BASS fisherman

No problem Tom, appology accepted. Thank you I sent Mr Lorson an email asking if I would be able to accompany the state on one of the studies that the state conducts. I will keep everyone updated. Do any of the Pa anglers in this forum recall when the Big Bass program was initiated? I believe it has been about 4 years already, with no noticable increases in positive growth rates. The only difference I have noted would be the increase in the total numbers of bass, which according to the link Mr Lorson provided in his email, means that the program is working and will take several more years for the number of larger bass to become apparent in the regulated waters of Pa. I was surprised as well to the response that I recieved. Usually the time it takes to recieve information from the Pa fish and boat commision averages five to seven days. This email was recieved 13 days after it was sent. I was not expecting a response, but was elated when I recieved one. I do not keep any bass that I catch, and always release them. I don't understand how keeping the 15"+ bass will improve the fishery. If the majority of anglers do keep the larger bass, wouldn't that leave only the smaller bass resulting in the same problem I see now as I fish? I don't eat fish unless I have to, I simply fish for the sport of it. I don't really know of anyone who would want bass to eat, nor do I want to throw them in the bushes as I leave the lake. I need some ideas on what to do with these fish. I believe know that the key is not changing the regulations of the Big Bass Program but merely educating Pa anglers so that the fisheries can thrive with the regulations in effect. I will keep everyone as updated as possible, and thank you all for your input thus far.

I recieved this email today: Dear Andy, Thank you for your interest in bass fishing and bass management in Pennsylvania. I was asked to respond to your inquiry as I am responsible for fish management activities in Southwest PA including Allegheny county. There are several waters in your area that are managed with Big Bass regulations, however there are as many that are managed with statewide regulations. Either regulation is utilized to maintain and/or develop a high quantity of quality size bass available to anglers. The Objectives for the Big Bass regulation include: 1. Improve the quality of bass angling and to increase the trophy element of the fishery; 2. Improve the overall bass catch rates including catch and release fishing; and 3. Increase the abundance of large bass, particularly those over 15 inches. We have found in our evaluation of Big Bass regulations that in nearly all waters these objectives have been met, including the higher number of fish over 15 inches. We have also documented higher numbers of 12 to 15 inch bass in these lakes, but their growth rates continue to be good and bass are moving into the over 15 inch classes as a result. If we found stated objectives were not met on a particular water, we would consider changing the regulation to include consideration of a slot limit like you mention. The general rule gained from many scientific studies of a slot limit is that the age and size structure of bass ends up similar to that achieved with an elevated length limit like 15 inches. However, I do know of success stories using a protected slot regulation. That is not to say that we do not have some waters in PA where this regulation could work under a specific set of conditions. You may be aware that there is a slot limit in effect since 2004 at Lake Winola in Wyoming County. At Lake Winola, the daily bass limit of 6 fish can consist of bass under 12 inches and one fish over 18 inches. The response of the bass population to this regulation will be monitored over the next few years. We have not considered a "ShareLunker" program like the one in Texas. I noticed there was a private sponsor associated with the program. It may be something we could consider down the road. Our current largemouth bass stocking in lakes consists of introduction stocking to a new or reclaimed lake, plus a couple lakes that have bass recruitment problems. I attach this link to our Web site for "Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Spotted Bass Management and Fishing in Pennsylvania" for you to peruse in case you haven't seen it yet. http://sites.state.pa.us/PA_Exec/Fish_Boat/pafish/bass_black/00bass_overview.htm) Sincerely, Rick Lorson, Area Fisheries Manager PA Fish and Boat Commission 236 Lake Road Somerset, PA 15501-1644 I plan to call Mr. Lorson, and find out when and how they check the numbers of fish he claims is growing, which I have yet to see. Then I would like to know if I could attend one of these information gathering outings as a volunteer. I'll keep everyone posted.

That kid is amazing! Just goes to show you what we are capable of when we our focused.

That guy is too funny. He has been all over TV showcasing his "talent".

One night I was fishing at this small pond up in the country and I remember seeing this light far away, slowely moving in my direction. I thought of that as odd because the airplanes run the other direction due to the airport in Pittsburgh. This thing got closer and closer untill it flew right over mine, and my dads head. It was in the shape of a triangle, it had 5 lights on the bottom of it, and for as close as it was, should have been alot louder, but it sounded like an airliner at 30,000 feet. But this thing was 200 feet above us. I never thought to take a picture, I did have a camera too. Just looked at it, watched it get closer, and kept on fishing. As far as ghosts go, I lived in Gettysburg for a couple years, and saw, felt, heard, smelled, and just plain experienced alot of unexplainable things. Im not saying they were ghosts or spirits or whatever you may be inclined to call the experiences, but alot of odd stuff went on that I personally witnessed when I lived there. And I mean ALOT too.

Thanks Catt for that page of tidbits. I love night fishing in the warmer months. I caught my first PB at night, during a full moon.

Sorry to hear what happened Capn. I have learned that lesson myself, but not with my fishing gear. I don't let anyone borrow anything. I have found that your lucky if you get what you lend out, back. He's a good guy for being upfront, and offering to help with the repairs, it's only right. I have no clue what the anser to your question is. But if the reel is under warrantee, I don't see why they wouldn't cover it. Unless they have special restrictions against such accidents.

Man I hear ya, I am getting my first boat in the next few days, and I already have plans on putting atleast $2000.00 into it just to get it into tournament fishable condition. I need a cover, a bow mount, a couple fish finders, supplies to fix a big soft spot, I have to wet sand the hull, and buff/wax if several times, batteries, and a charger. That's just a small start. But I can't wait to start. Alot of guys out there would give up a leg for a boat, just be thankful we have the ability to spend all our money on a boat.

If I had a private lake or pond in my backyard or within walking distance, Id be there everday, but the closest lake is about 30 minutes away. In the spring, summer, and early fall I am fishing 4-5 days a week, but this time of year just twice a week on average.

ok,...that explains it,lol. BF- Fishing as competition is work. I'm going on vacation. If you'd like, I can keep a good idea of what my top 5 are for you to have somthing to compare yourself too. Personally, I got nothin' to prove to anyone but myself. And all I plan on proving is that I can smile for 5 days straight. On a sidenote, I will say this. Anyone who as ever won anything on the water just grinned when they read what you wrote. More traps have been shut and shut good on the water than you can shake a stick at. I think it's called getting "muzzled" Careful wielding that sword and wallet unless you have the money to play, I'm sure someone else will take you up on a wager. Sheesh you people arent any fun! Lighten up some

You better believe it 5bass! I'd watch the video, but I still have dial-up, and it take 20 some hours to download your videos.

Alright LBH, I hear all this talk about how good you are at catching some beastly bass. You suppose you could catch fish like that at an over pressured lake too? I mean some of the newbies on here could throw a shiner in and pull out a 6.9lb'r in a semi private lake. Im callin you out! ;D Them thar's fightin words. I'll see you at Fork, and Ill be the one looking like an big butthead. ;D Or will I? Any bets?

I just got a call from the gentleman, and he had something pop up this evening, so possibly tomorrow evening. He is going down to Texas, from Pittsburgh, to get a new boat so the boat he is graciously giving to me must be out of his driveway by Sunday to make room for his new boat. So Im betting on sometime between tomorrow evening, and Sunday sometime. I'll have pics up as soon as possible.

I am meeting the guy tonight, and then he's bringing the boat to my house, so as soon as I see it I'll take a picture or 10. I am meeting him at 7pm, so it may be a little dark, and my camera doesn't have a flash. Glad to hear I can get some tips if I need it, and I will.

An old post of mine: I got an email today from the guy selling the above bass boat. Only know he needs to get rid of it, and wants to know if I WANT it, as in fo FREE! Yup I said it, FREE!!! I got me a bass boat. It needs some work, a trolling motor and batteries for it, a cover, and maybe a few other things, but for free, you just can't argue with that price. He even is willing to bring it to my house since I don't have a trailer hitch yet. So LBH, I got my boat. And I cant wait to get it to start working on it. It is starting to all fall into place, and in no time soon if all goes well, Ill be fishing in the state regionals, and on my way. Is that great or what?

Thanks for taking the time to type all that out. It is scary enough reading about it, let alone to be there. Just keep "Aint_texan" in your thoughts since he is currently over in Iraq. On the news this morning, they said that October is one of the most dangerous months over there yet.

Not so much weird, but cool. I have had bats echo locate the tip of my rod, and come within inches of hitting it. Same with my head a couple times. Last summer I was night fishing and was flipping a 4inch dinger into a hole in a weed bed. I felt a fish, set the hook, and reeled the bass in as quick as possible. I had no clue she was my 1st PB untill I went to pull her out of the water, and I thought my rod was going to snap. It didn't snap, and I ran all the way up to the van to wake my dad up who was tired and sleeping, to wake him up and show him this fish. She probably weighed around 3-3.5lbs. Not a pig, but for the pond I was fishing, she was. We took a pic which is still on the film in the camera, and I ran her back down to the water. Not weird, but this is what popped into my head when I read your question.

Going through old threads, I see alot of user names, and then under the name, or next to it, it says EX-Member. Did those people get banned? or is their some way to become an X-member?

When that happens to me, I do two things. First I vary my retrieve. It may be the speed of the retrieve, or varying the retrieve, such as stop and go, or reel 6inches then pause. If the splashes continue I try a different color, or size. Which IMO color doesnt really matter with topwater lures. If the splashes still continue after those changes, I try a different topwater.

I agree with pinkfloydrules210. All around cover, but also wherever I know the bass are holding. I have caught bass in open water with a topwater when I new they were holding on a point, or other structure. I've also found that even though topwaters work best in calm, cloudy, and overcast conditions, there really are other times when they will hit topwaters as well. Now for me to tell you,

Thanks for the tips LBH. I think with what you said, I missed them because they were only nipping at the jig. After the one bass took the plasic pinchers off the craw trailer, the jig basically looked like a plan jig, but the hook shank was covered with the craw. I had the craw rigged like a grub, so after the pinchers were gone there wasn't much of a trailer left. I think I was setting the hook to early. The skirt doesn't extend past the hook more than 1/8 of an inch. I was also using a 7" Fenwich MH rod. So I think they must have just been nipping at it. But, then again a few times I know for sure they were swimming with it, and Id set the hook and miss. I have 2 hook hones, so there is no excuse either. Now I am prepared for the next time. If I am missing fish tomorrow, I am sharpening the jig. Thanks LBH! crude drawing of the jig I was using.

We'll just have to see after I get mine. 8-) I better shutup before I jinx myself. I might end up getting skunked.

I did not read it, sorry. In my experience the more the bass see the same worm hitting the water, and their buddies getting pulled from the water, they realize something is up, and get stressed. Going back even a week later, and using the same bait, will yield minimal results. When I went to her place on memorial day, all I threw was YUM 7.5in ribbon tails, and storm ribbon tails. After a while, I think the bass more or less put 2 and 2 together, and stayed away from those curly tailed worms. Today I tried a few reaction baits, senkos, and a topwater, but they wanted a slow smack dab on the bottom presentaion with a jig. I also found that the bass only held to the reeds on the downwind side of the pond. And if the pond your describing is really that small, chances are there aren't too many big bass in the pond. They knew what was up. When that happens, you have to flip everything around. Downsize, use lures you haven't thrown there before. Be stealthy, quiet, and focused. You don't happen to live in Lisbon do you? Ohio has alot of small ponds in it. I kept wantint to stop and fish the ponds, but I wasn't driving.

Not a touney Keith, just something that the people who want to, can take part of and throw in money towards a shirt, and whoever gets the biggest bass, gets the shirt. More or less of a lunker pool. If anyone shows any interest whatsoever, even just 2-3 people, I will set something up. Maybe a pic has to be taken, and a witness has to be there to see the bass, before it is released. Not sure how it would work yet, but as of yet, no one except myself has shown any interest in this contest.

That is a touchy subject. If the mower is that important, I'd of gone back into my house, and got some dog treats, or lunch meat. Anything the dog would like to eat instead of your butt. Go out to your, and your neighborsfence line and try to give the dog some of the "peace offering". As you do this, sweet talk the dog, yes I said it, sweet talk it. "Hey puppy dog, what a nice puppy you are, how are you today." You could tell the dog your going to rip it's throat out, as long as you say it in that girly, baby talk voice. If the dog still acts as your a threat, forget about it until your neighbor gets back. Remember you are a threat to it's territory, so don't push the issue if the dog acts edgy and aggressive towards you. Because you are on his property, the dog may not be liable if it bites you. I really don't know. Something to add to this story. I have a small cat who is the nicest cat I've ever had. One day right after dinner, my Mom was looking out the back door, and I hear her say "Look a dog". I go over and look out and there is a pitbull closing in on my cat. So I went out expecting to fight with this dog, and possibly killing it to save my cat. Stupid I know, but I get a little crazy when the adrenalines pumping and my life is on the line, or the life of someone or something that is close to me. Anyway, I go outside and try to step in between this dog, and my cat, and here this pit was so dosile that my cat was attacking it. The pit was very friendly, and I had to push my cat away with my foot, because she kept hitting the dog on the snout, and the poor dog wasn't fighting back or trying to flee at all. She hit that poor pit probably 50 times, each time leaving a big scratch across it's snout. I finally got the dog to leave, and after a few hours the cat finally settled down. She is a funny cat too. She has chased a few neighborhood dogs off our property, that were atleast 10X's bigger than she is. She don't take no *****! But she is the most loving cat ever at the same time.