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Yesterdays tournament didn't go quite as planned. It was on the very southern end of Champlain and the fishing was tough. Finished in 4th place again. We needed a good kicker fish and we would have had a very good chance at winning. I have fished three tournaments this year and finished in 4th place in all three of them. At least I am consistent I guess.

My wife & I got to spend a most excellent day together on the water yesterday. Lynn’s favorite lake is closed to fishing all but 8 weeks a year. We usually go to the opener, which was Sunday, but it was blowing 25 so we waited a day. As a sanctuary for loons & eagles, this water is artificial baits, paddle boats only (no electric either) and is strictly C & R. The somewhat secluded local and no ramp at all, requires a bit of a portage to get in and out but that’s half the fun and keeps many of the less than committed humans from making the trek in. The lakes healthy population of bass and pike go largely unmolested as most anglers who venture in do so with one man inflatables to fly fish for the waters abundant and over-sized bluegill population. We got a fairly early start into what started out as and continued to be a warm sunny day. It’s always fun setting out on the water for the first time each season knowing the place sees so little angling pressure. Despite the late spring, the lakes dense weed growth had still bloomed nicely and we selected our baits accordingly. Swim jigs, frogs & spinner baits took fish but the star of the day was a very light (3/16) skirted Texas rigged craw. The light weight kept the bait from burying in the weedy bottom and provided the fish ample opportunity to get on the bait; and the post spawn chow down was on. Many a long lean bass (and a few pike) came to the canoe and we were having a good old time. After sore lipping way more than our share of fish and burning through at least 3 bags of Chigger & Rage craws, it was time to pack our way out and call it a day. The big smiles told the story. A-Jay

There are several types of weedlines, but the two major forms are the Outer Weedline (deep weedline) and the Inner Weedline (shallow weedline). An inner weedline is not always present, but where it exists it's typically the result of competition from shallow shoreline vegetation. For instance, a broad cabbage bed may form an inner weedline at a depth of about 4 ft, after which it becomes overwhelmed by a variety of shoreline grasses (littoral plants). The 'outer weedline' is a bit more complex, where the depth of the weedline depends primarily on Plant Species and secondarily on Water Clarity. For instance, bulrushes may form a deep weed-edge at the 4-foot contour line, while cabbage (in the same waterbody) may form an outer weedline in 12 ft of water. 'Water clarity' governs the maximum depth of photosynthesis and therefore the maximum depth of all plant life. For example, hydrilla in a murky lake might stop growing at a depth of only 6 feet, but in gin-clear water hydrilla might form a weedline that's 18 ft deep. Third in importance is 'nutrition' (soil nutrients & water nutrients), where low fertility can suppress the weedline depth regardless of the water clarity, but again, nutrition is tertiary. The inner weedline is usually more important during the spawning season (staging cows may also be found on the deep weedline) The outer weedline is generally more important during the rest of the year (barring an oxygen-debit in summer). Generally speaking, the steeper the bottom gradient the more defined the weedline, where an abrupt drop-off tends to produce a wall-of-weeds. In contrast, a sloping bottom produces a more ragged weedline with more weed clumps and patchy growth, but this is normally a preferable situation as it provides more weedline lineage and hidey-holes. Roger

This commercial never gets old to me. I could watch it all day and night. It is still as funny now as when I first saw it.

Fishing buddies pair.

1//16 jig head with a 2" white grub. He'll catch anything that swims and it won't be too hard for him to fish.

Amputation

Once it gets hot out and the water gets warm, I start fishing the night shift. Much more comfortable, much less pressure, and the bass are much more willing to cooperate.

For me, a prime weedline would be one situated on a drop off. Often, on natural lakes, this is a common occurance as the weeds will only grow to the depth of light penetration and a quick drop in depth results in the edge where the weeds end. Another common reason for an edge is a change in bottom composition. The weeds need a certain type of bottom to grow and an edge is created where that ends, this is often the reason for inside weedlines.The third type of weedline is one that is overlooked and that is where one type of weed ends and another begins. During the summer, I prefer a deep water edge. The availability of deeper water along with the ease of parallel casting along the edge allows me to cover water quickly and it has great fish holding potential. Another plus is the fact that one section of the line can give up multiple fish. My second choice would be a weedline formed because of a change in bottom composition. These are rarely straight weedlines and more often than not contain many points and pockets. These are the high percentage points and although it takes more time and effort to cover a long weedline like this, your chances of contacting fish are much higher than a long, featureless edge. The only downside is the fish here tend to be loners and your approach is more perpendicular to the edge making boat positioning a little more difficult. Rarely will you pick up more than one fish from a pocket or point of weeds unless it is fairly large. The last type of edge I mentioned is one many overlook for an obvious reason, it's difficult to present most lures to this area. Junk fishing is a term that's often associated with this type of edge and it requires stout gear, determination and hard work. It's also not a very good time management approach. As for lures/presentations, the type of edge will dictate what shouldn't be used. A crank is a poor choice for all but a straigter edge, but a jig or worm isn't a bad choice for a straighter edge either. The other edge I often forget and many rarely consider is the top edge of the weeds. Submergent weeds can be fished with any number of baits depending on the depth they top out at. This is a great edge for a topwater approach and my favorite for weightless worms under cold front conditions.

Had about 1/2 hour to spare so i stopped at this little pond next to the liquor store where they are doing all the construction around the toll booth area between manchester headed to concord. Dragged the kayak down the dirt thru the trees and into the water. Only had about 1/2 hour. i found this tree , then found this tanker. did not get a good measure and did not weigh it.

Got a quickie in after work this evening and it's just what I needed. It's been a while sense I had a tug on the line. 2 good ones from this eve.

I'm not sure why there's so much venom directed toward the guys that just want the truth. Telling a story is one thing, and I love the embellishment. But doctoring a photo or deliberately misleading someone bugs some people. They don't hate the liars, it just bugs them. But the guys that are dead set against the truth seems a little weird to me. Maybe I'm misunderstanding things. I'm a cut and dry guy. Btw, the largemouth in my avatar went 3.79 lbs on the KTBA's certified scale. I fished with Tim Kelly that day, and he thought it was at least 5. Even the best have a hard knowing. That's why they carry a scale, I suppose.

For enthusiasts, technique specific gear is fun to collect. However, three rigs cover all the basics: #1 6 1/2' or 7' MH baitcaster for jigs, some soft plastics and spinnerbaits #2 6 1/2' or 7' MM baitcaster for treble hook lures #3 7' MF spinning rod for lighter lures and a variety of techniques

Sounds like school's out, and some bored kid(s) are messing with you. Get a deer camera, set it up, and see who it is.

My son is the same age and has used artificials for 3 years now. One thing I've noticed is that he has a much easier time when we're in the boat or kayaks vs the bank due to the algae and miscellaneous debris at the waters edge. He does quite well with simple chunk and wind lures, predominately square bills, broken back rapalas, and this year the jitterbug. Heres a broken back rapala catch from last summer.

That is correct. Here are the two species I am aware of, not sure if there are more. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_shad http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hickory_shad

There's nothing wrong with the G series, for a first baitcasters it would be a great choice, especially if you are on a budget. Bps has them for 99$.

Strike king bitsy minnow. You can find them at wal mart. Its a tiny crankbait that catches everything and its really easy to fish. I caught a fish on my very first cast with it. It catches primarily pan fish but bass will bite it too. Great first time lure

Ribbon tail worms maybe? I know you said no trebles but when your comfortable with letting him use one try inline spinners... He'll still catch panfish but also some bass.

There is no question that Roger knows his weed.

They are sweet aren't they, who woulda thunk it?? Try a Tournament Pro for lighter lures and jig's and rigg'n, or if you really want WOW,,,try the sweet little Team Gold!!! They are unbelievably smoooooth sweet reels! Backed by the best customer service going at the present time!! 2 1/2 years ago they got my attention and proved to me they are as good as any reel maker going rite now!!

Reading about this fine day makes me smile. Thanks.

I did use a scale yesterday, I didn't like what it said, I either need to recalibrate it or go on a diet.

1/0 Gamakatsu wide gap finesse hook, problem solved

That's one reason their rods cost what they do. Nothing is free.

Add more hot sauce for your poop flavored bass.

Hopefully with the extra line capacity they will make a cranking reel. IN LEFT HAND!!!!!!!!

If the music that's playing is rap, there's a good chance that all the fish have killed themselves. I know I want to every time I hear that bs.

A spro popping frog pair.

I fished a pond today that is absolutely covered in small lily pads. I wasn't expecting pads so I had to frog fish with 12lb mono on a medium action rod. The only frog I had with me was a booyah pad crasher jr... I was literally catching fish every other cast, and most of them were between 2 and 3 pounds! After about 5 or 6 fish, I broke off the frog on what was probably a really nice fish, but I'll never know (that's what I get for frogging with 12lb test!). After that I had to improvise, so I rigged up a pit boss with no weight, and fished it like I did with the frog. The fish didn't mind, and continued clobbering the bait, many of them going completely airborne when they hit it, it sure was nerve racking watching that big wake being pushed up behind the bait before they blew up. I had to wade out in the pond since the bank was overgrown, and many of the bass would follow the bait in and eat it inches off the rod tip right in front of me! I had one fish that was probably 4-5lbs come unhooked when he surged down in a big wad of pads, so that was two good ones that I lost. I feel like I burned it up pretty bad today, so I'll probably let it rest for a week or so, and go back with proper tackle, hopefully I can land some nicer fish.

help me out! bank fishing right now need 3 rods to use. power,action,ect.

Well you caught me lol because I can't figure out how to shrink the pics from my phone

I question your sample size. There have been a lot of canoes purchased and fished from the last 50+ years that are still in use today. oe

734 is your rod.

I have a different take. I've fished for hours in my canoe. Yes, it gets blown around easily (that's why I use a drag chain), but I never had a desire for a kayak. I have a pretty fair amount of stuff with me that's all laid out in front of me for immediate access. I realize that a lot more people fish from kayaks than canoes, but I guess they're not for everyone. P.S. I might add than in a moderate wind a lily pad bed or algae mat can act as an "anchor."

Holy crap thats awsome , I watching this in the grocery store . Had like 4 people give me the double take and start giggling.

Waterbodies are continually bombarded nonstop by feces from fish, frogs, snakes, shorebirds, wading birds, raccoons, mink, otter, beaver, muskrat, bear, alligators ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ When I see a dairy farm in the backdrop of a farm pond, I regard that as a source of nutrition for both the pond and fish. Far more dangerous than cattle are the chemicals applied to crops and fecal coliform from human waste. Our respective state departments do an excellent job of giving us a heads-up regarding contaminated waters and land areas. I've never known the culprit to be cattle, which is generally some chemical or toxic metal For example: Mercury in the Florida Everglades <> Copper in Michigan's Keweenaw Waterway Roger

Caught a spincast rod right in the tip with a jig head once, fishing under a dock. Put it on the dock and the next day there was a thank-you note pinned to the dock. Piranha out of a city park. Those have to be my top 2.

smoke a phattie about 30 minutes before bedtime lol :X

Haha... I've done the same many times.. BH - it's getting to the stage where the jig bite is coming on strong.. from the bank, long cast and drag the bottom. Bites are hard to feel so keep close attention. C-rigs as well.

I have seen far too many Strike King jigs with blunt tipped hooks right out of the package to ever consider using one. Stick with Siebert Outdoors jigs and you'll be much happier and catch more fish.

Im new to bass, but I've been river fishing for cats for a long time. Current is a big factor. I like to look for areas where fast water meets slow water - predators will often sit in slower current and wait for food to get washed by in the faster current. Wing dams, bridge pilings, and areas where creeks flow into the main channel are features I look for. If the river is high enough, I also like to check out areas of backwater and flooded timber. They can turn into a buffet for fish, when they're actively feeding.

Screw that. Nope. Seeing as its not supernatural so to speak. Get on some camo and get on the roof. Bring a large caliber rifle. (You ain't hunting deer) throw a couple Slim Jim's out and wait. Once the Sasquatch pops out put a round through its vitals. Problem solved. Mount the thing and put a Slim Jim in its hand. Wa Lah now you have a new decoration. But Raider, a large caliber rifle won't be large enough. You might say. A .338 Lapua Magnum or a .50BMG kills EVERYTHING that walks on two or four legs. Even if its wearing armor. Hell, I'll drive over there and pop the dang thing for ya, if you let me keep it. Would make a lovely conversation piece by my fire place.

Large female pond bass will crate their own "milk run" and usually follow it over and over again every day. Many large pond females will hang out in the deeper water and then head to the shallows to feed once or twice a day. Some will stick to the shore to enjoy the warmer water on a sunny bank. Your objective is to find these large females when they hit the shallows to feed or sun themselves. If you have an type of watercraft (raft, kayak, skiff) you can head to the deepest part of the pond and throw your baits. Also plan to be at the pond a half hour before sunrise or stay a little after sunset. This is when the big ones will move around to feed. Bring extra baits with you and throw into the structure with the understanding that you will lose some baits and tackle. Let us know how you do.

Which rod doesn't have a hook holder? I prefer rods not having them anymore anyway. A Fuji holder is cheap and more functional.

Sometimes it depends on which type trout. Rainbows love powerbait. Browns love spinners and small shiners. And brook trout love worms. Just a basic starting point IMO.

I was striper fishing at the locks one day and i was using a drop shot and i got hung up. Well i was pullin and my buddy asked "hey what you got?" And i said the plug. Well it came loose and i still had something and when i pulled it in i swear i had a bathroom sink plug on my line, i had it hooked in the ring perfectly. Wouldnt have believed it if it had not happened to me..

I watched this pig T bone my S waver last summer. I've caught catfish on everything imaginable, including buzzbaits, hollow body frog, jerkbaits, cranks, traps, every kind of plastic and jigs, even flyfishing. By far my most memorable would be one I caught with my dad last year fishing for walleye with a Gulp minnow on a jighead. It wasn't the bait it ate, it was the coloration of the fish. It's actually a blue cat, even though it would be tough to tell in the picture. This one on a jig is a close second. Hopping a jigging spoon, they aren't even supposed to be where I was at! This little gal slammed my A rig I was heaving on Beaver Lake last spring. A dinosaur that slammed a 6" Mattlures trout, really thought I had a state record largemouth until it jumped. A Milford Lake, KS Goldeye. They look like a little tarpon with teeth!

Almost forgot snagged a hooded meganser under the water on a rattle trap

Shimano- Built in proprietary factories and production lines wholly owned by Shimano one facility in Malaysia and one in Japan Pinnacle- Owned by Silstar, built by Dawon, Doyo, Kaito, or one of a couple other Chinese Manufacturers Abu Garcia- Pure Fishing can be built by Dawon, Doyo, or Kaito on the upper end reels. Lower and mid range reels are generally of "farmed" Chinese origin; IE: They can be built at any one of the Chinese factories in lots, there is no guarantee which factory they are coming from, generally. Lews- Generally built by Doyo and Dawon, with lower end reels being made at either Korean, Sri Lankan, or Chinese facilities. Pflueger Pure Fishing can be built by Dawon, Doyo, or Kaito on the upper end reels. Lower and mid range reels are generally of "farmed" Chinese origin; IE: They can be built at any one of the Chinese factories in lots, there is no guarantee which factory they are coming from, generally. BPS- BPS Reels are built much the same as Pure Fishing, and Lews- The caveat being that they are the owners of the tooling. In other cases, the bid goes to the mfr to include tooling. Cabela's- Can be made in any number of facilities, from Daiwa's own to Dawon and Doyo. As well, they can be of Chinese origin. Quantum- Mostly made in Chinese facility that shares manufacture of Zebco reels as well. Some are made in a Korean facility, it is unclear of whose facility it actually is. Some say that it is wholly owned by quantum, while Zebco/Quantum deny that is the case. Diawa Have facilities for OEM mfr in both Japan and Korea. A small Malay facility as well. Penn- See Pure Fishing- Some Penn Reels are still made in the USA, some are made in China and Korea Zebco- see Quantum Rods- generally are made in any number of facilities in China or Korea. With few exceptions on the higher end rods. How do you know the parts aren't the same? 99.8% of the Chinese reels will be similar, however, the parts will be stamped rather than machined, lower quality metals are used, and lower quality components. Quantum is notorious for this, as is Pure Fishing.