ventureboat

That was great. Thanks fellas!!

Hey rw, since you brought it up, I have a question. I only fish jerkbaits during pre spawn, and even then I don't do that great with them. Am I messing up by putting them away for the year once the spawn hits??

Nice pics. Nice fish!! I know it can be heartbreaking. One of the tournament waters I fish here in Illinois has a 14" lake limit, and there are lots and lots of 13 3/4" fish it seems!!! Keep on castin!!!

Beautiful kids. Thanks for the pictures. Those are the fishing days I don't mind losing at all!! Great!!!!

I think my first were the Mepps in line, and the ever so popular beetle spin

I love fishing flukes. I tie on a medium sized barrel swivel with a 12 to 18 inch leader to a 4/0 wide gap hook. Anyone else use this method, or am I screwing up by adding the swivel??

This is interesting because this past Saturday I was pre fishing for a tournament and caught a nice keeper on a bomber fat a. I noticed the fish must have had a broken jaw at some point, as his mouth and right jaw were disfigured. The next day at the tournament, I caught the exact same fish on the same crank bait fishing the same point, and about the same time in the morning!!! Odd huh???

You are greatly appreciated my friend!!! Thank you, and good fishin to ya

I'm a firm believer in keeping the bait in the water as much as possible, but I would make the run. That is where your confidence is gonna be, and that's a big plus!! jmo

Don't forget the jigs!! I just started fishing them this year, with help from these guys, and wow!!!! They produce!!! And...Listen to any advice you get from RoadWarrior P.S. Welcome aboard

Thanks alot Catt. I've been waiting for a post like this. My local lake is FULL of vegetation. My problem is finding the edge of the mats. I watch my depth finder, and it just seems like it's everywhere to me!!! Any suggestions? Thans again!!!!

I prefer alone, especially in tournaments. But will go with a buddy or family member to the local lakes. I have a teenage stepson that doesn't like to fish, but all of his buddies love it. So, when I am at the local lake by myself, I usually run into some of them bank fishing, so they climb aboard with me. Gets them out on the water, and I enjoy showing them what I can to help em out. (had to start carrying extra lifejackets though)

Welcome, welcome. If you find yourself wandering through Illinois, look me up, we'll rip some lips!!!!

Welcome!!! The advice you get here is priceless!!!

Welcome!! The guys and gals you'll find here are the best!!!

I have never fished Sara, but I have heard they are proud of their launch fees, and pay them BEFORE you launch, because they WILL check you and they WILL fine you!!! Good luck with your tournament

Man o man!!!! Fished a tournament yesterday and only had 2 to weigh in. I missed an insane amount of fish!!!! Had one shake it loose and 2 I missed at hookset in the last 15 minutes. Still just can't get over it!!! Thanks for letting me vent.

Welcome aboard. If you can't find the info you need here, you probably won't find it!!!!

All in all, sounds like a half-way happy ending. I'm happy for you. Keep casting girl

Backlash = Professional Overrun

ba7ss3in, Those are my thoughts too! Thanks!

Good idea hamer! Thanks for the input!

I have a fairly new acquaintence that I've taken fishin a couple times, I've never asked and he's never offered, which is perfectly fine with me! Now he wants to get into some tournaments with me. (I usually fish tournaments alone) If all winnings including big bass are gonna be split 50/50, should gas for tow vehicle only be split 50/50. I will cover eveything else. He's pretty young and just starting a family and doesn't make a lot of money. What do you think???

Thank you everyone!! Lots of great stuff here!! I knew I could count on ya!!

"I am my brothers keeper" Well done!!!!