Mike L

In most local and all national circuit tournaments regardless of the level, the governing rules and regulations are made available to each entrant who's responsibility is to know and accept as is. If you enter you agree to them all regardless of your personal preference. Mike

Depending on the circuit, there could be an appeal mechanism in place where all factors are considered. If you were turned in by someone who witnessed you do something, and you failed the test you forfeit the win and all monies paid. Including any contingencies. Mike

If you're asking about what to use for punching, you're talking about highly specialized equipment for a specialized technique. If you're gonna use a heavy action rod, 60# + braid, fish in areas of extreme vegetation, use 1oz + weights just to reach the fish.... Why would you consider not useing the piece of the puzzle that the fish actually touch?? Mike

Ditto Ditto Ditto I use Sniper up to and including 16# for everything except 2 presentations. 20# Shooter for bottom and weightless plastic in fairly heavy cover areas. In my opinion, Other than Tatsu the entire Sunline product line is superior to anything on the market. Mike

If I was gonna use that outfit I would get the softest hollow body frog with the best premium hooks you can get. That to me is the original Scum Frog. The entite Scum line doesn't get much play here but that's ok. Pick one up and try it. They're cheap enough to play with. Mike

Hi James! Welcome and thanks for joining us!! Great Job and looking forward to more. Best of Luck going forward!! Mike

I still have permanent creases from my shoulders to my thighs!! ?? Mike

Only copies! ?

Congratulations!! The first time he says "Dad, how do I do this" will melt your heart. That feeling never goes away. Very happy for you. Mike

Ditto Mike

Tatsu is the best. Next step would be 12# Sniper unless you're gonna be in some fairly heavy cover, then I would use Shooter. Mike

Buddy, you got nerve. I wouldn't walk in that lake if I fell over!! ? I lost a rod right out of my lap as I laid it down to grab some water. I bent over the gunnels up to my shoulders to grab it, and luckily I was able to barley catch the rod tip. Mike

Good point that sometimes gets overlooked. Mike

Atta boy! Mike

Relax, take a breath and don't try to force it. You know the basic's, seems to me you're trying to master something that can take some people a lifetime to accomplish. But you know what? That person hasn't been born yet. It's time to put into practice what you've learned. You may surprise yourself. Mike

Sounds like you had a good day. To do it for all 4 days can get tedious. Can be one of those "been there, done that" type of deals for a lot of folks. After Marshaling for the Elite's last year I didn't think I would ever do it again. Mike

NO, It is not Mike

I'm thinking about it also. Report back when you get a chance. Mike

Thanks ? What I meant was is that the B.A.S.S. and FLW rules for Pro's that you need to be familiar with as a Marshall are a little different. Some pro's like to talk, which can make the time go quicker, others do not. The best advise I can give is just follow thier lead and be a sponge! Mike

I was all set to do also but I had to cancel today as a family issue came up. I Marshaled for B.A.S.S. Elites last year and enjoyed it. The biggest problem was just sitting there for 8 hrs but you'll get used to it. If this is your first time, review the rules carefully as FLW and B.A.S.S.'s are a little different. Enjoy Mike

My strengths are anything I can do with a piece plastic. I'd rather punch hydrilla and sight fish all day than any other technique. Also anything on top especially a frog and Spook. My weakest area is fishing ledges. At a BFL Regional a few years ago on Kentucky Lake I was completely lost. Talk about being out of my element! I also despise any light line finesse fishing. Neko, shaky, wacky etc. Mike

If you're gonna be punching mat's I strongly suggest you use a baitcaster. H/F with a high speed reel, 65# braid and go from there. For your lighter grass areas and pads you can get by with MH/F or XF and depending on the density, 40#-50# braid or even 20# Flouro would work. Weights will range from 1/2 to 2 oz depending on conditions. Mike

Just saw that the tv ratings for the game was the lowest in a decade. Other than for both the NE and LA markets. One article I read blamed it partially on the NO market which had a rating about half of those two. Not surprised. Mike

You're my hero! ? Mike

NE showed up!! Mike