Dinky

Mike; Thanks for posting the schedule. So far I have found no mispellt wurds. I tried to sign up for the Tuesday night dinner but was unable to do so--computerus interruptus occurred and I experienced modulation non-recognition issues. Nonetheless, I will attend Tuesday's dinner as well as all other festiviities. I have an open seat in my boat on the 17th, 20th, 21st. Mike

carrollton-fisher: You will get all the info at the Marshalbriefing/meeting after registration on the day before the tournament starts. The time and place of the Marshal meeting/briefing should be in the packet BASS mails to you after you signed up to be a Marshal. Just fyi: You will arrange with the pro you are assigned to when and where to meet on morning of Day 1. Assignment for the first day is made at the Marshal Briefing where you will meet the pro you are assigned to. Most pros launch between 6:30 and 7:00 am. If he launches at a different ramp than where the start is (which they are allowed to do) you will arrange to meet him at the dock at the starting area. You are not expected to help launch the boat--these guys launch by themselves all the time and often simply let their boat float off the ramp unnmanned and then park their truck and someone will either round -up their boat and herd it to the dock for them or give them a ride to it. But most pros seem to appreciate it if a Marshal will help by either manning the boat and picking them up (using the trolling motor only)or parking their truck for them. Same for post weigh in loading. At weigh-in after Day 1 there will be a board with the assignments for Day 2. You will check and see who you are assigned to and then either call him(cell phone #'s are posted also)or try to catch him before he leaves the weigh in and arrange your meeting time/place for Day 2. You don't need to bring your own life jacket--but you can if you want to. Most Marshals seem to bring their own. You need to bring your own sun block/snacks/water/rain gear/camera(still camera only-no video). The pro will provide storage for you and usually ice for anything you need to keep cold. My advice is to travel light. You will be given a Marshal hat and shirt to wear-it is also your pass behind the stage at weigh-in with the pros where the general public is not allowed to go. Hope this helps answer some of your questions.

Absolutely agree!! We can never fully repay all the military for their service and sacrifice. Thank you.

As I have gotten older my memory has remained very good--it has just gotten shorter.

All those lakes mentioned above are pretty good choices. If you are eliminating El Salto simply because you have heard about the border violence you are making a mistake. The El Salto trip is from Mazatlan into the Sierra Madre mountains--1 1/2 hours from the airport. I've been there many times in the past several years and never had a problem. It is the border cities that have the problems-like El Paso. Falcon is fine on the U.S. side. The jetski shooting occurred when a tourist took photos on the Mexican side.

All those lakes mentioned above are pretty good choices. If you are eliminating El Salto simply because you have heard about the border violence you are making a mistake. The El Salto trip is from Mazatlan into the Sierra Madre mountains--1 1/2 hours from the airport. I've been there many times in the past several years and never had a problem. It is the border cities that have the problems-like El Paso. Falcon is fine on the U.S. side. The jetski shooting occurred when a tourist took photos on the Mexican side.

All those lakes mentioned above are pretty good choices. If you are eliminating El Salto simply because you have heard about the border violence you are making a mistake. The El Salto trip is from Mazatlan into the Sierra Madre mountains--1 1/2 hours from the airport. I've been there many times in the past several years and never had a problem. It is the border cities that have the problems-like El Paso. Falcon is fine on the U.S. side. The jetski shooting occurred when a tourist took photos on the Mexican side.

Finally found the scoring system on the web site. Seems unfair for Reese to have to defend the last two tournaments against anyone who could not have beaten him if (a) the last 2 tournaments were scored the same as the first 8 and if ( he (Reese) had whiffed the last 2 and his closest competitor had won both of them. Evers would probably be the only one who could have caught him--maybe not depending on how many points are awarded for a regular tournament. Still, it seems unfair for the AOY leader to have to defend the last two tournaments against anyone who could not have caught them if they were regular tournaments. Anyone want to bet it is changed next year with Bass being sold to Jerry McKinnis et al?

Nope, Skeet would have won by a mile. The last two tourneys are weighted HEAVILY and pretty much shrinks your lead to a low enough level that 2 so-so tournaments by the leader and a couple good tourneys from someone nowhere near the lead in the regular season results in the guy that was out of it in the regular season being the AOY. It's all about how you finish... congrats to KVD yet again. Evers was real close going into the two "playoff" tournaments and if they had been regular tournaments couldn't he have passed Skeet? VanDam actually closed the gap quite a bit at the end of the season--but the question is: was he close enough (in 5th place if I recall) to overtake Reese if the last two tournaments had been regular tournaments? Also, if Skeet had maintained a wide lead in the AOY points going in to the two "playoff" tournaments could he still have won it all with a so-so performance in them? Wish someone would set out how the points are/were adjusted. I can't find it on Bassmaster site.

Double digits. I think Dream Lake would be my best option, thanks for the suggestions guys! Fat-G; The guy that owns a local tackle store here told me yesterday that he has been to Dream Lodge and that it is fantastic. He said he went in September and although he didn't get a trophy he caught many 7-9 pounders in 2 days. He told me it is one of the places that Shimano sends dealers to preview equipment. For what it is worth. Good fishing.

Let us know how Dream Lodge trip goes. It looks very good, at least the web site does. In any event, have a great trip.

When are you going? El Salto/Mateos area: rainy season August, September-not best time to go. Many lodges may be closed until October. October/November good times to go, as well as the spring of course. Falcon area under water--could check Sugar lake. Choke Canyon would be ok but could be very hot and require some night fishing and guide expense. I have names of guides for Choke/sugar/amistad if interested. The closer to home the better since it reduces wasted travel time, plus no need for a guide at 127 acres. The Dream lodge sounds great. I have never been there but the web site looks great. Note: At $350/day at Dream Lodge 4 days fishing is about $400 less than comparable lodge at El Salto (excluding air fare of course).

I have used many guides and you are getting some good advice form all those above posts. Obviously if you are flying you want to avoid taking rods since most airlines now charge extra for long rod cases (it seems to vary by airline and by type of plane as well). Taking your own reels is a great idea since they can be easily packed. As far as lures go; get on line and get as much information about the types of lures that are productive at Tohoe for the time of year you are going and pack a few accordingly. You should have the opportunity to purchase something once you are there if a particular bait is really hot and you didn't bring it.

Great job, LM! Everything seems bigger in Texas--even the fish! What did you catch the two bigguns on?

Fantastic fishing Big O! Those are some real hawgs. I haven't seen a belly on anyone like that since LM's at the Road Trip! Which lake did you catch them on?

I've made all of the listed mistakes at least once and expect to make many more. I have been a marshal at the Elite Bassmaster tournaments several times the last two years and a few things I have noticed about the pros that seem universal: They don't change lures much throughout the day. Now, of course they have 10-12 rods/reels pre-rigged so changing lures is not an issue usually. (some are duplicate rigged) But, the point is-they knew what they were going to use the night before when they rigged their rods/reels. They carry very few different types of tackle in the boat. Example; if they are going to be using a crank bait for a significant time they usually have at least 3 similar/same style cranks pri-rigged, but each one is for a different depth. They may not be carrying any more crank baits other than a few of the same style already rigged in case they lose one. Example; If they are going to be using a C-rig for a lot of the areas they will have at least two pre-rigged--one with a lizard maybe and one with a worm. Also, assuming the bass may be chasing shad on the top of the water, they will always make sure they have a top water rig on deck, with the lure unhooked and ready to throw. Knots: some tie a knot faster than you can imagine and some not so fast. But, all of them constantly check their line for evidence of wear and retie often. They spend zero time looking for a place to fish. They know exactly where and how they are going to fish a spot and go to it--if it is occupied they go to another one they have marked. No wasted time. They don't change their strategy or technique (throughout any single day at least) easily or quickly. They have confidence in their reading of the lake conditions and that their technique will produce results. Finally: their casting technique and accuracy is unbelievable. They can skip a jig and pig half way under a dock with a bait caster. Most seem ambidextrous and can throw back handed as well. The point being they can reach the proper zone and are seldom if ever wasting a cast. It is both mental and physical. Makes it tough on us old, not so bright guys!

Long Mike was correct, it was some of the best aged cheddar I have ever had-thanks for sending it. Hope you can bring some more in person next year! As for Leo's irregularity- his pepper relish should have taken care of that!

The method I showed roadwarrior involved pulling a dead 6' limb down on top of us into the boat! What a mess I made. Must have been half a chord of seasoned firewood in the boat!

This was a great trip! I wish we didn't have to wait an entire year for the next one. I caught a lot of fish and really enjoyed fishing with Rhino, steezy, and Road Warrior. Thanks to Big O and the Bassin Soldiers for putting me on to the those ragecraws. Awesome! Road Warrior-you and Long Mike fixed a fine dinner Wednesday night - Thanks! Rhino-I showed Road Warrior a different technique for getting lures out of trees. Ask him. Leo-not to worry,the 3rd degree burns I got from the relish you brought are almost 100% healed. steezy-I searched my boat but unfortunately you didn't forget one of your rods or reels. Darn. Road Warrior-thanks for showing me where the fish live in Pickwick and were to eat breakfast! I will try to get some photos posted when I finally get home. wmd

I will be there Saturday morning-staying until the 7th. I have room for two more in my boat-No deposit required-just bring your own cheese! Question: I see Road Warrior has engaged a guide. Does anyone else think it would be a good idea to do the same and if so to share the cost? If so, let me know because I would be willing to share the cost. This is my first Road Trip so I do not know anyone yet, but I am looking forward to meeting everyone. Your enthusiasm is great and makes it easy to get really excited about the road trip!

I will be there on Saturday. Would love to see how the side imaging sonar works at some point (in case I win the lottery and can afford to buy one someday!) They must be awesome--seems like more and more folks are getting them.

It is really a unique show for sure and I like it. I saw the one you mentioned above and actually was in NYC after that and walked by that pond just to see it. I also saw a few sporting goods stores not far away that had some fishing equipment in them. I wonder if his show inspired them to carry some fishing equipment?

I got WFN all fishing all the time. ;D I dont get WFN, but I've seen it at a friend's house in another state--it is fantastic--fishing shows 24/7!!!

I am sorry the official roadtrip had to be cancelled, but I will be there for the unofficial one!! I have a room at the lodge from 5/1 thru 5/7-if anyone needs a place to stay--two queen beds. I also have room for one more in my boat if anyone is interested.

1. Many years ago: (not directly boat related, but fishing related). buddy and I left home for a weekend fishing in a lake 7 hours drive away. Stopped to eat on the way. I offer to pay. No wallet. Left it at home. Too far to turn around and go back. Buddy has small amount of cash and credit card. Restaurant doesn't take cc's. Buddy needs to save the cash for the trip since I have none. I hate washing dishes and really don't want to go to jail. Restaurant is one that fisherman stop at all the time--they see we are fishermen and give us a copy of the dinner check and say to mail them a personal check when we get back home. We did. Intervening years: about everything already mentioned here! At least once! 2. Last spring: went to boat dealer to pick up boat after having it serviced -. Paid and then dealer employee helped me back up to trailer and hook up. Then he left. My boat (aluminum) was parked between two large pontoons. Got too close to one and scraped my boat. Not much damage to it and none to the pontoon. But--could not get my boat back in position to get out-there was a fence in the rear and I was not able to go back far enough. Embarrassing-had to go back in and ask them to come back out and help me get out of the parking space! 3.. Last month: launched my boat --started motor no problem. Could not steer it--steering wheel would only turn an inch or two each way. Forgot to take the clips off of the steering arms that keep motor from turning side to side while trailering. Looking forward to finding new ways to mess up--ways no one else has done (or will admit).