was more one-hand friendly. I do a lot of shore fishing and carry mine closed and on my belt. I pan fish a lot so every once in a while I'll hook something too big and will need the help of a net and having one I can deploy somewhat quickly is helpful. Also the very small mesh netting sometimes snags my barbs and that really grinds my gears. If your considering a collapsible net, check out video reviews to see how they are opened to which are more one hand friendly. Also the fish grips are not a bad idea either.

Not a documentary but a book series - In-Fisherman's Critical Concepts, particularly the first book, "Largemouth Bass Fundamentals." The book was published in 2002 so is a bit dated but has a bunch of pertinent info with the most useful (to me) being bass tracking studies over fairly long periods of time. There's other information in the book that doesn't cover a full life cycle but, overall, it's the most comprehensive work I've seen that generally doesn't rely on what I call fishing bro-science.

The other thing you can do is chat up an ichthyologist or a fishery manager at a hatchery. I assume all states (provinces, territories, etc) have people who fill these roles and they LOVE talking about fish (seriously, get ready for a new best friend). It can take a few phone calls and a little bit of persistence but those guys and gals are a wealth of information once you track them down.

thanks for your input. i've added the line you recommended and removed the sebile swimbait as well as the truscend.

one setup will be for bass and one for pike. i've upgraded the pike setup to support up to 1oz lures as it's getting too pricey with everything adding up to go any bigger. does this look ok for that?

Abu Garcia 1430485 Veritas Casting 1Piece Rod, 6'10" Length, 12-20 lb Line Rate 1/4-1 oz Lure Rate, Medium/Heavy Power

Abu Garcia Pmax3-c

Also I was looking at the swimbait you recommended and I see they're going to be heavier than what I'll be able to handle. Any other recommendations 1oz or under? Are these good?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CTU2Y0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CTO2L4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_27?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

These are what I have for lures picked out so far. Any input greatly appreciated

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001445MZE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_10?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001J9SU30/ref=ox_sc_act_title_11?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003FKJTP4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_15?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CURA7Q/ref=ox_sc_act_title_21?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GU6MRF8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HJ4DN4O/ref=ox_sc_act_title_8?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1


This would be for bass I guess? Would like to get some smaller swimbait for bass as well, something that would work for pike and bass could be nice I suppose.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OSZ0TY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_12?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1


Here is a compiled picture if it helps. https://i.imgur.com/a6PEjID.jpg

The sadly out of print book series InFisherman Largemouth Bass Fundamentals are summary and used to be priced far more reasonably. I think the price on amazon fluctuates wildly, I got all three for like $10 each maybe 2-3 years ago and the last time I looked (maybe 4 months ago) they were still around that price. Otherwise, the InFisherman website has a lot of good articles with good illustrations so stuff like the difference between inside and outside weedlines are made clear. "In Pursuit of Giant Bass" is another great one and looks to be more available. I have also heard good things about "High Percentage Fishing" but have yet to pick it up.

I have yet to find any really good videos going over habitat/behaviour other then this great one about spawning, but I have not looked in a while. Otherwise I just did a lot of reading random bass forums. It's slow and there are many idiots out there but once you figure out who to listen too there is a ton of info out there.

I got these this year and so far they've held up well, are comfortable, and seem pretty well built. I paired them with a set of wading boots from Cabelas which are super comfy and were on sale for like $60.

Milk crate with rod holders in back

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kayak+crate+rod+holder&ref=nb_sb_noss_2


Scupper plugs https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F7NKV8H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


definitely going to want a seat mod.


a dry bag: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H5PQHGV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


An Anchor and Anchor trolley will make fishing and most importantly, staying on the sweet hole much easier.
https://www.amazon.com/YakAttack-LeverLock-Deluxe-Trolley-AMS-1003/dp/B016LF5CI2/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=anchor+trolly+kit&qid=1568053827&s=gateway&sr=8-1


https://www.amazon.com/Danielson-AFOLDG3-Folding-Galvanized-3-Pound/dp/B004LR7R8G/ref=sr_1_27?keywords=anchor+trolly+kit&qid=1568053827&s=gateway&sr=8-27


Looks like you could use a paddle holder.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=paddle+clips&ref=nb_sb_noss_1


Amazon has inexpensive kits you can get a bundle of eyelets with rivets. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075V1JN52/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have everything on my yak leashed
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D4NSCRC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RGWD6TW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

ponds with lots of vegetation cut down the options to topwater and weedless imo, unless you want to spend all day cleaning the hooks.


topwater = I usually target 1-8ft water depth when fishing theses with a rocky or sandy bottom if I can, works great over vegetation or along grass lines. Long rocky points also produce Small mouths on the reg.


My favorite top water lures =


heddon baby torpedo gold with black back


this is a very easy lure to use. Cast it out and wait for the ripples to disappear. You can either real it back as slow as you can so that you still hear or see the prop spinning, walk the dog or simply pop it and let it sit, pop and let sit. You need to try each out to see what the fish want that day.


Arbogast Jitterbug in black


this is another easy to use topwater lure. Cast it out and try out retrieving it at varying speeds until you dial in the speed that will trigger hits.


for fishing in the weeds I usually throw spinner baits

I just use a tactical backpack. Does the job of holding my giant 5000 flambeau trays, plastics, spare line, scale, etc. As a bank fisherman, i suggest getting small simple backpack. We're limited to the rods, and baits we can throw. If that isnt an issue then get a full size backpack. I always like to overpack with gear for different situations. It does get heavy limiting movement but I am a pretty strong guy so I dont mind.Bobbing thru trees and brushes, get a small.

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Small I used this before going full ham - https://www.amazon.com/REEBOW-GEAR-Tactical-Military-Shoulder/dp/B06Y6949RT/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2OSRE9TH61R4A&keywords=tactical+sling+bag&qid=1554732412&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=tactical+sling%2Csporting%2C147&sr=1-3

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Big is - https://www.amazon.com/REEBOW-GEAR-Military-Tactical-Backpack/dp/B01KJMK4W2/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=tactical+backpack&qid=1554732481&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I had this scale actually tested and it's incredibly accurate for the price.

I have a small fish grip attached to it by a small key ring so I don't even use the hook.

Works great.

If you wanted an all-in-one thing my buddy has this Rapala scale. It's really awesome and we use it to cull fish.

Expensive, but a great product. Really well thought out design.

https://www.amazon.com/WT3604-Tackle-Lighted-Backpack-PT3600/dp/B00A0PA46U?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

Okay. If you don't want to buy a aluminum boat with a trailer. You can buy this Sun Dolphin Sportmans https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000ODKGAC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495026107&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=sun+dolphin+sportsman&dpPl=1&dpID=41GGivpuG7L&ref=plSrch. It's a great boat for 1 person. You can put it on the back of your truck. But since you have a tool box, it will stick out a little bit. Just use your tie downs and you're all set. I have a 5'7 bed and it sticks out a little bit, just use the tie downs and I'm all good. With that being said, you will need the tail gate down with both truck lengths. But I think you can get it cheaper on other sites than Amazon. I bought mine from Walmart

https://www.amazon.com/Moobom-Portable-Backlit-Display-Digital/dp/B01A6KH98Y/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1467224696&sr=8-4&keywords=fishing+scale

bought this one maybe 6 months ago.. still works great and is super cheap! never estimate again! :)

I used to have a Bighorn tube, The bighorn is good up to 2 foot waves. That lasted for years of fishing and recently bought its smaller brother Teton which has a tough canvas cover over a heavy duty tube. Its much easier to handle getting into small waters. If you don't drag it through briars it should be fine.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A6KH98Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That is what I use currently and its as accurate as my buddies Rapala digital scale. Very easy to use. I recommend using a gripper with it.

[Backlit LCD Display] Dr.meter... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZWNGZFO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is the scale I got. Really cheap and works. It doesn’t have the latest hook if you’re just weighing under the gills. There’s definitely better options though.

I have a spot on my bag that I attached a s clip to, then have these

6pcs Pack Fishing Lanyards Boating Multicolor Fishing Ropes Secure Pliers Lip Grips Tackle Fish Tools(Color Ramdon) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D4NSCRC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DlzACbGB1STAW

Attached to the s clip. Easy to find and take off to attach to myself when I get to a bank.

Just bought one of these and love it.

Edit: mine is a little larger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KJMK4W2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

If you're insane, then I guess I am as well. I'm a shore fisherman and pack a similar variety, but I carry three colors each: junebug/black, green pumpkin, watermelon candy for worms/creatures/craws; white, shad (silver two-tone) and some kind of bluegill imitator for flukes and swimbaits. I'm able to fit it all in a backpack, along with 2-3 3600 sized boxes, line spools, tools, etc., and it gets to about 16 pounds total. I keep all of the soft plastics in the top compartment in their own bags except for Keitechs, which I put in a binder. Presumably this size of bag would work in a kayak.

Wacky rigged stick style worm. Can't go wrong with the Gary Yamamoto Senko but I like the bass pro shops Stik-o because they're cheaper and more durable. Try green or black&blue colors

Stik-o:
http://m.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-StikO-Worm-41/4/product/95621/

Wacky hook:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ZZD6MQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_O5qtzbG97JRHR

Senko:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00144HFIQ/ref=pd_aw_sim_200_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=RP996RNDWDJSR80FYV05&dpPl=1&dpID=51JGRnEjquL

I still haven't made my way to baitcasters just yet. But my go-to setup has been a 5'10'' medium action Ugly Stik (Cork handle if you can find it ;) ) , with a Pflueger President 6730XT spinning reel. The rosewood handle is also a nice little detail. The damage is around $100-$120

When I am in for panfish or I'm miles in the woods looking for brook trout i like to run a Shakespeare Two-Piece Ultra Light Action Agility Graphite Spin Rod with the Pflueger Trion 4725GX Spinning reel. But hey this is /r/bassfishing , ill shut up about the brookies!

And don't forget about the Yo-Zuri Hybrid 6lb line! Purple smoke for stained water and Camo-Green for those clear water days. Did I mention Gary Yamamoto 'Baby Bass' 5'' red flake Senkos?

Finding an "all-in-one" isn't exactly cheap. If you wanted the all-in-one, I would get this https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Rapala_Touch_Screen_Tournament_Scale_15lb/descpage-RTDS.html

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If you want a cheaper more affordable route, get the Dr. Meter and a Fish Grip Jr. Remove the J hook from the Dr. Meter and attach the fish grip to the scale with a large 3 inch split ring or some other sort of homemade option.

Calcutta steelhead $19.99

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FGRTNK/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

If you have a cap, then I suggest this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000BYPF1/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_lhJzCb0NXFZQ4

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If you don't have a cap, then maybe some schedule 20 pvc pipe and end caps. They make it big enough that it would hold rods with reels.

Could try this its a 4 piece rod and isnt that big when packed away.

http://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-System-Minispin-Ultralight-Spinning/dp/B0000BY56T#

there are cheap battery powered ones

Date: Sept 13

Time: 12 PM

Bait: Baby 1 Minus Fireshad

Location: Chadwick Lake, Newburgh, NY

Status: Released

When in doubt - run n' gun with the Baby 1