basser89

Guess you're glad you went out! Congrats!

My hat's off to you RW!

Another vote for the phisher_d post! I have just the vice and like it (wish I would have picked up the kit though, the video probably has some real good tips)! I use it for making bucktail jigs for both smallies and muskies. There's nothing more satisfying than catching a fish with a lure you made. The first batch of jigs I made last year (for musky) landed me my biggest musky of the year!

I've never been to Bass-a-rama but there's a show in Timonium, MD that used to be real good. The past two or three years I haven't been impressed with it. They used to get at least one higher profile pro to come in for a couple of seminars (last decent one I saw was Curt Lytle) but lately it's just been guides. Now there's nothing wrong with guides and I enjoy some of their seminars (the ones that know how to present). The vendors haven't been as good as in the past either (I used to be able to go there and find at least a couple real good deals!). Not even sure if I'll make that run (over two hours away) unless they give me more of a reason to go. So I do share in your pain basspro!

Here in MD, I usually hit about 5. If I add in a few I hit in PA, you can add 4-5 more. My fishing partner moved this month so there may be a few more I add this year if gas doesn't get much more out of control!

If it's a problem, it's the BEST problem to have! In my book, nope, you're just enjoying the sport!!!!

LBH, that would be a long drive to work! LOL! ;D It's kinda sad, most of the lakes around here are in a park. The one lake I go to in PA is about half way between my Dad and I (about an hour for both of us) so I meet up with him a couple times a year and go there. I fished a night tournament two years ago on a different lake here in MD and the drive there was about two hours. Luckily, my fishing partner drove with me that time (normally, we have to meet up at the lake) so the drive home wasn't too rough! I know I can go out on the Potomac at night, but with the water levels we've been experiencing here during the summer, its NOT safe so I won't do that!

I love night fishing!!!! I don't get to go as often as I would like since most of the lakes close to me (here in MD) don't allow boats on the water past 1 hour after offical sunset. :'( I usually have to go to PA for night trips now. I've done well in the past with Jitterbugs and buzzbaits mostly. I've experimented with black CB's and spinnerbaits before with little luck. I've heard the plastics work well.

Good luck Live_2_Fish! Can't wait to see what you came up with! Got my W2's this week! As soon as that check comes back, look out, new deck, here I come!!! I'll post pic's when I'm done!

Hey Avid, I could see a guide fishing if a the pattern they put me on wasn't working to see if I may not be presenting the lure right in order to offer suggestions or maybe to see if another pattern may be working better. At that time I would want them to focus their attention on me catching (since I'm paying them for the outing!). If I'd get skunked while the guide was catching, I wouldn't be a satisfied customer and they wouldn't get any more of my business! Just my thoughts.

My Dad. We started out (at least what I remember) with trout derbies. Of course, I was always one of the kids to get atleast a little wet! LOL!

I believe you can use the rewards card when you call in an order too. Not sure if on-line applies or not.

Hey basspro, Welcome back! Sounds like you had a great time! Glad to hear the pros treated you well too! Rest assured, we'll be drilling you on what you learned! LOL! Can't wait to see the pics!

My Dad has a 1448 jon boat and has put decks on it. We've fished out of it quite a bit and we've never been thrown out yet! LOL! When I was in the market to get my own boat, Dad and I talked this over a good bit and I decided on a 1668. Given your size, you may want to consider bumping up some. You'll be a little more stable and have more room and storage too. Hope this helps!

I also have to give my nod to the smallies as well. I was fishing a small tournament a while back in PA, the first two fish I had on both came off. The first one (about 3lbs) decided to take an areal assault and the second one (slightly smaller than the first) schooled me when it dove deep in a grass bed never to be seen again. Most of the 5# largemouths I've caught haven't put up as much of a fight as some of the smaller smallmouths have. The old wives tale I've been taught from my Dad and uncle that if you would tie a the same size smallie and largemouth tail to tail, the smallie would drown the largemouth.

Someday I hope to be able to make the comparison! I've only fished for northern strain. I'll have to get my uncle's opinion on this the next time I talk to him. He was real close to turning pro years ago. While he was in the Air Force, he was stationed in AL, TX, AZ and DE and fished several clubs in each state. I'd be real curious to his insights.

Muddpuppy and LBH, thanks for your insights!!! Awesome info! I've heard of them borrowing too which is why the question surfaced. I've never heard of them borrowing that far, I thought they would have done it along the soft mud along the banks. I also thought that water temp probably would play a factor in it too. Yankee and LBH, was camping years ago with my family near a stream in PA and we hit the "crawdad/crayfish/crawfish" jackpot! I had more than my share that evening! Hey, here's a interesting view, maybe its just the size that determines what they are called. Crawfish are the little ones and crawdads are the big ones. Just something to think about..... Any other insight is also greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

For some reason, this has been "buggin" me for quite a few days now. Does anyone know if crawfish hibernate???? If so what type of area do they typically look for? Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!

Ah, phisher_d, ya beat me too it! LOL!

I'll add this strictly for topwater night fishing that I have experienced. I've had more luck here (in MD/PA) fishing top water in the summer on a new moon. It seems whenever the moon comes up, the bite dies! I have to agree 100% with Chris about the moon phase and the spawn. On the one lake I fish (505 acres), I've been monitoring it for the past 5-6 years and can (within a few days) usually predict when the mojority of the bass go on the beds. Last year was the first time in a while that I actually could not figure them out! I've looked over my notes over and over and still haven't understood where I went wrong! Oh well, its a new year and more opportunities to learn more! ;D

When I first set my boat up, I messed up in a couple of ways!!! > First, I used 3/4" treated plywood. This ended up making it REAL front end heavy (my front deck is 8'). That made it kinda difficult running the trolling motor on the lakes before I got my outboard. Next one was a mess up on the front deck design. I didn't really figure that one out until I started tourney fishing. Last one was made up of adding a few accessories later on (not pleased with the wiring!!!). This spring, I'm remodeling the front deck. Dropping down to 1/2" plywood and changing the configuration of the deck. While the deck is torn off, I'm setting up the wiring the way it should be! Then its new carpet! I can't wait!!!!!!

That's awesome LBH! Glad to see S/K is a stand up company!!! And a special thanks to you for looking out for the kids! You also went above and beyond!

I grew up in central PA (Juniata county) and live near Hagerstown, MD. Its about an hour and a half drive to where my parents are. Yep, I know exactly where it is!

When I grow up, I want to have a place just like that! LOL!

I have a couple of KVD's videos (the spinnerbait video was the first) and really like them all! I would love to see him in a seminar sometime!