The grind

[Osidecoffee]

If you’re reading this, and your a regular poster in the “Bass” section of SD Fish, please raise one hand, reach it over your shoulder, and pat yourself on the back. You’ve successfully lived the grind…

This morning I made it out for my much anticipated first Cap trip with my fully rigged float tube, trolling motor and all. I consider it my “Beefshaman on a budget” build. It’s been in the salt on several occasions with lots of spotties, but it had not seen a largemouth while in my possession after skunking at Hodges a few weeks ago. After having been guided around twice last year by a buddy on his fully rigged bass boat, some questions still remained. Could I successfully lead myself to the fish? And even if I did find the right places, would I throw the right baits? Even present them well enough?

After a nice chance meeting with @CorsoEnthusiast, I was off to get the session started. I’m glad to report that by 8 o clock I was able to get the freshwater skunk off the tube. I got my first *real* SD reservoir bass (Barrett bass being excluded from this milestone). I was stoked to get it dragging a free rigged bronco bug over a rock pile. They said the drag bite was strong, and I had already gotten one on it. The vibes were high! But alas, those little green guys had something else in mind for me. I missed a second bite early, and after that the grind started. I dragged that bronco bug all over, threw a jerk bait around some points, tossed a Neko, and also threw in a finesse jig with a TRD craw for good measure but over the next 4-5 hours only managed one more.

After nearly endless buffets of spotties in south SD bay, it’s a little tough to adjust to the freshwater game, but I think I did a pretty good job staying composed and doing my best. I was also super stoked with how my tube, motor and battery handled. I covered a ton of water, and had little to no issue covering water in the wind. All in all, it was a solid outing. It’s always nice having a little success on a new body of water.

So one question was answered, but many more remain. Do I truly want to commit to the grind?Spotties can absolutely be too easy at times, but do I really want it to be that hard? It takes an incredible amount of hours to possess a fraction of the skills some of you have! I mean, I could always just save my freshwater fishing for Barrett…

But before we decide on that, the next goal will be to at least get the Hodges skunk off the tube. Here’s to at least a little more grinding!

[VinnyBass]

I think there’s much better lake fishing in a few months from now. Yeah catching spotties can be really fun but for me, I just like the challenge of trying to catch bass in the freshwater. My dad used to take me to the ocean fishing and to the lakes when I was a kid and we went almost every weekend. I always remember telling him I rather fish the lakes more because the ocean was too easy which sound big big headed, but I guess I was looking for more of a challenge. Trust me I’ve had very very very tough days over the years fishing freshwater but it’s something I just stick to…even though I know I would probably have a blast catching tons of spotties. I’m actually afraid if Iwent to the bay, I may never go back to the lakes ha ha ha.
Anyway, hang in there, and I could almost guarantee it’s gonna get a lot better once the water warms up a lot more at the lakes and the bass are more active. Tight lines.

[Osidecoffee]

I think there’s much better lake fishing in a few months from now. Yeah catching spotties can be really fun but for me, I just like the challenge of trying to catch bass in the freshwater. My dad used to take me to the ocean fishing and to the lakes when I was a kid and we went almost every weekend. I always remember telling him I rather fish the lakes more because the ocean was too easy which sound big big headed, but I guess I was looking for more of a challenge. Trust me I’ve had very very very tough days over the years fishing freshwater but it’s something I just stick to…even though I know I would probably have a blast catching tons of spotties. I’m actually afraid if Iwent to the bay, I may never go back to the lakes ha ha ha.
Anyway, hang in there, and I could almost guarantee it’s gonna get a lot better once the water warms up a lot more at the lakes and the bass are more active. Tight lines.

I definitely have the bug when it comes to largemouth, there’s just something about them. Who doesn’t love those hooksets after a subtle eat? They’ll definitely be a regular part of my program, but still can’t wait to try Barrett again this year. I barely knew anything last year, stayed super close to pigs and still had a great time. It’d be a great way to build some confidence in new techniques.

[galen]

I didn’t start spotty fishing regularly until my 30’s. I have limited fishing time available so I can’t justify the likelihood of fishing all morning for a few bites. It’s been years since I’ve caught a decent green bass. I get “green” with envy seeing some guys on here but I know that it’s my choice.

[Osidecoffee]

I didn’t start spotty fishing regularly until my 30’s. I have limited fishing time available so I can’t justify the likelihood of fishing all morning for a few bites. It’s been years since I’ve caught a decent green bass. I get “green” with envy seeing some guys on here but I know that it’s my choice.

I’ve got a busy life with young kids at home, and a nice saltwater lagoon right in the middle of my 10 minute work commute. I’m right there with you, sometimes you gotta lean on what’s most practical

[Bendo]

Truth is, Spotties are probably the easiest of all Bass to catch. The challenge is getting the “Giants”, a relative term. While a giant Spottie is over 4 pounds, anybody who has caught one knows they can out battle most Fish twice their size. They max out in length pretty quickly, but then begin to thicken. A brawny Spottie with a fat gut and big shoulders is a true prize, we call them “Bay Groupers”. Most are caught in deeper channels, with lots of bait around not because that’s the only place they live but the only place you can land them. Hooking one in a thick of pilings under the docks is mostly a lesson in futility. I try. Even with 30 braid and 20 leader, I go to Floridian Techniques to have a chance. I learned in the Keys, while Tarpon fishing to just let them go when they wrap you around shell covered pilings. Open bail type stuff. Work your Rod to a better angle and start the battle over if possible. Many times my tough leader is shredded down to what is probably 4 pound test by the time the battle is over. So that is what brings me back. ”Huge” picture Spotties are really fun.

[CorsoEnthusiast]

If you’re reading this, and your a regular poster in the “Bass” section of SD Fish, please raise one hand, reach it over your shoulder, and pat yourself on the back. You’ve successfully lived the grind…

This morning I made it out for my much anticipated first Cap trip with my fully rigged float tube, trolling motor and all. I consider it my “Beefshaman on a budget” build. It’s been in the salt on several occasions with lots of spotties, but it had not seen a largemouth while in my possession after skunking at Hodges a few weeks ago. After having been guided around twice last year by a buddy on his fully rigged bass boat, some questions still remained. Could I successfully lead myself to the fish? And even if I did find the right places, would I throw the right baits? Even present them well enough?

After a nice chance meeting with @CorsoEnthusiast, I was off to get the session started. I’m glad to report that by 8 o clock I was able to get the freshwater skunk off the tube. I got my first *real* SD reservoir bass (Barrett bass being excluded from this milestone). I was stoked to get it dragging a free rigged bronco bug over a rock pile. They said the drag bite was strong, and I had already gotten one on it. The vibes were high! But alas, those little green guys had something else in mind for me. I missed a second bite early, and after that the grind started. I dragged that bronco bug all over, threw a jerk bait around some points, tossed a Neko, and also threw in a finesse jig with a TRD craw for good measure but over the next 4-5 hours only managed one more.

After nearly endless buffets of spotties in south SD bay, it’s a little tough to adjust to the freshwater game, but I think I did a pretty good job staying composed and doing my best. I was also super stoked with how my tube, motor and battery handled. I covered a ton of water, and had little to no issue covering water in the wind. All in all, it was a solid outing. It’s always nice having a little success on a new body of water.

So one question was answered, but many more remain. Do I truly want to commit to the grind?Spotties can absolutely be too easy at times, but do I really want it to be that hard? It takes an incredible amount of hours to possess a fraction of the skills some of you have! I mean, I could always just save my freshwater fishing for Barrett…

But before we decide on that, the next goal will be to at least get the Hodges skunk off the tube. Here’s to at least a little more grinding!

Was great running into you at ECBT Friday AM!

As far as the grind goes; it’s a thing but the more you learn and the more confidence you build up, those days with two fish turn into days with 5 or 6, turn into 10+ days.

I went out this morning and lost count someplace in the high teens. Had a blast. I’m confident if you stick with it, those days are coming for you too.

[Osidecoffee]

If you’re reading this, and your a regular poster in the “Bass” section of SD Fish, please raise one hand, reach it over your shoulder, and pat yourself on the back. You’ve successfully lived the grind…

This morning I made it out for my much anticipated first Cap trip with my fully rigged float tube, trolling motor and all. I consider it my “Beefshaman on a budget” build. It’s been in the salt on several occasions with lots of spotties, but it had not seen a largemouth while in my possession after skunking at Hodges a few weeks ago. After having been guided around twice last year by a buddy on his fully rigged bass boat, some questions still remained. Could I successfully lead myself to the fish? And even if I did find the right places, would I throw the right baits? Even present them well enough?

After a nice chance meeting with @CorsoEnthusiast, I was off to get the session started. I’m glad to report that by 8 o clock I was able to get the freshwater skunk off the tube. I got my first *real* SD reservoir bass (Barrett bass being excluded from this milestone). I was stoked to get it dragging a free rigged bronco bug over a rock pile. They said the drag bite was strong, and I had already gotten one on it. The vibes were high! But alas, those little green guys had something else in mind for me. I missed a second bite early, and after that the grind started. I dragged that bronco bug all over, threw a jerk bait around some points, tossed a Neko, and also threw in a finesse jig with a TRD craw for good measure but over the next 4-5 hours only managed one more.

After nearly endless buffets of spotties in south SD bay, it’s a little tough to adjust to the freshwater game, but I think I did a pretty good job staying composed and doing my best. I was also super stoked with how my tube, motor and battery handled. I covered a ton of water, and had little to no issue covering water in the wind. All in all, it was a solid outing. It’s always nice having a little success on a new body of water.

So one question was answered, but many more remain. Do I truly want to commit to the grind?Spotties can absolutely be too easy at times, but do I really want it to be that hard? It takes an incredible amount of hours to possess a fraction of the skills some of you have! I mean, I could always just save my freshwater fishing for Barrett…

But before we decide on that, the next goal will be to at least get the Hodges skunk off the tube. Here’s to at least a little more grinding!

Was great running into you at ECBT Friday AM!

As far as the grind goes; it’s a thing but the more you learn and the more confidence you build up, those days with two fish turn into days with 5 or 6, turn into 10+ days.

I went out this morning and lost count someplace in the high teens. Had a blast. I’m confident if you stick with it, those days are coming for you too.

Sometimes it’s the smallest things to get used to, like getting used to the steep banks of our reservoirs, especially with the lower water in some spots. After shorepounding a lot, and fishing spots like the back bay, it definitely takes time on the water to get used to. I’m excited to get back out again and try some more things soon. And it gives me some more direction on things to focus and work on in the small local pond I’ve got up here. Put some practice time in on a few techniques and keep chipping away at it.

I will admit though, my focus is gonna be on the grunion run this week. Went out and saw my first grunion run a little over a week ago and finally brought in my first legal halibut. Too many fun ways to fish and not enough time!

[vito1023]

Truth is, Spotties are probably the easiest of all Bass to catch. The challenge is getting the “Giants”, a relative term. While a giant Spottie is over 4 pounds, anybody who has caught one knows they can out battle most Fish twice their size. They max out in length pretty quickly, but then begin to thicken. A brawny Spottie with a fat gut and big shoulders is a true prize, we call the “Bay Groupers”. Most are caught in deeper channels, with lots of bait around not because that’s the only place they live but the only place you can land them. Hooking one in a thick of pilings under the docks is mostly a lesson in futility. I try. Even with 30 braid and 20 leader, I go to Floridian Techniques to have a chance. I learned in the Keys, while Tarpon fishing to just let them go when they wrap you around shell covered pilings. Open bail type stuff. Work your Rod to a better angle and start the battle over if possible. Many times my tough leader is shredded down to what is probably 4 pound test by the time the battle is over. So that is what brings me back. ”Huge” picture Spotties are really fun.

Wow that’s what I call a Spotty, the more I look at those Spotties I’m amazed.
Were those caught in SD BAY or Mission Bay, I’m guessing MB?
Thanks for the post

[Mcfish]

I didn’t start spotty fishing regularly until my 30’s. I have limited fishing time available so I can’t justify the likelihood of fishing all morning for a few bites. It’s been years since I’ve caught a decent green bass. I get “green” with envy seeing some guys on here but I know that it’s my choice.

Spotties are the best way to get your fishing fix....they're biting 99% of the time....fun fun fun!

[Dannicus]

I started largemouth fishing legitimately in 1982. I moved out here from Colorado when I joined the Navy. I grew up a trout kid.

I've been on the grind for 40+ years, but there are some days, like when I get on a killer jig bite, or when a giant explodes on my top water offering that make the grind so worth it.

And you never know when that 30+ fish say may happen (Barrett aside) but when they do....well ...that's the addiction.

Show us some pics of your tube setup man!

[Osidecoffee]

I started largemouth fishing legitimately in 1982. I moved out here from Colorado when I joined the Navy. I grew up a trout kid.

I've been on the grind for 40+ years, but there are some days, like when I get on a killer jig bite, or when a giant explodes on my top water offering that make the grind so worth it.

And you never know when that 30+ fish say may happen (Barrett aside) but when they do....well ...that's the addiction.

Show us some pics of your tube setup man!

Here ya go! Hopefully I’ll see you out some time!

Got a killer deal used on the tube, trolling motor, fins and rod holder from a guy who upgraded to a boat. These European tubes really are awesome with some of the design elements or accessories they offer. Grabbed a 65ah lithium battery, and haven’t had a problem at all. My only complaint is that I’d love to upgrade the storage bags to their newer design sometime soon, the zippered sections are small, so you can’t fit a regular 3600 or 3700 tackle box in the bags. I’m working around it with some smaller boxes for my terminal now, but would prefer larger zipper compartments in the future…

[Dannicus]

Good looking rig!