MidwestFishing

I still use pistol grip rods for fishing close quarters and from small boats and canoes. I find close quarter casting is more accurate with the short pistol grips.

I mark reels in two places that most people would not notice. Do the same with rods and electronics. Take pictures of tackle and other accessories.

For topwater I like mono because it floats. Braid and flourocarbon sink.

It will probably be in the prespawn stages in April. Docks are plentiful and do hold a lot of fish. Watch for docks with rod holders as most of these have some type of planted cover close by. As for available cover, planted brush piles and docks are the predominant sources, with a few lay downs in some areas. If you find males getting beds ready, the bigger females with be staging in about eight feet and a jig or crawdad color wiggle wart is hard to beat. As stated above, as we get closer to April, post for a recent report. Most of us regulars will have already spent several days on the water and can offer more timely information at that time.

Hope this helps

As stated above heat gun and count method is great. Make sure paint is stirred and fluffy. Oven cure but clear hook eyes prior to oven curing. Regardless of oven type used, if you hang them upside down (hanging by hook) you run risk of drip occurring on top of head. To avoid this take two pieces of small aluminum angle, place flat sides together and clam making a "T " and drill holes through both parts. Place small screw and wing nut in each hole. Place hooks in between flats and tighten nuts so jig heads stand up. Any drip will go towards hook shank. A bead of silicone on each flat will help hold the hook in place.

Most of my jig fishing is done with foolball jigs dragging them through rocks. For this I use a 6'6"MH with 15-20# fluorocarbon. When pitching to heavy cover I use a 7' Heavy with fast tip and 20# fluorocarbon. Both with fast reel to pick up slack line quickly. This is what works for me but try your setup and if is comfortable and effective by all means use it.

If you like this rig you should also try a swing jig (biffle hard head). The football head gets through rocks better.

Consistent in the level of tournament fishing and working to help sell the sponsor's product are key. Just because you win will not have sponsors knocking down your door. Promoting your sponsor products is key. Make sure you are doing so for products you like to use. Offer to help potential sponsors at boat and fishing shows for free. Your effort may get you some discount products but do not expect much more in the beginning of your relationship. Remember that you are building relationship. Not a lot different than than trying to convince someone to be your girlfriend or boyfriend.

A-frame cove - an A-frame house sits on the point. Spoonbill cove - I snagged a huge spoonbill in the tail with a wiggle wart. Took 15 minutes and chasing it with trolling motor to get my bait back. Carp cove - caught two 10+ pound carp on the same crankbait later that day. All of these are on Lake of the Ozarks.

Paint jig heads and then oven cure paint. I have found lower temperature for longer time (45 mins at 200 degrees) works best for a hard finish. Also, keeps paint from sagging on jig heads. Once cured, epoxy or super glue weed guard into hole. Oven heat will damage weed guard.

The small fish can be a pain but try a light football shaky head with small plastic craws. Cast up stream, gently lift lure off bottom and let the current move it for you. You will have to fish through some smaller species but this is quite effective for finicky smallies in creeks and small rivers.

I have done a lot of surf fishing with light tackle in Port St. Lucie area and intercoastal waterway and as stated above, the Buck tail jig and spoon is hard to beat. Choose weights that fit you your rod/reel. Also, watch for baitfish because the predators will be close behind.

Midwest Fishing Tackle Football Jig 10-12" Plastic worm Texas rig 1/2 ounce spinnerbait slow rolled

St. Louis Area Bassmasters are located in St. Louis and fish various Missouri lakes. A great group of anglers for both boaters and non - boaters.

This weekend (Saturday, 4/14/12) the bass were mostly post spawn. Some males were guarding the nests but the females have moved off to deeper water - 8 to 15 feet. Small males can be caught shallow but if you want some bigger fish you should concentrate on the deeper water. Deep crankbaits (moved slowly), jigs and and heavy spinnerbaits along the bottom and any lures you can rip off the bottom and let fall. The bites will occur on the fall.