ryanerb

I always look up to the experts, but when you're dealing with fish, which are out of your direct control, nothing is ever promised. We've all seen KVD and Clunn and other pros have very tough days. There are days when there are 1000 fish on the graph, you've thrown 1000 lures at em, and they still don't bite. Time to find another school that 'is' biting. Pros often have it tougher than guides. Guides hammer the same water everyday for 30 years. They know it like the back of their hand. Pros are constantly on the move, fishing many different lakes and sections of the USA which all fish differently. I'm not thrilled when a 'guide' wins a championship on his home lake. He's got the hand over 99% of the guys. I know in some circles guides aren't allowed to fish tourneys because they are such 'experts' on that lake, etc. However, this just happened at Clear Lake, CA. I still believe there are a lot of anglers that have mastered the sport, but it doesn't mean they can catch 30lb limits everyday. We are dealing with fish, a wild animal that we can't force to eat and know what mood they are in everyday, in and out. Just my .02 cents, rambling on...

BAHAHAHA I love it. Perfect compromise. I compromised with my wife as well, she wanted a wakeboard boat, I wanted a fishing boat, so we got a ski and fish. It's served me well for fishing and time out with the kids and wife. 2008 Glastron GT205SF.

What bfs setup for 1/10 with a baitcaster? also: I went out for 3 hours. One nice 3lb fish on the dropshot on the edge of a weed line. Water was dirty and water temp about 70.

Tom so sorry for your loss and the melancholy that comes with it. Praying for you!

Yeah, you just never know. Looks like it was VERY tough fishing, I can't say this lake is like Clear Lake or anything haha

yes good catch!

Wow, looks fun. Very nice fish, sure choked that bait!! I can't believe they wouldn't hit the other stuff, they aren't supposed to be that picky!!! Go figure, a screwhead and spark shad, all the latest glam on the net these days. How many were you able to pick off with that setup? Is it just a matter of time before they are conditioned to that too? I mean a keitech or an underspin ain't THAT much different...

@WRB your wealth of knowledge has been invaluable here on bass resource. I seek out your posts just to gain insight! You've had many years on the water and we appreciate all the knowledge you share, especially about catching big bass!

Those are some nice ones!! I'm guessing you were throwing jigs? Or what sort of arsenal? Or is that not allowed to be asked on this thread? If not, sorry about that.

As with bass fishing, trout fishing can go super deep. Fly fishing, etc. You can try fishing some plastics for trout if you have an ultralight. Like a minijig, or even the power worms. I've done well with those. Some guys do a fly and bubble. Some guys throw cd5 rapalas. Some guys through the roostertail/panther martin, etc. There are lakes all over the place, but I typically fish George and Convict. Fly fishing, C&R can be amazingly good on Crowley, but there is a little bit of a learning curve, unless you want to hire a guide, etc.

I have been to Mammoth many times and love it. I know this is a bass site, but I also love fishing trout. Any reason you are completely opposed to fishing the trout?

3lb minimum definitely got Wheeler. Maybe just some bad luck? Didn't find the right school? Amazing J Lee is the 'KVD' of his generation, and yet he seems to now outperform KVD most tourneys? I guess as you get older your performance goes down, even though KVD has more experience than JLEE? So interesting to think about...

I didn't see it either, deal must have been over fast!

Where have you been going for hooks and basic plastics and small necessities? I don't want to pay 6.99 shipping for a pack of hooks from bass pro, etc. FYI, TW has made an announcement to expect 11 day handling times before things ship. It's on their website:

Humminbird Helix 12 HW CHIRP Mega SI GPS G2N 1499.99 at https://www.scheels.com/p/humminbird-helix-12-hw-chirp-mega-si-gps-g2n/08232405460.html

Seems like it shimmys more when rigged wacky, cause both ends of the worm can shimmy. When you texas rig it, it seems the hook end is pretty stiff and doesn't shimmy like the free end? Or am I wrong?

Yeah, sounds like times are tough... and it seems like he's trying to offer it to a select group of his hardcore followers... Covid19 is sure doing some weird things... I'm afraid this is just the tip of the iceberg. Possibly more sales to come, etc. However, many people have lost jobs, so spending on fishing might take a backseat...

Just to change it up for the championship round. Too many anglers pounding Lake Fork for multiple days. Start fresh for championship, level field and something new. They have done this before, I kind of like it, although it takes the anglers a little more time to figure the lake out, etc which can result in slower catch rates. They do however usually get one day of practice.

2 questions: Was the DT10 Crankbait deflecting off of anything on the bottom? How deep of water was he in? Was the crank hitting bottom or was it just being pulled through the water column? How many of you have ever drove your boat in a circle to 'stir' up the bait/school and keep them fired? Interesting technique he used. Half the time I think the big motor and noise scare everything away, etc. Thanks!

Haha I can just imagine how many people get whacked with that net flinging around in FLW, etc. I've I agree, no net adds to the sport, but it puts a little more strain on everything, including the fish. Hence the 'fish first' moments. I've so far seen rods snap from high sticking, I'm sure guys get hooks in the hand, etc. But 90% of the time everything goes pretty smooth without the net. Side note: I ALWAYS use a net in my boat, unless they are something like a 10in bass. I don't catch enough fish that I need the extra excitement hahaha

Definitely the bite has slowed over the days. Lots of anglers saying pressure has affected the fish! Fletcher even said 16 boats were in his pocket in the morning, but he fished it in the afternoon once everything calmed down and most people left. Anyone know now what happened to mjds boat? lol did anyone see someone ( I think sprague) hit the underwater log/stump with his boat, totally could see the impact as he was driving etc. can’t be good for the hull haha

LOL I've never seen so many guys with 5lb fish. And over 80lbs on the first day?! I wonder if all this hammering will eventually sizzle out by the 3rd or 4th day... due to pressure...

These are the lines I love haha!

Yes, very likely. I don't know why I thought he said floating worm at some point but seems more likely to be a trick worm.

Mark Daniels just got a 7-5 on what looks like a Menthiolate Z-man floating worm. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Z-Man_Floating_Wormz/descpage-ZMFWM.html My question: Is he fishing this 'floating' on the surface and the fish are hitting it on the topwater? Or does this worm actually sink? I don't see any weight on his rig, just looks like a worm and a hook. I would love to learn more from someone who knows exactly how his whole setup is working.