tntitans37216

This is by far the best fishing site I have came across. Great topics with quick responses and great advice from everyone.

I think I'm more of the Lake, Bass, Spot. I'm still new and trying to figure out patterns. I do usually go to one lake and try different spots I pick out after looking at a map. But I also do go to another local lake and have had the same amount of success as the main lake I go to, but I'm not dominant at either, mainly because I'm new to the sport. I try to see where the bass are on my fish finder to see what depth they are at, and just keep trying to use different lures to get them to bite. But I haven't figured out what they do from each season, daily weather temps, wind, etc... I guess time will tell.

If you don't want your line or other lures getting tangled up I have used lure wraps. You can get them at BPS, but what I did (the cheap way) is go get some duck tape and velco at Lowes/Home Depot. You cut the length of duck tape that you want it to be, you will most likely need to cut 6 pieces that same length. Put one down and place the next one next to it over lapping a little. 3 will make one side, then do the same with the other side and place them together, they won't come apart because duck tape is great. Then I cut the velco in half, long ways. Fold the duck tape in half, and place the half velco pieces on the open sides of the duck tape to keep it closed. I then usually put a book or some kind of weight so the velco sticks real good. Their you go a lure wrap. It is great to keep crankbaits from hooking on to other rods or anything else. Prefect for when transporting them, you don't have to worry about hooking yourself or something else.

It will be hard if you have a BPS near you, because they have so many different types of stuff and every angler isn't going to pick the same things. But if you do choose to open a store I would add certain things that would make someone want to come in like -keep up with local lake fishing reports (what's being caught and with what) that way certain anglers might want to come by for that info and buy something while they are there -keep up with the weather forecast (you might want to have a computer hooked to the internet) -Keep things stock that are being used on the local lakes. So if your not near saltwater then I wouldn't even stock that until you grow enough. -easy to locate things, maybe even make it beginner friendly, like have all bass lures together, catfish, etc... BPS has a lot of lures but for the beginner they don't know what each lure is for, how to use it, and what type of fish it is used for. And we all know that we would rather look and not be bother by a salesperson and then when you need them you can't find one. -remember to use some of the department store things. Like having the bathroom (if you are going to have one) in the back so people have to walk by all the products. -another thing you could try, is to offer a try it and if you don't like it then you can bring it back. But you would have to have a catch, as in you will give them half their money back and only on new items without a discount. Then with the returns have them in a bin and sell half off, so you are still making the same amount money off the lure. -I would also try to go to as many tackle shops as you can, when you leave right down what you liked about it. Then have a friend do the same, because what you like might not be the same as someone else. Then with the things that you both like try to put that in your store or something like it. -I would try to get the shop as close to a boat ramp (marina to be best) and sell live baits like crickets and worms. You would have to work weekends and your weekend would be during the week, that way you can try and get anglers to stop by as they are going to the lake. Those are just my suggestions.

I think everyone has had a bass hit the boat or something, usually as soon as you get him to the boat he jumps off the hook or something. I try to get the hook out as soon as I can, take a picture if I remember, and look at him for a second and then put him back in the water. I also know out on my lake they have a couple of local bass tournaments weekly and I have only seen about 3 dead fish floating on the water the whole summer. And I think that was more because they were old and heat from the summer, not from the tournaments. I also see a lot of people that like to fish but don't like to touch the fish either put them on the ground and lightly step on them so they don't move and get the hook out of them. That can't be the best thing for the fish, but they seem to always have the fish swim away and you don't see him dead later, so he must be doing ok. But it would be good if the tournament guys did use the oxyedge or something like it.

This was my first 3 of good size, usually I might get one a little smaller then these, and 1-2 small 5inch or less. 3 is the most I have caught, so I thought I was going to beat that, but I didn't. I'm glad I'm starting to catch some good size fish now. Their nothing compared to some othe 4+ pounders, but for a beginner I'm happy to get those.

2nd fish

2nd fish

I have just started, first year, this past year in March. Got my fish running boat and have be able to get in fishing. This past weekend was my best outing so far. I caught 3 bass in the same area with in 40 minutes of each other on 3 different lures. I forget to take a picture of my first catch, it was a stripe bass about 10 inches. I'll post the other two. One was Largemouth Bass and the other was my personal best Smallmouth Bass. I'm still looking for my first Lunker.

That second on must have taken at least 30 minutes to reel in.

Their is a lot of scholarships out there, just search the internet. then you could also instead of paying $2000 for a boat look around and you might be able to find a boat for $500-$1000. I got mine for $700 and it has a 55hp, and I haven't had to really do anything to it. I did some upgrades but that was my choice and I didn't have to.

I hate it when your in your spot, and it seems like no other boaters are in that area. Then another boater comes not very far from you, you just think "most the lake is clear why come right where I am?" Then I just think maybe this is a good spot, and i fish it even harder.

Lucky I'm down in Tennessee and the weather allows me to be on the lake longer, I think only Dec-Feb I wasn't on the lake last year. But during time I'm not on the water I do some upgrade/fixes on the boat or trailer. This year I'm going to tighten the side guide rails up more, recarpet the bunker rails on the trailer, and replace a couple of rollers on the trailer. Tighten the front scrap hook on the boat, tighten some bolts here and there, and other little things like that. I try to write down things I need to do so when i have time, off season, I can then go one by one checking them off. I usually try to go by the tackle shops during the week so I'm ready for the weekend. That's what I do.

I think this is every guys dream. You forgot to mention that she had to be hot also.

I sometimes have a little trouble with treble hooks, but not jig or spinnerbait hooks. I'm getting the more I do it. What helps me is that I have the pilers that have 3 grooves that keep it clamped down. That way you can clamp down on the hook and then you can control the hook better then with your hands, and they stay closed so you don't have to wear your hands out holding onto the hook. They have cheap and work great.

I would mark that spot on your map so you don't forget. I would try that spot or around that area again. You might have found a gold mine in that spot.

I love to go out and get a lunker, but usually get a couple of small ones. But the main reason I go out their is just to be out their. So even if I don't catch anything, it is still better then then work or something else.

I didn't know where to post this. I have been looking to see if their is any fishing programs (fishing logs) that you can use ona Palm OS and sync with your desk top. I have a fairly good program on mine but it doesn't sync with the desktop so I look at on my computer. I was wondering if any one has used or know of a good program.

I would only worry about it if they are doing something illegal, like keeping every fish even if it's not 12inches. But if it's above the min. length then don't worry. They have the 12 inch min. for a reason. If they were worried about the Bass they would raise the min. length. I have two lakes near me and on is a 13 inch min. and the other is a 14 inch min.

I do like watching the Bassmasters on, I think espn 2, when they give you the computer &/or the water view. It kind of helps you see what your lures are like in action and how to use them right. You also get to see what bottoms are like, because not all us have the fish cameras.

Usually the small hooks will go throw the skin/jar easier so you hook them better. That is your best choice, I have had better luck with smaller hooks. I also think it is maybe because they don't see the hook as well as a bigger hook. Either way I do better with the small hooks.

It is fun getting a new lure or lure type, it is like a new toy you want to try out. It is the best when you read about a certain lure and how to use it, go get it, and then it works the first day you try it. So I will have to say it is better to use, because you can see if it was a great choice or if you just threw your money away.

I didn't know they made test that big. What did you use 1000Lbs test line?

You might want to wear you PFD since it's been so long. You do still know how drive the boat right?

Most fish have that burst, usually always when they see the boat. My biggest fight wasn't a smallie, but it was a Hybrid Bass. It is a cross between a Stripe Bass and a White Bass (I think). But these take a couple of minutes to get in the boat. You have to use heavier gear, I had one last spring break a 10-15 lbs test rod when I was lifting him up to reach down and grab him. Luckily the line didn't break so I was able to get him in the boat. They have two burst, one when you hook them, and then another when they see the boat. I had to force my thumb in mouth to grab his bottom lip, he didn't want to open, so I could get the hook out.