bassnleo

I'm in the same boat as you (pun intended ) Probably not the answer you want BUT, keep your 16 footer to run on the hp restricted waters. Buy another boat for the unrestricted waters. I fish PA federation events around PA, theres just no better way to do it. I've had aluminum boats with 35-80 hp motors and put "kickers" beside them to use on hp restricted waters. That plain sucks, trying to go like 10 (or less) miles an hour on Wilhelm or Pymatuning is nuts. Bottom line, I realized a few years ago that 2 boats were a necessity and I'm happy with my situation now. I have 16' Tracker Grizzly w/ 20 hp Evinrude for restricted waters, and a 18' ProCraft w/ 150hp Mariner (which is for sale may I add ) for unrestricted waters.

Welcome.. I wanna go fishing with Joe Thomas on Lake Erie

I use thin rubber bands. At .99 cents a bag you can't go wrong. 1. Put the line through the rubber band and tie and overhand knot. 2. Slide your weight on the line. 3. Pull the line below the rubber band and weight. This will cause the rubber band to be pulled into and through the weight. Be sure to leave a little band sticking out the top of the weight. This will make removal easier. 4. Your overhand knot will now be pulled through the weight. Cut your line between the knot and sinker, cut close as possible to the knot. Trim off the bottom of the rubber band even with the bottom of the sinker. Be sure not to nick your line. Done. Now you have your weight pegged. You will be able to slide the weight up and down the line and the rubber band will protect your line and not nick or damage it. Works for braid or flouro 8-)

Is that a full moon?

I own 10+ Accurists of varying flavor. Love them all and they have been very reliable for me.

All my reels are left handed. Someone mentioned they have never had a fish hit so quickly after they casted that they couldn't have switched hands and hooked the fish. You must not flip and pitch much I've had fish swim 5 feet with the bait a split second after it hit the water after a flip or pitch. Using a left handed baitcaster allows me to instantly set the hook without having to switch hands.

I have the SOSpenders manual model. It will adjust to fit over bulky clothing. I have friends who have owned the automatic version. The only downside to the automatic was that it may inflate on it's own if it gets wet (at least the versions they owned, not sure about the latest models). Overall, I really like mine and remember, the best PFD is the one that is WORN

Wonder why the top 8 anglers and only top 4 co-anglers make the team? Seems a little lopsided to me......why not 6 and 6? I did a quick look at both Ohio Federations via their respective websites. Seems that the TBF affiliated organization had more participation. IMHO it would be a toss up as to which organization to join.

I make rattles the same way......straws and birdshot. Funny thing is, I almost never use them. I can only think of one occasion this past year that I actually used them. I don't even use rattles on my bass jigs. Not sure why, maybe I have never noticed the need, I figure if I'm catching fish why change?

The last BMU's were in 2006........It was ok but reading Bassmaster magazine would provide you with about the same info.

I use a Quantum Accurist PT and it has held up fine.

Definately gonna have to try some!

I now own 12 Kistlers..... I'm convinced they made me a better fisherman. Definately great rods.

Yep, Simmons had the best deals, only 2 more days left.......

Kistler rod freak here Just wanted to see if anyone else has been checking around and finding Kistlers REALLY INEXPENSIVE right now? I'm up to 12 Kistlers now, purchased 6 in the last 2 weeks after finding them 50% off on a few internet sites. I own a mix of Graphite Series, Magnesiums, Heliums, casting and spinning. It's a great time to load up now while prices are down.

I'll add another plug for the H20 unit. I have one and have the Navionics East SD card. It does everything I need it to, and then some. One thing to consider........It waterproof, but it does not float. Last summer I lost a Lowrance I-finder Go To unit when it fell overboard. I purchased the H20 as a replacement. The H20 comes with a lanyard you can attach to the unit. I took a piece of a swimming pool "noodle" float and secured it to the H20's lanyard. That way if the unit falls overboard the noodle will float and I won't loose everything again.

Tried a football jig? I experimented a little this year with one and had really good results fishing deep.

One thing I have noticed, if there is alot or current OR alot of wind, dragging a tube to seems to produce more bites. On calmer days a drop shot seems to do a little better. One exception though, I have had great days with no wind on tubes. Different presentation was the key. Instead of dragging it I rip it off the bottom and let it flutter back down then repeat. I've had Lake Erie smallies about rip the rod out of my hands

Check out the e-bay store Simmons Sporting Goods. They have ALL their Kistler rods 50% off right now. Baitmonkey just added 6 more to my arsenal.

Work with your local Police dept and start a Community Watch program. Alert the local media to the issues your community is facing. Your community has to band together and fight the problem. Video tape the activites of the youths, have all your neighbors do the same. Send the videos to the media and the Police. The youths will eventually get tired of being taped and hauled in by the Police. The last thing I would recommed is "grabbing your pistol" and engaging in a confrontation with them. I'm not saying to defend yourself god forbid it ever comes to that, BUT, don't go out looking for the trouble either.

Other baits occasionally catch smallies. Tubes always catch smallies. From local rivers and streams to Lake Erie, can't ever go wrong with a tube.

No, I completely understand what you are saying. IMHO, it's all about the attitude you carry into the boat. If you go in thinking that your NOT going to catch fish, well then you probably won't. Granted, some fishing spots are better than others and occasionally we draw anglers who are "on 'em". BUT, most if not all the anglers caught fish in preparation for the tournament. They are going to put you around fish, you just have to figure out how to catch 'em. If you don't like the format, voice your opinion at the state level. It's YOUR federation. It does no good to complain about it on an unrelated message board. I could not find any info about these rules on KY federation board?

Awesome! Good to see more states and clubs joining what I feel is the best federation program! PA TBF member here Best of luck!

Just 70 miles south of Erie. I fish everywhere Favorites are Wilhelm, Erie, Chautauqua, Allegheny River

I'm gonna give you my .02, and it's from both sides of the fence. I'm also a TBF member, PA to be exact. In the past years I have fished almost all tournaments as a boater. This year I accepted a tournament director position with our district. I decided to fish our 3 district events as a Co-Angler for a couple reasons: 1. I already qualified for our state classic via another tournament 2. I would not have to worry about taking my boat with me, them putting it in and out, etc..and could only be concerned with the TD job before and after the fishing. Our Co-angler rules state that the Co must fish from the back of the boat but he has 1/2 day on "his" water. I had a great time and I disagree that it's all luck of the draw. Granted, it helps to draw the ace of the tournament BUT, you reap what you sow. Good fisherman will be good fisherman regardless of where they fish from. My results this year as a Co-Angler, I finished as our districts Co-Angler of the year. I placed 1st, 2nd, and 4th in the 3 district events. I beat my boaters on all 3 events, they did not finish in the money on the angler side. I then went on to our state's classic as a C-Angler, I had actually qualified as a Angler also.......Finshed 6th there too, going on to TBF Mid Atlantic divisional. Again, beat both my anglers, they did not place high enough to move on. Don't get frustrated yet and give up. If your mad about the rules (and I tried to look KY's tournament rules up, couldn't find them) voice your opinion and fight for change. You can make a difference. Things are really getting good now for TBF members, it's time to grow and have fun!