Mike Boitnott

After retiring from the Marine Corps I make it a point to always carry unless of course its a place I'm not supposed to. To be honest the very few times that I don't I get very disappointed in myself. Being retired makes it easier because I very seldom do anything that doesn't pertain to fishing or the outdoors. I do have a part time job at a tackle shop and Marina so no worries there. I have all types of holsters and weapons but my favorite carry is a Kel-Tec P-3AT .380 it only weighs 8.3 ounces. I use a neoprene belly holster which works great for concealment and helps out with the post retirement belly Lol... The more comfortable it is to carry regardless of the attire increases the chance that it will be carried regardless of activity.

Exactly Mobasser, I can’t tell you how many times I have worked really hard to put a plan together, put time in on the water before a tournament all to have the wheels fall off the bus on tournament day. Not exactly major catastrophes but all things-it together makes for a non successful day. Examples are like making a top water change because of changing conditions to realize after two casts I had floura line on. Refusing to put down what worked the day before. Another one was having a boat full of Crankbaits but not having the one color of confidence to stay above grass in a changing tide. Now as an example I carry multiple reels with different line instead of having 20 rods in the boat to become cumbersome. Making good notes and having multiple condition scenarios marked on my Navionics map App. Additionally, reducing all of the mixed match Crankbaits for the brands and same confidence producing Crankbait colors that will enable me to fish all of the depth ranges. These are just a couple of examples that have really made a difference when it comes to a successful tournament day. These examples are how I interpret “Control what you can control”. There are many more this list could be a couple pages long and that’s only the ones I realize. After all, we are still learning everyday regardless of how experienced we may think we are.

Had a good friend tell me once when I asked how he wins so many tournaments? "Control what you can control" he replied. Might I add this angler has fished the classic twice. This is how I make an effort to do just that and it has helped bring my fishing to the next level. Preparing for a tournament is a very important discipline that separates angler’s degree of success. Before an outing either for practice, tournament, or fun being prepared can make the difference of having a successful day or a frustrating one. First off, I try really hard to make sure all my equipment has been checked and ready to go. This includes Boat, trailer, truck, and fishing equipment. Being organized can also really help the day go better. Nothing like coming unglued in the first 10 minutes when the boat don’t start or there is a loop in the reel. I try to use every resource possible to be the most prepared on the body of water. I use Navionics Charts and App., Google Earth historical data, my fishing log, and any other report or information available. I have a lot of fishing buddies ask how I know the data is reliable. Comparing everything that you find really tells a story. As for my mapping I know that Navionics integrates all sorts of new data from official hydrographic services and private entities. The goal is to generate a comprehensive product that goes well beyond official HO charts. This is why they constantly scout new sources and carefully select the content that ends up in the final product as updates. Different sources are chosen for different areas in order to maintain a high standard. #EscapeTheOrdinary

Brother, Big Stoney looks absolutely wonderful! I will be researching the area in depth. Is there any campgrounds close to fishing that you may recommend or remember? Just have a small pull behind, it would be awesome to have the ability to stay a couple days and fish until the hearts content Lol... If there is such a thing!

Anyone have any recommendations for Fall Trout fishing in Virginia? Looking for Stream fishing along the Northern I-81 area, I hear Mint Springs is really good right now but I would rather fish a stream if possible. Thanks in advance for the help, <><

Had a good weekend fishing on the Potomac despite the muddy water, Rain, Changing Temps, and Wind. Started out in rain, huge temperature swing, and changing wind during our Club Fall Classic this past weekend. Managed 24.54 Lbs to win the tournament by utilizing our tools and finding the cleanest water possible and waiting on the outgoing tide. Also moving to find places out of the wind to take advantage of the flattest water possible paid off on these two days. Didn't talk to anyone catching anything on plastics both days. Our best bites came off of chatterbaits and top water walking baits. Managed to find some descent grass and pretty clear water despite the heavy rains the last few days prior, thanks to the remnants of Michael. #FishSmarter #FallFun

Stay on course my friend. Fishing is one of those things that if its good its real good! Its one of those deals that if every time you went out and you landed a live well full well..that would get old quickly too! Nothing better though than doing your homework by breaking out the map (good electronic App Like Navionics), doing a little search through Forums (like this awesome one we have at BassResource.com), get the poles and tackle already to go and everything turns out just right! Starting out the day with a huge blow up on top water! After that the big ole sun starts to shine and you catch a few off of the grass on a spinnerbait and/or chatterbait. Then when that ole sun gets high above you start skipping a Senko back under docks or cranking a deeper diving crankbait to cull a few times before heading in! To me that's an awesome day however, it doesn't happen everyday or very oftten at times which makes it that much more special. #FishSmarter

I agree they are hard to read in the sunlight, reception is a concern. I have just been hearing more and more people talking about using them. Even some of the fish finders and plotters advertise that you can view the screen from a smart pad, iPad in my case. I think the same as you do Scott, just wondering what the people that are using them see as an advantage. I'm hearing more and more people doing it, what is the advantage and how are they overcoming some of the obstacles that you have pointed out.

With all the new technologies and tools available, how many of you guys and gals are using Smart Pads in your boats? If so what types of mounts are you using?

Great video Kicker! Also seen a couple of the guys mention a TRD or Ned Rig which I think may help sometimes when the bite gets slow. However, I have a hard time throwing either. Not sure why guess I just need to make myself give it a chance. I also read an article which has helped some when fishing grass or pads when the bite gets tough and that is switching from my normal top water baits like a frog to a speed tail worm. smaller presentation and it comes through the grass and pads very well. It has really helped when the bite slows down. I have also been targeting more productive docks by using my electronics to identify docks with deeper water. its hard to beat skipping a Senko type bait far up under into the shady areas on a hot day.

Good point about the different areas, I agree its really cool to learn some new techniques to try locally that haven't been seen. Went out yesterday and had a good day! Nothing big but solid numbers. Utilized my electronics and shading to isolate docs with 10 ft or more of water. Fun day on the water and spent some time with my Grandson which always makes for an awesome day!

We have a few tournaments here in VA that are night tournaments although I have never tried it I know a lot of folks like it. At least at night the temps are better and the pleasure boaters are off the water. Our club usually doesn't have tournaments in August just simply because of the heat and high percentage of fish kills in the live well regardless of all the tricks with frozen bottles and such. Heading out over the next couple of days to work on some summer tactics, wish me luck with both the heat and the Thunder storms.

Dog days of summer are upon us – what is a tip someone gave you that helps you catch more fish in the heat?

This can be confusing and not only is there a difference in the GPS and mapping, but also a difference in the transducer bundle (TripleShotTM, SplitShotTM and Bullet). The least expensive version is the HOOK2 fishfinder-only models (with the exception of the sonar-only HOOK2 4x Bullet) which includes a built-in GPS Plotter (without charts) for saving waypoints, following trails and navigating to favorite fishing spots. The second option comes preloaded with C-MAPS. The third is preloaded with Navionics +. When you buy the bundles I think you will find a cost savings over buying the unit and map card separate. The most important part if you are unsure is to have the onboard microSD slot providing expansion possibilities for optional chart cards. I personally like the user friendly Navionics charts and the ability to use the Navionics apps for IOS and Android phone and tablets to help plan my fishing trips. I use every resource available to ultimately catch more fish. Best of luck on your search! Semper Fi and Tight Lines, <><

Really a good point about the satellite overview. I really try to do the most homework possible before a day fishing and very in depth before a tournament. The satellite views have helped me a many times here in VA, where we have a lot of man made lakes and reservoirs. One of the really cool parts of using satellite imagery is that some allow you to go back to a particular date which can be valuable info if there has been a year with a bad drought as an example. Another example happened this year after viewing an image where the mud line in the Potomac river split off and showed current flowing towards a spawning flat and the fish were there in transition which helped my partner and I win the tournament. I really try very hard to use every resource possible to gather as much data as possible

Great info, Thanks for the heads up! This reel was on my to buy list, was looking forward to it coming out.

Agree, upload the Navionics app for your phone and smart pad and enjoy the user friendly features. Also, the map card and apps work together if your unit has the capability.

Sam, Didn't make it out this weekend will try again next weekend. It was too dang hot for me! i know we have to get out there but I just cant handle the heat and humidity like I use too. Thanks for the advice.

Was thinking about heading to Smith Mountain Lake this weekend which I haven't fished in years. Grew up in Roanoke but no real serious Bass fishing. Would like to start fishing some tournaments there just not sure where to get started. I will be launching at Parkway Marina below.

20 years United States Marine, Gunnery Sergeant one each Retired.

Hello all, just wanted to introduce myself and thank everyone for allowing me to become a member of your forum. I live in Spotsylvania VA and my primary fishing waters are Lake Anna, Potomac River, and the Rappahanock River. with that being said I enjoy fishing all over the state and regularly fish Buggs and Kerr as well as the other river tributaries branching from the Chesapeake. I have been a tournament angler for many years and have fished tournaments all the way to the West Coast. I was a previous Director for BASS Nation of Virginia Region One and currently I am the Casting Kids Director for BNVA. I started Battlefield Bass Anglers a few years ago and really like our club Camaraderie, great bunch of guys and gals. My entire family is fishing oriented, its something we all love doing together. I look forward to meeting the group, gaining and sharing knowledge. Thanks again! Semper Fi and Tight Lines All