reelnmn

Sure it was a smallie? If you're fishing below the dam I think then there's a lot of big fish below that dam that aren't smallmouth but also have that bronze color.

I've only been to CL twice. Both times I chose Soda Bay since it's midlake and I could fish the whole place without a long drive. First time was tent camping in February at Edgewater Resort and RV and I could not have been more disappointed. Terrible WiFi, lights cut out in the showers automatically leaving me to shower in the dark, bathroom not heated which meant showering in 36 degree air temps, host not accommodating, terrible parking for boats, etc. Won't do that again. Second time was at Clear Lake Vista Resort and I thought it was great. Excellent dock area with electric at each boat slip. Gas available at the dock if you choose. Private boat ramp and place to park trailers. Best of all it was pretty cheap...maybe $60 per night.

Went to Fork for the first time at the beginning of the month and stayed at the Minnow Bucket. I can't recommend it. The place was clean, well kept, and the price was the best I could find; but the beds were the hardest I've ever slept on. Also I'm only 5'8" and the shower heads were level with the top of my head.

WayneP there is definitely an early steep learning curve. If I remember right you are a HBird guy (as am I) and that makes it even more difficult to export the contour lines. I know you've helped me a ton in the past...let me know if you decide to do a second trial run and would like some help.

Simplemann I don't have any experience with IG but do have a good deal of experience mapping. Not sure if I can discuss brand name but RM could be option 3 and would give you complete control over the data and finished product. PM for exact name if you need to. I'm not sure what your intention of mapping 90+miles is but to give you some perspective on the size of the project you could be undertaking it took me approx 6-8hrs to map 1 sq mile effectively with side imaging. I could go approx 3.5mph before image distortion began. If I was strictly looking for depth change and not interested in side imaging 5-6 mph seemed best.

For the last 5 months I've been meticulously planning a trip to Clear Lake in California. However, it seems with the recent closing of the lake and the upcoming rains that trip just isn't likely. So now I'm stuck 10 days out (leaving Feb 25) trying to come up with a new game plan. I live in Wyoming and will be trailering my boat (18' Procraft) to the destination. Looking for my best chance at a 10lb bass. All options are open within a days drive of Wyoming. I'm currently researching Lake Fork, Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, Choke Canyon, Falcon Lake, and a few others. However, first hand experience always seems to trump online research. I have zero experience at any of these locations and will be looking to hire a guide day 1 with at least 8 days of fishing afterwards. What experiences and recommendations do you all have? Where do you think my best chance at a 10 is? Thanks. Chris

Active Duty Air Force. 9 years enlisted and 1 year commissioned officer. @Senko lover if you have any specific questions feel free to PM. I can only speak from the AF side of the house. Find out which each branch offers and what you are interested in doing. Read, research, and speak to ppl with first hand experience. The greatest advice I can provide is understand recruiters are like used car salesman in that some are good, some are bad, but in the end they all get paid to get you to say yes. You may get an honest opinion or you may be directly lied to.

Are you referring to the Dworshak qualifier? I never got to fish that Kokanee fishery but have fished others. This time of year I wouldn't even bother matching kokanee. All the adults have or are turning red and swimming upstream to spawn. You can mimic the juveniles with either a pointer or staysee in american shad. I also like to throw topwater in the morning. All of my big ones have came on a drop shot though in the middle of the day. I believe the last two Dworshak records were caught using creature baits mimicking crawfish.

My 2 cents. In your situation there is no reason to pay retail prices for anything your looking at. Take your time and shop around...once you find what you want wait for the end of year, black friday, or spring sales. I'm curious why you are committed to BassPro? The only reason I can think of is gift cards?? If I were in your situation I would look at: Onyx Deluxe inflatable - I've had mine since 2013 and its been great in wind, sun, snow, and torrential downpours. Got a mine for under $100. 1 Baitcasting combo: As mentioned there's tons of great reels/rods in your price range...shop around for the best deal. I'd look for a 6'6" to 7' MH with a soft tip for a well rounded all purpose rod. Cabela's just had their ZX rods on sale for $80. I had a $20 off coupon plus bought a gift card off giftcardgranny and ended up paying about $50 for a $100 rod...brand new with warranty. Reel same thing. When BPS discounts they're Pro Qualifiers to 30% off that's a hard deal to beat. Also check several forums. I just bought a like new Lew's Tournament Pro G ($200) for just under $100. 1 Good spinning combo: Same story here. Don't necessarily commit to a specific brand but shop for value. Hard to beat a Shimano Sedona once they go 20% off during Black Friday deals.

My best guess is just bad wording. The 14" largemouth weighed more but likely wasn't doing well in his livewell. Therefore he traded it out for a smaller 13" spot to avoid a potential dead fish penalty. The sportsmanship part could refer to the largemouth's best chance is to be immediately placed back into the water in hopes of recovering in deeper, cooler water without the stress of the livewell. I've had to do this a few times in tournaments.

I also love my Accu-Cull scales. The vast majority of these scales are manufactured overseas and then imported. The great thing about Accu-Cull is the owner stands by his product 100%. So if you happen to get a bad batch, call him up and he will take care of you.

I'll volunteer to make the hike as well.

When the technology first came out I could not afford two units, so I bought one unit but two transducers and two mounting brackets - one for the console/transom and one for the bow/trolling motor. I tried using SI at the front but was never able to successfully incorporate it into fishing. IMO, GPS/2D is all you need up front unless you plan on getting the 360 later. I use DI less than 1% of the time. The only time I do use DI is when I'm having trouble deciphering 2D.

Matt Allen, Cooch, or Bobby Barrak are all great options. If you want to throw big swimbaits on Clear Lake, Paul Bailey is also a great option. Chances are pretty good they will all be booked with that short of a notice, but the only way to find out is to call.

Rules are rules. It's a big lake...there's plenty of privacy out there if it's an emergency. The rule is meant to protect the angler as well. Had Boyd came in with 4 fish today, he would be wondering what happened during his bathroom break.