Walleye2Bass

In the summer I go out early because it gets awful hot mid day. However, this time of year I'll go out about noon or so unless I have good intel the fish are schooling early in the morning. Went out early last weekend because my son woke me up at 5AM, I was one of three boats out there at sunrise, I did not catch a fish until around 11:00, a guy I saw at the boat ramp was skunked. I fish shallow (the lakes around here are 25-30 feet deep max) so warm water=greater fish activity and that happens after the sun has time to heat the water up a bit.

Been pretty hard this fall for me as well. When i do go out I usually catch one or two in 3-4 hours and nothing of size. I think the worst insult I had was yesterday, I was throwing a very small white spinner bait around bait fish schools in very clear water (8' visibility). As a school passed I noticed a bass trailing my spinner bait, he literally came right up to the boat, followed the spinnerbait as I did a figure 8 with it trying to get him/her to bite. I swear he was giving me the bird before he paused and swam off. With water temps in the low to mid 60's you would think they would be shallow, but with the constant fronts passing through I think they just are turned off as a weekend angler my choice of days are limited. Looks like a front tomorrow will drop air temps from the 50-60's at night into the 20-40's! That ought to kill the fishing for this weekend...

I'll chime in on this one for what it's worth. When I really get in a rut where I can't catch bass I switch species. I have a couple of sunfish spots that I have taken my friends kids to or I have found over the few years I have been in my area. I get my ultralight out, grab a small beetle spin or a mini crank bait, set the trolling motor to super slow and just have fun. I may catch a bunch or just a few fish but it just rejuvenates my spirits. I know some folks I fish with consider sunfish "Kids fishing," but quite frankly I don't care I just like to catch fish. Every now and then I will hook up with a decent sized bass (1-2 pounds) and that is just fun on light tackle, it also tells me where the bait fish are and what's happening in my local water bodies with brim populations which can clue me in on what the bass might be doing up the food chain.

I have posted a few times already, however have failed to introduce myself properly. My name is Ed and originally I am from Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in a western suburb. I left in 1999 and ended up in Monticello, AR for a few years going to college, grad school and then working for a paper company. I left that company a year later for a better job in Alexandria, LA and have been down here for about 8 years. Needless to say with all the moving my fishing has changed drastically, gone are the Walleye and in are the Bass and Sunfish (yea I will admit if nothing is biting I just enjoy sun fishing). I usually fish Indian Creek, Iatt lake, and Kincaid lake here in Cenla as well as the Red River. Used to duck hunt, but that has taken a back seat since to be blunt I have had a few bad experiences with rude and obnoxious hunters down here and I don't think it's worth the hassle any more. Thanks for reading and I hope to share insightful conversation with the community.

PotomacBassin: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mercury-Quicksilver-Premium-Plus-2-Cycle-Outboard-Oil-Gallon/17165286 Alexandria, LA store... We are probably not far from the refinery?!?!?

Sounds like porpoising to me. Is it the original motor or did someone replace it recently? I would hate to think the factory rigged it incorrectly, then again anything is possible. I believe that the proper height is with the motor trimmed down and level the cavitation plate ought to sit level or to within and inch above the bottom of the hull (I read that somewhere so don't quote me on it). Another issue might be weight distribution or you may be a tad under powered (could be prop, could be HP) for your load...

Generally I run through 1-2 gallons, I try to get out twice a month at least (weather permitting) but I buy in bulk (4 gallons at a time for discounts) and I am due for a refill of my supply. Pennzoil runs about 14.99 a gallon, Citgo 12.99, Super Tech 12.15, Valvoline 24.18, Mercury Quicksilver 19.97, and locally I have not found Yamalube for less than 26.99. Expand that over 4 gallons and we are talking a large difference for 4 gallons (50 or so dollar spread). For the record everything I listed is local or internet pricing (lowest I could find) and everything clearly states TCW-3 compliant, I am sure some are synthetic mixes, pure synthetic or conventional, but they meet the minimum spec. This has become a lively conversation, for the record I have always used Yamalube, and the motor is out of warranty. Every factory recommended service has been completed on time. I also would discount anything not at least a synthetic blend (I believe Yamalube is and so is Pennzoil), but that is a personal preference I was not going to delve into. Every tank of gas is treated with BioBor EB, I used to use Sta-Bil marine ethanol, but had a few bad experiences with it in a Go-Devil and the Yamaha seems to run smoother on BioBor EB.

Ok, this might be like asking the ford vs chevy question, but here goes. I generally use Yamalube in my 90tlr, but with a new baby the fishing budget is getting tighter. I saw a few alternatives at Academy. Mainly Pensoil, Quicksilver, and Citco. Is there really a difference in 2stroke oil or is it all marketing hype? I was thinking Pensoil, but that was mainly price driven.

This weekend water temperatures in a Reservoir in Central Louisiana was 70 degrees even (bigger drop than I expected). Got out at about 10:00 on Sunday (Infant kept me up all night, got to sleep occasionally), caught one on a spinner bait (probably 1 pound) and the rest of the time not much bass action. Friend went out early in the day and caught 4 in 4 hours.

I lived in Ohio for 18 years, it can get downright cold and snowy up there but I could stay dry and warm. I moved to Louisiana: winter is like wearing a big damp cold blanket I can't take off, the humidity is killer!

Friday of last week water temperature on Toledo Bend in Louisiana/Texas was in the low 80's upper 70's, so right on the cusp of fall. Not much action going on in a small friendly tournament we had: fished for 4 hours, placed 3rd out of 10 and caught one keeper at 2 pounds 8 oz, fished weed lines and docks near creeks, so maybe they are not that shallow yet??? Just had a pretty dramatic cold front come through yesterday/today dropping air temperatures by 20 degrees here in Louisiana. That ought to cool the water and hopefully get some activity into the solid fall patterns. The Red River/Sabine will usually runs 2-4 degrees cooler in my area than local lakes so chances are we are just starting to see a transition in the non-flowing water bodies....

If you are looking to save some cash Academy has the H2O XPRESS Men's Fishing Parka and matching bibs. They work relatively well to layer under, they are not high dollar Gore-Tex by any means, but they will keep the wind and rain off and serve as a good shell, bunch of my friends swear by them. Personally, I use a North Face Gore-Tex parka I bought 8 years ago and it still works fine. That was back before The North Face became a fashion statement. You can find some deals online at retailers like Bass Pro or Cabelas in their bargain or outlet areas, I always liked Sierra Trading Post, they have tons of Sims, North Face, etc. items, some are seconds or cosmetic blemishes (that do not effect function) but you can get some steals on that site, it's where I bought that North Face coat for 50% off because it was a bright High-Vis green. I don't mind the color, it keeps me warm and dry and as a bonus you can't miss me on the water!

I have an Avid and multiple Mojo Bass rods from St. Croix. I fished with a Premier once and liked it, I am no expert, but I'd go with the Lifetime warranty. I have had nothing but great experiences with all my St. Croix products for the last 4 years. In the same time frame I have gone through 3 cheapo Shakespeare rods and just replaced them with St. Croix's as they break, I'll never go back to another Wal-Mart rod, you can catch fish on any old rod, but in my opinion, I like the St. Croix's better, better balance and "feel" in my hand.

1) Picture says a 1000 words, if it was large enough (8+ pounds) I would consider having a replica made. I release everything I catch, who knows I might get lucky and catch it next year when it's even bigger! Plus Facebook makes it so easy to brag if that's what you are after... 2) Slot limit is a law, plain and simple I abide by the law (I might question the law through working within the system, but it's still the law). As for throwing a gut hooked fish back: Gators got to eat too!

I generally take pictures as well now, back then however, it was fry up what we caught on saturdays/sundays instead of cafeteria food. That's too bad that it has slowed down. There used to be a partially flooded barn/house and flooded timber nearby that would hold some whoppers!

Little update, I took the measurements off the Bass Pro website and measured the clearances in the place I was going to install the tray, well it was either barely enough clearance, or slightly too deep to fit the tray in where I wanted (way up front). I figured instead of spending the points on the tray I would re-stock my tackle box and just use four stainless steel screws to secure the foot pedal. I guess I could have explored other brands, but the whole point was this was going to be a "free" perk, owe well... On a different note, martin the duck, I used to live in Monticello, AR in college and when I worked for G-P in Crossett Lake Monticello was a very good lake when I was up there 10 years ago is it still a slot limited lake?

If I had the money I would go with a Ranger. Take your time and try to find a dealer with excess inventory or a special order that the dealer got stuck with (did this once with a car), those can save you some cash. Are you looking for just Fiberglass hulls? Xpress makes the X21 fully decked out with all the goodies and it can be purchased for under $35,000 with a 200 on the back. Ranger also makes aluminum hulls now as does Triton. Though I have not priced them lately. those rigs can be loaded with extras and still be budget friendly.

I have saved up some serious Bass Pro points and am considering cashing them in on a trolling motor recessed foot tray. I have two questions for someone with experience installing them: Is the brad available at Bass Pro "everything bass flat foot" worth the money they are asking (140.00+ dollars)? I have an Xpress H17SS, spray in liner no carpet. Has anyone installed a tray on this make/model and is there any "hidden" issues like deck reinforcements etc. Thanks for your feed back!

I had this issue, I watched too many TV shows of Pro's covering miles and miles of water at breakneck trolling speeds with crank baits and spinner-baits. Then one day it dawned on me: I'm not a professional, I don't care if I catch a bass today (a fish in general would be nice), I am out to have fun! You know what, I relaxed and I catch more fish and have a lot more fun. Instead of throwing fast moving search baits I used a little common sense about structure and started throwing jigs, worms and soft creature baits. I have not been skunked this year, not to say some fish I caught were not embarrassingly small or not the right species, but I had fun and enjoyed it. For me it took a conscious decision to slow down and enjoy being out fishing instead of stressing about how many fish I can catch...

I have to agree with everyone, it just depends on how much you want to spend. I first would look at what kind of water you will be fishing, how much work you want to do yourself and what you are willing to put into the boat. My first boat was a fiberglass bought it used very cheap, after putting more money into it than I ever thought was possible I finally sold it. My next rig was a flat bottom aluminum, it was about $3,000. I put a new motor on it and kept it for 5 years. Sold it recently still running strong and in good condition. Newest boat is a 17' Xpress bass boat. Spent 18,000+ on it, new. All three of these along with working countless hours on my friends 21' Mastercraft has lead me to just one conclusion: boat just stands for "bust out another thousand..

I have had Optimas in my boats and in my trucks. Right now I have an Optima D34M as a cranking/electronics battery and a Sears DieHard Platinum 31M (made buy Odyssey) for my trolling motor (it's only a 12 volt system), my truck currently has a Sam's Club Energizer AGM. I have never had a problem with Optimas, now as alluded to above they are not the best for tolling motor applications because of the lower capacity vs. other batteries their "size" and their price (ouch). I have found them to be very tough, reliable and I have never been stranded because of one. I switched to the DieHard because with a 12 volt system on a windy day I felt I needed a little more safety net in terms of available amp hours, I never ran down my Optima completely, just wanted a little extra cushion I did not get with the Optima. My truck battery was replaced at an inopportune time and I did not have the cash for an Optima. Personally, I love AGM's or spiral cells: no leaking, no re-filling with distilled water, no accidental splashes on clothing when transporting them or any other maintenance issues. That's my opinion, others might differ some folks i fish with swear by the Wal-Mart EverStarts, cheap and reliable for them.

Discounting water temperature, water clarity etc. I always have a lipless crank bait tied on. Rattle-Trap would be my favorite, but any will do. I have caught more fish on that bait than any other (Bass, bluegill, walleye, pike it catches just about anything). I also should mention that it probably has a lot to do with my A.D.D. I hate to just stand still and worm/finesse fish, not that I won't but I like something to do...

OK, I am a brand new member, but if I can I would like to add my two cents. I have fished small lakes all the way up to Lake Erie (I grew up in Cleveland). During that time I have owned 3 boats, two I bought used and my current boat I bought new. You need to think about where and what you will be fishing in your boat. If you are a bass fisherman that likes shallow water, a light aluminum boat would be the best, I can get into some real skinny water with my Xpress, my first boat was fiberglass (same size motor) and it had twice the draft. However, I loved the fiberglass boat on choppy or windy days and I would only put my current Xpress onto Lake Erie under very nice conditions, that fiberglass rig I had just did not get blown around and held up to the chop much better. If you fish in a stumpy smaller lake I would go aluminum, just my preference, I can fix a dent easier than a crack in the fiberglass or gel-coat if I hot something. My final thought: Be careful with used boats! They might look like a million dollars on the outside, but there are hidden dangers: inside the motor, in the wheel bearings on the trailer, electrical wiring, etc. It's the little stuff that might become big stuff later.....