mtaag3

Similar to one of the other posters I was a professional in something besides bass fishing however I think the factors are universal and transcend the specific "sport". Those two traits are commitment and experience. They are not exclusive, but if you look at everything that goes into becoming a pro, any pro, they can all be boiled down to those two. Commitment, what does that mean? It means to commit to your sport above and beyond just doing it. One must constantly be introspective and ask where are your weaknesses and what can you do to make them strengths? Being willing to try new things. Being willing to FAIL to LEARN. Commitment takes time. Commitment builds experience. Look at Olympic gymnasts. It amazes me the commitment they make for their dreams. THAT, to me, is a high bar but shows that a "weekend warrior" or a part time player is not going to make it. One has to go "all in" to get to the top of their game. What about experience? Getting to that point where the scenarios you encounter as "first times" become more and more rare. Amassing all the different scenarios one can encounter and then using that knowledge to your advantage. One thing that struck me about the Major League Fishing show is that they all understood the uniqueness of Florida bass and lakes. They KNEW what to expect and how to approach the fish. Then on top of seeing new things, are you setting out to learn new things? What are you taking away from your day other than catching fish? I'm of the mindset that technique and athleticism can be overcome with these two traits. Take golf for example. Arnold Palmer had a horrible swing. He's one of the best golfers in history. Why? See commitment and experience. Could I, as a new angler, get a nice bass boat and equipment and fish 320+ days a year become a pro? I could as long as I was willing to commit to learning from every experience I have every day. Just my $.02

In my limited experience I bought BPS carbonlite rods on many of the recommendations here. I broke two of them on hooksets (I didn't even get the fish). They weren't weakened from bouncing around in a car or being stepped on as I only had the first one two weeks. I'm not trying to bash BPS or the Carbonlite by any means, only relaying my newbie experience that may be relevant here. When I returned the second one to CS at BPS the guy told me the Carbonlite rods are the ones returned the most with issues. Now I was looking at the regular Johnny Morris rods and they seem very nice. Can anyone chime in on those? For reels, I bought a BPS PQ casting and it is very nice. I'm not comparing it to anything but only relaying I have zero complaints about it. Another BPS I bought and seems very nice as well is the BPS Bionic (the white one). I've fished them 20-30 times from the shore plus tons of yard practice and it's ran very nice as well. $.02

What about brass and steel? I've seen the steel (the only brass I've seen are those pre made C-rigs) but was wondering if it would be worth it. It stings a little when loosing a C-rig set up from the shore when you have a tungsten weight on the other end. Didn't mean to hijack the thread but thought it was relevant.

Go Bokke!!

Thanks! I'm actually glad to hear about the Yakima cross bars as the extra cash for a trailer added to the question of this particular kayak. The weight of the kayak getting it on and off is not a concern. Also, tell your feelers I could sweeten the deal with a cold beer afterwards if that would influence their decision Thanks again for your help.

Looking forward to the clips. Also will you be able to address how you travel with it and know of others who travel with it? One of my questions is do I need a trailer if I don't have a truck? It seems like a heavy kayak but can it go on a roof rack? Is there a particular roof rack one needs? Thanks

I did check and the closes one is in Columbus, GA. I'm surprised there isn't a dealer in the Birmingham area. There is a huge fishing and kayak culture here.

Very nice but the handle is on the wrong side.

I know Bass Pro still has many. I'm not sure of the quality.

One is only willing to go as far as their willing to pay. I doubt a penny came out of Biffle's pocket for his lower unit although the potential for damage obviously would affect his fishing and affect his check.

Kudos to you for helping.

Can you come up with a dealer for a test paddle in Alabama? I'd love one of these things.

Says it all right here. http://washington.cbslocal.com/2013/05/09/redskins-owner-dan-snyder-on-name-debate-well-never-change-the-name/

The people here are a fantastic help for a beginner. Welcome aboard.

TAG I'd like to try my hand at spinnerbaits too. On those website are there checklists with exactly what you'll need from tools to supplies? I would like to buy the pre painted heads so I don't need to worry about hooks and lead pouring. Thanks Nevermind, I found it on Jannsnet

Thoughts and prayers with you for a speedy recovery.

Does anyone know of Birmingham (or anywhere within a couple hours) area boat mechanics? I'm not looking for any particular name brand, just a shop where the mechanic is honest and does a great job. Thanks for your help

Well I was finally able to get out on a boat with a good friend and had a GREAT time. Lake Guntersville had a fast current and was very muddy but we found fish and was able to get a few in the boat. I had the infamous "one that got away" story as I had a 5lb 'er (witnessed and guestimated by a VERY reputable source) but didn't get her to the boat. It was my fault I lost her but that's OK, lesson learned. I was able to pull in quite a few 1-2 lb'ers including some spotted bass as well. The biggest of the day was a new PB at about 3.5 lbs which is fantastic for me and only stoked the fire more. I think one of the funniest thing was pulling up next to boats that weren't having too much luck and pulling fish out. The lessons I learned were numerous and it changed my entire perspective on how to fish better. Also there is no doubt I need a boat.

I was there yesterday. The current was RIPPING and the water was very muddy. Lots of fish around though. Swim baits and deep cranks worked well. I can't describe how much I enjoyed it.

Another Alabama member. Welcome aboard!!

I'm going tomorrow and will let you know how it goes and what it looks like.

I just got my order and I'm excited to test them out on Lake Guntersville tomorrow. They're real nice jigs.

Welcome!!

It would be awesome to see a pro go out with a $40 rod and a $50 reel and just slay a tournament. Yes, I know it would never happen but be fun to see. Personally budget is not so much an issue as justification for me (but I'm new) and I do fully subscribe to the "buy once cry once" philosophy as its proven itself time and time again in other ventures. I think the truth was spoken earlier with whatever your willing to pay is not too much.

Frog Togs. Excellent rain gear and only about $60 at Academy