bassnleo

LOL, that's funny right there and true......

With the interest generated recently, I thought it would be cool to have a resource thread where new jig makers could find places to buy materials, discuss the differences in materials, etc..... Although I have made a few jigs before, I'm by no means as good as some of the members here. Can't wait to see what ideas pop up here! Experienced jig makers: Add away

10-4.......I'm gonna go over and start one on the hopes it catches on.

Hey jigmakers! How about posting or starting a thread on where you get your materials, types of stuff you use, cost etc...?? Kind of a reference thread for those that are just getting started........ Just a thought.

This river is far different form the Susky. Basically, this river is miles and miles of shallows with deep pool here and there. The fish migrate to these few pools to winter. The water in the pool is very deep and slow and even if the water comes up and gets muddy there are really no eddies to speak of. Muddy water turns these fish off and puts em' right on the bottom. Clear water in colder months has always produced better action. BTW, good to see you back. I had an opportunity to fish the mouth of the Susky on the flats this past Oct. Although my boaters did not venture too far up the Susky, it was cool. Definately an area I wish I could spend more time in.

My guess... With water that deep and clear, I would suspect that the smallies are ganged up and chasing bait, and thus they are probably suspended. They may never make a move shallow if the bait is not there for them. Try windblown points and shorlines. If the reservoir has any creeks, try them. Look for the bait and you'll probably find the smallies. With the water temps you mentioned, I would try a topwater. If that failed I would try a soft jerkbait and a hard jerkbait. Basically anything to mimic bait and get those suspended fish to chase.

Whelp.......I was looking at a nice used Ranger with a 1999 Ficht. I've had an Evinrude tech tell me to stay away from ANY Ficht older than a 2000. Your info just about sealed it's fate for me. No sale.....I don't want those problems.

SMfisher, you are a lucky guy! Those pics of Lake Erie, keep them close to your heart, you may NEVER see Lake Erie that flat again ;D Nice!

Like I mentioned, I've never winterized my smaller motors and I've never had an issue. I forgot to mention, you also definately want to change the gear lube and check the seals in your lower unit.

What size motor? My 20 hp sits all winter long, my 9.9's sat all winter long, I have never winterized them. They start fine come spring. I run the fuel out of them and make sure the water is drained out after the last time I run them.

In my experience a jerkbait bite can also be very dependant on the right weather conditions. As an example, I've been fishing a local river here and fishing has been very good, water temps were in the high to mid 40's last time I was out. Visibility is 3+ feet. On calm days the fish would not touch a jerkbait and wanted baits like tubes drug or hopped on the bottom. If the wind came up, and if it was sunny, the jerkbait bite really turned on. With sun and wind I personally like a bait with ALOT of flash like a sliver bait with black or blue backs. On occasion, with a little lower light and wind I can get 'em on solid colors like white or chartruese. So,,,in my experience, wind was key. Sun and wind coupled with lower water temps and good visibilty usually made optimum conditions for a good jerkbait bite. When the wind was slack I found that other baits and presentations were more effective. Like already mentioned, I change cadence until I find one that gets bit. Like roadwarrior mentioned, jerking the bait with a slack line is also critical. Slack in the line allows the bait to dart and dance more. My primary jerkbaits for this time of year are suspending ones. In the spring I will use a floating model but I'm usually waking it rather than jerking it down. I mostly use Rapala's but have had some success on Smithwick baits also. I just haven't been able to convince myself that the more expensive baits do any better than what I currently use, maybe someday

Chautauqua Lake:

Lake Erie:

Although I don't have a pic of my "best", here's a few colorful fish from recent years: Allegheny River

Man......I'm speechless! Kinda makes you want to punch yourself in the head over and over again huh? Keep at it!

Thanks. It was my first glass boat and it definately will make someone a great first boat

$100 to enroll? BASS wants to charge you to ride around and make sure thier Pros don't break the rules? Good grief.........

What's the water temp? Is the "hole" an isolated one or are there more like it close by? Ths time of year river smallmouth will be migrating toward their winter homes, usually a place that lacks significant current and is deep, at least deeper than surrounding water. Try a small baits on a drop shot, tubes rigged w/ 1/8 or 3/16 oz exposed hook tube heads.

In addition ot what RW already said, super flukes or senko style baits rigged weightless are also good in streams.

Well, I think that's just personal preference, I'm completely opposite. I'd rather catch one 8 lb fish than a boatload of "tournament bass". 8-) Me too if I am just fishing. Tournaments for me are a different deal entirely. I go for a limit and then try to upgrade. My tournament philosophy used to be the same, get a limit then try to find a kicker. Not any longer. I fish to win every tournament. I target winning fish because I know EVERY tournament has good sticks and someone is going to catch them. Personally, I'm not satisifed with just acheiving a limit if a paycheck does not go with it. It has worked for me, may not be for everyone, to each his own I guess

IN additional to what I said above, I have to add that I LOVE tournament angling even though it MAY not make you better. I also gotta agree with RW and like I mentioned, locating/finding, then getting them to bite is the key to successful bass angling no matter if your fishing a tournament or for fun.

Forgot to add, I've been a federation member under both BASS and TBF/FLW. Overall, it truly is a shame that their remains a split in the amateur organizations. It weakened both sides somewhat and it had the same effect at the State levels. I have been and remain to be an district level board member in our State Federation. Our numbers are obviously down since the split but we have been making very steady gains since TBF ***. I made the 2009 Mid Atlantic TBF Divisional so after next year I will be able to tell you first hand about how TBF does things at a larger level. Our State hosted the 2008 Divisional and everyone involved was very impressed with how TBF handled this event, I'm sure it will hold true next year also. Who knows, maybe I'll make the All American?

Bass Hole summed up the insurance deal. Also, regarding each organization, I forget to metion that you absolutely HAVE to examine your state and which is stronger there. Which one has stronger leadership, monies, tournaments, etc.... Seriously.....if you need more info on TBF I will put you in contact with one of it's national board members, all you have to do is PM me. He will candidly answer any questions you may have.