pbrussell

I made a thread a number of months ago about me writing for some fishing publications. I suppose it's time to get the word out. Not only will I have an article coming out in the next issue of Bass Quest Magazine, but I also just had one put up at www.insideline.net On top of that, I've been doing some ghost writing for an elite series guy and might start doing some for a couple of more. Looks like I've got my foot in the door and I couldn't be more excited about the opportunity! Be sure to check out the article at insideline and the soon to be published article in Bass Quest. If you guys don't find the stuff I'm writing to be informative, helpful, eye opening, etc. then I've missed my key audience! -Blake

So how ya'll doin? I'm somehow in the 99th percentile and ranked at 240... wild.

I know... and I have a tourney at clinton this weekend. Can't wait to miss the bunks when I'm loading the boat and add some new scratches/dings.

My wife and I are celebrating our anniversary that weekend in chicago. But you were close. Can we have a special event just for me that next weekend? We'll make it at perry even. That'll be EXTRA special.

Table rock was... tough for me last weekend. Caught fish, just not the right kind. I'm headed to clinton tomorrow (you heard right), to pre-fish for a tourney I have out there next week. I'm not super excited about it. But, they say pushing yourself out of your comfort zone makes you better at what you do. Or something like that. If I don't get skunked, I will be happy.

Got a tourney on the rock this weekend... I'll let you all know how it went.

The secret, from one guy who has the same issues with confidence in this bait is this: Firstly, find some water where fish are easy to catch or are known to readily eat a jerkbait. If youre fishing water that is tough to begin with, it isn't going to help you gain confidence in this technique. Secondly, buy a variety of baits in a variety of colors. Jerkbaits can easily break the bank, so perhaps try a couple of the cheaper models in each style. Change hooks on baits that have crappy ones, that'll save you some money. I recommend trying the following variety that aren't too expensive. You already have a few, but I'd also add some smithwick rogues/Luck-e-craft RC Stix to your arsenal. I've found that somedays one jerkbait works better than others, so keep rotating till you find "the one". Lastly, when you go to the waters where fish are easy to catch, ONLY bring your jerkbait box. Fish it all day if you have to. Experiment with your retrieve, and jerkbaits until you find what works. All it takes is catching several fish in a row to boost your confidence (I'm speaking from personal experience.)

OINK

It's actually called "the gar pit" quite often. Sorry you had to find that out from first hand experience.

I'm gonna need it...

I wouldn't. Me and about 12 other boats will be there... on top of all the other fisherman who aren't in a tourney. It's gonna be packed.

Makes me wonder how a replica of the fish in my avatar would look...

I'm still a noob. Here's my tip. You might have to invest a little money in some more tackle, but it'll be worth the investment. First of all, you'll want an all purpose setup. Try a 6-6' medium heavy action rod. This rod can do a little bit of everything, which will help you try a variety of techniques. Stay away from the ugly stik- it has a ton of flex and therefore less sensitivity. Maybe invest in a rod in the 80-100 range to pair with whatever reel you have. Secondly, the first technique I will grind your teeth with is learning how to fish a senko. Rig this bait weightless, texas rig style. Raise or sweep your rod to bring the bait up through the water column, and then let the bait sink to the bottom. Fish it slow. When using this technique, watch your line. Typically the bite comes on the fall or when the bait is resting on the bottom. You'll want to let the bait "Soak" on the bottom for at least a few seconds. When you are watching the line on top of the water, you want to look for something different. If the line jumps, starts to move, or even stops sinking before it hits the bottom, reel up your slack and set the hook. You will catch fish this way- I guarantee it.

Tell me where. I've got a tourney out there next weekend

I once watched a couple of hawks fight each other up in the air above me for a while. They were making a terrible racket, screeching at each other. They lost my attention after a bit, and I went back to fishing. After a few casts I heard this whistling noise and then there was a giant crash in the water about 10 feet behind me. Turns out one of the hawks that was fighting dropped a squirrel. It scared the crap out of me.

I'll play

Hmm. I enjoy the experiences I've had at my local bps. I know some people have stated bps exclusive products aren't top notch, but I find that some of their hard baits are really tough to beat for the money. (Their xps squarebills and rattleshads are a staple in my tackle box). The BPS Stik-O goes great on a shaky head too.

Sounds delicious.

I'm sure there's probably a hotel or two in louisburg or pleasanton. Looks like there's a hole in the wall place called stone haven lodge in louisburg if you're willing to brave it...

Well, my tournament that was schedule for this saturday on la cygne is canceled. Thank God.

Not Kansas.

Also, I'll add this. If you can't find better water visibility and you must get out on the water- hammer that rock you mentioned, especially if it is riprap. That tends to hold heat very well. 51 degree muddy water is going to fish better than 47 degree muddy water.

Unfortunately, the man is probably right. Cold + muddy water = the toughest fishing conditions that exist. However, a day spent on the water is usually better than a day elsewhere. Find the clearest water you can regardless of the water temperatures and fish the suggested baits others posted. Otherwise, get after that project you've delayed too long for the wife.

"How much does this fish weigh?" -Popular thread title at bassresource

If you stick around long enough, you'll find that the superhero known as big-o has caught so many fish this size that he doesn't need to put them to a scale. He only breaks that piece of equipment out if he thinks he's put a heavy teener in the boat. Man... wish my scale was dusty for that reason.