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Tips Articles and Ideas => General Tips => Topic started by: SFL BassHunter on January 18, 2016, 08:33:24 PM

Title: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on January 18, 2016, 08:33:24 PM
Many anglers know how to catch bass, and many know how to catch big bass. But what some anglers forget how to do is effectively catch trees. I want to take a moment here and give you guys my best advice, on how to catch trees of all sizes, but mostly how to catch BIG TREES!

FROM THE BANK:
1. Walk right up to the bank and don't pay any attention to your surroundings.
2. Make sure you have a very expensive lure with treble hooks. Nothing catches trees like trebles.
3. Look at the water and AIM for the spot you want your lure to hit.
4. Cast with a full range of motion. Overhand works best in this type of scenario.
5. Make sure the lure gets wedged as high and deep into the tree as possible, and what you want to do is set the hook into it by yanking on it. It works best if you are using light line so you can snap your lure off and not waste too much time trying to recover.
6. Leave the expensive lure in the tree.

FROM THE BOAT:
1. Troll to an area that looks like it can produce some fish along the bank.
2. Again treble hooks are best for this type of activity.
3. AIM for the bark of the tree to bounce your lure off it. But make sure the tree has limbs that come out in front of the bark or do what I tend to do regularly...misjudge the distance of the tree and overshoot it by 15 yards.
4. By overshooting the tree you have a chance to catch other trees in the background and if you don't happen to catch another tree, you'll surely end up tangling up on the intended tree.
5. The nice thing about the boat is you can troll your way to the tree and recover your lure...most of the times.


Thank you, I hope everyone here uses this tremendous advice on how to catch trees. Ask those who know me...BassinLou, and LMG.
I am a true master of Tree Catching and I can make you a better Tree Catcher too if you follow these simple tips on how to hook a BIG TREE!

Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Capt. BassinLou on January 18, 2016, 08:35:18 PM
I can vouch for this flawless technique, works like a charm...
Lmao!!
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on January 18, 2016, 08:45:03 PM
Well thanks Lou, I appreciate your kind words!
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: flowerjohn on January 18, 2016, 08:53:33 PM
Lofnl Rick.  Been there!
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: cojab on January 18, 2016, 09:04:38 PM
 lo lo
That cracked me up. Been there, done that!
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Terry G on January 18, 2016, 09:34:48 PM
Don't forget to use BRAID it helps to wrap in the limbs of the tree
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Fickman on January 19, 2016, 05:34:02 AM
Nothing like a good laugh first thing in the morning! Hilarious Rick! Thanks!
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: edwonbass on January 19, 2016, 05:54:10 AM
I regularly use this technique but I add the part where you troll over to the tree
and get the rods on your deck involved while bending the branch down to get your lure. This way you can catch more trees with one cast. ;D
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on January 19, 2016, 09:23:27 AM
Quote from: Terry G on January 18, 2016, 09:34:48 PM
Don't forget to use BRAID it helps to wrap in the limbs of the tree

Braid is excellent to wrap around tree limbs and if its thick enough you can break the limb and bring it to the boat, or even rip out the entire tree.


Thanks guys, happy I could make you all laugh a bit!
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: analfisherman on January 19, 2016, 10:06:59 AM
 ~roflmao ~roflmao ~roflmao

Great pointers my friend!!!!!!  ;D
And that's from an Angler who has put a LOT of time into perfecting this SKILL!


Well we just MAY HAVE to start a 'Traveling Trophy'  contest?  ;) lo

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q691/joedog11/001_zpsnqoabjsi.jpg[/img]](http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q691/joedog11/001_zpsnqoabjsi.jpg) (http://[img%20width=500%20height=375)
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q691/joedog11/002_zpsiwytyfmw.jpg)
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Bud Kennedy on January 19, 2016, 10:12:59 AM
AH YES !  A tried and true pattern experienced by fishermen everywhere.
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: coldfront on January 19, 2016, 10:45:41 AM
is there any correlation tied to the cost of the actual lure?
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Oldfart9999 on January 19, 2016, 12:42:27 PM
Quote from: coldfront on January 19, 2016, 10:45:41 AM
is there any correlation tied to the cost of the actual lure?
Yes, the more expensive the lure, the easier to catch a tree. This a great way to stock up on your firewood also.
Rodney
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on January 19, 2016, 01:07:05 PM
Oldfart9999 is completely accurate! In my experience the more expensive lures not only catch more trees but they catch them quicker than say a cheap bargain bin lure.
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Smallie_Stalker on January 19, 2016, 02:55:38 PM
 ~roflmao ~roflmao ~roflmao

That was hysterical. I regularly participate in this form of fishing myself, and find that lure manufacturers (and in 1 case a rod manufacturer) tend to be very grateful to those of us who do.   ;) ~shade
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on January 19, 2016, 05:20:26 PM
Quote from: Smallie_Stalker on January 19, 2016, 02:55:38 PM
~roflmao ~roflmao ~roflmao

That was hysterical. I regularly participate in this form of fishing myself, and find that lure manufacturers (and in 1 case a rod manufacturer) tend to be very grateful to those of us who do.   ;) ~shade

Lucky for me I've never broken a rod. But I have lost many lures.
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Bigwrench on January 19, 2016, 05:35:42 PM
Lol ! I also practice this skill set often !
1 particular practice session stands out :)
About 4 years ago a rainy and windy day I got a 6XD hung in a tree (my 4th or 5th that weekend) , this one was at arms reach if I stood on the little section on the bow where the TM mounts I figured I could grab it and was determined to not lose another crank. I troll over and tuck my rod under my left arm , reach up with my right hand and stepped up enough to grab the crank. Got a good grip on it and about that time the wind shifted or something and I was falling overboard , the boat went the opposite direction and tossed the rod back on deck as I went over. Landed in the water and worked my way back to the boat (about 20' away it seemed) and climbed up on the motor and used the trim and got on the back deck. Crank still in hand and line snapped I looked up and 2 guys had just witnessed the whole thing lol.
I am sure they were dying inside trying not to laugh but they didn't and after making sure I was ok and offering me warm clothes went on their way.
I packed up and headed back to the camper (6-8 miles up the lake) , started unloading my gear and I was one combo short ..... Tammy and I went back the next day and it was sitting there in the water right where I went over at with the tip about 4" out of the water ! Pure luck that I found the rod and reel lol.
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: edwonbass on January 19, 2016, 06:56:06 PM
Quote from: Bigwrench on January 19, 2016, 05:35:42 PM
Lol ! I also practice this skill set often !
1 particular practice session stands out :)
About 4 years ago a rainy and windy day I got a 6XD hung in a tree (my 4th or 5th that weekend) , this one was at arms reach if I stood on the little section on the bow where the TM mounts I figured I could grab it and was determined to not lose another crank. I troll over and tuck my rod under my left arm , reach up with my right hand and stepped up enough to grab the crank. Got a good grip on it and about that time the wind shifted or something and I was falling overboard , the boat went the opposite direction and tossed the rod back on deck as I went over. Landed in the water and worked my way back to the boat (about 20' away it seemed) and climbed up on the motor and used the trim and got on the back deck. Crank still in hand and line snapped I looked up and 2 guys had just witnessed the whole thing lol.
I am sure they were dying inside trying not to laugh but they didn't and after making sure I was ok and offering me warm clothes went on their way.
I packed up and headed back to the camper (6-8 miles up the lake) , started unloading my gear and I was one combo short ..... Tammy and I went back the next day and it was sitting there in the water right where I went over at with the tip about 4" out of the water ! Pure luck that I found the rod and reel lol.

Dang! what an ordeal.
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on January 20, 2016, 08:17:25 AM
Quote from: Bigwrench on January 19, 2016, 05:35:42 PM
Lol ! I also practice this skill set often !
1 particular practice session stands out :)
About 4 years ago a rainy and windy day I got a 6XD hung in a tree (my 4th or 5th that weekend) , this one was at arms reach if I stood on the little section on the bow where the TM mounts I figured I could grab it and was determined to not lose another crank. I troll over and tuck my rod under my left arm , reach up with my right hand and stepped up enough to grab the crank. Got a good grip on it and about that time the wind shifted or something and I was falling overboard , the boat went the opposite direction and tossed the rod back on deck as I went over. Landed in the water and worked my way back to the boat (about 20' away it seemed) and climbed up on the motor and used the trim and got on the back deck. Crank still in hand and line snapped I looked up and 2 guys had just witnessed the whole thing lol.
I am sure they were dying inside trying not to laugh but they didn't and after making sure I was ok and offering me warm clothes went on their way.
I packed up and headed back to the camper (6-8 miles up the lake) , started unloading my gear and I was one combo short ..... Tammy and I went back the next day and it was sitting there in the water right where I went over at with the tip about 4" out of the water ! Pure luck that I found the rod and reel lol.


Dang BigWrench, that must have been one sucky day. I am surprised those guys didn't laugh.
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: big g on January 20, 2016, 12:43:56 PM
To add to all this valuable information.  I have caught a bunch of trees in my day.  The weirdest of all for me was in Weston several years ago.  I was bank fishing, had a good bite, which felt like a big bass.  I set the hook like it was a ten pounder and to my surprise a 10 inch fish flew out of the water up into the air and wrapped at the top of a black olive tree.  I tried hard to get that bass out but it was wrapped 20 feet high and my line snapped.  I felt bad all day. :(   I'm sure the birds enjoyed the treat.
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on January 20, 2016, 01:08:19 PM
Quote from: big g on January 20, 2016, 12:43:56 PM
To add to all this valuable information.  I have caught a bunch of trees in my day.  The weirdest of all for me was in Weston several years ago.  I was bank fishing, had a good bite, which felt like a big bass.  I set the hook like it was a ten pounder and to my surprise a 10 inch fish flew out of the water up into the air and wrapped at the top of a black olive tree.  I tried hard to get that bass out but it was wrapped 20 feet high and my line snapped.  I felt bad all day. :(   I'm sure the birds enjoyed the treat.

Poor little guy! I wonder if they are scared of heights...
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Capt. BassinLou on January 20, 2016, 01:35:38 PM
Quote from: rickdelprado on January 20, 2016, 01:08:19 PM
Poor little guy! I wonder if they are scared of heights...
Lmao!!
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Usmcmec on January 21, 2016, 08:26:53 AM
I love when guys do this me being on the cheap side I will go around and look up at the trees and the roots during low tide and find all kinds of lures. I kayak so I can get right next to where the lures and make them mine the most I got in trip was 9 lures.
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: analfisherman on January 21, 2016, 09:37:02 AM
Quote from: Usmcmec on January 21, 2016, 08:26:53 AM
I love when guys do this me being on the cheap side I will go around and look up at the trees and the roots during low tide and find all kinds of lures. I kayak so I can get right next to where the lures and make them mine the most I got in trip was 9 lures.

I do that TOO!  lo lo
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Usmcmec on January 21, 2016, 09:39:02 AM
Well at least I ain't the only one
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: LgMouthGambler on January 21, 2016, 11:43:31 AM
 ~roflmao ~roflmao ~roflmao ~roflmao ~roflmao ~roflmao ~roflmao ~roflmao
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on January 21, 2016, 03:32:51 PM
Quote from: Usmcmec on January 21, 2016, 08:26:53 AM
I love when guys do this me being on the cheap side I will go around and look up at the trees and the roots during low tide and find all kinds of lures. I kayak so I can get right next to where the lures and make them mine the most I got in trip was 9 lures.

Man I would be doing that too if I was on a kayak, heck I would go out there specifically to find lures! Who needs to go to the store and spend a ton of money on these things when you can go fishing and come back with more lures than you lost lol
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Usmcmec on January 21, 2016, 03:38:46 PM
You got that right just the other day I found a Shakespeare Tiger rod and reel a little bit of. Leaning up and it will be perfect for my nephew
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on January 27, 2016, 08:19:32 PM
(http://www.rivermenrodandgunclub.com/uploads/5/8/4/7/5847637/2534729_orig.jpg)
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Capt. BassinLou on January 28, 2016, 07:44:48 AM
Quote from: rickdelprado on January 27, 2016, 08:19:32 PM
(http://www.rivermenrodandgunclub.com/uploads/5/8/4/7/5847637/2534729_orig.jpg)
Yep... I have been known to do some stuff to retrieve my lures, not to this extreme, but pretty darn close...lol!!
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: LgMouthGambler on January 28, 2016, 08:48:17 AM
 ~roflmao
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Usmcmec on January 28, 2016, 09:56:56 AM
That is awesome I would so do that
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Smallie_Stalker on January 28, 2016, 05:20:42 PM
Maybe 20 years ago.................. ~shade
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on February 14, 2016, 04:03:32 PM
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x2/thesmittenimage/oldluretree.jpg)
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Smallie_Stalker on February 15, 2016, 03:12:57 PM
Quote from: rickdelprado on February 14, 2016, 04:03:32 PM
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x2/thesmittenimage/oldluretree.jpg)

Take that bait monkey................. ~die~
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Lipripper on February 15, 2016, 03:20:41 PM
What takes skill is to catch the over head power line. lo lo
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on February 16, 2016, 12:13:45 PM
Quote from: Lipripper on February 15, 2016, 03:20:41 PM
What takes skill is to catch the over head power line. lo lo

been there done that lip. lol went over to Lake Osborne one day and made a very high cast. Very high, and got it over the power line. I just cut the line, I didn't feel like tugging on it and getting killed lol. I am sure there is still a 5 inch senko hanging from it.
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Capt. BassinLou on February 16, 2016, 01:53:04 PM
Quote from: rickdelprado on February 16, 2016, 12:13:45 PM
been there done that lip. lol went over to Lake Osborne one day and made a very high cast. Very high, and got it over the power line. I just cut the line, I didn't feel like tugging on it and getting killed lol. I am sure there is still a 5 inch senko hanging from it.
My brother cast over the power lines off US 27,  yrs ago with a frog. We were fishing and I was standing in the front, when I heard my brother cast. However I never heard the touchdown on the water. Then all he tells me is "um", I tell him "what?" I turn around and he points up. As look up he looped the frog over a power line that was over 25 ft from the ground!! Long story short I got my frog back. We still laugh about it til this day... lol!!
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on February 16, 2016, 01:56:17 PM
Quote from: Bassinlou on February 16, 2016, 01:53:04 PM
My brother cast over the power lines off US 27,  yrs ago with a frog. We were fishing and I was standing in the front, when I heard my brother cast. However I never heard the touchdown on the water. Then all he tells me is "um", I tell him "what?" I turn around and he points up. As look up he looped the frog over a power line that was over 25 ft from the ground!! Long story short I got my frog back. We still laugh about it til this day... lol!!

Now that right there takes some skill. I've seen those power lines...those are even higher than the one I got wrapped around. I mean good lord! What was he trying to do?
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Capt. BassinLou on February 16, 2016, 01:58:01 PM
Quote from: rickdelprado on February 16, 2016, 01:56:17 PM
Now that right there takes some skill. I've seen those power lines...those are even higher than the one I got wrapped around. I mean good lord! What was he trying to do?
It was freakin hilarious!! All I could do was shake my head at him. He is not a proficient fisherman, and the cast reaaaally got away from him. Lmao!!
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on February 16, 2016, 01:58:45 PM
Quote from: Bassinlou on February 16, 2016, 01:58:01 PM
It was freakin hilarious!! All I could is shake my head at him. He is not a proficient fisherman, and the cast reaaaally got away from him. Lmao!!

Yeah I know that feeling...
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: islipuponya on March 02, 2016, 03:26:37 PM
Quote from: Smallie_Stalker on February 15, 2016, 03:12:57 PM
Take that bait monkey................. ~die~

Thats me of late, Think I've caught more trees and limbs past year than fish :bang
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: SFL BassHunter on April 16, 2016, 07:32:30 AM
See guys this is how it's done you stand near a tree and cast. You want the wind to be blowing towards the tree! Lucky for me I just grazed it.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160416/30e9b585a23137561bf287b85f760066.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160416/bcb4dffd06a0b57d618036c3c1eb336e.jpg)
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: LgMouthGambler on April 16, 2016, 08:07:33 AM
I caught one yesterday thanks to the wind.  ~c~
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Lipripper on April 16, 2016, 11:42:36 AM
Quote from: LgMouthGambler on April 16, 2016, 08:07:33 AM
I caught one yesterday thanks to the wind.  ~c~
Did you CPR it. lo lo
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Bama77 on June 12, 2016, 09:51:09 PM
Lmao.. I did the bank technique today. I had perfect form, my lure had no arc to it. It went straight up about 30 foot into a tree. Then I come here and read this. I was rolling and my wife asked me what was so funny, I couldn't hardly get the post out lol.. Glad to know I am not the only Tree Master on the forums lmao.
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Oldfart9999 on June 13, 2016, 08:44:02 AM
Quote from: Bama77 on June 12, 2016, 09:51:09 PM
Lmao.. I did the bank technique today. I had perfect form, my lure had no arc to it. It went straight up about 30 foot into a tree. Then I come here and read this. I was rolling and my wife asked me what was so funny, I couldn't hardly get the post out lol.. Glad to know I am not the only Tree Master on the forums lmao.
If you aint caught a tree or a dock or a fence or a boat  or a person or a breakwall or your buddy in the back/front of the boat or all of the above you aint gone fishing. ~roflmao
Rodney
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Pferox on June 14, 2016, 09:40:49 AM
My PB is catching a Tractor Trailer while fishing the Sunshine Skyway, I was trying to pitch it to the middle piling, and for some reason the bait decided it wanted to go OVER the road instead of under it.  Got spooled clean, 300 yards of line easy.  Wonder what that trucker thought when he found that rig and line hanging off of his truck.
Title: Re: Hottest Tips on How to catch BIG TREES!
Post by: Smallie_Stalker on June 14, 2016, 04:54:19 PM
Quote from: Pferox on June 14, 2016, 09:40:49 AM
My PB is catching a Tractor Trailer while fishing the Sunshine Skyway, I was trying to pitch it to the middle piling, and for some reason the bait decided it wanted to go OVER the road instead of under it.  Got spooled clean, 300 yards of line easy.  Wonder what that trucker thought when he found that rig and line hanging off of his truck.

Not really an errant cast but mine was a jet skier on one of my early saltwater trips about 15 years ago. We were fishing off a railroad bridge near the Cape Cod Canal. My line was out there and there was no way the guy on the jet ski didn't see the 40 lb. Hi-Vis line. He came from under the bridge, drove right into my line and kept going around a bend and out of sight.  I was hoping it wrapped around his neck.  >:D

I opened the bail and he almost spooled me. Was just getting ready to cut the line when it went limp. I thought he must have cut it or it broke off. I closed the bail, kept tension on the line and reeled. I got the everything back but the hook and chunk of mackerel that was on it. Never did see the jet ski come back the other way though. I know it sounds cruel but to this day I still hope the reason he never came back our way was because that hook buried itself somewhere deep in that jet skier and he had to go to the E.R.   ~shade