oteymc

I have been fishing at Belva Deer, Segema, and a couple times at Keoma. I am going to try to hit Rathbun a few times this year.

I know this has probably been asked a lot, but I couldn't find it on here. I am adding a battery for my trolling motor, the people I bought my boat from had just one battery. Should I have the running lights, bilge pump, live-well pump, and aerator all running from the trolling motor or the big motor battery? Or does it even matter since there are so few of these other accessories? Thanks

Todays In-Fisherman show is about this exact subject.

I am with you on the Drum, Buffalo, and Gar. I haven't been bass fishing that long, so maybe my opinion is not qualified. I practice Catch and Release on all Bass with one exception. There is a small lake that is not far from here that has a slot limit on bass. It says right on the sign on the ramp that anglers are encouraged to harvest bass under 12". I guess there are too many small fish in the lake? There are people who will try to make you feel bad for harvesting any fish, but like K-mac says, selected harvest has it's place. I am not afraid to keep a mess of crappie for a fish fry. I would never dream of taking a large fish. I have heard it said, don't take anything out that would be hard to replace. That makes sense to me.

Anyone ever used these? They are on sale on Cabela's website for $29.99, regularly $65. I would mainly use it for crankbaits, but would probably end up using it for other uses. I also saw the Shimano Callisto baitcasting reel for 49.99, any opinions on this one? Thanks

I had people around me that liked to fish when I was younger, and we went some - but not a lot. I had plenty of chances growing up, but I was into other things. I remember going to help my Grampa bale hay, he would let me go fishing at his catfish pond early in the morning while he was getting the equipment ready(I was probably 10-12). My Dad took us fishing occasionally, I think just because he thought that's what good dads do - he didn't even fish most times. I really appreciate that now, because he would have probably rather been doing anything other than that. Now don't get me wrong, it wasn't like we were begging to go in the first place, if we would have really wanted to, he would have taken us everyday. I have a brother who is 8 yrs younger, and he really likes to fish and is a good crappie and bass fisherman - but he lives 6 hours away. I only started fishing again about a year ago. I fish alone most of the time. I think that is why I enjoy reading on this site so much. I think my sons are going to like it, and my 4 yr old goes some with me, that is fun. This is an interesting thread.

That's just the kind of info I was looking for, thanks.

Anyone ever use those pre-made carolina short cut rigs? They are kind of expensive, but looks handy.

I agree, plus if they did want to sponsor you at some point they look at it like you are already doing this for free, why should we pay you to do the same thing. thats just my veiw of it. x2, the same thing goes for trying to get someone else to come on board as a sponsor. But if you just think it is fun to wear a jersey to look like a pro - who are we to tell you what to wear?

When the commentators say "he is one of the best sight fishing guys on the tour" are they referring only to fishing the spawn? It does make sense to me that the higher echelon of tournaments should sometimes be in places and times when the bite is tough. I think the best scenario would be to cover a wide variety of places and times, then your champion would be someone who could catch bass in any circumstance (but I thought that is what they already tried for). That being said, I also think it is OK to have a tournament during the spawn, just like it is fun to watch a baseball game in a hitters ball park, or a golf tournament where the pros can birdie every hole. But it would get old if it were that way every time. Just my opinion.

It looks like I am going to be in the Austin, TX area for work 3/18-21. I'm not sure how much time I will have, but I thought I might try to get some fishing in (lakes are all still froze here). Any suggestions? I know Lake Travis is close. I am flying down, so no boat. I would not be above renting a boat, but if a person doesn't know a body of water, not sure how worthwhile that would be. Hiring a guide is an option, but also not sure I want to spend the money, unless there is an outstanding fishery nearby. I guess I just need suggestions. Thanks.

This is pretty cool, I would love to attend. I guess I need to re-check my schedule. Is it Ok to come for only a couple of days? I know I can't take the whole week off! I just looked at the website, is there really only 16 registrants? Is that normal? I would love to come and fish with some of you guys.

Well, those sound like good reports. Thanks guys.

Grasshoppa Troll-free Free-troller

Its a 97, 16 ft, Mod V. Console steering, front and rear casting decks, livewell, trolling motor, depth finder, nice trailer. It has a 30 hp Mercury. The carpet and everything seem to be in good shape. I am going to try and go look at it this weekend. Mostly wanted to know if the company had a good reputation, if they were known to have any issues, etc. But any info or opinions would be appreciated. Thanks

I have found a decent looking boat for sale. It is a Sea Ark. Any info on these, good or bad? How do they compare to a Tracker, Lowe, Grumman? Anything I should be concerned with? Thanks

I know you posted this a while ago - but what powerplant lake were you on? I am just learning about these. My cabin fever is so bad, thinking I might try to find one.

So, when looking at the barometer, what is considered low pressure, and what is considered high? Or is it mainly the change that does it? If so, how much change does it take to affect the fish? Can a warm front have the same effect? Sorry if these are silly questions.

Doesn't the barometric pressure changes have as much to do with it as the temp change? I myself do not really understand it, maybe someone will explain.

I figured that had to be the case, with the low temps. So if you can't move them from state to state, I guess that means you have to stock your private lake from hatcheries in your own state.

I know they transplanted Florida Strain Bass to Mexico, could they be transplanted to the Midwest? I know they would not thrive like they do in warmer climates where they grow year-round, but would they survive and still be faster growers than the normal Northern Strain. Has anyone done this? Are there places that sell Florida strain stocker bass?

I love to watch any fishing show, and do when I happen to be inside when one is on. I don't even mind when someone is pitching a product, but you would think people would take it more seriously, and consider buying the product if the plugs were a little more subtle. Then again, that may be the approach the sponsors are mandating to these guys.

Just a hypothetical question - What if you knew you were going to fish a lake, and hired a guide three months before the tournament? Is this a DQ? If not a DQ, is it still looked down upon? I am totally ignorant to tournament fishing, but it really intrigues me.

Well, I guess it worked cause it started right up and I sold it! Thanks for the info everyone. Now to find my next boat!

Yes I do, Wayne. But thanks - if i hadn't that would have been some valuable information! I was just worried about the water freezing in the motor and causing damage. Sounds like that is not a big deal, though?