paparock

I think it all depends on where you fish and what you are fishing for. For instance I fished saltwater for close to twenty years south of Houston,Texas along the gulf coast. You can go offshore close to 90 miles before you hit the 100 Fathom curve. In "deeper" water I can see definitely an advantage to the Humminbird 987 sidescan because you are looking for and fishing structure. It would give you a lot clearer view of what is down there and therefore aid in choosing how to fish the spot. That is why I am looking to get one because the very large clear reservoir I live near is pretty much all structure fishing as far down as 75 feet. Since I am new to the lake it would greatly speed up my learning where to fish instead of just following the crowd. Combine the fishfinder with a GPS/WAAS Chartplotter and I can return to the exact spot I have fished before and want to return to. Trying to triangulate a spot on a reservoir as large as Bull Shoals can be a very frustrating experience even if your GPS brings you back within 100 feet. WAAS brings that down to under 30 feet. Trying to find the exact spot with a conventional cone transducer can take quite a while. Been there done that and thus my interest in upgrading. Now on the other hand when I was fishing inshore and especially in the saltgrass in narrow channels I didn't need a fancy rig. the depth would vary from 6 to 2 feet. At two feet I better stop or I was going to spend some time there especially if the tide was going out. There the structure I was fishing was easily seen protruding out of the water. I mostly used my fishfinder to make sure I didn't run aground. There was a cut in an oyster bar only about twelve feet wide. My GPS was simply not accurate enough to guide me to the exact spot but only close to it. The saying went "if you can see birds standing in the water then don't go there." I saw people try to follow that needed a lot of repair work to their boat because they were just a little off to one side. So you see like most things fishfinders, chartplotters or GPS what you need is often dependent on where you are, what you fish for, and last but certainty not least your budget. I would advice buying the best you can and seek out advice from those with first hand experience with the unit you are looking to buy. That is why I contacted Triton_Mike and others using different units so that I could make at least an informed decision; especially at that high end price point. The bait monkey must still be fed you know.

I ran across this photo that would make a cool plate; maybe put there fate is in your hands.

Do a search for Triton_Mike's posts on it. He posted some great pictures taken off one. Also look at the post "Sonar Sticky".

What is your budget and what are you looking for it to do.? In answer to your GPS-WAAS question. GPS WAAS ACCURACY The Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) is a form of differential GPS (DGPS) giving enhanced position accuracy developed primarily for aeronautical navigation but usable by other users. Each Wide Area Reference Station (WRS) provides correction data to a Wide Area Master Station (WMS), which computes a grid of correction data to be uplinked to a geostationary satellite (GEO) via a Ground Earth Station (GES) in the Ground Uplink System (GUS). The geostationary satellite transmits the correction data (and also navigation data) to the user on the L1 GPS navigation frequency (1575.42 MHz). The user GPS receiver uses the downlink WAAS data to correct received navigation data. The goal of WAAS is to obtain at least a 7-meter horizontal and vertical accuracy. It comes with most highend units. Right now I have a hand unit with it but I am looking to upgrade to the Humminbird 987 myself. What makes that type unit extra nice is the ability to return to a great spot on structure within less tha 30 feet. That cuts off a lot of searching to find the spot you are looking for.

Side Imaging GPS Wide Screen Fishing System The 987c SI delivers it all with breakthrough Side Imaging sonar for picture-like images of the bottom, precision GPS Chartplotting, and a no-compromise ultra wide screen. Key Features View enormous areas of the bottom with picture-like detail using Side Imaging sonar Brilliant, 7" sunlight viewable color display with 480V x 854H resolution Dual frequency 50/200kHz sonar and revolutionary Side Imaging sonar technology 16 channel WAAS GPS receiver included Built-in UniMap of the USA coastline, and inland lakes and rivers to 4nm detail Tidal graphs and port services information available with optional Navionics Gold Charts 750 Watts RMS, 6000 Watts PtP (200kHz) power output, 2 1/2 target separation, 1000 ft depth or 1000 Watts RMS, 8000 Watts PtP (50KHz) power output, 2 1/2 target separation, 2500 ft depth* Dual microprocessors and triple channel sonar transmitter/receiver deliver fast, smooth operation Full screen chartplotter, 3D bird's eye view chartplotter and split screen sonar/chart with adjustable split Programmable view presets access important screens with one touch Plug & Play compatibility with WeatherSense® Barometric Pressure, and Wireless Sonar Link Advanced Accessories In-dash or Gimbal mount. Click here for the 987C SI manual in PDF format. If you need Adobe Reader to open PDF documents, click here to get it. Additional Features Fresh & saltwater set up options for optimal performance in any environment Water surface temperature included in transducer, GPS speed included PC Connection capability to save waypoints, and upgrade internal software Accelerated Real Time Sonar operates at up to 40 times per second to instantly capture the action under the boat X-press menus place most important setting at your fingertips Freeze Frame pauses the sonar scroll for detailed inspection of the screen Instant Image Update immediately shows the results of setting changes for the most accurate fine tuning Sonar Echo Enhancement technology is so sensitive it'll track a jig to over 40ft and separate targets within 2 ½ inches! Fully gasketed waterproof design & it floats Selectable large digit screen for easy-to-read number display Backlight for night viewing TripLog with distance, elapsed time, and average speed Totally automatic operation or totally manual operation with upper and lower range control Temperature graph overlay and audiable temperature alarm One-touch Zoom with 2x, 4x, 6x, and 8x zoom levels Adjustable chart speed Feature memory retains your settings One-year limited warranty Assembled in U.S.A. See 900 Series Video Windows Media Verison QuickTime Version Side Imaging Technology Click here to learn more about Side Imaging Technology Advanced Accessories WeatherSense Barometric Pressure Monitor Wireless Sonar Link System Link Cable MMC/SD Card Reader Click Here to Buy Accessories in the Humminbird Store or use FIND in the upper right hand corner of this page to find specific accessories for your product. Specifications Add-on Accessory Capability: Wireless Sonar Link, & WeatherSense Barometric Pressure Depth Capability: 100 Feet Down, 240 Feet to Each Side (262kHz) Side Imaging 1000 Feet (200kHz), 2500 Feet (50kHz) 2D Display Window Size: 7 Diagonal Display Matrix: 480V x 854H Display Type: Color TFT, Sunlight Viewable Power Output RMS: Power Output P to P 750 Watts (200kHz), 1000 Watts (50kHz) 6000 Watts (200kHz), 8000 Watts (50kHz) Operating Frequency: 200kHz, 50kHz & 262kHz Sonar Coverage: 50kHz: 74° @ -10db 200kHz: 20° @ -10db 262kHz: (2) 84° @ -10db Target Separation: 2 ½ Inches Temperature: Included in transducer Speed: GPS speed included Transducer: Transom Mount Power Input Range: 10-20 VDC Mounting: Gimbal or In-Dash Unit Size: Installed on Gimbal: 11 1[ch8260]4" W x 63[ch8260]4" H x 4 1[ch8260]4"D Installed In-dash: 10 ¾ W x 6 H x 1 3/8 D; Required Minimum 3 behind dash clearance Communication: NMEA O183 Data Output, Advanced Accessory System GPS Features: WAAS, 3000 Waypoints, 50 Routes, 50 Tracks with 20,000 Points Each

Information flows freely here so jump on in.

Like my old sensei used to say "one must learn until it becomes instinctive." If you practice taking in all the variables you can the faster you will become at it until you no longer have to consciously think to do it. Like learning to cast, after a while you stop thinking of the principles and just do it.

I was in for a year but dropped for exactly why you said. I can hardly read and keep up with all the other fishing material I get. I'm not knocking it but just like some others sources better; just my personal preference.

Haven't you seen the phone commercial with the father going along on all the dates. It wasn't so long ago that was the norm maybe like clothing it will come back in style again. What do you think? :-?

I think it is many faceted. It can be the women a man has had experience with starting with his mother. If she is one of the types that say fish are gross, disgusting and show less than zero interest he gets started of on the wrong foot. Then if his girlfriends and down the road his wife are of like thought then the miss conception is reinforced. Perhaps then the only people that show a like interest level in bass fishing are men so the man even unconsciously starts assuming that a woman won't have any interest. We all know what happens when one assumes. It makes an a-s of you and me. Assuming, then places the man in the position to have his posterior handed to him by a woman who does not fit his presumption as LBH stated. Now some men are just plain arrogant jerks toward just women and then some are just plain arrogant jerks, period. I respect anyone who shows any level of interest in any subject until they prove to me they are not worthy of that respect. So my hat is off to any lady in any field of study that strives to be the best. She has to be twice as good to get half the respect a man usually gets. From another Arkansas native.

Now that sounded like my mother's mother!!! Wish I had thought of that for my two girls! My prescription was fear. You see at that time I was heavy into body building (the building now needs a major overhaul) and at 6' 5" and 235 lbs my daughters dates took notice but what really got their notice was when they saw me putting my UZI back together. My girls were always home on time.

Living back in my native south I am only mildly bothered by cabin fever. Now the ten years I lived in Wyoming where in the winter you can drive motor homes on the lakes gave real meaning to cabin fever. Wyoming natives say there is only two seasons(winter & road construction). It seems you can' fix the roads when the ground is frozen rock solid. I was in Casper, Wyoming. To give a little perspective Casper averages a daily 10 miles per hour higher winds than Chicago. Match that with temps as low as 40 below zero (even the sewers start freezing 6 feet below ground) and you have CABIN FEVER! So each time I start feeling a little frustrated during winter here in north Arkansas I just start thinking of all those fond winter nights near a blast furnace trying to stay warm to start feeling all warm and happy. Then 30 degrees seems like shirt sleeve weather. Now I know some of our northern brethren know what I am talking about.

I live on Bull Shoals in north central Arkansas and your description fits the lake. Try loooong casts. If the fish see you they most likely will not bite. I even have a 9' 6" steelhead St. Croix Avid spinning rod for just such a thing. Such lakes are known for frustrating even the pros so keep trying and pump all the local old salts for all they are worth. Yes you will have to sift through a lot but what is left is pure gold.

As a bass fisherman returned from saltwater structure fishing I am most comfortable fishing structure and depth. An old Salt once told me the more I fished the lighter tackle I would use. Well I didn't start out that way. I started off fishing offshore using Heavy Tackle that weighed in the pounds not ounces but years later I was fishing the same fish with what most anglers would consider ultralight tackle for the size of fish I was after just like the old man had said. He was way ahead of his time as the saltwater finesse guru. RW has been a great help in converting me back to bass fishing since his style compliments my experience so well. A good example of fishing out of the box was really made by an incident that happened at my old canoe/kayak fishing resort with a newlywed couple. The groom and several other smallmouth addicts all went on a eleven mile fishing trip downriver. The bride had never fished for smallmouth on a river before. Of course you know what happened. The lady caught a solid five pound smallie beating all the men. I believe the reason was that being a novice her presentation was more erratic than the others so the big smallie smacked her lure instead of the others. The single best advise I was ever given is to be flexible and adaptable. Fish have to eat so if they are not eating your offerings try something else till you find what they want and how they want it.

Hey, Avid. I too have experience with tennis elbow. I went to an orthopedist who gave me a shot of cortisone and for me at least it worked great. I also got a special brace that was just a strap that had a small bladder on it which put pressure on the tendon in just the right spot. It would take the pain way down. So between the shot, brace, and some exercises the specialist showed me I have been fortunate in that it has never reoccurred. Hope you have as much relief as I had!

Since I want to get into making my own skirted jigs and feather jigs; I would like some recomendations as to the best bench, holder, and where to get the best supplies that I will need. I have zero idea what I am doing at this point so HELP PLEASE!

I ordered some Fat Ikas this morning along with the regular MegaStrike, the GYCB Crawfish MegaStrike and some Gamakatsu 4/0 EWG hooks. Here fishy, fishy!

Hey everyone I did some surfing on the net and found the front plate below. http://www.airstrikeinc.com/index.php?mod=product&id_prd=1312 8-)

Yes! I would pay $35 bucks for any bass on my plate but here in Arkansas the state charges you an extra $35 each year when you get a new sticker not a new plate just a little sticker. > I would not mind even paying some more if it was paid only once when you get a new plate. Bummer. I will just stick to my bass stickers (pun intended)! :-/ Hey! You just gave me an idea. Here in Arkansas we only get a rear plate from the state. Does anyone know of anyone making a decorative plate that I could put on the front of my truck with a big Smallmouth on it???? 8-)

I want to clarify something. By rigging the Fat Ika "skit up" you are referring to the skirt being closest to the eye of the hook right? :-/

I just discoverd the only book I have ever found on catching spotted bass. It's name is "Catching Spotted Bass" of course. So I wanted to pass on the information. http://www.pvisuals.com/fishing/bookstore/htmls/spotted_bass.html

I just found the only book listed for "Catching Spotted Bass". http://www.pvisuals.com/fishing/bookstore/htmls/spotted_bass.html Anyone Read it?

Thanks Earthworm77, I ordered a copy of The Complete Guide to Finesse Bass Fishing by Michael Jones! I am a voracious reader since college, back right after they invented dirt, he he. ;D I have a lot of books on smallmouth, largemouth, catfish, crappie, trout and even panfish but I have never seen one specific to only spotted bass. Aren't there significant differences between spotted bass and largemouth bass?

Randall my wife and I are sending our prayers to support you and your family through this hard time!

Has anyone read the book by Don Iovino titled Finesse Fishing & The Sonar Connection? I'm still getting this finesse thing down and I need instruction in choosing & using a top of the line sonar unit on a deep rocky reservoir. Any tips or tricks on using a sonar while using finesse tactics like drop shoting? Are there other books you recommend on the subject? All my experience is on saltwater flats that were in fact very flat (duh) with little structure. Sonar was used more to keep the boat from grounding and not for finding fish and structure.