bassattackerdad

The suspending cranks seem to be better than floaters in cold water. They are more managable, more workable.

Thanks, yeah he's a good kid. It's awesome to watch him say things like " Hey Dad, see that little twig over there, watch this" and he pitches it right next to it quite as a mouse. Terrific finesse fisherman too, heckofa drop shotter.

We met Clay at the 2008 FLW Cup just walking around the Vendors show. He behaved like he didn't even have a handicap. Most amazing.

Yeah, he's pretty lucky but he worked for the money for the Bayliner. And he's pretty serious about his tournament fishing. Funny thing is, the Sea Nymph had more deck space. But in chop you do get blown around. you should have seen us on Lake Shasta, CA for his first club tourney in that boat! We were getting blown all over. Good thing for the bilge.

My son's got a 1984 Bayliner Trophy Bass with a 90 Evinrude. Sweet little boat for a 15 year old. Not the fastest but handles water pretty good. Got everything the big boys have. And for what we paid, we probably got the boat free for the cost of the engine!

You might check out the Glacier Glove 959 Flip Mitt. These are fleece half gloves with a mitten which flips over. Very nice for motoring in cold and then you flip em back(velcro holder) and you can fish about as good as you can with a pair of gloves on. The palms have a rubberized face. We do a lot of cold weather bassin here in the NW.

I've posted a number of replies over the past few days. This site is a good resource. I've been fishing my whole life, grew up with a brackish water creek in my backyard. Used to catch eels with killies for bait. Then carp on corn. Graduated to perch. Then moved west and didn't fish for a long time. Got back in fishing for salmon on the Olympic Peninsula. Learned how to flyfish for salmon. Wow. That's a kick. Then learned to steelhead fish. Taught my son at age 4 to catch a salmon. Then taught him to flyfish around 10 for trout & steelhead. As you can see, I like to ramble. Then something happened to my budding flyfisher when he was 11 years old. He was watching TV on the weekends in the morning and began watching bass fishing shows. Bill Dance, Roland Martin & the like. Then he said he wanted to bass fish. Well, I didn't know squat about bass fishing, absolutely zilch. Fortunately a buddy of his from school lived on a piece of property with a 32 acre pond on it stocked with largemouth. The rest is history. I learned bass fishing by default and y'know what? I like it. It's a heckofa lot of fun and it's given me a lot of time with my boy. I've had the opportunity to watch him grow as a fisherman. He surpassed me a couple of years ago in ability. He loves it. He loves competing and the tournament fishing. So we've been members of a bass club here for a few years and he fishes both TBF and BASS. He's been to the Nat. Guard Jr. Worlds in 2008 and the BASS Casting Kids Nat. finals twice. Yeah, I'm proud of him. He loves this stuff and I support him in it.

What does anyone think about the best of show at Icast this year: Camo rods in Mossy Oak and Duckblind? Is this interesting or just a fad?

Once your batteries are fully charged, take them off your charger and put them on a float charger. This will keep them from discharging and it won't burn them up from overcharging. You can find a float charger pretty cheap.

We fish for smallies with cranks often. Early winter they work well. Norman deep little n's in natural colors and bright craw colors when the water is colored up. dd22's will work but we find em a little big for our local fish

Hey Caleb, Good job! You've got spunk for a 13 year old. There are a number of companies with Jr. Pro staff. I know that Pure Fishing(Berkely, Abu Garcia, etc.) gives out a lot of gear to youth each year. Perhaps contact their marketing dept. Eagle Claw is also a big supporter of youth. The Director of Pro Staff nat Eagle Claw(Lazer Sharp Hooks, Wright & McGill, etc) is a really nice guy. Remember, all of these companies have yearly budgets for this sort of thing so timing is important. I recommend you go to the Outdoor shows at the Classic & the FLW Cup if you can make it. Talk to manufacturers & suppliers personally. As far as your resume is concerned, take out the part about "hoping they will consider you." Don't look for a handout. They will consider you based on your merits and your character. Tell more about you, what sets you apart, what makes you tick as a fisherman. Everybody puts in the gobbledigook about representing you products, etc., etc. At 13 to be honest, your representation doesn't mean a whole lot. But your desire and passion does, and this is what a manufacturer will see. Be personal in your resume. These are people you are relating to. Also, put your fishing accomplishments first.

Don't let any of these guys comments deter you from your dream. That's the beauty of it, it's a dream. And youthful dreams are small seeds. Tend the garden carefully, see what grows. And practically speaking, first join The Bass Federation and The Federation Nation. Fish in any and all junior qualifiers. Win some and you'll get some press coverage and some recognition, then sponsorship will come. I reccomend to stay in the juniors as long as possible. This doesn't mean you can't fish in adult club tourneys, but stay out of the adult circuit fishing as long as possible. The competition takes an exponential jump.

I think there are numerous reasons teenagers want sponsors, not least of which is to defray costs of very expensive bass fishing equipment like quality rods and reels, a multitude of lines, hard & soft plastics, hooks, tungsten weights, etc, etc.. Just like adults, this stuff costs! From club membership, national memberships, state memberships not to mention tournament fees, fuel costs, repairs & boat upkeep. I would say that the large percentage of those kids looking for sponsorship are pretty serious about their competitive fishing. Many of them desire to reach for the pro ranks. And once you've used high quality gear, you know there is a big difference between it and run of the mill stuff. Many of these "kids" are darn good fishermen, rivaling many adults who have been fishing much, much longer. As I said, it's an expensive sport and junior sponsorship helps defray costs. It's not just a one way street. Manufacturers know that these kids are the next generation of bass fishermen and some of them will actually become pros and some will actually become big names in the bass fishing world. What company wouldn't want to get in on the ground level of the next KVD or Skeet Reese? It's a gamble for them when they give out gear, but not really because it's all part of a comprehensive marketing strategy. Just like cigarette companies who want to "hook" the next generation of smokers, fishing equipment manufacturers & bait companies want to "catch" the next generation of bass fisherman. The earlier the better. On the flip side of this, there are guys who own fishing companies and people in the fishing industry who just like kids and enjoy seeing kids out there following a good clean passion like fishing. These companies are very generous about giving gear to youth who have a passion for bass fishing. I've seen this first hand. My advice to any teens who are seeking sponsorship: Don't just send out resumes. Try to arrange a personal meeting with the decision maker: such as Director of Pro Staff, Marketing Director, or the owner of the company if it is small. Some companies want a formal contract which will require an adult's signature and others will approach it in a much less formal way. Have your parent/s involved either way since you are a minor and your parent will always be looking out for your best interest. In my opinion, nothing beats talking one on one with your potential sponsors. This is the real business part of it. While a resume may seem important and it is to a certain degree, the personal interaction is more so. I have hired and fired many people in my life and my decision to hire always came after the interview, not before.

Southern Oregon here too. We fish Emigrant, Applegate, Lost Creek Lake, Howard Prairie, Hyatt, Galesville, Irongate, Cottage Grove, Dorena, Ten Mile, Tahkenitch, the Willamette, the Umpqua, Foster, Green Peter, Crane Prairie, Shasta, Shastina, Prineville.

We fish tubes mostly for smallies with an internal jighead 1/4-3/16 oz in green pumpkins, browns & light greens. They can mimic craws or baitfish. 6'6 to 7 spinning rod, with good backbone and sensitive tip, light line 6-8lb. We cast to rock structure, riprap, drop-off etc. let tube sink and sit. Slowly raise rod tip and feel for weight. If there is weight, set hook. If not, drop back down, wait, shake rod a bit, wait, raise rod tip again, repeat. Then cast to spot 5 feet further down bank. And on and on. For us, often times the take is extremely subtle. One thing to remember about tube fishing is that it has a tendency to twist up your line. This is because of the falling action of the tube. So you might need to stretch your line after tube fishing or replace it. My kid likes to dropshot tubes nosehooked on #1 dropshot hook. it gives a lot of action to the tube legs.

Agreed that Bassin is better than Bassmaster but this site has a ton of information and there are many other websites with good information too. Videos are fun to watch, especially when it's too cold to fish... like when the lakes are frozen.

Chuck it upstream near the edge of current and pocket water, let the current take it and wham! But I don't use hula grubs in the river we fish because the jigheads will get hung up in rocks. We like to throw cranks and texas rigged worms or Huddleston craws. I like the hula grub in lakes. Better control & better feel over what it does. But hey, what to I know, I'm just a BassDad.

90% or more of the pros we've talked to, and we've talked to plenty, are very forthcoming with information about baits, etc. Bass fishing is pretty transparent these days. the huge difference between them and us, I think, is their synthesis of information and continual time on the water. As the old addage in real estate goes: location, location, location. in my opinion, this is numero uno in bass fishing. Baits and techniques are secondary. Finding fish and finding big fish is the first step. All the baits and techniques are out there. These pros love to share their stories, just like any other fisherman. We spent about a half an hour with Scott Suggs as he described in detail how he managed to win the FLW Cup worth a million bucks. He told us exactly where and how he did it. We live near Jay Yelas and have become friends. When my son was going to fish in a national tournament, he showed Jay his tackle and Jay pointed out a number of things to throw and not to throw. I believe when these guys are on stage or on tv or in an ad they have to preach about the sponsor's gear, but when you are one on one with them, they give you the straight scoop.

We used to fish in a canoe with a 28lb thrust trolling motor. Moved it along pretty good. But you have inadequate control with this type of arrangement. Also, it is tough to stand and bass fishing requires standing much of the time. Try sitting down and pitching or flipping! Canoes are fine if you don't have anything else. We also have a jon boat. Better than a canoe but not long enough. There's always going to be some sort of compromise. Small hand totable boats are good for ponds and places without boat ramps. Other than that, a bass boat with a main motor, flat decks and a foot pedal trolling motor in front is the only way to go.

Oh, I didn't mention that when he was 13 years old(2007), he participated in BASS Casting Kids for the first time and made it to the nationals and placed 6th in the nation. Then in 2008 he was back at the Casting Kids nationals and finished 3rd in the nation. He was 2008 Oregon State TBF champion and finished 2nd in the Western Division at the National Guard Jr. World's. These accomplishments helped him prove his direction and ability in bass fishing. When people ask him what he wants to be when he grows up...you know what he says. My motto is: work hard at it, very hard. Practice, practice, practice. And it probably helps to have a supportive dad.

I believe a "fishing resume" is more about a "fishing presentation" or presence than the type of resume you would use to get a conventional "job." What I mean by presentation, is a personal presentation, a personal interaction with the suppliers. My son, who is 15 has half a dozen sponsors including Eagle Claw, Poorboy's Baits, Rogue Rods, Nixon's Marine, Bosstin Weights, Ledford's Custom Tackle among others. We put together images and text for a presentation piece which he gave out to prospective suppliers at the 2008 Bassmaster Classic show and the FLW Cup show. He walked around the shows in his tournament jersey, talked to manufacturers & suppliers, and volunteered to help work in a major sponsors booth, which he did. Sponsors want pro staff, even young pro staff, who win of course, but you must also be able to talk and represent the products in a cohesive fashion. But recognition is key! Sponsorship is really about sales or projected sales. The reason they give you stuff is because they are gambling on you, that you might be the next big winner with their product which translates into sales, hence profit. Start by looking at small local companies. They are probably more likely to set you up with some product. Wear their hats, shirts, decals etc. They want recognition just like you and this could become a good match. After you have put some significant wins under your belt, then approach the "bigger fish." if you look promising to them, they may start you out small, but you'll get your foot in the door. Remember, once you are being sponsored by a company, you REPRESENT them in the fishing world. This is a big responsibility. In a sense, you are working for them. That's not always easy. You always have to be thinking about them. One last thing: It's not about free gear, it's about a business relationship: one that must be beneficial to both parties.

A believe a "fishing resume" is more about a "presentation" or presence than a resume you would use to get a job. What i mean by presentation is personal presentation, personal interaction with the suppliers. My son, who is 15 has half a dozen sponsors including Eagle Claw, Poorboy's Baits, Rogue Rods, Nixon's Marine, Bosstin Weights among others. We put together images and text for a presentation piece which he gave out to prospective suppliers at the Classic show and the FLW Cup show. Sponsors want pro staff who win of course, but you must also be able to talk and represent the products in a cohesive fashion. But recognition is key! Sponsorship is really about sales or projected sales. The reason they give you stuff is because they are gambling on you that you might be the next big winner with their product which translates into sales, hence profit. Start looking at small local companies. They are probably more likely to set you up with some product. They want recognition just like you and this could become a good match. After you have put some significant wins under your belt, then approach the "bigger fish." if you look promising to them, they may start you out small, but you'll get your foot in the door. Remember, once you are being sponsored by a company, you REPRESENT them in the fishing world. This is a big responsibility. In a sense, you are working for them. That's not always easy. You always have to be 8-)thinking about them. One last thing: It's not about free gear, it's about a business relationship: one that must be beneficial to both parties.

Basschump, I think I would skip the comp prop and try to find another aluminum or SS prop. I think there is an aftermarket SS prop for that motor. We have the same boat, but have a 90 Evinrude on it with a SS prop. We have an aluminum as a spare. Not much difference in top end, about 43mph at Fern Ridge Reservoir. Probably a bit more at the coast. But my kid says the SS rides better. I can't tell much of a difference. Plastic is plastic, it's gotta flex. Aluminum flexes. Stainless has very little flex.

Actually, this is my kids boat. I just chauffer him around untill he gets his auto drivers license. 1984 16'4" Bayliner Trophy Bass with a 1997 Evinrude 90hp. Not bad for a 15 year old. He upgraded from an 1985 Sea Nymph Bass Attacker with a 40hp. Now he can cruise a 40mph which isn't fast enough for him but plenty fast for me! i keep telling him, "It's not the boat that catches the fish." Hey Basschump, this boat look familiar? Maybe we'll see you at Tenmile or Tahkenich this year!

We add stabilizer and run the boat. We don't run out the gas. if you do, you may have a problem unless you fog the cylinders, since the fuel is mixed with oil it serves as a lubricant for the cylinder walls. Without lubricant in the cylinder walls...you know the rest. We don't fog since we fish all year, even when it's cold, yes even when it's brrrr cold. We store boat outside but covered. It's probably a good idea to trim motor down but I don't like all that pressure on transom for a long period of time. Motor cranks right up fine, but like I said, we probably don't go more than 3-4 weeks without taking it out as long as there's no ice on the water!