Brayberry

Fish with people better then you, the better they are the more you'll learn. When I was around 15 I joined a bass club. I thought I was the next best thing in fishing. Then I started fishing tournaments with those guys and felt silly. I started thinking of tournaments as seminars. I'd watch every detail of my partners fishing, I studied where they cast, what they cast, lure colors, lure size, etc. I saw some amazing things in those tournaments also. I watched my partner one day win a tournament on 5 flips consecutively, each flip resulted in a 3 - 4 lb bass, he literally caught a 18 lb limit in around 2 minutes. I fished with a guy that did go pro, and actually win a Invitational. We were fishing a cove in the fall and small bass were schooling, busting shad all over the surface. I thought I was in heaven, catching bass on every cast with a crankbait, but my limit was only around 5 lbs. My partner on the other hand ignored the schooling fish, and immediately tied on big lures to fish under the schoolers. He was going for the big lazy fish in the area.

I use the Gulp products strictly for catfish, and they work great

To keep rats and mice out of the boat just put a snake in the boat,

When I think Marketing Gimmicks, I think: Red Hooks Lures that glow, blink, or light up Scents, I believe scents works, but every company swears that their scent is the best, and they are all different (Salt, Garlic, Anise, Blood, Oil, Vitamins, Sugar, etc)

I haven't used a actual senko in years, I found a guy that makes a very very good knock off, that I use exclusively. I'm not paid nor sponsored by them, but they make every size and color so I've never strayed from them. I do wish they still made me 2" senkos

One of my favorite rods is made by Walmart, they were sold around 2001 for $19.88 each at Walmart. The spinning rods were ok, but the baitcasting rods were great.

When I wanted to get my 1st baitcaster, I came up with my own unique plan. I went to walmart and bought a cheap $25 baitcaster combo, then bought a spool of Walmart brand line for like $1.97. I think tied on a jig or a casting weight, and went to the backyard to practice. My thinking was, this would be the worst case scenario, plastic reel with 0 ball bearings, junk rod, line that coils up like a smake, etc. If I could master casting with that, I'd be a ace with a decent baitcaster. Even if I backlashed, the line was junk, and cheap, no worries. If I ruined the rod or reel, no worries, it's junk. Well I practiced with that pathetic equipment for about a week, getting pretty good. Then I went out and bought a decent rod and a nice reel. Instantly I was casting like a pro. I highly recommend this way, I'd had a few friends do this also and it worked for them also. I started with all the brakes/magnets on, and trying to cast about 5 feet, then after I could do that well, I'd cast 10 feet, then to 15, then I'd play with the magnets.

They looks nice for $1

The year I went I wore a backpack and filled it up by the end of the day everyday. Gamagatsu had a free 2 packs of 5/0 EWG at their set up, which I probally brought home 30 packs a day, I had free hooks for the year. I got autographs of probally a dozen anglers too. Now my girlfriend is excited to go. She wants to see the shows, lure demonstrations, free samples, buy some soft plastics by the pound, etc. That reminds me I found some small 3" flukes from some small manufacturer there, that sold all their baits for $4 a pound. I bought 2 lbs, and caught tons on those little guys.

I went to the Classic at High Rock Lake in about 2001, it was AWESOME! I'd definately go back if/when it comes back near me. Well worth the drive. It has something for everone: Free Tackle Major Sales Giveaways Rebates Autographs Bonus Extra's for buying things

Never heard of it, but let us know how you do if you go

I guess I'm the exception. I enjoy quantity of fish more then quality, so on occasion I'll go to certain lakes in my area that's packed full of small bass (up to 2 lbs) and fish all day catching around 100. In lakes like that I'll use cheap, off brand, foreign lures, etc. I've found some company's produce a very good lure for cheap, others sell garbage cheap. I'll try most companies that have lures that appeal to me. Again, some of the cheap websites might surprise you

There's definitely some good idea here. Keep them coming

I do well with: 4" ringworms French fry's mini flukes

I'm ice fishing in Alaska, and this works for me, down to -40. Under Armor base layer Waterproof/Windproof Snowpants (high quality hunting ones, I use Mossy Oak) Under Armor Base Layer Thick Synthetic Shirt Thin Synthetic Shirt Waterproof/Windproof Jacket I wear a Under Armor Stocking Hat SmartWool Socks Waterproof Shoes Gloves I use thin gloves for ease of movement Another trick is any exposed skin, cover with a think layer of vasoline. NO need to rub it in, leave it clumpy and not rubbed in. The vasoline holds your body heat in, and works like a chapstick for your skin. I se this on my nose, around my eyes, cheeks, etc

I use them, I do well on them. I even send them a few cranks to custom paint, never had a complaint

I'm curious on everyone thoughts. Many fisherman, including myself, use custom painted crankbaits, but do the fish really bite them better or is it more of a confidence thing? I mean, would a KVD Square Bill in Bluegill get a few less bites then a KVD Square Bill with a custom Bluegill paintjob? I admit, I use custom painted lures, but to me it's a confidence thing, maybe to the fish it's less important, but to me it's a huge boast of confidence. What do you think?

depending on the color anywhere from $20 - $50 apiece

In the one's I've done. I dedicated a full day to it and finished it up the same day, but it does take the entire day. I've always put down a flat floor and carpeted it, added a flipping deck, added storage and cup holders, a livewell, depthfinder, etc. As long as you have the tools and supplies, it's quick if you have a plan of attack

I can't afford a Bass boat, so I buy jon boats and make them bass boats. I add flooring, seats, compartments, sonar, etc. I'm getting ready to buy a new jon boat to fix up and looking for idea on what to do and such. I'd like to see a picture of everyone jon boat modifications so hopefully I get more ideas and can make mine better, Show show your ride

I love Duck Dynasty, but I won't watch it without Phil. Willie is just out for fame and just seems fake, Phil at least seems like a real person, and I'd bet he acts the same in real life as on the show. People watch Duck Dynasty to see the stupid things they do and say, and I personally don't think anything he said is anything more then his personal opinion. I'm not offended by anything he says or done. It's tv, nothing more

I have to get everything ready to go to the lake the night before, if I'm going to start with soft plastics, I'll have the bag I'll start with in a pocket or right on top. I have to have a hat on, if I forget it, I'll get skunked. Being a southern boy I HAVE to bring at least a gallon of sweet tea Catch a fish on your first cast guaranteed to be your last, so if the 1st cast gets bit I won't set the hook No bananas in the boat

My top 5 Summer Lures (in no particular order) 1) Square Bill Crankbait 2) Spinnerbait 3) Plastic Worm/Crawfish 4) Senko 5) Hollow Body Frog

I do have a boat, but I also fish the lakes from shore. I'm very familiar with these lakes as I've been fishing them very very often for the past 25 years. I will definitely give the Alabama rig a try there, as that's something I hadn't thought of. Also looking for the exits, another great idea I hadn't though of. Keep the ideas coming

I know there's also a small neighborhood lake near my parents house, I used to fish as a kid. There was a road that went right between the two lakes and someone had tossed 2 bicycles in the water. I went over and tossed a worm into it, and immediately caught a 2 lber.