scrutch

I'll throw this out there for all of you to tear apart... For some crazy reason, I find the tantrums that I see on the golf course (most notably Tiger's) far more repulsive than anything I see Ike do. It might be because I see golf as a more uptight gentlemanly environment (anyone who has been associated with the PGA of America knows what I mean). I really think it's tacky and classless when I see Tiger throw a club. But it doesn't really bother me when I hear about Ike's meltdown. I can't explain it, it's just the way it is.

Everyone has varying level of passion and self control. Obviously Ike is FULL of passion for his trade. He pours a lot of time and energy into his livelihood. I'm not sure if I could control myself when things don't go your way after all that time of preparation, and doing everything right. It's EXTREMELY difficult to accept the outcome when you're that close to the goal. It took years for me to learn to control my emotions when I was playing golf for a living. I wasn't a tour pro, but I have been in several smaller level golf tournaments that required self control. It's embarrassing when you lose it when a lot of people are watching. But it's nearly impossible to control when you just get a bad break. Especially when you're as passionate as Ike, and playing for as much money as Ike is. I imagine if any I lived the life of Ike, paying my dues for years like he did, slaving over my trade to achieve success like Ike has, and STILL have the drive and passion that Ike has, that I wouldn't be much different when things fall apart right at the finish line. I don't condone it. But I understand it. I'm willing to let Ike be Ike.

Very interesting perspective Tom. Thanks for that. There's a good lesson in there for me. There's only one Judge, and I'm not Him.

I've used invisX on my bc gear exclusively and really liked it for it's sensitivity and suppleness. I think you need to replace it after no more than two years though. I used KVD line conditioner on it a few times and I started having knot strength problems. Knot strength went to zero. It either has a short shelf life or it doesn't get along very well with the KVD line conditioner.

Mike at Delaware Valley Tackle has tuned several of my reels. He does a very good job. I'm very pleased with his work. Whatever you buy, it's worth it to get it tuned.

It doesn't matter whose fault it is. Your rod has a 5 year warranty. If you use the gold star plan it'll cost you $50 to get it repaired or replaced. No questions asked. Call them and they'll tell you how to print out their shipping label.

I found a medium sized snapper clamped on a ducks leg once. I maneuvered the boat alongside the flapping duck who was just trying to stay afloat. He'd flapped all the way across this channel we were in, about 150 yards! I reached down and grabbed his tail to pick him up and he let go of the duck as soon as I touched him. I picked him up out of the water for a quick look and then released him. The duck took off like it was on fire. It rested for about 10 minutes and flew off. I have some pics somewhere, If I can find them I'll post them.

I believe the KVD cookie money is being donated to charity by Glenn. Another thought... 11.8 mil minus 3 mil equals 8.8 mil. How many orphanages could you support for one full year for $8.8 million?

I have THREE girls (not counting mama or Gidget the pooch) and a boy, my little buddy in my avatar pic, Mikey. Everyone's under nine except Gidget (12) and mama (40). My place is pretty much a zoo. I cringe to think what this place would be like if the strict, old school, food police, no farting in public, stop hitting your sister, quit running in the house, timeout giving, spanking, Dad were not here. Mama can't say no to anyone EXCEPT ME! My house is the most stressful place on earth. I wouldn't trade it for all the trophy bass in the world! I LOVE every minute of it. (I hope there's fishing in Heaven!)

Steven A. is a retard. They'll never be able to explain the reason why heart creates wins. Tebow's got heart AND faith. Some call that good MOJO. As times get tougher, you'll see what he's made of. He's deeper than you think.

Took the words right outa my mouth. If you want a trophy bass, go with a trophy hunter. Big O, I hope you're going to Roadtrip Guntersville!

Have there been any rumors of an Ike or Hank Parker appearance?

not sure we can top that! Nice job Paul!

I really hope the weather cooperates. This should be even better than Kenlake!

I have a Minn Kota 460D charger and it's plugged in all the time. It goes into a maintenance mode after a full charge. I love this charger. Very hassle-free.

I live in the north and fish in the north. What should I expect from Guntersville in late April? What stage are the bass usually in at that time? I've heard grass, lots of grass. April? Grass? Not up north. I've already got a few good spots picked out on Navplanner2. Current? Do they release water like Kentucky Lake? C'mon RW, this lake's got smallie heaven written all over it. See where I'm going with this?

WOW! Great read! I could almost hear Andy Rooney in my head as I read that.

To me, the difference in fishing is hard work. There's a lot of difference between golfing and fishing professionals. IMO it takes a certain amount of natural ability and years of experience and total immersion in practice to achieve the top tier of the PGA TOUR. What I mean by total immersion is a professional tour coach, personal trainer, and practice 8 hours a day (usually more). The experience gets you to the mental level you need to be at to compete on the PGA Tour. Natural Ability, Experience, and Hard Work. Some have one or two but not the other. Only the ones who possess ALL THREE succeed at that level. Made AND Born. I was a PGA Professional at the Club Pro level. The Good Lord blessed me with a little bit of natural golf ability. I had Golf Pro friends who had more natural talent than me that I believe could have had some success on Tour if they had the time and means to hire the staff to train like the Tour guys train. The only real difference between most Club Pros and Tour Pros is mental. Most Club pros play to a scratch handicap or better. (Tiger in his prime was a +7) Tour guys hit the shot they need to hit on the 18th hole on Sunday in front of 20,000 people to win. I may be all wet here but, I see fishing as more of a learned ability than natural talent. Mostly Made. Little Born. There's little, if any, athletic ability involved. I think in most cases you could out-work your opponents to success as a pro fisherman. I don't really have the intimate knowledge of pro fishing, so I can't really explain why KVD is so dominant right now. From what I've seen he prepares better, and works smarter than most other guys. I think he's got a better system for processing all the variables in fishing, and translates that knowledge into fish in the boat. I have a little trouble seeing the natural talent involved in fishing professionally. Is it KVD's imagination? Is it his intelligence? Is it his mental toughness? Is THAT the natural talent? I really don't know. Maybe somebody here can answer that.

I totally agree RW. Attitude makes the difference. It HAS TO for me. I'm not nearly the accomplished fisherman that many BR members are...yet. If my attitude was sour, I'd have quit long ago. Nobody that I've ever met has ever been as helpful as Big O. I really hope I can get some boat time with him at the next Roadtrip. This thread has made me feel a little "puffed up" about my PB Indiana LM at 6lbs 8oz. Thanks guys!

I'll probably be there as long as the warden lets me out again this year. I've been good, so she should (I hope). I'll probably be looking for someone to jump in my truck and share the expenses too. (Lund Explorer, Otey, Uncle Leo, or anyone else interested that doesn't have a peanut sized bladder may apply). It's about 10 hours from my house.

Yes, it was written in jest. It's kind of an inside joke amongst my coworkers and myself. We all are very diligent, hard-working employees. That statement evolved from the "under-sell and over-deliver" slogan. I work for a very large corporation that prides itself on sucking every bit of "company-man" out of you and discards you like trash, then moves on to the next naive college grad wanting to climb the corporate ladder. It's all about self preservation. In the end, you still need to feed your family.

I have always told my bosses..."Don't expect much, then you won't be disappointed."

Trailer fenders usually make a good gauge for how far to put your trailer into the water. When you see the boat begin to float when launching, look at how far the water is up on the fender. That's usually a good starting point for how far to back your trailer in the water when recovering your boat.

MAYBE he's filming another Dos Equis commercial.. .

You are absolutely right Tom. It's definitely perspective. I fish the waters that you describe in the latter part of your post. Before I bought my 1197, I used a Humminbird wide 100 and a handheld GPS. There was so much structure I passed over that was very close to the boat that I couldn't see. Using the old method was like looking at the world through a straw. If you weren't right over top if it, you missed it. The 1197 has opened up 80% of the lakes for me, and a higher percentage when I'm on unfamiliar waters. For me, it's SI/DI.