Let me take all of you (you too, Tom) back in time 44 years to see if anyone had anything significant to say to us fledgling bassers in those days. We were mostly topwater anglers then, using some crankbaits like the Heddon River Runt. We saw Crème worms on shelves here & there, but hardly anyone bought them. No instructions came with them, and really no hooks fit worms back then, at least in a logical way. We only knew what we already knew, couldn’t get a vision of the T-rig for a few more years. In the year 1963 the instructions were published, but not to be read until about 4 years later. Here’s what that book that influenced me most said about worms, and you will understand why it impacted me. The words are remarkably fitting of the year 2007. Page 216…
"Plastic Worms…..These worms are something new in game-fish lures and their success has been terrific. They come in black, pink, white and brown. Plastic Worms…..These worms are something new in game-fish lures and their success has been terrific. They come in black, pink, white and brown. You fish them much like you do a jig, though you jerk them higher to give the dangling plastic a lifelike action, not only on the upward jerk but as the lure sinks.
In addition to the steep inclines off points, you will find similar good bass holes off rock or sand bars. If the state where you are fishing publishes a biological survey of your favorite lake, showing water depths, inclines, bars, etc., it will save you a lot of time in hunting these bass holes. Some shorelines, as shown on such maps, have water that deepens rapidly in a series of steps. Fish such water by casting into the shallows near shore, and working the jig or worm downward into deep water step by step. Watch the lure closely. If you see it stutter or pause, strike. It may be a bass. If it is a rock or snag, what of it? These lures are cheap."
If you've been here reading posts long you see I still talk stuff like that. All that has changed is more manufacturers, new colors, shapes, tail types, new hook shapes, better sinkers, better line, etc. We still use that technique. We've added a few new presentations and rigging styles. But ALL YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW is at least 44 years old. Tom and I read all that stuff and put it to practice long before many of you were walking. We want all of ya'll to see what we've seen ASAP. We're still seeing and learning and you need to do that too.
Think Denny Brauer invented secrets of jigging? Think again. The central core of his techniques is in that book. You are reading it over and over in modern books, magazines, here, and on other websites. A hundred years from now the same basic instructions will still be around.
What do you get out of it all? Better bass finding and catching. If fishing tournaments, an edge here & there. A fuller understanding of the game of the environment. Some us us here have this down very well, but I suspect a large number of members are just beginning. Read, search out, practice ideas that click inside you, and be sure to log on and ask the questions no matter how "beginner" it is.
I tried to find publisher contact information, but it isn't available. The Outdoor Life folks didn't have a clue.
Jim
