Time For Change?

One thing I've been doing is getting my tackle and flies in order. Lines cleaned, reels serviced, boots re-studded and all all kind of stuff that usually gets neglected. I almost cleaned a rod handle the other day, but then I remembered that I'm just bored not a psychopath.  I've found myself thinking about getting some conventional gear for largemouth bass. I like going out in the float tube and fly fishing for them, but there's no getting round the fact that gear is just more effective for that specific species and gear fishing isn't, not fun.  It's just different. I already take a jigging and popping rod with me on offshore mahi & tuna trips for when conditions don't suit fly. So why not for bass?

 

I do have mixed feelings about soft plastics and leaving bits of plastic in the water, but apparently there have been advances with O-rings and tubing to keep senkos and the like on the hook since I last picked up a wacky rig. I enjoy that type of fishing though and probably will have an experiment with that kind of jazz. It'd be mad not to if the reason for the switch is efficacy. 

The thing that most appeals is the power fishing stuff. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits and all that. If I'm not sight fishing, I'd rather cover water and feel like I'm doing something active. So running down a bank firing a spinnerbait into cover or hollows or any likely looking spots, or bouncing a squarebill off of stumps is perfect. 

 

I'm not sure if I actuallly will take the leap or if it's just idle speculation because I can't get out.. but the seed has been planted. I think I would enjoy it, but bass gear is also a bit of a rabbit hole with all the different gear and techniques.  Probably a large part of the decision is whether I want to spend all that cash on rods, reels and plastics or continue to accumulate more fly tying stuff than any human could hope to use in their lifetime. A tough call.