IllinoisBasser

We have a few Hot water lakes that host 1-2 tournys a week. All of them have have a 25 horse restriction. The guys that fish these tournys are tougher than the folks i fish against in the spring and summer on different circuits. It always takes 20 pounds to win a one day tourny. Our season starts in oct.and ends in march. i am fishing one circuit this winter,and two circuits in the spring.

I have a few winter tournys this year. I'm sure at least one of them will have snow on the ground.Last weekends tourny had 50 degree air temp. Isn't going to be even close to that this week. Last february there was 6 inches of snow on the ground.It was 22 degrees and we were catchin them on buzzbaits and sumo frogs. We were fishin a hot water inlet at a power plant lake.

This is the first site i check when i get home. Not the email or anything else. This a well run site,with lots of friendly folks.i think it is safe to say that i am a better fisherman because of this site. Keep up the good work guys.

I use the fingerless wool gloves that has a flap,that folds over and turns them into mittens.The thumb on those are covered,and you can still thumb the spool with them. I pitched all winter with them on. Just like anything else,it just takes some getting used to. A buddy of mine uses those waterproof gloves and sticks the handwarmers in them.Speaking of winter gear, I saw at a local Wal-Mart that they were selling Heated insoles for boots. Have not tried them yet, but i will soon.

My buddy Rich.We usually fish together about once a week.If we don't,we will call one another and compare notes on what worked,what didn't,wind,air temp,water temp,what lake,etc. I pick up so much knowledge from the guy,and i know he picks up quite a bit from me.He's one of the few local tourny guys i know that i fish with on a consistent basis.I also enjoy fishing with my wife,she enjoys being out on the water with me as i give her a seminar on how to catch fish in this situation.what tackle to use,the proper retrieve,and of course i end up catching dinks.My 7 year old step-son is a blast to fish with as well. I usually set him up with a crappie tube, a grub,or a beetle spin. He caught his first 3 pounder this past fall.I seriously thought he was going to get pulled in.He never did let go of the rod though.Give him another year or two and he will be fishing local tournys with me.

Belleville,Illinois. 20 minutes east of St.Louis

when it was all said and done, I broke even. what surplus i had after expenses,i spent in more tackle,rods etc. Not one win this year.But a whole lot of top 3 finishes,and a few big bass checks. I also split half of any money made with my financial consultant (my wife). I fished mainly small club circuits with a draw format. co-anglers fished against the boaters, it had a few drawbacks. But as always with any tournament, it was a learning experience.Can't wait until my next tournament.