I havent posted much of anything in months and stopped taking pics for the most part. I also stopped carrying a small arsenal of lures and just carry a few bitsy bug jig heads and a few different trailer options for it. Long story short I paid more attention on location, water column, angles and speed of retrieve. Took this approach for a month and now I can't get myself to throw anything else. With there being no options to switch up baits I've really figured out how to present this jig in any bait form im trying to imitate. Knowing a fish is holding in a spot and didn't hit from one angle that normally produces, and actually setting up above/below/or side.... that same bait they didn't want a minute ago is now right where you planned it to be and another fight is on. Patience has probably been my best weapon on this time on the water. So i guess what im getting at is what do you think about force feeding? Will a fish really have nothing to do with a crank or jig or spinner on any given day? I feel tops is the only lure this applies to because you can't control water column. I guess its just a confidence thing.



Well maybe I just ran into a solid period of fishing and haven't had the reality check the river is so good at delivering at times.
My outting on Tuesday took me to 4 different locations till I could find a spot of the river to have to my self. Ended up watching a little more wildlife than finding fish. Was one of those days where the animals seem to be putting on a show for you and could care less your among them. Managed a couple of dink bass and was calling it quits. Finally shut down on my jig bite and exited river out a creek stopping to beat up on largies, smallies, and rockies all tiny. Did run into a few bass that clearly were out to rape the nursery in this creek. Last thing I expected in the gin clear waters.

I stick with the smaller things and do what you describe for the most part. On any given day 90 percent of the fish is in a negative feeding mode. They won't hit big stuff.

A friend used to call it the M&M theory of fishing. Eat a steak and for the next few hours you'll walk past tables of steak with no interest. But a bowl of M&Ms you'll dip into.

Was out Thursday and caught over 30. Was using small twisters and a small crayfish tube by YUM.

The fish were puking up hardly digested minnows and crays much bigger than I was throwing. I guess they wanted to wash it down with something a bit smaller.

I also stopped carrying a small arsenal of lures and just carry a few bitsy bug jig heads and a few different trailer options for it. Long story short I paid more attention on location, water column, angles and speed of retrieve. Took this approach for a month and now I can't get myself to throw anything else.

You're starting to fish like me, which means everyone will start to give you a hard time about it.

Not Everybody..(LOL)

+1 on the angles. Critical stuff. Same for water column. Most of my bites have been coming deeper as of late. If I'm not banging the bottom I don't get bit. Most bites come on the first 3 cranks. Otherwise, I'm in the weeds.

Shallow Rap vs. F7. Only 1' difference in dive, 3/4" difference in length. All the difference in results.

Last year I downsized my arsenal as well. I carry a single box of cranks. Maybe 10. I also carry a handful of 1/16 oz. jigs, Chigger Craws and choice twisters. That's it. On occasion I bring a spinner along. Not good luck with those or topwater yet this year. Cranks are working great. It ain't broke. No need to fix it yet.

I have been working on my jig technique some. Hard to put in the work when my go-to is producing.

Nice fish.