Swinging For The Fences

 I've struggled with this topic and whether to talk about it or not not because it's controversial or unethical but because it's my new thing and I'm a selfish brat and don't like to share. I'm gonna put my big boy britches on and talk big bait fishing. This is nothing new but it is new to me and a concept I think is worth talking about.
 Now before I get into this I need to say this; yes I know big fish eat little baits and small fish are too stupid to know not to go after something their own size. I get it. This is not about that. This exercise is about increasing your odds at catching a new personal best and possibly a lake record or even state record fish.
 When you're swinging for the fences you're going to strike out... A LOT. This isn't for everyone, the gear is heavy, the baits are stupid big (seriously) and you will go home empty handed more often than not. So you need to prepare for it mentally. This is not crappie fishing where you go out and fill a cooler with fish, not by a long shot. You're looking for one bite, that one fish that can drag you kayak in circles while peeling off drag like you weren't there.
 Now let's get down to business. First lets talk about the mental aspect of the game. You're going to get skunked and more than once. So you need to be ready for that. It is also physically demanding compared to using conventional gear and you need to be ready for that too. For me though the toughest part is to fish one bait all day or at least for an extended period of time. You've got to grind it out and pay your dues and that's the tough part. The other side of the mental game is learning how to fish big baits. Think slow and steady boys and girls. Slow and steady at least until you start catching fish and building some confidence.

A confidence builder of my own.

  Part two of this is the gear. I was advised as most people are when you start throwing swimbaits start "small" see if it is for you and don't go out and drop hundreds of dollars on rods and reels and other tackle. Get yourself some lighter weight baits so that you can use your existing gear. That way if you decide it's not for you you're only out the cost of the baits and those can easily be resold without too much of a loss. 

The above picture are a few good baits to start out with. There are definitely more but there to be had but these are proven fish catchers. From top to bottom.
6" Huddleston Deluxe
6'' Spro BBZ 1 Jr.
4" Black Dog Shell Cracker

 Once you have eaten the "Red Pill" and go down the rabbit hole you'll find yourself buying bigger baits. Above are some of what I would consider "big baits".  From top to bottom.
6" Black Dog Lunker Punker.
9" Optimum OB Minnow
8" Spro BBZ 1
8" Huddleston Deluxe

When you step up to these big baits you're going to need gear that can handle the weight of the lures you're throwing. Traditional casting gear is just not heavy enough to handle the abuse it will receive tossing these monsters. This is my set up, a 7'6" Okuma Guide Select Heavy paired with a Shimano Cardiff 301.

The last part of the puzzle is to go where the fish are. I know it sounds painfully obvious but really go to the places where you know big fish have been caught.

 One last thought; most bass anglers dream about catching a double digit fish and the vast majority have never even seen one that wasn't a mount on someone's wall let alone catch one. So when you stick a 5-7 pound fish you need to be proud of it because it's a nicer fish than most guys will ever catch.

Tight Lines!