tbone1993

Something I have noticed is that certain areas prefer rod brands over another. In years past Gloomis used to be the fan favorite in my area. Everyone was buying a Gloomis rod. Today it seems that everyone in my area is buying St Croix rods. Does anyone else see a pattern like this where they live? The same applies with crankbaits, i see more rapala bought than anything else.

I have everything down besides the rod. I just know that putting more than the suggested weight on a rod can be a problem. It is one of those things where I know what I have to do but I am debating dedicating a single rod to one technique that I might only use a few times a year ( besides a rigs it would be a swim bait rod),

By looking at your gear one suggestion I could make is match the hatch. For me fire tiger is one of those colors that only works in certain places and is not my #1 producing lure. I have never fished in florida so I cannot comment on what to use but I know that if you throw what the fish are eating you are more than likely going to get a bite. Try and match the seasonal patterns in your area which will take some research.

I stick to catch and release and the only keep bass until the weigh in. The only time I take bass is if it is a private pond that needs regulation, nice bass.

Semi pro tip: Wacky o tools are great but empty sharpie markers are cheaper and float. I have 3 in my bag ready to go just incase my friend drops his $5 o tool in the lake on tournament day again. The o rings are super cheap on ebay and if you do not like that option Gami makes a finesse wacky hook that is killer.

The tournament is not in Illinois and it also is in March. The seasonal pattern for that lake is throwing a rigs and jerk baits. Also I have multiple contacts telling me that the A rig is going to be a factor. It is not a traditional tournament as well, it is a big bass tournament so I am not going for 5 keepers but big fish.

I am probably going to be fishing it in 20ft of water off of ledges. Using an 8 second count down so I am not sure if i should buy a swimbait rod or just get a musky rod.

So in an upcoming tournament the A rig is going to play a key factor. I honestly have not thrown one yet but I understand how to. I have a dobyns 735c which is a 7ft3 mh that can support up to 1.5oz. How much will a fully rigged A rig weigh?Should I invest in a cheap 7ft H for this tournament? Could I get away with using a fenwick hmg flipping stick? I would prefer to stick with Abu or fenwick.

We host a highschool tournament on a 4-5 thousand acre lake and we cap it off at 50 boats. This year well bump it up to 75 but take that into perspective. There is no way you can get 100 angers out on that lake. I would say you turn it into a derby/ classic. 50 anglers go one day 50 the next. Top 15 from both face off in a final 30 angler tournament.

I would suggest you find a compartment that you can install in that spot. Something with a door rather than sealing it off. If there is room to put a glove box I would definitely do it. Even installing a radio up there would be nice.

We get about 20-30 people out at our club tournaments comfortably but could probably fit a lot more.

The sale prices are not what they used to be with rods. Though plano always has a pretty good deal going on. I got the biggest sized speed bag for $10. The key to shows is to go and feel the rods you want to buy and make a list of the likes and dislikes. I spent a lot of time doing that at the show and it will be helpful for future purchases. Also sunday is your best day to catch sales a lot of booths clear inventory on sunday.

I have the gen 2 model and I love it, you cannot go wrong. My friends have not been able to use the bb1 to compare it enough to the winch. Honestly the winch is a different beast compared to the bb1. The winch handles deep cranking like no other. The reason I brought up the bb1 is because someone will chime in eventually saying get the bb1 lol.

They used to use the boga grips. I just started the first season because I have it for free. Probably starting season two afterwards.

Ontop of that I know someone that uses a toro winch for fishing musky and also throwing alabama rigs and swimbaits.

The Revo winch should suit your purpose well . The only problem is that it is a 5:4 gear ratio which is not ideal for high speed applications like jigs.

The champion is where its at but it is out of your price range.

I give it about an hour before I move on. It really depends on the conditions, if the weather changes I might bounce to another spot then return to where I started.

Most boat companies have incentive programs. If you fish out of a 2012 triton and win I am pretty sure you get some cash. Check each website they will provide the exact information.

Join your team in high school then your team in college and be a co angler. It is the easiest way unless you can be a co angler for a local club. To make it in the tournament scene it takes money I would suggest getting a job first.

Keep it up kid you have a long road ahead of you. Try and fish some tournaments if you can. Its best if you start pretty young and win a couple to put them on your resume. Get a good collection of gear, I suggest rods that have lifetime warranties that way they will last for years while you start. Focus on your grades more than anything. Fishing should be your backup career. Trust me it is a tough industry to get in to. I would rather a solid job and be fishing on the weekends than struggling to make ends meet. Good luck, tight lines.

I have never heard that. Normally I can tell if I see them going after a particular bait or if I catch one with a baitfish in its throat.

Great fish but there is so much traffic on the chain it really isnt worth it once they come out. I would rather take a trip up to delevan.

Tie on a double improved clinch knot with braid and you wont have to worry about it breaking off. I would have to re tie a lot if i threw them on copoly . It would be something I would do with a smaller light swimbait but not a big heavy bait.

Throw braid with your swim baits or they will be gone after a few casts/catches.