ventureboat

Never was big on jig fishing. Gonna make myself do it this year if it kills me. I've stocked up on my jigs, and every one I've purchased has a rattle. Are there good times, bad times to use rattles? I feel scent is a must. Any advice on the rattle factor? Thanks guys

Very nice husky. I've never caught a smallmouth!!! Maybe someday!!

I never, ever, take my landing net out before the first fish! Always wear my wedding ring! Never cast my lure with anything (grass,moss) on it, even a tiny piece on the eyelet!!!!

Hey Brat, I'm actually dying to go. I will fish anytime, anywhere, in any conditions, but I'd like for it to be worth my while. The tournament director will definitely be there, but he won't know anymore than I will til 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. Thanks for everybodys input, and for the weather heads-up. Knew I could count on you guys!!!!!!

Have a tournament tomorrow here in Illinois. Weather is turning crappy by the minute. Very cold tonight and tomorrow, probably gonna rain. Here's the dilemma... I've been in this situation before with this particular club, and usually in diverse weather, they tend to not show up. Should I chance it, and burn $75.00 worth of gas in my truck, (it's 100 miles one way) in hopes other boats will show, or sit home and wish I was fishing a tournament?? What's your opinions please?? :-/

Very well put WRB. Good job!!!!

The big city of White Hall

Hey Illinois anglers. Gonna try to get over to Vandalia Lake soon. Haven't been there yet this year. Anyone been there yet? Any ideas? Thanks fellas

Hey uncle, I haven't been there in a few weeks. Last two trips were very tough. Before that, fishing was phenominal. Water level rose, now they're hard to find it seems. I heard the plant was in a 21 day shut down, but I haven't heard when it started or when it ends. Looking forward to more answers if anyone knows for sure!!!!

x2 Ronnie

Thanks for the info cart, I'll look into it

I've had my 18' Venture Dominator bass boat for 8 or 9 years. It's a 1989. I love everything about this boat. Spent $2200.00 last spring having the 150 h.p. Evinrude overhauled. Got it back and completely replaced the carpet inside. Seats are still in great shape. Hopefully I'll get some pics up soon. The thing is, the paint is faded of course and the shine is gone. I've tried buffing, wet sanding and buffing. It looks ok when it's clean, but could be much better. I could always look into a new paint job, clear coat and everything....OR....I was even considering the camo stick on stuff you see on pickup trucks. My boat is strictly fishing, I don't hunt. Am I crazy for considering this. Thanks guys!!!

Hey gummybear, how's the fishin on lake Springfield these days? It's been 4-5 years since I've been there. Only fished it once, but I won the tournament. Now I live a little closer, and wouldn't mind getting out there. Any tips for this time of year????

Welcome to the wonderful world of bass fishin!!! Ask anyone here, it will definitely change your life. It's a way of life

Hey guys. I'm finally putting electronics (fishfinder) on my boat this year. I've been fishing tournaments without them since I started 10 years ago. Here's my question... Would you mount the transducer to the trolling motor or to the transom. I bought the bracket for the trolling motor mount, but I wanted some of your expert advice first. Some pros and cons for both ways would be appreciated. Let me know what you think and what you prefer. Thanks Alot!!!!

x2 FivePound. All I catch is dinks, and not many. Don't even have them in my bass tackle system in my boat. However, I have a buddy (fisheater) on these forums who loves and swears by them!!! He was fishing a #1 in a farm pond for bluegill, and landed a beautiful bass over 8lbs. Now on his wall!!! Go figure :-?

By the way Horse, she doesn't clean fish....yet. I think she's willing to learn ;D

Hey guys, was away for a while. Thanks for all the congrats and kind words. She is an amazing gal. Hey IL_BASS, I'm from a little town called White Hall in Central Illinois. I've been fishing Sangchris and Coffeen this winter. Mostly quantity at Sangchris, quality at Coffeen

We do have some open water. I'm still fishing the power plant lakes. I can only use my trolling motor because of the 25 hp limit, but it keeps me fishin all winter!!!! Thats great catt, I love the understanding wives!!!!

Fishin was fair. Lake was crowded. I caught seven bass. 3 were over 2 lbs, the rest were smaller, but what a day!!!

I'm from Central Illinois. The weather was emaculate yesterday (a little windy, but you'll have that). The problem is, it was my 1 year anniversary with my beautiful wife!!! I was a little in the dumps. Watching my normal fishing shows in the a.m., she woke up and said "I can't believe you're still here! After explaining I didn't want to leave her on our first anniversary, she ENCOURAGED me to take advantage and get out on the water. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones!! (I did do the dozen roses, dinner, and comedy club the night before), so I'm not a total jerk!!! Thanks Leslie!!!

Welcome aboard. You picked the right place!!!!!

What a shame. But that was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Zach! You've come to the right place

Hey. I have fished Sangchris a few times in the last couple of months. Have done alright with chrome (blue or black back) rattle trap. Shad colored Rapala shad rap. Or catch 'em all day long on a shakey head (green pumpkin). Best luck in hot water ditch on main lake points. Hope that helps. It's been a while since I fished Springfield. Only fished it once (in a tournament). Got a good limit and won fishing a senko around rip rap near the plant. Good luck to ya. P.S. Nice crappie at Sangchris