Big Fish Rice

Gary? :-? Nice interview....Glenn

Always, always, always, release the fish gently and respectfully. (I hate seeing people toss or drop them back into the water)

Environmental groups bash with enthusiasts, all the while Democracts bash with Republicans. Everyone has an opinion, and the controversy surrounding "stocking fish" will always be an issue. Personally, I would much rather see a stocked trout than no available species whatsoever. I'm a glass "half full" kind of person, and always support an idea as long as we're not taking away the rights of others. We as humans have domesticated everything in existence. Trees, plants, animals, and watersheds. Nothing ever stays the same; the only thing we can do is to keep it all in a safe and healthy condition. Stock the trout; natural selection will either kill the native species or they will adapt and continue to survive alongside their domesticated counterparts.

Dare I say it? ...KVD's Red Eye Shad (Lipless Crankbait) Honestly, cold water calls for a Jig. The presentation is slow, being very patient, and working it along the bottom. If you can, beat it up around rocks or any other type of cover. If you hit structure, let it sit for a good 30 seconds before moving it. Of course, spinnerbaits and soft plastics are always a good choice. I think you should try all of them if you have them in your tackle. Go with a slow retrieve no matter your choice of lure, and remember to be patient. I hope you and your friend have a good time, post back with the results!

Wanted to try downs this weekend (6th and 7th) but have to head over to Libby, Montana for a family get together. Have you been out since opening day?

My personal best was caught right around noon, on a very hot day. The lake is the exact opposite of every pattern that I have learned over the years. Very strange, but true.

Haha, good one....We've all been there! Migration could be classified into several areas. Bass don't migrate like Pacific Salmon (and their long range patterns) but just like any other predator, food dictates location. If the environment is sustainable, I'm sure some of the species find it tolerable to stay in one area. I would be interested in a full fledge study; but unfortunately, every lake is unique. What happens in one body of water, might not happen in another.

Fun interview, thanks BassResource.

I think a lot of people forget, that even though we can watch weather patterns, and almanacs, you still have to use the right bait with the right presentation. Full moon or not...the fish will tell you what they want. If you're not getting the bite, then change your depth first and go from there. I'm not dogging on the almanac, just saying that we all still have to find the successful pattern.

They make bilge pumps, you know... Really??? What about people who don't want to put a bilge pump in their aluminum boat? Pulling the plug on plane works just fine, smart*ss . How do you get the plug in and out while on plane? Do you mean reaching down over the transom with the boat on plane to put it in our out? I'm not being a smart *ss, just curious. Well, I should clarify I have a 15' aluminum jon boat. Since I have tiller steer, my transom is only inches away. I got up on plane, reached back and pulled my plug, and watched the water drain out of the boat. Putting it back in only took a second. I only have to reach a few inches since I'm steering from the back of the boat anyways. It's a little scary to think about, but as long as you keep going, water can't enter the plug hole. Pop her back in, and you're good to go.

They make bilge pumps, you know... Really??? What about people who don't want to put a bilge pump in their aluminum boat? Pulling the plug on plane works just fine, smart*ss .

;D I too have had this happen. Sometimes it's just a no-go and they get the upper hand on ya. Thanks for the trip down memory lane, just had myself a laugh remembering the time I almost literally threw my tackle box at the fatty sitting a couple feet off shore.

The plug! Should you do the same, here's a tip: Get on plane, and pull the plug. The water drains right out. Just make sure to pop it back in before slowing down.

Preparation and seeing the results are great, but "feeling" the bass on the line is what keeps me hooked (no pun intended).

of course! NYC is my Lunkerville... especially Central Park... we've done 3 episodes there with another coming this season... check them out on our website if you don't get WFN. Betty has yet to be caught a second time Can't wait to see the new episode.

Spokane, WA here. Fishing lakes mostly south of the big city (Amber, Badger, Chapman,Williams, Clear, Bonnie, Rock, Downs, and much more) Going to try Banks lake, and maybe even Lake Roosevelt if I get the chance.

After researching some more, I've seen that regular old styrofoam would suit our tin boats just fine. We have very light boats, not the weight of a glass or wood boat. It's fairly cheap, and can be purchased in sheets at Home Depot, Lowes, etc, in many different dimensions. You can also adhesive multiple layers to get the height you need. The great thing about styrofoam is the price, and it's buoyancy. The majority of tin boats have foam in the seats; after taking mine out there was very little damage or waterlogging. Looked good for 15+ years. Since the foam will be underneath the deck, I wouldn't foresee any major issues. If water does filter in, it should still be able to drain towards the stern through the channels of the hull. Check your hardware stores, and look for sheets of it. Here locally, 4'x8' sheets are easy to find. They come in 3/4" thick, all the way to 2" thick. Simple, cheap, and effective should you have to depend on the foam to keep your boat afloat. Once again, the addition of styrofoam is just to help keep your boat afloat in case of swamping.

First, go ahead and take out the middle bench. The ribs on your boat extend up the hull. These are sufficient for structural stability. No need to add any more "support". Second, putting a floor in (over the ribs, either wood or aluminum) is actually support in itself. Once again, keep it simple and keep your floor low. Third, inbetween each rib, cut out pieces of marine foam and lay them in there (May only be 1.5" or 2" thick). Once you install your floor over the ribs, you now have more "emergency foam" hidden under the floor just in case you take on water. Fourth, 8" of freeboard on a 12' aluminum jon boat is certainly not ideal, but it isn't as worrysome as the members here make it out to be. Take each step slowly, make sure you craft the decks to the hull, and test the boat out after each new addition is complete. Not to disgrace any members here, but the project you have in mind is valid and can be done if you just make sure to check the boats "buoancy" after each addition. Good luck, keep us up to date. What is your background ? What proof do you have that every thing you stated is viable ? Experience. I've been in a 12' and a 14' modified v-hull and flat bottom jon; both with middle benches removed and full casting desks out of plywood installed. (more weight than the "removed bench") Second, currently working on my own project with my father; jon boat to bass boat conversion. I'll post pics of the entire project when done Just for good measure, go ahead and check out tinboats.net since you seem to be hesitant about what I've suggested. (My post is on the conservative side). Lastly, I did say "test" the additions right? A little bit of common sense goes a long way; just be safe about it.

First, go ahead and take out the middle bench. The ribs on your boat extend up the hull. These are sufficient for structural stability. No need to add any more "support". Second, putting a floor in (over the ribs, either wood or aluminum) is actually support in itself. Once again, keep it simple and keep your floor low. Third, inbetween each rib, cut out pieces of marine foam and lay them in there (May only be 1.5" or 2" thick). Once you install your floor over the ribs, you now have more "emergency foam" hidden under the floor just in case you take on water. Fourth, 8" of freeboard on a 12' aluminum jon boat is certainly not ideal, but it isn't as worrysome as the members here make it out to be. Take each step slowly, make sure you craft the decks to the hull, and test the boat out after each new addition is complete. Not to disgrace any members here, but the project you have in mind is valid and can be done if you just make sure to check the boats "buoancy" after each addition. Good luck, keep us up to date.

Thanks for your input bass.

The Eagle Fisheasy 350c is in my price range, but have heard about issues with the transducer? Can any owner/operator of this model share some insight? For the price/features/durability, what do you think of the Eagle Fisheasy 350c? Thanks.

It all comes down to exposure. Look at any sport and you'll see sponsors and logos nowhere identical to what the company is sponsoring. Nascar is filled with decals, NHL arenas have sponsors lined around the boards, and fishing has the "pop tart" logo on the jersey, lol. Marketing will never go away; it's part of business. With that being said, I wonder if I could get a custom molded "brown cinnamon sugar" senko?

Excellent article, thanks Glenn.

Nice! You'll certainly enjoy using the new swimbait. I was fortanute enough to pick up a Lucky Craft 4" Ghost Minnow, used it for the first time this weekend, and caugh a smallie and also a very large crappie (couldn't believe I reeled that one in) Anyways, they're impressive. Good luck!

Sarah, I know of a great place that will allow tent camping, boat rentals (with motors if desired) and some great fishing action as of late. Williams Lake is mainly a trout lake, but I've seen some bass caught out of there as well. If you don't want to rent a boat, the dock is a very productive spot that a lot of kids fish off of. Here's the link to Klink's resort, where everything is taken care of as far as camping and fishing. The site even has a "directions" tab at the top, along with the "amenities" tab that includes a map. Check it out! My girlfriend and I caught our limits of Rainbow Trout (5 each) and had a good time; I just couldn't get the bass to bite. http://www.klinksresort.com/