Mike L

Almost every hook manufacturer makes a “tube hook” Google the Stupid Tube Jig Head as they have a video on the right way to rig. (I’d post the link off my phone but every time I try that it doesn’t work unless one of the kids visit) 😁 Mike

@Tennessee Boy You're right If its gonna work it’s much better when everyone gets along and you’re not there solely for the money. Being strictly a tournament co angler the last 8 yrs, I think it’s critical joining a local club or even entering an open draw where even the boaters at one time were one also. It just makes it more enjoyable especially fishing with someone you just met and gonna be together with for 9 hrs. @Junk Fisherman The key is to have a clearly understood plan of what each of you expect and willing to put up with. If the 3 of you can’t or won’t work together and be flexible you’re doomed from the start. You already know it’s gonna be tight and certain sacrifices are going to have to be made. Just temper the expectations and emotions Mike

That happened to me one time in a local club I belonged to and it was the last time. To give everyone a fighting chance we finally decided the only way it would work was to rotate around the boat every hour. We had to call our shots when 2 wanted to fish the same side so we wouldn’t get into each others way when wanting to make a long cast and minimize the chance of crossing lines. Forget about a silent approach and entry when needed. No one wanted to throw straight out the back especially when covering water. The other co angler and I decided to only bring 3 combos each and down size our bags. We agreed that the boater should have no restrictions We told the boater since it was his boat he could just stay on the front deck and me and the other guy would rotate, but he refused. Keep in mind that we all agreed that we were gonna fish along a line of reeds that opened into deeper water. Point being no one was gonna be forced to throw into open water or straight back and essentially junk fish with high hopes for 9 hrs If we were in areas surrounded by vegetation where we could flip, pitch, or cast without getting into each others way then we’d probably force someone to fish used water or at the very least take them out of their comfort zone and be forced to fish a way none of use wanted to. Don’t ask about what happens when some decided to re rig something or pick up another rod! The only saving grace was that we’ve all fished with each other many times before and were friends, so no hard feelings when things went south a few times. If I remember right we were in a 21ft Ranger Comanche. I’ll never do that again in a tournament setting. I’d just rather get my entry fee and side pot bets back and stay home. Mike

Straight flouro for everything including pitching/punching in light to moderate cover. To me braid is a specialty line used only on top (30#) Frogs (50#) and pitching/punching in the heaviest of cover (65# or 80#) Mike

I like that! It’s true to a point, until it’s not. Mike

A this time of the year it more than likely could if the intent is to find untouched sprayed areas. I’m sure if he really asked “how’s the water” that was his intent. Also, if males are running in clearer water it would be beneficial to know also if you intend to sight fish beds. (that’s one of my biggest indicators there) But, 3 weeks is a long time and the way that lake changes from month to month, week to week, which he knows more than most and knowing him as I do it wasn’t to gain an edge. Just conversation I’m sure Mike

Or jet ski Mike

Hello and Welcome Mike

Always will That’s why the old saying ”Never leave fish to find fish” Is kinda the unspoken rule over here if you fish it long enough Mike

In other areas may be but not so much on The Lake. It’s a shallow bowl. You have to consider where you’re at on the lake and conditions at the time you’re there to consider anything “high water” The biggest problem is that it opens areas for Mama to hide that are inaccessible to boats. Not because of poor growth of vegetation because of poor light Mike

Yeah They had a spraying party not long ago but trust me, there is plenty of clear water in pockets in a few areas and fields of submerged ell grass. But the challenge is gonna be not spending too much time riding around on the hunt, which is hard to do there. Pull up on an area they are moving in and out of and have the big stick loaded. Bed and Carolina rigging should be hot. But it’s “The Lake” it’ll change on you before you’re ready, but these guys know that. Mike

Or most any other place Mike

This one I will pay a little attention too. I have 2 100+ boat tournaments coming up. Considering the conditions we have, I won’t pay much attention if at all to what they’ll use, more interested in how and where. Mike

Ditto! Ditto!! Ditto!!! Do it Tommy if you haven’t already!! Stay strong My Friend my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike

A termite walks into a bar and asks.. “Is the bar tender here?” Mike

I understand That’s why I qualified what I said I wish him well Mike

If at all possible and If you can, stay with it Get creative , think about alternatives, think out of box. You both will be better for it, especially you Mike

Being in my mid 20’s, living and fishing everyday right where I am, independently wealthy, without surgeries and responsibilities. Taking a trip to Biwa and Baccarac every 6 months just because I can Mike

Have been since I saw his first post and will continue until the all clear Mike Yes

The best to you my Friend And yes, please keep us updated!! Mike

RI Skinny Dipper and the Gambler Big EZ. I’ve only used those 2 for years because of the differences in action and size which covers everything I want/need in a paddle tail. I tried others including the Kietech which gets a lot of run on here, but overall it never gave me a reason to change Mike

March 6, 2018 8:24 am We were at Stick Marsh just floating around when my boater thought he saw a flash head for an isolated clump of reeds. I told him not to approach from the front or sides but to stop behind the clump because if she was on a bed there I didn’t want her to see us approach, as those reeds were the perfect cover for the boat. I stepped off the rear deck and stood next to the drivers seat as again, I didn’t want to take the chance she would see me standing up. I lined up my pitch to the bed and threw a 7” Fat Max through a small opening about 5ft past it and brought it up before it hit bottom. When she hit she headed out and almost pulled the rod out of my hand. When it got about 20 ft from the boat she took a nose dive so fast I thought the rod was gonna break. As I tried to get her away from the reeds into more open water, She made 1 jump, I heard my boater say “Oh my God”! As I loosened the drag my boater who was sitting on his front pedestal yelled…. ”What do I do?! I said “Nothing! just get up and be ready to move” She took me from the rear deck to the front and back again. He grabbed the net and yelled.. “get her closer so I can net her”!! I yelled back…”NO!! I GOT IT!! 11 lbs 13oz Mike

Exactly, That’s me also! Biggest reason I much prefer to flip and pitch more than anything else. Plus it’s easier and much quicker to get her head up and out Mike

Interesting, I’ve never seen or heard that before.. Mike

No Too far North as stated Mike