The Duke

Does anyone have any reviews of the Tru-Tungsten jigheads that Iaconelli promotes?

Not necessarily true. Lets face it, Nixon & Cochran are getting a bit older and I would bet the longer schedule that BASS put out had something to do with their not fishing it. They fished both circuits for a number of years and they pulled out of BASS when their season extended. That sounds like the obvious reason. Also, out of 102 Elite Series anglers fishing last year 97 of them have signed back on. So the whole idea that FLW is growing from the influx of BASS anglers leaving BASS is uneducated. Read the reviews from the Elite Series guys, they love BASS now. Its the premier league for professionals.

A comment like this only shows a lack of understanding of public property, media (Bill of Rights), and consequently gives insight to the problem between bass fishermen and property owners. This attitude has got to quit in order to eradicate problems on the water.

Ever been on Lake Erie or Lake Michigan?? Tritons handle rough water just fine.

I would second that opinion.

Catt, I suppose ESPN made a deal w/ Swindle to drive that close in exchange for extra exposure. How in the world does this turn into a BASS/ESPN bash for you? Enjoy Fox Sports, but its coverage of all sports is horrible in comparison to ESPN. The worldwide leader in sports in not Fox. If what Swindle did was safe or proper, then driving on a sidewalk is safe and proper. Since when can we put restrictions on media & people on public property? Lets violate the Bill of Rights - good idea!! The idea of restrictions is unapplicable. Here's a suggestion for the G-Man: Slow down!! The Classic is a big deal, but imagine if he would have hit someone, or someone would have fallen out of their boat into 53 degree water as a result. Life is a bit bigger deal. Contrary to popular belief. Cameras are not powerful enough to zoom up hundreds of yards away. Here's a little inside scoop: Howell had his back (and consequently, bait, the bank, and everything he was doing had a boat in front of it), thus, a camera needs to be close to get that angle needed. I like Swindle, but he screwed up. He even acknowledged this. Why are we fighting about this?

D+

Correct me if I'm mistaken, but BASS events cost pros $3500 per event, BUT if they make the top 50, they have to pay an additional $1500 to fish it. Not bad, since you're guaranteed $10k for 50th place. How much is an FLW pro cost? I don't know the answer to this.

I think it takes more skill to catch keepers compared to dinks. ;D Thats not necessarily true. KVD, Denny Brauer, and others have stated several times that they are only after big fish in tournaments as they feel its the best way to fish these events. I don't agree that numbers win the majority of the time, in fact it rarely happens IMO. All large events are won by fishermen targeting big fish. Now if you're talking about 10# fish. Those won't generally win a tourney, largely in part that there aren't enough to go around. 5 5# fish will beat 2 10# fish. It takes more skill to establish a pattern for fish bigger than the average size on any body of water. Rather that mean the average size is 12" and your pattern is 14" or larger.

I really agree with Shadcranker. But I believe that to be one of the top anglers in the world, then BASS is the way to go. Today, Little Miss Sunshine in 7th grade has heard of BASS and Kevin VanDam but doesn't have a clue who David Dudley is or FLW. Thats what BASS will do compared to FLW. The recognition and, consequently, the potential for sponsors is exponentially larger than FLW. If you can legitimately compete with the best, then I would say BASS is the hands down better choice. But if you're not at that level yet, FLW would be a great place to start and possibly work your way to BASS. FLW is a great organization and I don't know anyone who is upset they've participated in it. To say that BASS has gotten worse and is dieing is not an educated comment. Since BASS has bought it, they've grown exponentially. Maybe not in every fishermen's garage or tackle shop, but the country can now recognize it. It is so much more widespread and recognized, to say its shrinking or stagnant is ludicrous. If its losing money, ESPN will drop them. But they still haven't and I don't anticipate it happening. You can say BASS ticked off the Federation, but it can also be well argued that TBF did some dirty things behind their backs and left them w/o much provocation ($5 dues increase, come on, give me a break!). Good luck next season and making this decision. I hope you keep us informed!

Look out for KVD!

The same could be said of TBF clubs. In Indiana many TBF clubs don't even meet. They simply just put together a state team. That makes them a Federation though huh?

Out of curiosity, what was the point of breaking the pike's jaw & teeth with the pliers and taking his dinner out of his throat (which certainly caused more internal damage)? I hope he lived to get another bluegill...

Loading the boat.

Sounds like I made a good purchase. Thanks for the feedback!

Those of you with experience with the Falcon Cara rods; what do you think? I just bought one and probably won't be able to use it for another 4 months. Its getting cold up in N. Indiana. I saw my first ice covered lake yesterday. Duke

Only place I could imagine culling those fish out would be Lake Erie or other Great Lakes. Great job! Duke

Doug, I'd love to take a soldier fishing up my area of N. Indiana. However, I went to your website and I'm not sure what to do to sign myself up. Can you give me some direction? Duke

Alright! I'm ready to be your guest then! Come on over to Northern Indiana and I'll show you a real lunker . Alright, I admit, we don't have any lunkers in my neck of the woods. But its fun thinking that! Duke

WOW! Talk about the "Complaining just to Complain" Center. Seriously, if you're going to be a "member" of my (I am not a tournament director) organization (because you are a member when you sign/pay up) you better not complain to the media, especially if you haven't talked about it with me first! I think thats the main point of this all. If you give protests to the director, they should resolve it. If you can't accept that, then don't fish with that director. If a director is flat-out wrong on multiple occasions (or treating their friends with bias) they're going to wash out; its their own backside. If there is coverage about an ABA/BASS or FLW event, don't complain about it at that time. Its wrong and unprofessional. Save it for this website or other outlets. There is enough to go around twice! However, the complaining about BASS, ABA, FLW, Opens, etc. etc. etc. Its all redundant. Can't we just "Shut up and fish you big Baby!" like the commercial said. I want to hear about the fishing and tournaments not to hear guys say why they're so bad and then fish them, complain about them, fish them some more, complain again, fish them again, complain some more... Does anyone like fishing tournaments for the thrill? I love it! Duke

The host guy (Mike) really seems like a nut who has little knowledge about bass fishing. And some of the people on it are far from experts in my mind. But I think thats part of the appeal AND, I can't peel my eyes from the show. Despite all of that criticism, I really enjoy the show and am envious of those who have hosted it. I look forward to it every Friday. I bet Mike is an absolute riot and in some way, I usually pick up something from each show. I sound like a hypocrite don't I? Duke

With the low attendance BASS weekend series were getting its a good thing ABA is going to helping (running it) them. Otherwise it would be history in a few years if not sooner. I'm glad for the union. Duke

I couldn't agree more! Duke

Is that my fault? I think thats more power to me. If you're willing to put up the money to compete against a guy or guys w/o prefishing and I or someone else does, I think common sense prevails here. Duke

Quote: In the article it said that, there have been records of bass swimming up and hitting the boat because of the sound waves this thing gives off. That sounds like some marketing guy made it up... fish story? ...lol This is true. I spoke with Randy VanDam (Kevin's brother and owner of D & R Sportscenter) and he's claimed to have the same thing. Problem is though, the fish come after the noise, not his bait! Correct me if I'm mistaken, but I believe Kevin VanDam was using the Biosonix when he won his 3 tournaments in a row at the end of last season. I know he used it this year as well. All true statements. If the unit is banned, what's next to be banned, the lure that claims to mimic baitfish sounds or movements or scents that claim to smell like bait? Isn't that what every lure manufacturer claims? I couldn't agree more. I wish I had one! Duke