Dinky

Double digits. I think Dream Lake would be my best option, thanks for the suggestions guys! Fat-G; The guy that owns a local tackle store here told me yesterday that he has been to Dream Lodge and that it is fantastic. He said he went in September and although he didn't get a trophy he caught many 7-9 pounders in 2 days. He told me it is one of the places that Shimano sends dealers to preview equipment. For what it is worth. Good fishing.

Let us know how Dream Lodge trip goes. It looks very good, at least the web site does. In any event, have a great trip.

When are you going? El Salto/Mateos area: rainy season August, September-not best time to go. Many lodges may be closed until October. October/November good times to go, as well as the spring of course. Falcon area under water--could check Sugar lake. Choke Canyon would be ok but could be very hot and require some night fishing and guide expense. I have names of guides for Choke/sugar/amistad if interested. The closer to home the better since it reduces wasted travel time, plus no need for a guide at 127 acres. The Dream lodge sounds great. I have never been there but the web site looks great. Note: At $350/day at Dream Lodge 4 days fishing is about $400 less than comparable lodge at El Salto (excluding air fare of course).

I have used many guides and you are getting some good advice form all those above posts. Obviously if you are flying you want to avoid taking rods since most airlines now charge extra for long rod cases (it seems to vary by airline and by type of plane as well). Taking your own reels is a great idea since they can be easily packed. As far as lures go; get on line and get as much information about the types of lures that are productive at Tohoe for the time of year you are going and pack a few accordingly. You should have the opportunity to purchase something once you are there if a particular bait is really hot and you didn't bring it.

Great job, LM! Everything seems bigger in Texas--even the fish! What did you catch the two bigguns on?

Fantastic fishing Big O! Those are some real hawgs. I haven't seen a belly on anyone like that since LM's at the Road Trip! Which lake did you catch them on?

I've made all of the listed mistakes at least once and expect to make many more. I have been a marshal at the Elite Bassmaster tournaments several times the last two years and a few things I have noticed about the pros that seem universal: They don't change lures much throughout the day. Now, of course they have 10-12 rods/reels pre-rigged so changing lures is not an issue usually. (some are duplicate rigged) But, the point is-they knew what they were going to use the night before when they rigged their rods/reels. They carry very few different types of tackle in the boat. Example; if they are going to be using a crank bait for a significant time they usually have at least 3 similar/same style cranks pri-rigged, but each one is for a different depth. They may not be carrying any more crank baits other than a few of the same style already rigged in case they lose one. Example; If they are going to be using a C-rig for a lot of the areas they will have at least two pre-rigged--one with a lizard maybe and one with a worm. Also, assuming the bass may be chasing shad on the top of the water, they will always make sure they have a top water rig on deck, with the lure unhooked and ready to throw. Knots: some tie a knot faster than you can imagine and some not so fast. But, all of them constantly check their line for evidence of wear and retie often. They spend zero time looking for a place to fish. They know exactly where and how they are going to fish a spot and go to it--if it is occupied they go to another one they have marked. No wasted time. They don't change their strategy or technique (throughout any single day at least) easily or quickly. They have confidence in their reading of the lake conditions and that their technique will produce results. Finally: their casting technique and accuracy is unbelievable. They can skip a jig and pig half way under a dock with a bait caster. Most seem ambidextrous and can throw back handed as well. The point being they can reach the proper zone and are seldom if ever wasting a cast. It is both mental and physical. Makes it tough on us old, not so bright guys!

Long Mike was correct, it was some of the best aged cheddar I have ever had-thanks for sending it. Hope you can bring some more in person next year! As for Leo's irregularity- his pepper relish should have taken care of that!

The method I showed roadwarrior involved pulling a dead 6' limb down on top of us into the boat! What a mess I made. Must have been half a chord of seasoned firewood in the boat!

This was a great trip! I wish we didn't have to wait an entire year for the next one. I caught a lot of fish and really enjoyed fishing with Rhino, steezy, and Road Warrior. Thanks to Big O and the Bassin Soldiers for putting me on to the those ragecraws. Awesome! Road Warrior-you and Long Mike fixed a fine dinner Wednesday night - Thanks! Rhino-I showed Road Warrior a different technique for getting lures out of trees. Ask him. Leo-not to worry,the 3rd degree burns I got from the relish you brought are almost 100% healed. steezy-I searched my boat but unfortunately you didn't forget one of your rods or reels. Darn. Road Warrior-thanks for showing me where the fish live in Pickwick and were to eat breakfast! I will try to get some photos posted when I finally get home. wmd

I will be there Saturday morning-staying until the 7th. I have room for two more in my boat-No deposit required-just bring your own cheese! Question: I see Road Warrior has engaged a guide. Does anyone else think it would be a good idea to do the same and if so to share the cost? If so, let me know because I would be willing to share the cost. This is my first Road Trip so I do not know anyone yet, but I am looking forward to meeting everyone. Your enthusiasm is great and makes it easy to get really excited about the road trip!

I will be there on Saturday. Would love to see how the side imaging sonar works at some point (in case I win the lottery and can afford to buy one someday!) They must be awesome--seems like more and more folks are getting them.

It is really a unique show for sure and I like it. I saw the one you mentioned above and actually was in NYC after that and walked by that pond just to see it. I also saw a few sporting goods stores not far away that had some fishing equipment in them. I wonder if his show inspired them to carry some fishing equipment?

I got WFN all fishing all the time. ;D I dont get WFN, but I've seen it at a friend's house in another state--it is fantastic--fishing shows 24/7!!!

I am sorry the official roadtrip had to be cancelled, but I will be there for the unofficial one!! I have a room at the lodge from 5/1 thru 5/7-if anyone needs a place to stay--two queen beds. I also have room for one more in my boat if anyone is interested.

1. Many years ago: (not directly boat related, but fishing related). buddy and I left home for a weekend fishing in a lake 7 hours drive away. Stopped to eat on the way. I offer to pay. No wallet. Left it at home. Too far to turn around and go back. Buddy has small amount of cash and credit card. Restaurant doesn't take cc's. Buddy needs to save the cash for the trip since I have none. I hate washing dishes and really don't want to go to jail. Restaurant is one that fisherman stop at all the time--they see we are fishermen and give us a copy of the dinner check and say to mail them a personal check when we get back home. We did. Intervening years: about everything already mentioned here! At least once! 2. Last spring: went to boat dealer to pick up boat after having it serviced -. Paid and then dealer employee helped me back up to trailer and hook up. Then he left. My boat (aluminum) was parked between two large pontoons. Got too close to one and scraped my boat. Not much damage to it and none to the pontoon. But--could not get my boat back in position to get out-there was a fence in the rear and I was not able to go back far enough. Embarrassing-had to go back in and ask them to come back out and help me get out of the parking space! 3.. Last month: launched my boat --started motor no problem. Could not steer it--steering wheel would only turn an inch or two each way. Forgot to take the clips off of the steering arms that keep motor from turning side to side while trailering. Looking forward to finding new ways to mess up--ways no one else has done (or will admit).

I heard that a lot of the Elite fishermen lost sponsors--due to the economy. Guess that could explain the reduction in number of Elite pros.

oops, sorry, I meant I was looking forward to my first warm and fuzzy board hootenanny!!

I will be there. I am new to the board and I am looking forward to my first board tournament!!

How about trying to convince him to take turns on the trolling motor? You could say it is an issue of fairness. Then maybe he will be able to see first hand how you are affected in the back seat.

Thank all of you for welcoming me to the BR Board!

Hahaha. Priceless. or this: Yea, sounds great, Bob. What should I wear? It don't matter, Jim, it's just gonna be you and me. Click.....etc.

How about guys getting their used tackle/lures/eqipment that they don't want or don't use any more and getting together for a few beers, etc,. and selling/swapping stuff? It wouldn't seem so much like a man's tupperware party and it would be a way to get things started.

Greetings from a newbie in Kentucky! I've been a board member a few months but just now getting around to introducing myself. I have recently returned to bass fishing after a long absence and am just getting back into it. I am retired and love to fish-mostly largemouth and smallmouth. I have a boat and am able to travel to other areas of the country to fish--especially if invited!!