Hello All... Newcomer Here

[Stykbowslim]

Let me introduce myself... I'm Don, 56 years old and have been fishing for about 50 of those years. Well, within the last two months I've gotten serious about fishing and have purchased an '05 Bass Tracker, upgraded all my tackle with new bass-specific rods, reels and a tackle bag full of lures. I'm looking forward to getting tips, advice and recommendations from all you season fishermen on this website.

Thanks,
-Don

[ran24]

Welcome Don.... you are at the right place to learn.

[woody]

Welcome aboard, Don! I'd be glad to help, however I can.

What part of the Country are ya from?


-Mark

[MIbasser]

Welcome Don!

[BassinNC]

Welcome aboard Don, you will learn a lot here.

[WatterBoy]

Welcome to the site, Don! My first piece of advice would be to learn how to use the dropshot rig if you don't already know how. After 10+ years of bass fishing, I just learned how late last year and I love it.

Here's a link to the video for it from this site.

[bamabassman]

WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF NUTS AND BAIT MONKEY, BOAT MONKEY FODDER MY FRIEND! this is a great place. be carefull and don't lose oyur cool, cuz there is some joking back and forth here. but we ALL get along pretty much. ask questions and share your insights too. watterboy is right about learning the dropshot. but there are LOTS of things to learn about bassfishing. so get out yer wallet and hold on to momma, it's gonna be a bumpy and wonderful ride. hahaha. and yeah....i get made fun of alot around here, but i don't care, love every bit of it.

[Stykbowslim]

What a great welcome committee... thank you all. I live in Southern New Jersey. Thank you for the dropshot recommendation. Actually, last weekend, I purchased some dropshot weights and hooks. What specific equipment do you use for dropshotting?

[BigBassin144]

Originally Posted by Stykbowslim

What a great welcome committee... thank you all. I live in Southern New Jersey. Thank you for the dropshot recommendation. Actually, last weekend, I purchased some dropshot weights and hooks. What specific equipment do you use for dropshotting?

First off, Welcome to the site Don!

I'm also a big fan of the dropshot. For a rod, you'll probably want to use a spinning set up. Anywhere from a 6'8" to a 7'2" rod will be fine, use a length you prefer (I like a longer 7'-7'2" rod for DSing). A Medium Light powered rod is probably most people's choice, but a Medium will work as well, especially if you need to fish heavier weights (like in very deep water or fast current). Extra Fast action is my choice for a DS rod, but Fast action will work as well.

Get a good spinning reel with a GREAT drag. A good drag is key to not losing fish on the lightweight 6-8lb test line. As for line, there's a couple options. I'd go with a 6lb fluorocarbon (my recommendation would be Seaguar InvisX) or 10lb braid (Sufix Performance Braid) with a 6-8lb fluorocarbon or mono leader.

For hooks, I use a size 1 Gamakatsu Dropshot/Split Shot hook for small worms and such, and a 1/0 Gammy DS/SS hook for thicker baits like flukes, gobies, etc. If I need a more weedless approach, I'll use an Owner Dropshot hook and texpose the bait (can't remember the size).

When you start out, I find it's easier to learn with a heavier weight (like 1/4oz, which is heavy for a dropshot). Now, the weight I prefer, and use 95% of the time is 3/16oz. When I'm fishing very shallow, or in weeds and want the weight to sort of sit on top of thick grass or something, I'll go with an 1/8oz with. When I fish the Detroit River, I move up for a 3/8oz to combat the current.

BB

[rodnreel]

Welcome aboard, Don!

[zooker]

if you came looking for sane and serious coversation.
i think you come to the wrong place..

zooker

[keithdog]

Hey Don, glad to see you joining up with us! You've fished for 50 years? Well my friend, I'm sure you have a few stories of your own to tell. Feel free to share your thoughts and fishing stories! And ummm, Zooker might be right about the sane and serious thing, haha.

[Bassboss]

Originally Posted by bamabassman

WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF NUTS AND BAIT MONKEY, BOAT MONKEY FODDER MY FRIEND! this is a great place. be carefull and don't lose oyur cool, cuz there is some joking back and forth here. but we ALL get along pretty much. ask questions and share your insights too. watterboy is right about learning the dropshot. but there are LOTS of things to learn about bassfishing. so get out yer wallet and hold on to momma, it's gonna be a bumpy and wonderful ride. hahaha. and yeah....i get made fun of alot around here, but i don't care, love every bit of it.

Could NOT have said it better myself bama! But I'll try!

______

Hey Don!

Welcome to the forum man! This place is a great, and truly unique forum! We're like a big 'ol family of friends!

[zooker]

Originally Posted by Bassboss

Hey Don!

Welcome to the forum man! This place is a great, and truly unique forum! We're like a big 'ol family of friends!

yeah now tell him the good news...

this was last years newbie initiation celebration....he's hosting this years...





left to right is bama,1/4 stick,me,kevin,bcklash,and bassinNC
dude on the far right was with the band...

lmao....





zooker

[bamabassman]

Bwaaaaahahahahahaha! I remember that day zook, ol stick even brought the shed wit im.