backwater4

If I have nothing nice to say............ There's a ton of good info in this forum. If this is serious, it is best to read it and use all the resources.

Wayne, How's it going. I'm on long island also. The largemouth fishing is very good and there are also some smallmouth around. What part of the island are you from? Dominic

X2 on fishingskirts.com

Nice job.

Warm and fuzzy. Looks good. Like others have said, it will slim down in the water. Make some in black and you have a killer cold water bait.

Go to nybass.com, they list a bunch of ct tournaments and a lot of clubs within ct. I personally would look for a club in your area.

Small jigs and hair jigs. I've done well with both swimming them through grass in streams and rivers. I use one's with a thin wire brush guard.

Honestly, if you can sell product or give leads and solicit sales, who cares if you can fish or not. Fishing tournaments gives you exposure to other fisherman. There's no reason you need to fish tournaments to talk with anglers or go to tackle shops and show product.

The Ct River is a very good fishery, but it depends on the tides on the lower sections. It takes some getting used to. Coves with grass and pads and main river grass have always worked for me.

X2 with what Dwight said. I don't think there will be any issues with going to 6 & 10. Maybe slightly lighter drag.

Live on long island, but fish all over ct. Candlewood, Lillinonah, Twin, Bantam, Zoar, Ct River. You get the point. Great state for bass fishing.

Mega, Funny you should say that. A tournament I was in there was won in just that way. A few boats locked through and ran to the upper Chesapeake. Fished a few hours and ran back with a few decent limits. No contest, game over. You just need the b**ls to do it. This was a one day tournament. I'm sure the elites would have no problem with it and some have even realized it already. Good call! The upper Chesapeake, now that's a fun fishery.

All black and brown & Orange.

My son fishes the 4" brush hogs on shakey heads all the time. It's his go to setup and never fails to catch fish.

Find deeper structure, not necessarily 30 ft, but somewhere in the 20+ range. Ledges, rockpiles, foundations, etc. Find bait on these places an you will find fish. Drop shot, jigging spoon, blade bait (silver buddy) football jig and even a slow moving Alabama rig.

Thanks Jeff, 00 Mod I'm horrible at trying to post pics. Jeff nailed it though: 4" ring frys 4" senkos Punished Hair Jigs Arkie bucktail jig Berkley shakey worms Plus an extra to be named later He really put in a lot of research. Awesome job! Once again a lot of fun. Dominic

Fish deep structure 25-40' (need baitfish present) mostly early spring and late fall Fish extremely shallow cover (anytime of day) especially when it's hot Slow down and be precise with your presentations

4" Culprit Finesse Weenie Worm 4" Berkley Finesse Worm

Gift leaving in Monday's mail.

Like Felix said, black is a great finesse color. My go to finesse bait in stained water is a 4" berkley ring worm, black chart tail.

Just checking if you got my pm. Thanks.

Being nearer to water would help, but if your in a high traffic area on the way to these places that's good. It's all about drawing people in from other areas. You have to be able to cater to all groups from panfish to stripers. Carry quality products and bait and keep up with the latest hot lures on those lakes closest to you. Offer variety, maybe carry some local tackle makers products also. Above all, promote as much as you can. Be at tournaments, maybe work a deal with some local guides to bring business in and meet at the shop before trips. Open early, close late. Offer truthful up to date info. Maybe publicize in local outdoor mags. Hope this helps.

X4 on the marine plywood. Also there is a composite call starboard (I think) Its like a cutting board material. I've used that over plywood on transoms as a pad for the motor.

I've fished the Delaware a couple of times and man it's really tough. I wouldn't give it up for nothing, I'm not saying cash, but an endorsement or something. Once that area is fished, your secret is over. I think I'd keep it for myself. I'd enjoy it more myself, than watching someone cash a check out of it or possibly qualify for the classic, instead of you with info you gave him. Tough call.

I'm in, please. Last year was alot of fun.