Matt Kremers

I would like to see someone else win it. Nobody in particular. Those guys have all seen great success and I would like to see someone else reach their point as well.

I have pitched to stuff all over my yard, but never thought of this. Maybe you can teach an old dog a new trick now and then. Thanks for the suggestion. 8-) I didn't think it was possible! To make it even better, try standing on a picnic table bench (or anything to get you a foot or 2 off the ground). This better represents casting off of a boat to a surface below you.

You will be able to cast farther and take up more line on a hookset buy stepping up to a 7' rod. When selecting a power for the rod, make sure to understand that a MH from one company could be the same as a M in another company. Many of the low end rods will be overrated for what they are truly capable of. If I had to choose a rod for throwing senkos it would be a 7'M Falcon Bucoo.

the key to practicing pitching is the target. an upright bucket is a terrible target. the goal for a pitch is a low trajectory, letting the bait enter the water very softly without spooking the fish. Lay a bucket or large cup on its side so you cast into the entrance. This is a much better representation of pitching under a dock/tree/etc and teaches you to keep a soft entrance.

smooth movements are key. it takes very little input on your part to launch it. what line are you using? I find it easiest to cast a half ounce jig, and make sure you are using good line. what kind of rod are you using? too soft of a rod makes it very difficult

not that I know of. Google is a powerful tool. See what you can find

I absolutely love by pro qualifier. Might pick another up this year when they go on sale. No problems with it. It casts very nicely and fits my hand very well

Well, I have only done tournaments for a year, but here is what I have. What I like in tournaments in variety. Fish lakes that are very different from one another. Fish as many different lakes as possible. There is always one guy who dominates every tourny on lake X. If the trail goes to lake x three times a year, makes things frustrating. But it is also for the new atmosphere. New lakes keeps it from feeling like just another day fishing. The money is important. Entry fees can make or break an organization. Good service is critical. Listen to what your members are saying. Make them feel welcome on the trail, like it is something they are a part of.

it is mostly about what techniques you like to fish. with the cranks, do you fish lipped or lipless? heavy cover or open water? Short or long casts? Here is a link to a "fishing line guide" that I mostly agree with: update: for some reason the forum is changing the website after I post it, so the link isn't working. ** Moderator note ** The link has been edited by an automatic screen which we have for certain websites. This is instituted for a variety or reasons, but I don't know about this one specifically. However, once the name is removed, we do not want our screens being subverted. Retyping the link is not allowed and has been removed. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator

There are in-store. grabbed some 3X worms the other day

how long does a bottle last you guys? If it can get it at a good price should I get a few bottles of it?

can't believe noone has hopped on this yet . . . it does relate, because I got skunked in my first tournament ever. Caught bass, but they were all between 10 and 11.9 inches

Im going down south at the end of February/early March. Planning on doing the BASS Weekend Series on Guntersville 2/27. Then going to Florida for a week and doing another tournament on the Harris Chain 3/6. I will be driving from upstate NY, so it will definitely be a a road trip

you can try using some line conditioner. Vicious sells some. KVD sells some too. I do not have experience with it yet, but will soon. It is supposed to work really well

That is a good question that I don't know the answer to! I get them through a group purchase on Stanley equipment, but that is only for our club members. I would try sending them an email sales@fishstanley.com

soft jerkbaits can produce (ie zoom fluke), just keep the pauses LONG

fish it over weeds. when it starts to get stuck in the weeds, rip it free like you are setting the hook. This can often get a reaction bite

Stanley Ribbits. I cant wait to try them on their new double take frog hooks. Weighted for more casting distance. Also makes them sit in the water a little lower for more sound from the legs. http://fishstanley.com/prdoubletake.html If they are only slapping at the tails, don't be afraid to put a treble hook behind your single EWG hook.

Picasso makes weights that arent tungsten, but aren't too much larger. They are MUCH cheaper. http://picassooutdoors.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=61&category_id=10

That rod will be able to throw most lures, so experiment and find what you like. It is just about perfect for frogs and toads (I would prefer a 7').

Rod- Falcon Bucoo 7' M Reel- Quantum Kinetic PT Line- 8lb Vicous Fluoro Worm- Owner shaky head. Jigs- They're cheap. Try a bunch until you find one you like.

Leader vs no leader depends on water clarity and structure thickness. I typically use 40 and 50 lb braid. I do not use a leader if I am using it for topwaters. If I am flippin/CR/etc in clear water I usually use a 2-3 foot fluoro leader (17/20 lb). I cannot tell you that the visibility makes that much of a difference, but it gives me more confidence so I am not second guessing myself all day.

I am fortunate to have a Bass Pro nearby, so I stopped in to get my hands on some new rods. I'm in the same ballpark you are. I compared the Skeet Reese, Vendetta, BPS Carbonlite, and Bucoo. The Skeet rods were pretty heavy. The heaviest of the group for sure. They were a little whippy for my liking as well. My choice: Falcon Bucoo. Made in USA (big plus for me), extremely lightweight, well balanced, quality components. Couldn't ask for a better rod at the pricepoint.

It is a very good question. When I started fishing, it was more about being outside and enjoying the lake (and often a frosty beverage). I had one combo, and would always fish the same two lures (firetiger popper and black jitterbug). If I caught a nice smallie, awesome! If not, I got to see a beautiful sunset and relax on the water. Then my friend got me into tournament fishing, and the engineer in me has coming out. I analyze every little aspect of fishing to the point where it can become stressful when I can't catch em! Fishing has become extremely complicated. But I do not believe this is a bad thing. If there were only 2 lures to pick from with one type of line, what fun would that be? It seems like a lot of what keeps us coming back for more is a new technique or modification that just might catch more big fish. It makes us continuously try harder to find one small change that can make us better than the other guy. It really engages the mind too, which keeps it from turning into mush as soon as you retire. When it does work, it makes you feel like your knowledge is the reason for success rather than just luck.

I primarily catch 'em on poppers and Jitterbugs. Every once in a while I will get one on a buzzbait.