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Not enough

We have many young guys and gals plus those new to bass fishing joining the Forum every day. We must continue to answer their queries even if they have been asked previously. Your thread reminds me of a story about Cal Ripkin. He was playing in a game after the playoff contenders were announced and he was playing hard in a game that did not matter in the standings. When asked why he was playing so hard in a meaningless game, Cal replied "In the stands there are people that came to see me play for the first time and I want them to see me play my best." So when we get a repeat question just remember that there are those new to our sport that are looking for an answer so they can learn and grow from the best guys in bass fishing on the Internet.

Hi Guys I have had some bad luck with my old trusty Private Farm lakes, but I recently got access to another Farm and Bingo!!! Well Maintained and Well looked after Private lake!! Got the following two beauties and many other decent sized fish, population is healthy in this lake!!

The full run down is in the "Show your ride" sticky at the top of the page

The big motor is never fired up unless my passenger(s) and I are wearing our PFDs and my kill lanyard is attached to my PFD.

How can you read more if others post less?

Nor should it stop the questions. Sometimes active threads can venture off into areas we didn't think about initially, allowing us to make connections and comprehend more clearly. If everything was at our fingertips the forums would be a much less lively place.

In northeast Mass, it is snowing pretty hard and doesn't look to be slowing down until sometime early Wednesday morning. It is also quite windy so some of the drifts are pretty outrageous. Tough to say but I think we are around 18" so far.

Not Mine, but this might be the Fattest One I've Ever Seen ! A-Jay

Wow....you guys fish a lot. I am not retired, and while I wish I could say more, here are the number for the past 3 years. 2012- 52 days 2013- 53 days 2014- 41 days Jeff

It is stupid not to.

Joke PM Sent ~ A-Jay

Yea, well on msnbc rev sharp hinted if snowflakes come to NY that he would stage a protest...

Put the trolling moter up before you take off full steam ahead

I didn't develop it here, but elsewhere long ago. However it applies to all that I've been a part of. Read more. Post less. And if you happen to be well under the median age of active members of a forum, then I appreciate it all the more if you share my philosophy.

What do you wacky rig?Answer: Here are some links for you: -http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/148444-wacky-rigging-senkos/?hl=%2Bwhat+%2Bdo+%2Byou+%2Bwacky+%2Brig -http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/12401-senko-faq- look-here-first/ -http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/honest-angler/2013/01/bass-fishing-tip-use-zip-ties-wacky-rigging-senkos How do you fish jigs?Answer: Here are some links for you: -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acuWZA52bIU -http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/12403-jig-fishing-questions/ What's a great rod for around $100.00?Answer: Options below, highest rated are underlined: -*** *** Black -Abu Garcia Vendetta and Veritas -Ardent Denny Brauer Series -Bass Pro Bionic Blade, Extreme, and Carbonlite -Berkley E-Motion Performance Series -Carrot Stix Wild Wild Orange Rods -Denali Jadewood J2 Series Rods -Duckett Ghost -Falcon BuCoo -Diawa S -Diawa Lexa -Fenwick HMX and HMG -Halo Fishing Daylite Series -Kistler Pro Series -Lamiglas Excel Bass II and X-11 -Lew's David Fritts Perfect Crakn Speed Stick, Carbon IM7 Speed Stick, and Laser SL Speed Stik -Okuma EVX-A -Phenix Maxim -Powell Diesel -Quantum Team KVD, Accurist PT, and Tour Tactical -St. Croix Mojo Bass -Shimano Clarus and Compre -Wright & McGill Skeet Reese Signature Series If you had only one bait to use, what would it be?Answer: There's no right answer to this question, although many people would choose a jig or plastic worm. What's a good baitcaster around $100?Answer: Options below: (highest rated are underlined) -Abu Garcia Ambassadeur STX, Orra Winch, and Orra SX. -Ardent Apex Tournament -Bass Pro Extreme, Bionic Blade, and Pro Qualifier -Diawa Laguna and Aird -Lew's Speed Spool LFS Series, Laser MG, and Speed Spool SS1. -Okuma Cerros -Pflueger Supreme and Purist -Pinnacle Producer LTE and XT, and Optimus X. -Quantum Hellcat and Accurist -Shimano Caenan and Citica -Wright & McGill Skeet Reese Series If you could only have __ combos and __ plano boxes of stuff, what would you take?Answer: There's no right answer to this question, as everyone has a different opinion. What do you think this bass weighs?Answer: Get a scale or check out A Jay's post, http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/148880-the-official-i-dont-have-a-scale-calculator/?hl=%2Bjay+%2Bscale If you could only use one bait company, which company would you use?Answer: There's no right answer to this question, everybody likes different companies. How do u fish worms??Answer: Here are some helpful links: -http://www.bassresource.com/fish/plasticworms.html -http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/plastic_worm_fishing.html -http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/worm-fishing.html -http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/rage-tail-2012.html -http://www.bassfishingandcatching.com/plastic-worms.html How do you walk the dog?-Answer: Walking the Dog is generally accomplished by jerking your bait on slack line. Here are some links: -http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/walk-the-dog-topwater.html -http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-videos/walk-the-dog-zara-spook.html Comment and tell me if I missed any question and add your own answers .

Lol great post although I doubt it will stop the onslaught of newbie questions

Well, I haven't tried enough brands to develop any loyalty, so I'm probably very wrong. That's just what it seems like to me.

it was the locker room attendant with that 90 second bathroom break!!!!!

It appears that media believes that their reporting of a weather event is what makes it historic. It's really not. A-Jay

I'd like to witness an 80 yd cast with traditional bass baits & tackle... oe

Goto "Best Of" BassResource.com Seasonal Tactics Early prespawn techniques That is one of many on BassResource

Admittedly I'm not saying that I can predict the weather and I do depend on a forecast to at the very least provide some idea of what to expect - and I'm good with that. It's the over the top sensationalizing of every single forecast that I choose not to participate in. This practice is just tiresome & unnecessary. It's just the weather and the reality is it's going to happen regardless of how it's reported. So why not present it in a fashion that matches the circumstances ? Semi-rant over. A-Jay

I'm not a meteorologist but I work at the Baltimore/Washington Forecast Office in Sterling, VA. I can tell you that most meteorologist and observers here agree with you. Especially working in the DC metro area these guys really have to CYOA when forecasting any severe weather. If they forecast 1-2" and someone measures 2 1/4" in their back yard they flip out, start calling governors offices and whoever else they can think of, it just rolls down hill from there. Not to mention the addition of social media where everyone and their mother is a facebook meteorologist. The following is a facebook post from someone here this morning after some of the backlash from this latest snow... This is going to make me sound like an old curmudgeon, but I am a firm believer that the plethora of weather forecast models that exist in today's world make us WORSE as meteorologists. When I started in this business, you had exactly two computer simulations (with a third that came along around that time). If they didn't agree, you did actual weather analysis to determine which one was more likely to be correct, and you went with it or went off the board out on your own. Today, this is impossible. For some weather elements, there are **40** different models (plus a plethora of individual ensemble members of some of those models) to choose from. You can't even LOOK at them all, let alone analyze them. And with that many solutions, you know what? Unlike the old days, one or more of them is probably pretty close to being right! I'm not saying we should go back to having only two solutions again. But I have a vision of how this could work better -- or actually *work* at all? Not posting it here (mostly just ranting...and disclaimer: this is a personal opinion and does not represent my employer) but I think it's time to see if I can sway an opinion or two...or just keep venting frustration on Facebook. This is a comment from another... I definitely agree that we've gotten away from the "weather analysis" part in lieu of having to sift through multiple models and ensembles (not to mention customer questions and the like). The external pressure from the high schooler down the street posting straight model graphics is hurting that, and the constant upgrades--while producing better models--make it tough to keep up with the biases and tendencies. I'd like to see more emphasis on smarter visualizations and use of data--not to mention training on how to sift through everything!!--but I'm not sure if the 'right way' has even been invented yet.

Personally, I haven't found the skipping heads to be noticeably different from a bullet/swim style head (which is what I use for pretty much all my jig fishing). The best thing you can do to help a bait skip is to increase the surface area. Using a wide-body style trailer like a Beaver or something similar is the easiest way to do that on a jig. I normally use a pork trailer, but when skipping I'll put on a Beaver...That is a change you can notice . If you want to try a skipping jig for yourself, I'd recommend the AT Skipping jig. It didn't skip any better or worse for me...But it's a quality jig that can be used normally so it wouldn't be a waste. One other thing, skipping with a baitcaster does take a fair amount of practice/skill...Early on, I was trying all different types of heads looking for something that worked better. The reality was that I just wasn't that good at it yet....I don't do it regularly so I'm still not a pro at it, but I'm good enough now to know that it wasn't the head style that was holding me back before .

Light Rage Rig = Violent Strikes

I've also been using the Eagle Claw Lil' Nasties for my mushroom style heads. I bought a 1,000 pack and have gone through about half of it with zero unusable hooks so far. I've had similar experience as smalljaw, they're a strong little hook that holds a point very well, even if you do have to bend them, and they're extremely sticky sharp. I had an aversion to their hooks for a long time because they were the bottom of the barrel hooks, cheap and not an option for anything except panfish. Since they revamped their lineup of hooks though, they've sprung to the front of the pack for my jig pouring needs. When I tried their hook with my bladed jigs, I was amazed how sharp and strong their hooks have become. With the exception of a few Owners that I buy just when I have to have the very best, I use nothing but Eagle Claws now.

It was all I could do to keep her from jumping into the back of it in the driveway yesterday when I took the cover off to take pictures. I'm sure she'll love laying on carpet instead of the rubber restaurant floor mats I had in the bottom of my old aluminum.

I don't see enough difference between a lizard and a brush hog style bait to warrant carrying both, and the brush hog wins out hands down. I do use them pond fishing in the spring fairly often though, at least until I use up the ones I have.

A whole whopping 21 days in 2014. Three spent walking on the water for bluegills/perch. Four days trolling for salmon/trout. One day dragging crawler harnesses for walleye. The rest were spent actually targeting bass. It's got to get better some day.

Thanks guys! Hopefully taking it for a short trip in the morning if I don't get stuck working OT, which it's looking like I might . This is my first real, nice bass boat and I couldn't be happier with the one I found. Still hard to believe when I look outside and see it sitting in the driveway. I ordered a pair of Garmin 93sv side imaging/down scan/mapping units for it today that will hopefully be here this week because that's one of the only places it's really lacking. Also want to get a Hot Foot installed to make running a lot easier. Other than that she is ready to roll! Any of you guys that are ever around the KC area or just feel like making a road trip to fish some really poor fishing lakes, you're more than welcome to ride along with me.

Sorry to hear that, but in the grand scheme of things, it's just a minor hiccup. You'll be back and at 'em in no time!

Reminds me of a song.

The answer is because when Ray Scott first started and devised the rules for his national B.A.S.S. events, he envisioned a competition where guys who didn't know each other were paired together in boats and competed "mano y mano," cast for cast, one lure each. Each angler was competing against all the other guys, and everyone's weight was an individual score - let the best man win. As such, there was no good way to implement trolling into the game and keep with the spirit of competition and fairness he sought. Since Ray and B.A.S.S. set the rules, most every other bass tourney organization that followed did the same. If you take note of the professional tours for other species you'll see the difference. For example, the walleye guys (PWT, AIM, etc.) were always paired as a pro and a co-angler in the same boat, and had a shared weight system (work as a team, and the weight for the boat is the weight recorded for both the pro angler and the co-angler). Makes trolling and scoring fair for both partners. Similarly, nearly all professional crappie events are "team" events, where the team (both guys) get the same weight for the day. As such, trolling is a perfectly good tactic again, fair for all. Ray set the rules for bass competition, so that's how we play the game. -T9

I worked as a tax preparer last year and I saw that happen more than once. Can make for quite an imteresting evening.

Tagging fish can be done for a number of reasons but is probably most often used as a tool that can be used to measure/monitor the health of the fishery. On initial tagging, the fish is measured for length, it might be weighed, it's tagged, and then released. On subsequent re-captures of the tagged fish the same data points are recorded and compared to previous measurements, thus providing information about the growth rate of the fish, and in turn providing a measure of the health of the fishery. For water that is actively managed, this data might lead to fishery alterations/improvements like addition of habitat/structure, aquatic vegetation alterations, addition of forage fish, improvements in cover to protect breeding forage fish, etc., etc. A coincidence that this thread was started as just yesterday I tagged my first fish. The "aquatic consultant" that manages my local lakes asked me to volunteer to tag and recapture fish over the next several years. I have an initial quota to tag 250 LMB in each of two lakes, and tag 500 LMB in a third lake. Dang, drafted to go out and catch, and hopefully periodically re-catch, 1000 bass. It's tough work, but someone has to do it... My first tagged bass:

Joke PM sent.

Bass tourneys are about finding the fish and getting them to bite. Trolling around is both boring and takes away the input of the angler in the action of the bait. Might as well just allow live bait.

That lake has a lot of structure. Immediately at ice-out, I'm starting my attack at the deep holes, of which there are 3 key areas (2 north, 1 SW, and the biggest area in the SE corner). I'm working the structure (points, breaklines, etc.) immediately adjacent to those holes, as well as the holes themselves, then slowly working shallower as the water warms. There is likely no oxygen issue at any depth unless you've had a prolonged winter (period of ice cover) with lots of snow. Even then, previous studies in mid-January show good oxygen to 50' depths. As soon as ice comes off, oxygen will return to those areas. Beginning around spawn time (Early May?), that is when the thermocline starts forming on this lake and oxygen starts becoming an issue in deeper water. From that point through the summer and into September, it's a 16' and less ballgame, give or take slightly. After Sept., the thermocline starts breaking up again and oxygen starts pushing deeper, so my tendency would be to start working deeper, also. You should really invest in a small depthfinder of some sort. Even these little portable wrist/castable gizmos they have out now will get you covered to know the basic location of the deep holes and the breaks leading into and away from them. For under $100, today's portable units will really help you out. -T9

Back in high school, we would drive from south miami to the keys all the time, hang out, get ripped, chase girls...and whatever other mayhem... One time on the way back, we got to tavernier, the car was smoking from the front, smelled burnt...we pulled over, not knowing what was going on... It was my buddies pos buick regal, which he loved dearly...We made it home, regardless, next day, I went to his house, we were looking at his car wondering what happened, his much older brother came over, after a few minutes, and several colorful words in spanish to my friend, he gets out of the car, and says, "don't leave the parking brake on" That was 30+ years ago, I still never get tired of reminding him of that.

'fox' and 'news' in the same sentence? wait i think i see one or two flakes sticking!

I'm a boat owner again! Man it was a rough season with nothing but a johnboat but I finally found the right one. Had to drive almost to Wisconsin to get it but it was worth the drive for the deal I got on it. 2012 189 Stratos VLO with a 150 Mercury Optimax Pro XS, 80lb Maxxum, dual side imaging/down imaging/mapping Garmins are in route for it. The previous owners used it less than 6 times, I put more miles on the trailer hauling it home than it had on it. More than a little pumped up about it.

No offense, but if I needed all of that to fish frogs with I would find a different one. I just open the package tie it on and they work like advertised.

Who? Bunny on "Platoon"? Well I can say, I can't think of anyone who relished in what you described.. It's a ugly, ugly business, it should be done as a last resort, with full force of might, with nothing but victory in mind. I don't think there's any joy in it.

Must not be anything where u fish,,flukes catch everything

Dynamat the inside of the reel

I've got a bunch from my grandfather hanging in a spoon rack for now. Not the presentation, nor the dust-proofing that a framed box would have, but nice, just the same. My wife has been on the lookout for a glass-top display coffee table or end-table to show them in.

At 92, I prefer to think of my grandmother as "vintage" instead of old!