Nick B

Another thing to consider, is the coordiate format. Make sure that the coordinates he gave you are entered in the same format. That could put you off a little too.

Thanks RL BIAP is a lot safer than Balad

Im at BIAP (Baghdad) Im Air Force. We are standing up the first Iraqi Air Force Base

Thanks LBH

Do you keep your TM on a constant low speed or do you turn it on and off. I know turning it off and on can spook fish. Personally I would find the structure with my outboard running and then mark it and sneak in with the TM. As for sonar Im not sure at what depth fish get spooked

I do just fine with tiki sticks

Im not sure what the water temp is there, but remember that smallies spawn in cooler water than LM and there beds are generally deeper, but they are fairly aggresive on their beds Smallies are also more current oriented than LM.

If are not really good with a spinning reel you can always use a spin cast. No risk of backlash there.

How about Flame-Bouyant

Thanks Poor Richard, Ill should be home in about 2 weeks, cant wait

When your stuck in Iraq and all you can think about is getting home and catching some bass. You try to plan stops on your trips around the BPS. You keep your boat in the garage, and your car in the driveway. You spend countless hours looking for places to fish, even when you live in a desert. Guilty on all

I fish plastics weightless as much as possible. No shame in it. But like avid said if you are worrie about it, branch out try other things.

Are your batteries wired in series? I have had plug problems before too, so you could be on to something. If you can check your voltage and amperage outputs, that should help you narrow down the problem

You could also get some heat shrink to cover up your splice connections to keep the out of the elements

I have a Fishin Buddy, and it does a great job.

I agree with ouachitabassangler. Monsters dont become monsters by doing what the smaller bass do. You will find them mostly deep, except maybe during the spawn and at night when they feed in the shallows. Monsters will be caught on a subtle change on a major piece of structure. This piece of structure will have everything the bass needs, food, cover, etc. Monsters will hit large lures since they will take an easy meal any day. However they can be caught on the small stuff too. Basically if you want to catcha Monster you really need to do your homework.

I read Bassmasters, Bassin, NAFC, Field & Stream, and Outdoor life. They all have their pro and cons.

Wolfgang puck makes self heating coffee in a can, No mess, and hot coffee.

I find topwater works great right after a rain. I would concentrate my efforts around the existing cover, if it is close to the stream you talked about it should be your top priority. If you know your primary forage is bluegill use something that mimics it.

I had a boat like that, I made some minor modifications using 2x4's I set up rod holders and a mount for a Fishin Buddy depthfinder, but my boat was only about 8' and I only had me in it.

I would find current breaks and fish with the current past these breaks. Bass will use these breaks as ambush points.

I do jokingly name mine after my wife, because its tempermental too.

Sounds like you talk from experience Flatfish

Yeah you need to lube the wheels. I try to remember to do that at least once a month depending on how many times I go fishing, may be more. I especially do it on long trips. Neglecting them can lead to some problems when you are towing your boat.

It sounds like the front has passed, so the bass will probably have returned to their pre-spawn/spawn/post-spawn habits. If that isnt the case I would do what fivebasslimit said.