George Welcome

Michigan's big fish isn't all that small: LARGEMOUTH BASS Oscoda Alcona Dam Pond 1959 current 11.94 26.00 Jack Rorex LARGEMOUTH BASS Kent Big Pine Island Lake 1934 current 11.94 27.00 William J. Maloney However, just like with some of the states there seems to be some confusion over who holds the title. Looks to me like Mr. Maloney does. Each state can be different in their requirements so you would be best to ask your DNR: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10364---,00.html

The fish have to be in the lake in order to catch them. You have to be on the lake in order to catch them. Two obvious statememts, but so often ignored. Consistent catchers fish often, and fish where the fish are. Tha name of this game is fishing - catching is a by-product of what we all start out to do. As for catching large numbers of fish: there are an abundance of lakes that produce numbers, but they generally produce them to the same fishermen over and over. Simply put, because they fish and fullfill the first two lines of this post.

Chug Bug's definition hit the nail on the head. How do you know when you are there? - you get bit. It's that simple. Now that doesn't go into explaining how you figure what could be the best potential strike zones.

Why is the DNR in Wisconsin doing such a study to begin with? The reality is: the fish caught are legal fish. It is the tournament operator's decision to release the fish alive when possible, not the DNR's. As far as the DNR is truly involved, each fisherman could take his fish home and eat them. So I ask again: Why is the DNR in Wisconsin doing such a study to begin with? Think about that for a bit!

Major contradictions on numbers, information supplied by Wisconsin DNR, and more.......................... LA CROSSE, Wis. (July 26, 2006) - FLW Outdoors, operating according to its philosophy of leaving a fishery in better shape than it was found, has announce an offer to help fund largemouth bass virus educational material for use by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources following reports of 582 bass found dead following a study conducted by the DNR during a Stren Series tournament on the Mississippi River July 12-15. "We are an organization dedicated to providing communities that host our tournaments with significant economic benefits without ever causing the slightest bit of harm to our natural resources," said Charlie Evans, president and CEO of FLW Outdoors. "Healthy fisheries are the lifeblood of our sport, and it causes us grave concern to have bass, in any quantity, turn up dead following one of our events." While FLW Outdoors and its tournament anglers work diligently to curtail stress on bass by minimizing handling and using additives such as Rejuvenade and ice in well-aerated livewells and holding tanks, the fish caught during the July 12-15 tournament were subjected to the elevated stress and handling of having holes punched in their tails by DNR representatives conducting a study on mortality rates in bass-fishing tournaments. According to a DNR official, most of the 3,061 bass released during the tournament had their tails perforated using a paper punch. A procedure, DNR officials say, that is common and benign. "We are not saying that the added handing by DNR officials or that the tail perforation caused the bass to die, but it would be naive to discount these actions as contributing factors," Evans said. "What we've learned the last two years, if anything, is that we still have a lot to learn about how to conduct these studies. At some point in the process there is a tipping point - a point of no return - where fish will not survive. Unfortunately, we've reached that tipping point with the handling of bass during the Wisconsin studies. The fact is, we conduct more tournaments nationwide than any other organization, and we simply don't see fish dying off like this when released. Yet in Wisconsin, something terribly wrong has happened each of the past two years." During a 2005 study held in conjunction with a Stren Series tournament held on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, the Wisconsin DNR reported an 86.8 percent mortality rate among largemouth bass held as a control group. This rate exceeded the mortality rate the department reported for tournament-caught largemouth bass by more than 11 percent. Both the 2005 study, which found a majority of the dead bass infected with the largemouth bass virus, and this year's study were mandated by a 2003 Wisconsin law calling for an assessment of the economic, sociological and biological impacts of catch-and-release programs in bass tournaments. Final results from the assessment, which will reportedly include studies from numerous tournaments statewide, are expected in August. "Given the wide disparity in results gathered in La Crosse from year to year, it is clear that further study is required to make an accurate determination as to the effects of catch-and-release tournaments in this stretch of the Mississippi River," Evans said. The Wisconsin studies are not the first studies aimed at accessing the success of catch-and-release tournament programs. FLW Outdoors has also recently worked with the Arizona Game and Fish Department on a study that showed an extremely low 1.3 percent mortality. The study attributed this low mortality rate, in-part, to stringent FLW Outdoors tournament regulations for holding and transporting fish and the skill of tournament operators in handling fish. In Wisconsin, however, the bass were subjected to additional handling by the Wisconsin DNR. The release locations in the Black River were also dictated by the DNR despite concerns expressed by FLW Outdoors officials who had proposed releasing the fish into the deeper, oxygen rich waters of the Mississippi River. No dissolved oxygen levels in the Black River were recorded by the Wisconsin DNR. It's important to note that, according to David Hobbs of the Wisconsin DNR, not all of the fish found dead in the Black River had holes punched in their tails. If non-tournament bass died as well, it could be an indication of poor water conditions in at least a portion of the release site. "The bottom line is that there is a great deal more to learn about this subject and refinements that need to be made in how we go about collecting data," Evans said. "As we move forward, all parties must be diligent in protecting our fisheries, and FLW Outdoors intends to do just that by continually evaluating and enhancing our industry-leading conservation practices." As a separate part of the study, Wisconsin DNR officials held bass in three 12- by 12-foot pens tied to an inactive fuel dock in the Black River downstream from the release site. One pen held 100 control bass (53 largemouths and 47 smallmouths) that were collected by electrofishing prior to the tournament. Of those fish, 13 percent of the largemouths died and 6 percent of the smallmouths died for an overall mortality of 10 percent. A total of 212 bass (180 largemouths and 32 smallmouths) collected on days one and two of the tournament were divided equally in the other two pens. Of those fish, 27 percent of the largemouths and 37 percent of the smallmouths died for an overall mortality of 28 percent. The difference between the two groups, control and experimental, indicates an overall mortality of 18 percent. All of the fish were held in their respective pens, without food, for five days, and none of the fish in the pens had their tails perforated. Dissolved oxygen levels in the area of the holding pens were reported by the DNR at 6 to 12 parts per million. Five parts per million is generally accepted as adequate to maintain a bass. While pens like those used by the Wisconsin DNR are commonly used in studies of this nature, some debate exists among biologists as to how many bass should be held in a pen. One hundred bass per 12- by 12-foot pen is pushing the upper limits, particularly in hot-weather conditions, while 30 to 40 bass is considered closer to the ideal number. In 2000, FLW Outdoors announced its partnership with the FishAmerica Foundation, the conservation arm of the American Sportfishing Association. Since then, FLW Outdoors has directly donated more than $285,000 and helped to generate more than $1.7 million for local conservation projects. This year alone, FLW Outdoors has contributed more than $5,000 for FishAmerica Foundation conservation projects at each of its FLW Tour events and has committed to donating an additional $14,000 on behalf of the National Guard and leading FLW Tour pros before the end of the year. Additionally, Energizer will make a $25,000 donation to the Children's Miracle Network during the FLW Tour Championship in Birmingham, Ala., Aug. 2-5 in honor of the tour maintaining a live-release rate in excess of 98 percent this season. In fact, the tour's live release rate has never fallen below 98 percent. FLW Outdoors pros are proud to visit local schools during FLW Tour stops, meeting with children and spreading positive messages on the importance of education, conservation and the need to protect our environment. FLW Outdoors also promotes fishing skills and conservation through sponsorship of a "Master Angler" patch program for the Boy Scouts of America.

When Ben Franklin flew his kite he only theorized the properties of lightening. Today we know the properties of lightening.

Catch and release paper tournaments are very practical for clubs, however for those tournaments that are a business, they need the draw of the weighin to support their format. Tournaments are all about money, and ironically, not money for the participants, but money for the organizers. As long as the cash flow is strong the organizers will keep organizing.

I agree that it is a tough situation when we have a fish kill for any reason. However, without making an assumption, it is difficult to give complete credence to the report. One would have to assume that the media was factual, (By DAN SIMMONS | La Crosse Tribune) and that nothing was taken or reported out of context. This could be a text book first for the Media. I found it interesting that when I did a bit of research that there are no DNR biologists with the name of David Hobbs working for the state of Wisconsin, or at least they aren't claiming him. Further, even though the Wisconsin DNR has a news page available to the public they have nothing on this event. Thus, I have to assume that I shouldn't get all worked up over this unless I can come up with some biologically sound and validated reasons for this occurence. Jim, your statements of "fact" are in fact quantum leap assumptions. I agree with your ferverant desire to improve on current systems, but I don't agree with your assessment of this incidence. .

If the trolling motor came with a 30 amp inline fuse than you need to use a 30 amp fuse, whether you stay with the inline or go to a circuit breaker. None of the trolling motors are designed to run on high speed for a sustained period of time. I would suggest you have the motor looked at to have the draw checked. A fire on a boat is a very nasty occurence.

You all need to re-read the post by Hobbs. You focused on the opening paragraph it seems and forgot to read on: "Stellner said the DNR's methods of conducting the study may have led to higher mortality rates. The agency put about 100 fish a day in 8-by-8-foot holding pens near Northern States Power Co. on the Black River. An equal number of tournament-caught fish and fish the agency culled from the wild using electroshocking were kept there for a side-by-side comparison. The pens didn't have proper current flow, which may lead to warmer water temperatures and poor oxygenation, Stellner said. In addition, the fish were held there for up to five days, another possible source of stress, he said. But Hobbs, while confirming Stellner's account of the holding pens, said the electroshocked fish were not among those he collected because they did not have a clipped fin. Longtime bass fisherman Bob Wateski, 59, said the die-off probably represents a typical summer kill due to low river flow and the recent higher-than-normal temperatures. It's tragic that it happened, he said, but we need to learn from it. We can't point fingers.

Just the air mass moving - wind pattern

JB, You are looking for a definitive answer when there is in fact none to give. The c-rig is an excellent bait to try as long as bottom conditions allow its use. There will be times that the weed is too dense, the wood is too thick, or the rocks too many to use this rig, but in all other situations it's a good rig to try. The weather, cloud coverage, temperatures, and time of year play no part in what you call conditions to use this bait..... One of the hardest things to accept is that this is a critter that lives by no rules whatsoever. Give this a try when you are of a mind to, and you just might find that the bass are of the same mind. There is almost always one situation and location that this is a go to bait: moving water!

One of the laws of physics is: for every action there is a reaction. A c-rig is comprised of a weight, a swivel or stopper, x-length of leader, and your hook. As you move the weight, (it is the weight that you are moving), it will encounter resistance. When it releases from that resistance, (the action), there has to be a reaction. Since the weight is tied directly to your bait, and since your bait is following the path of least resistance, the energy from the action is transferred to the bait. This energy is released by your bait moving in some direction. Since the weight, (due to its weight), is anchored, the bait can potentially move whatever the length of the leader is. In other words, the bait is going to operate within the parabola that is formed by the rig. If you can envision this you will understand that with a two foot leader you are potentially fishing a four foot swath. The more times your weight encounters resistance the more active the bait is going to be. Understanding this should lead you to understand that your best play is a relatively slow movement of the bait that is almost continuous. There is a key to this movement. In order to not counteract what is going on, the rod is the better tool to move the bait. If you use the rod, some of the energy will be transferred to the rod from the weights encounter with resistance. The rod will react and produce energy that will be tranferred in the other direction back to the bait causing even more activity with the bait. If you use your reel to move the bait, this second tranferrance of energy cannot occur as the reel has no give and can only absorb the energy. It's all a bit scientific, but when you are fishing with a c-rig you have science in action in your hands. To move the weight, simply move the rod either to your right or left. Considering the weights location as 12:00, move the rod to either the 2:00, or 10:00. Move the rod back to the 12:00 while picking up the slack, (it's important here to pick up the slack as you move the rod), and repeat. You should at all times maintain contact with the weight - during the drag, and during the return to 12:00. By using a lesser drag you will be able to set the hook on any pickup without moving the rod back. In other words, you will be able to set the hook by continuing in the direction of the drag. If you use a long drag then you will need to reel down, as you will have no room left to set the hook. Slooooow is another important point as you don't want to override reaction with your pull. It is because of the physics of this rig, that the c-rig is such a fantastic tool. You cover more water, giving you more exposure to a bite. This is the nuts and bolts of an article written by me some time ago.

The absolute last place to go is near a tree of any size!!!!!!!!

25 feet is pretty much the limit for hydrilla stem growth. It is an extemely invasive species that can turn a lake into a non-navigable, (golf course looking) mess. It grows rapidly in shallow, heavily nutrient enriched, clear water. It definitely needs to get sunlight to its seed for it to take off, but once it does there is no stopping it without considerable expense.

I have to speak up after reading this thread: Why do some want to cast aspersions and argue - are you who are questioning, able to provide this young fellow with some form of sponsorship? If not, why are you responding at all? I think his initial post said "Dear potential sponsor", not dear potential critic. As for donated baits and such: it is common practice for companies to donate to tournaments, club functions, etc. That does not make them a sponsor, but a 1 time donator to a specific situation. All I saw was a thank-you for the donations, not some attempt to depict them as a sponsor for the young man's personal use.

Split handled spinning or baitcasting rods: http://www.imaginationbassin.com/gblanks.htm

Hate to do it but: Ospreys will out fish, out fly, and out maneuver an Eagle 10-1. It is the rare eagle that gets to keep his fish if Ospreys are in the area. It's interesting to watch this big strong bird sitting in a tree plaintively calling for its mate as the osprey have it pinned and won't let it fly away. Even more interesting is to watch black birds gang up on an Osprey and these highly maneuverable little guys win many times. The Osprey lives for stealing, including from each other. I get to watch this a hundred times a day.

You have had some excellent advice. If you wait until the storm is near you, you may not get to use that advice. Based on studies done down here in the lightening capitol of the world, you can be hit by lightening 20 miles away from the storm, before the storm or after the storm. It's easier to leave and come back than it is to study the root structure of this earth while laying on your back.

I am almost certain you can't repair it yourself unless you own a machine shop and know what your are doing. It will cost less to fix than get a new one, and in either case I doubt that it would cost more than an insurance deductible.

For you that gave a helpful answer, thank you. For you playing board policeman - find something else to do. If the owner of this page doesn't like something, I have yet to see him bashful. Many of the other sites have the same posters. There isn't many here that I haven't seen elsewhere. It would have been nice if you said who you were, and where you were from. This way you might have gotten more help as there are boards out there that are pretty state specific.

Read about prop precession and you will understand this phenomenon. Simple put: an increase in angle of attack, (the bow rising changing the thrust line of the prop) increases the lift on the down side of the prop) causing the yaw to the left. Hydraulic steering does reduce the right pressure needed to hold the boat in a straight line but it will not stop it completely. The simple solution: don't come off plane so quickly, or anticipate and apply right steering pressure. Depending on the motor and prop you have you may or may not have a sacrificial tab. Adjusting this to a bit of right thrust will also dampen the precession effect, but it will not eradicate completely. Perhaps in your case this tab has moved a bit. To adjust it look at it as if it is a small rudder and move the trailering edge slight to the right. Test and readjust to your satisfication.

Most of the batteries out there are made by Johnson Controls with different labels - Sears, Wally-Mart, Discount Auto, etc. Irregardless of the source they will last you past the warranty in most cases. Using them as frequently as I do, I have found that the source doesn't matter as much as the maintenance. Group 27 is going to give you the best results and doesn't weigh all that much. There is about a 5 pound difference between a group 24 and a group 27. If you have the space and physical ability then two in parallel is obviously better than one.

If you make your goal the fish you catch, you will burn out on fishing. The fish you do catch should be a bonus to the outdoor experiences that you are having. Unless the lake you are fishing only has stunted bass you should be able to find bigger bass mixed in. Change up on the offerings.

Chris, Tim Price Minn Kota 555 Main Street, Suite 230 Racine, WI 53403-1035 Info for guide program or adjusted to Pro program A copy of your resume A picture of yourself A list of the other companies that you are working for A copy of your guide license (if applicable) An estimate of the amount of time you have available for working at promotions