What to use to catch large mouth bass?

[NOLAfish]

i live in louisiana and how i catch most of my cass is a cast net but if you wanna cat it on rod'n'reel i use spinner baits ill post some pics and where to buy

 

[ewurm]

That's sporting..... cough cough - sarcasm - cough cough

Sporting? I don't leave a hook attached to any fishes mouth, and I release nearly everything I catch. Most conservation-minded fishing I could imagine. I'm not looking to set the 4lb test record. I want to catch fish.

 

[fishtex]

okay okay okay - i give in - to each his own,
I highly recommend trying it though, you hook on to an 8 pound bass or so knowing you have 4 pound line just gets that adrenaline kickin - fun stuff. Makes you work for it. But don't get me wrong, my baitcasters are either 8/30 spider or 15lb flouro.
And nothing wrong with keeping a couple fish for a nice little snack, imo.

 

[Tstove15]

Sporting? I don't leave a hook attached to any fishes mouth, and I release nearly everything I catch. Most conservation-minded fishing I could imagine. I'm not looking to set the 4lb test record. I want to catch fish.

'nough said

 

[keaser06]

I use a huge Ugly Stik, 60 lb braid. Spinnerbaits, plastic worms, Floating Rapalas, and plastic frogs. I've never had a problem with shallow bass being skittish.

haha 60lb braid for bass? thats alittle extreme imo but i like fishing to catch the fish and yes i do practice catch and release but my shark/tarpon rod has 50lb braid on it and my hardcore big shark (8ft+) has 80lb braid.. also none of my fish go back in the water with a hook in them or anything either. although i do keep some of my fish and when i know im keeping and going out to catch and keep i use heavier tackle then needed. for example with i go grouper fishing for fun i use 30lb on a medium light spinning rod but when i go to catch dinner i use my hardcore shark rod to catch 5-10lb grouper..

back on topic i use my saltwater setup for bass as i only fish freshwater about 20% of my fishing time so i use a quantum cabo 30 series with 30lb braid on a medium light action rod. and i like a silver zara puppy in shallow clear water with a 30lb flourocarbon leader. other than that its a guessing game for me..

pic of a bass caught on my setup with a zara puppy
18" 3.5lbs

 

[Passionate 4 pikes]

Plastic worms are great! assuming that the waters are heavily fished (chicago seems to have enough people!) you might want to use small equipment since they might be nervous.
I use all kinds of lures but spinners, a rapala lure and a storm lures take the prize for my favorite lures.
Try all kinds of lures and see wich oe you like.
I dont use live bait but i dont think bass will attack it as much as lures.

 

[Catfish Keeper]

It is really shallow I was using a rubber sunfish and a rubber tadpole and I was pulling up weeds
I caught a 16"er on a hotdog LOL but that's it so far
Also anyone have tips on catching carp?

When I try to catch carp I use a treble hook with split shot sinkers and corn. Put the corn in a little container and add a little vanilla to attract the carp more. Carp cruise around in the morning at at dusk so I would suggest fishing for them then. You could try to get the carp on a feeding routine in this pond. Take a handful or two of corn over to the pond every day and throw it in the same area around the same time every day. This way the carp will get on a feeding pattern and will be easier to catch. Remember to have your drag set light when fishing for carp because most likely you won't be holding on to your pole when the carp takes your bait. Carp fishing takes patience. When you have a carp on you can adjust your drag too. Hope this helps.