re: Anybody want to talk fishing?

It definitely depends on the type of fishing you are wanting to do/try. I fish pretty much every weekend year-round (weather permitting). I primarily fish saltwater in SELA. Over the last year I have gotten away from fishing live bait and fish artificial exclusively. Types of baits depend on the time of year/where I am fishing.

For instance, in the summer I predominantly target slot redfish on a fly rod (sight fishing). Crab flies, small shrimp or bait fish patterns. Poppers when targeting jacks.

When fall fishing I really enjoy the speck transition from outside to the inside. I tend to fish 3-5ft of water with double rigged matrix under a cork. Or topwater plugs.

Winter fishing I am usually throwing 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2 oz jig heads with Matrix Shad for specs. Weight depends on water temp as the fish tend to be deeper as it gets colder (not so much the case this year). We also start fishing big bulls on the fly rod at this time. Generally anything with lead eyes that can sink quickly.

I don't spend too much time worrying about rod and reels. But right now I'm using curados and falcon rods. (Academy is generous with their return policy if I break anything).

I also enjoy throwing suspended crank baits or topwater plugs when I feel the conditions suit them. It's all preference in my opinion but those are just some of the things that tend to work for me.

For websites or information, I generally believe that going and trying different areas and techniques is ultimately what makes you a better fisherman. I understand not everyone has the capabilities to fish as often as I do but having a good friend who does fish more than you always seems to help.

Fishing for Reds in the Marsh from a Kayak is my favorite. Egret, DOA, etc.

Senko. Senko. Senko.

Junebug KVD versions is my favorite, but they'll all catch fish. Its just so simple and natural.

Other than that, watermelon red baby brushhog and crazy legs chigger craw. I probably throw those 3 80% of the time.

I need to up my crank bait game, I just don't enjoy it as much.

Eta...flurocarbon line, falcon rod, bass pro carbonlite reel.

quote:

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favorite bait?

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live shrimp, pogeys, and cocahoes

It's always a tough time choice.

I fish more than I should, especially now that tournaments are back.
Get out there as much as you can.
Buy good tackle, stay away from the clearance bins, that stuff just sits on the shelf(not always, but usually).
Join a federation club and fish as a non-boater (sucks being in the back but you'll learn from some really good fishermen) 3 guys in my club qualified for the Elites this year
My reels are Shimano
Rods are mainly Fitzgerald, some Loomis
Line Sunline Sniper (fluoro), Fitzgerald Vursa, and Daiwa Samurai (braid), Mono is usually Stren or BPS
Baits-I'll throw anything and try to keep an open mind but normally if I can I'm punching a Missile Bait D-Bomb (Cali Love,Ballistic Blue) or crawfather with a Delta Lure punch skirt
Delta Lure Thunder Jig
Black Label square bills
If you're in the market for a boat make sure it has a Mercury or Yamaha
Buy a good rain suit (BPS, Simms)
Going scouting in the morning, hope I find a few more

A lot of salt life baws here

ETA: Not that there's anything wrong with that. I like both.

This isn't meant to flame, but how can anyone prefer bass to saltwater?

I grew up bass fishing almost exclusively, with some brown & rainbow trout mixed in. I picked up offshore and inshore fishing after moving to SE LA and haven't looked back. It's so much more fun. I'll go bass fishing if someone offers to take me, but I could die happy never catching another 2.5 glorified panfish.

My love is saltwater fishing, but that big largemouth bite on a worm is something special. I like saltwater because it's more action, more species, and I love the smell of the salt on a warm morning. Oh, and you can't beat a marsh sunset IMO. I don't fish with live bait majority of the year so it's definitely not as easy as some people make it out to be. And regardless of fresh or salt, I'll throw a topwater all frickin day, I love it.