J._Bricker

Welcome aboard!

Welcome and good fishing Zach!

My guess would be the 1 hour was a sample size to determine if any preditation occurred to the nest/bed with the parent bass removed...

+1

First thought.... "Slug-Go" by Lunker City Lures. Killer technique back in the day...

I don't think bed fishing is unethical, and I appreciated David Whitaker's information post. It's my understanding bass spawn dont spawn all at once, but at different times when the correct conditions their internal clocks say are present. This may take place of the coarse of several months depending upon the location. I think a bigger impact on the survival of the spawn is the lack of cover from which the fry can hide from preditation. In an area (Frank's Tract) that hosts weekly tournaments, I noticed after last year's spawn a lot of fry clouds of various size fish. This was due to the state's successful efforts kill aquatic vegetation and deny "predatory" bass a place to hide. Anyone who has spent an hour or more trying to entice a bedding fish to bite knows it isn't as easy as some make it seem. Of course, 10 yards down the bank another bass may bite on the first attempt....

everythingthatswims, 2013 was one heck of year and that log confirms it! I try to keep a journal similar to what others have mentioned. It has helped, especially with the difference in the weather year to year.

MainlyBass88, marine carpet would be a wise choice. And as mention above, marine carpet does come in different weights. The heavier the weight, the thicker the carpet and how it will wear over time (think years). The heavier weight also helps keep compartment lids closed snug, and IMO make for a more comfortable day on the water. Ranger uses 24oz carpet for their boats and I know other boat manufacturers (Basscat come to mind) use heavier grade carpet as well. I just had my original carpet replaced after 12 years, and the shop got the carpet directly from Ranger. If you are able, compare the different carpet weights and I'm sure you will see the difference. I attached a couple photos of the carpet that I've fished on a couple of days. Good fishing, JB

livemusic, maintenance is the key and that gentleman in that 25 year old Champion gave you some good advice. Keeping a boat outside even with a good cover leaves it susceptible to the elements and animals. If you're able to keep the boat inside a garage, everything will last longer meaning gelcoat, seats, carpet, electronics, tires, and your fishing gear. Owning a boat is expensive. Every boat owner can attest "a boat is a hole in the water that you pour money in to". But if you take good care of your boat and equipment, it will take care of you. Good fishing, JB

Can't go wrong with a Mercury or Yamaha. But a Force outboard is not reliable.....

You're on the money dawgfan01 and welcome!

Welcome aboard!

Welcome

Brett's_daddy, regarding your original post, IMO a 7' medium action spinning rod would have the versatility I think your looking for. I fish a river for salmon with a Fenwick 7' medium action rod and a spinning reel spooled with 12lb test with no issues. The exception would be frog fishing and pulling 'em out of the slop, heavy action and heavy braid....

Very nice ride Firefish Tracker. I was expecting to see a waterskier barefootin' on the flyby video!

brgbassmaster, you still had a MUCH better day than a lot of us. Stay on 'em!

Great thread Attila, and can I offer a knot suggestion? For years I was an advocate of the Uni knot, which I secured with a drop of Krazy glue. Recently broke off a good fish on a hook set (which then came up out of the water to throw the hook) and had to rethink my knot selection. As Felix77 recommended, the "Alberto" knot is the one I went to aand an excellent choice per another Forums thread. Using this knot may help solve any setup issues. Good fishing to you sir

I've got to agree with bluebasser86's post pwahmy. The fish are already wet, and there always seems to a period where they aggressively feed. And I think it's important to keep your feet dry and warm. This will extend your time on the water when it's raining. BTW any extra rain, please send it to California. Good fishing, JB

I remember being told you can throw any color you want..... as long as it's green pumpkin. And then I look at my numerous bags of plastics

Nice cold water jig fish ethan

Solid spot, and what a belly on her!

CenCal fisher, good to hear of your successful trip. And judging by the size you put in the 'yak, I'm sure you were hoping they'd stay in the net! Continued success, JB

The wind is our friend. Nothing like distance on a cast, especially a swimbaits....

D**n! We ALL want to have a day like that! Congrats brgbassmaster!

Catt, thanks for posting a picture of the skirt I attempted to describe. And I appreciate knowing I can still get them, as I had pretty much given up the search. The photo shows two different styles I used to get from a tackle shops' bulk bins a long time ago. Good fishing all, JB