Sore Thumbs

Someone else that knows the lake would win the tournaments you enter. Not sure you can flip and pitch with it, so you might need some of that stuff still. Not sure how its gonna work punching grass or vegetation. Pretty sure you can't use it around lily pads either. Might be hard to skip under docks too. Im thinking your local Bass Pro will still have a few other things besides A-rigs.

If i was choosing it would have to be early spring before spawn. You should be able to knock em dead with a Wiggle Wart and a jerkbait. Big ones too. Let's not forget about the controversial A-rig as well. I say anytime but hot time of summer and you will catch em. Good Luck!

Looked like yours. I was positive it was yours. You goin Champ again?

Is your boat for sale on Craigslist? Thought I saw it on there.

That A-rig is addicting. I'ts a blast. Good job!

Hey guys. Gotta put my opinion in there too. I agree with the decision not to use the A-rig. The reason I say that it is because these guys are so good at finding fish that it is almost too easy for them to use. Not all tournaments would be won on this rig but most of them would. I think it would take away from the competitive nature of the sport. I also think this has to do with lure and bait sponsors that will not have their products being showcased because everyone will be chunking an A-rig. This rig is not a fad that will go away in a few years. This will always catch fish. I have used it once and can already tell you its awesome. Those who havent tried it are missing out. They are fun to fish! I don't think it will be outlawed anytime soon either. I talked to the guys at Hook Line and Sinker and they said that they are usually dead this time of year. Since the A-rig has come out they have been swamped. They thought that about 75% of their business was selling the rigs and accesories to go with it. This has jumpstarted the fishing industry. They said things like swivel,clip,jig head,braided line and swimbait companies can't keep up with demand. They are making rods for this application too. This is just the beginning. This rig has definitely been great for fishing. I caught this with an A-rig at Swepco yesterday. Probably wouldn't have caught her with out it.

I would be throwing the A-rig until it gets banned. A school of shad works year round. Simple and catches fish. If they do get banned a jerkbait,wart and a smoke grub are tough to beat. Good luck. I hope to be able to fish that one too.

Is this something that happens ever year with the dock bite? Why r they around docks right now? Are they just hanging out near shallower water because it is too warm to suspend? I am trying to learn fall-winter patterns so pardon any foolish questions. I am trying to self teach myself how to be a better fisherman. My friends are not fond of cold weather fishing, so I go it alone this time of year. Thanks for your time and input. One of these days I would love to go on a guide trip. I just want to learn a little more so I can ask the right questions when I do go.

I have been hearing good things about using a jig right now. Can anyone tell me where the best places are to use one right now? All i have been doing is throwing a wart all day but I hear the bigger fish are coming with a jig. What size, color and presentation is best right now? Thanks for any input.

Great article. I would love to go fishing with him someday. You would learn more in one day with him than a lifetime doing it on your own..

I caught some good ones the other day at Beaver on a wiggle wart. You guys try those at all? I had no luck on jerkbait. I didn't throw it very much cuz of wiggle wart bite.

I hear they are doing ok with them at Beaver and well with them at Swepco in Gentry.

I threw one a little bit on Beaver yesterday with no luck. Fished for a couple hours and caught one bass that was just over 20 inches and another over 15. Lost one that looked like the same size as the 20 incher. Caught all three on a Pre Rapala wiggle wart.

Hook Line and Sinker in Rogers, Ar has them. Using them for an A-Rig?

any color better than others right now?

Haven't been in a couple weeks, just wanting to know if they are hitting the jerkbait hard or if crankbait is still on. Thanks!

It is more than likely the switch in the pedal. My trolling motor did the same thing and it was the switch. Not very expensive and easy to replace.

Awesome fish Jeb! Where exactly did you catch that fish?

Maybe the abundance of forage is what is making fishing tougher for all species this year? Food for thought.

Just more to love!

How did you do today overall? I am going tommorow and would love any tips.

Did any of you guys try a wiggle wart? I fished from Eagle Rock to Holiday Island and did very well in water 8ft or less. I am learning here. Just want to know if it is better to fish blades and jigs closer to the dam or if what works in the Upper applies to the Lower? I am starting to use blade some where I never would before. Caught some pretty good ones on Beaver the other day using War Eagle Mouse colored with one white blade and one gold blade. I am trying to figure out what situations call for spinner bait or crankbait. Is it gut feeling or is there a science to it? Thanks for any input.

I am pretty sure you can get one through Hook, line and sinker in a right hand for the same money. Send me your number and I will talk to them for you if you want me to. If not I'm sure those others will be ok.

Not sure about either one of those. I have heard some good things about the Lew's though. I would go with the 6.4.1 Just because it is more versitle. You will have a lot more need for the 6.4 than than the burner. If you have plenty of reels already in your arsenal than go with the 7 to 1. I will say that TW has some of last years Shimano Curados left over for $119 I think. I believe you would be happier with that than either of those 2 you picked out. If TW doesn't have them I would check with Aaron or Chris at Hook,Line and Sinker in Rogers. They ordered me one for the same price that TW was advertising.