Big Fish Rice

The aluminum is not slippery at all due to the bedliner material that we used (Herculiner). It does get warm, but I'm never barefoot. With a project like this, more compartments would be nice, but weight is a big factor. Afterall, it's only 15.5' long. Thanks for the comments guys, we appreciate the kind words!

JF, It's actually more stable than one would think. The only "hairy" situation I've had is when a ski boat came feet from the boat with a large wake. I got off the deck when I saw those "rolls" coming in ;D

The "green circle" sounds like fish rot, or a common fungus that is found in natural, and aquarium settings. Could have been a prior injury that never healed. If you're pulling out unhealthy looking fish, that body of water is either overpopulated, or lacking in resources. Sounds like a good time for a lot of research, and don't forget to call your local fish and wildlife to see if they have any information or would be willing to check it out. If they can (legally and willfully), it would be a great experience for you to witness!

I can't tell where the inlet would be, but if water comes in on the left arm (versus the right arm), then I would begin there. For example: If there is a creek or some other inlet coming in on the left side, I would fish the transitions around #22. Shallow water that drops to deep water, especially in October can be quite rewarding. If not, keep going until you find a few fish and note that pattern!

Don't follow the leader; create your own success.

I have put together a video of my family's jon boat to bass boat conversion. It's been awhile since I was told it "could not" be done by some members here. Here's my proof otherwise

I have the Clackin' Crayfish, and the detail is unmatched. Both lures weigh in around an ounce, and their action is unreal.

No, the bass was just hanging onto the sunfish until he decided to let go, M Starr didn't boat the beast. I've seen that a couple times from videos on the internet, but I've never seen it in person. Cool story M Starr.

Oh yeah, Badger is one of my favorites. Don't forget to check out Rock lake, and Downs. Both can be very productive! I have lots of video this year from Badger...it's a great lake.

I have one scent, Jim's earthworm oil, but I never use it. My wife has had moderate success with the product. I am considering the Baitmate bass series scent, and maybe this will help turn my best year into a bigger deal than it already is. Don't remember which show it was, maybe Bill Dance or Hook 'N Look, but bass have a more powerful smelling sense than dogs.

Thanks for the video BassResource. Mike is such a trend setter in our generation of bass fishing. I love the guy because he's real, and a person who is truly unique. His willingness to share information and his attitude of "never giving up" is a real example for any young angler looking for professional guidance. Great video by the way.

Fishing in the rain is fine, but when that wind kicks up to 30mph, it can be devastating. Topwater action can be solid, or suspending jerkbaits. Both presentations can be deadly with rain hitting the water.

Fishing has been good up here in the NW, and it's been one of my most productive starts to date. Glad to see many people having the same success.

Impressive strike, thanks for sharing the link.

Surprised I haven't seen "shotgun" brought up yet...could be very effective if the Skin-so-soft isn't working!!! It certainly might be cheaper than buying cigarettes too! ;D

It's most likely either a dull or bent hook, or you're setting the hook to early. I catch bass on 10lb Sufix Mono all day long, using Zoom Toads in heavy cover. I pull them out of the lily pads without a hitch. Braid will help keep you from losing a few, but some make it more of a tackle issue when it's certainly not the culprit at all. The key is to only set the hook after feeling the weight of the fish on your line, and then getting them out of the cover as quick as possible. A higher gear ratio on your reel helps to get 'em out of cover, but your 6' rod and 8lb test can certainly get the job done much more efficiently than some give the setup credit for. Be a little more patient on the hook set, and make sure your hooks are sharp. Once you have them, rod up in the air high, and burn your reel until you can get it into the boat. Hope this helps your efficiency.

Etzo, I'm going to have to disagree with many other users here, but that's not to say my way is the right way; it's the technique that works for me. With you never catching a fish on a senko, it will eventually become a bait that will catch fish when all others fail. Last weekend, I fished an entire shoreline with 3 different spinnerbaits, 3 different crankbaits, and made a final pass with a 4" Senko. The only bait that landed me 3 fish was the Senko. The largest being 3.5 pounds, and the smallest just over a pound. I actually have video of it on my blog, but my point here is this: after searching for the active feeders and not catching a single one, you could have tied on the Senko and re-fished the same areas. Your water might not be warm enough for the bass to expend their energy chasing a spinnerbait. The Senko is a finesse presentation. Easy prey means less energy expended for the bass. 1. Go get a pack of 4" Senkos. 2. The color should be Smoke w/ Black Flake or Green Pumpkin. 3. Rig it weightless and Texas style. 4. Throw it, let it sink....and wait for at least 30 seconds before moving. 5. Slowly lift the tip of your rod straight up in the air, and move it a foot or two closer to your position. 6. Let it sink back down, and make sure to reel up the loose slack (not completely tight, just a little loose). 7. If you feel tension at anytime, set the hook. 8. If you see your line move to either side, set the hook. 9. Fish it slow, and you'll gain enormous confidence 10. The worm can be your most successful bait if you have the patience.

The pond looked pretty large, and I'm assuming there are pockets and changes in the center where it's not necessarily easy to get to from shore. Keep throwing at it, and remember to try different lures and techniques. It should take some time to learn it correctly; it looks like a promising piece of water.

That's great! I'm really happy that you went and got yourself a nice one in that spot! And as far as the highlights go (I use photoshop), but you can just add colored circles, and then increase their transparency so you're able to see through them. Good work, and I'm glad I could help!

You're welcome etzovaras. Glad to see I got a few spots right, even though I haven't seen an actual picture of the pond. Good luck this year!

Sure looks like it would be fished as a swimbait.

Watched them both. I was waiting for you to throw that Husky Swimbait Mike! Great couple of shows!

Might be, might not be. There's only one way to find out

I've highlighted some general areas that I would focus on. Of course, I don't know the structure or if any inlets are flowing into the pond. Hope this helps...

Awesome! Sounds like you had a good time!