lmoore

I would be direct about it. I know on non-team tournaments, I have gotten so caught up in how the day was going, that I completely forgot to give the boater I drew for that day any money for gas. It's possible he just forgot about it at the end of the day. Since you guys will be fishing as a team, I'm sure he expects to split expenses. Let him know about the expenses you have and what portion you would like from him. I doubt you'll get much of a complaint from him since you guys are using your boat.

And to avoid the inevitable answer, I've been looking at maps trying to find some. I have two spots that look like creeks may be coming in. Both located on Google Earth, so I can't really tell due to the trees. The Hot Spots map for the area doesn't show any that I can see. Just looking for any info that I can't see from the maps. Thanks guys

I've fished as a non-boater the last two years. One thing I've learned is that the boaters can definitely make or break your tournament. If a guy puts you on fish, be appreciative. The first tournament I ever fished, I found fish stacked up on a rock wall behind our boat while my boater was trying to cover a flat. He thanked me by positioning the boat so I couldn't cast to the spot where I had just caught a nice 3 pounder, caught his limit of 5, then drove off. We never found fish the rest of the day. Something like that is frustrating, but it also makes you appreciate when you get a good boater. Giving a little money for boat gas is a good idea. For the most part, it's a great experience and a great way to develop as an angler, especially if you would like to make the jump to bigger tourneys in the future.

I have the same problem, but usually I'm too jacked during the tournament to even think about being tired. Try that I would think that some Nyquil or whatever would work, but make sure you take it early on so it's worn off by the time you have to get up. Also, crank some music on the way to the ramp and don't be afraid to get excited about what happens during the tourney. Think of yourself like the guy in crank and keep the adrenaline flowing ;D

Hey guys, Wondering if anyone knows of some creeks that flow into LOZ in the Grand Glaize area. I'll be down there in the spring and I'd like to find a few. I fished a tourney there last March and found some, so I have a few places to try, but I'd like to find some creeks coming in at the backs of some of those coves. Thanks for your help guys. I;m just a lonely Iowa fisherman tired of having my bass covered by a blanket of ice ;D

Down south a 5 lb bass will be much more common than up North. I think this is going to be tough question to get accurate answers to because I notice that a lot of people have a really hard time judging bass. I've seen a guy mount a bass that "had to be 8 pounds" when really it couldn't have been more than 4-5.

I fish almost all my plastics on baitcasters. Plastics aren't necessary to catching fish, but there are definitely times when it really helps to have that one other trick up your sleeve.

Shad_Master is right. Experience is the key. My recommendation would be to pause when you fel pressure. Many times the fish will move the line, whether you feel another thump or the line just starts swimming in one direction. Familiarize yourself with that initial strike so you can better feel the difference between bottom and a fish. The one problem you'll have is that sometimes fish, especially big bass, will grab the lure and just sit in that spot. Learning to feel those takes TONS of experience. As a general rule, if you feel something that just doesn't seem quite right, rip the lips off of it. Won't hurt anything to bounce off a rock, and will be amazing when it's a nice 5 pounder.

I would definitely recommend getting familiar with soft plastics. You'll be a more well-rounded fisherman if you can add them to your arsenal. Might help avoid situations like this one where other baits just aren't doing the trick.

With the hooks and knives and all that stuff usually in a boat, it's hard not to get hurt at some point. My most embarassing moment was this spring fishing from shore with a bass jig. Set the hook on nothing and brought a 3/8 oz jig up out of the water. Gracefully ducked underneath of it, or so i thought. Took it right off the temple. Stood up to see a family walking by on the trail laughing. Pride hurt a lot worse than my temple.

How big is this area and are you fishing a lake or a river? River fish will often be very solitary, so you may only find one in a spot. One suggestion I would throw out is to slow down. Catch the aggresive fish with a spinnerbait and then go back over the area with a slower presentation like a wacky-rig. Let it sink to the weeds and the twitch it up.

The way I understand it is that the fish are not actually "moving" deeper or "moving" shallow. I can't remember the exact number but I believe Bass can only change depth at a rate of 1-2 feet per day. There are likely fish in both areas since not all bass move to deeper cover at the same rate after the spawn. Some will be up in shallow cover all summer long. I would guess that what is happening for you is that the fish are becoming active at different points in the day which gives the impression that they are "moving."

I would start with a minnow colored floating rapala or some type of craw imitation for the bass. Rooster tail is right on if you want a chance at both species.

Thanks guys. I've been hearing quite a bit about the jerkbait bite so I'll plan on targeting that.

Quickest way to make your resume better? State what you are willing to do for companies. Companies could really care less what you have done in tournaments, especially at the junior level. Companies want to know that you are in it for them and not you.

Hey everyone. I will be fishing LOZ here in about a week and a half. Any advice on what is working well and types of habitat they will be on? I have a jerkbait, a crankbait, a shaky head, a jig, and a drop shot rigged up and was planning on hitting main points where the channel runs close and secondary points where creeks come in. Launching from P.B. 2 in the Glaize. Should I stick around that area or maybe head towards the Gravois of dam area? Any help is appreciated. PM if you have specific advice. Thanks and sorry for all the questions Edit: Also, does anyone know where I can find a good lake depth map? Thanks again.