Logan S

I'm usually good for at least 1 or 2 in a full day of fishing on the Potomac. Always a disappointment...Smashing bite, heavy weight - Start yelling at your co-angler for the net - Start thinking about how this 6lber will help your tournament day....Then the death-roll starts and you start cursing those annoying cats while the Co rolls his eyes at you ?.

No. One got out and physically helped the angler, the other didn't...That's the difference. The marshal moves around the boat all day, so going up front is no big deal. When I was a marshal they specifically told us we couldn't get out to help. Sitting on the front deck is something every marshal is able to do, getting out and physically pushing is something that some marshals might not be able to do - That's why it's different.

I believe you, although I still think most are 'flogging then fishing' and not 'flogging while fishing' , but I won't argue that point - I could be wrong. I guess I just don't see it as that big of a deal since the guys are still finding and catching the fish in a somewhat conventional manner. Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised if they get banned at some point for same reasons as A-Rigs or long-lining. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it if it happened.

It's no different than using electronics to locate fish or fish-holding cover/structure. You also can't really fish while 'flogging', at least not effectively...So you need to put it down to actually fish for and catch those fish that you see. The bed-fishing angle has been discussed at length here and elsewhere and the bottom line is that DNR and tournament organizations allow it, so not really anything to talk about there. People do lots of legal things to help them see better when bed-fishing - Dish soap to dissipate ripples and pollen, marking beds with reeds on a practice day, standing on their outboards for higher vantage points, etc...Not sure why the flogger is any different.

Despite being a full power heavier, the Perfect Pitch is better at handling the lighter stuff when pitching/flipping than the Tour Versatile is. I have both (2 TV's actually). I use the TV for casting/skipping jigs, big spinnerbaits, toads, and some other stuff...But generally all techniques where you're casting the bait, not pitching/flipping short distances. For the short distance, heavy cover stuff I'll use the Perfect Pitch. The Perfect Pitch does casting stuff just as well too, it's just also really good at pitching/flipping...The name is fitting, it's awesome at pitching. Both rods would do the job well...But if you ask me, I'd take the Perfect Pitch for the scenario you described. Only disclaimer I'd add is that this is all based on the 1st Gen XX rods since I have not used the 2nd Gen XX's yet.

Perfect Pitch...You'll probably like it a lot more than the Jig & Worm model you broke.

There was a thread a while ago about the possibility of a Curado DC and I was one of the people who said/thought it would never happen....Can't remember who was in the thread or when it was, but this is my official "I was wrong" post . I've got a couple E-Series Scorpion DC's and love them, so I'm looking forward to these.

Brian usually does this but he didn't this time.... There is a FOBA tournament at Black Hills tomorrow, I'm posting just in case someone might see this and not be shocked at all the boats there in the morning. I think last count was 17 or 18 boats and we'll be launching at 6AM and pulling out at 3PM. Will be a bit hectic around the ramp around those times. The tournament itself is not open, you need to be a member (but membership is always open )...But if you're there and want more info feel free to ask anyone. Anyone is welcome to hang out at the weigh in if they want too...We do catch-weigh-release (MLF Style) at BH because of the funky size limits so there won't be any fish to see, we just run through the results/standings. If you are there and see a black/blue Skeeter, that's me...Feel free to say hi.

True. There's a point where you 'overstretch' it if you pull too hard and it kills that section of line. If I have to pull hard to get off a snag I'll wrap it around my pliers as close as I can get and pull from there, then cut my line where I wrapped it and retie to avoid the damaged section. But like everyone else said, get a hound dog.

Operator error mixed with bad luck, the percentages of each will probably only ever be known by Alton himself. Sounds like he bow hooked it on the wake of the redfish boat he was passing....He probably had the jackplate and trim high due to the shallow/stumpy water - That plus no skeg would theoretically make it a lot easier to hook the boat. IMO it's always the operator's fault to some degree, in this case he knew about the skeg and presumably knew how it could/should/would effect handling. He's been doing this long enough to know about hooking and how/why it happens too. You can hook a bassboat with a 150HP outboard too BTW...They used to have a 150HP limit and there were accidents back then too.

Outboard choice is something to think about...With Skeeter the only option is the Yamaha SHO, which is an awesome option, but it's the only one you get . The final decision on my last 2 boats came down to deck layout and storage layout. My current boat is a Skeeter ZX250 and I would recommend it (or another Skeeter) in a heartbeat. I've fished, rode, and driven several Ranger models over the years and they are excellent boats as well - I'd be very happy to own one. IMO, the ride/handling is better in the Skeeter (comparing 21' to 21') but that's a very subjective topic and it depends a lot on the driver (and it isn't a huge difference). My opinion is based on actually driving both, not just riding. Excellent point to make. For me it would probably have been a BassCat Caracal...Sounds odd to go from a 21'/250HP to a 19'/225HP, but I REALLY liked the Caracal. It's wide for a BassCat, has a layout I like, and has the muscle car looks and performance. There were 2 big reasons I went with my Skeeter over the Cat. The price of the Caracal was more than my Skeeter for one...And the second is that since I fish big waters like the Potomac and Bay, I wanted the extra length/size of the 21 footer.

Not a ZMan and it didn't come this way...But my favorite look for a chatter head is a beat up one, it's a good sign . I wouldn't worry too much about that paint chip, it probably wasn't used before hand - It was probably just a bad spot of paint or banged around in shipping. BUT, if it does bother you there's nothing wrong with getting it replaced at all...It's not how it's supposed to be. Might get lucky and TW will tell you to just keep the chipped one rather than pay to ship it back.

The situation you described would bother me too...But based on everything I've read/heard, I don't think that's really an accurate assessment of what happened. I'm not going to go further down that rabbit hole, though. Everyone knows what 'unwritten rules' are...It's another way to describe having a level of respect for the competition and/or other competitors that exists across all sports - not just bass fishing.

All I know is that based on the information that's out there, I wouldn't have done what what Lambert did...And if I were Haynes I'd be mad about it too. I guess I'm more on the side of the 'unwritten rules'. Everyone is saying the right things and the two don't seem to have a beef with each other, so I guess the statement has been made and everyone's moving on...Which is good. IMO, the 'community hole' argument is just a cop-out. I know all about community holes, the Potomac is a 60-mile long community hole . Getting cut off or spot jumped isn't negated just because everyone already knows about the spot. But like I said originally...I don't know either and I wasn't there, so I probably shouldn't comment (even though I am...But at least I recognize that I shouldn't )

It was a little more complicated than just a guy fishing in/on 'his' spot. That other guy knew the tournament leader (Haynes) was fishing there and knew that he was going there first thing on day 3...That other guy also had a better launch number so he was able to boat race him there and win, arriving just moments before. That other guy then proceeded to tell Haynes that they could 'share the spot' in an attempt to make it seem more friendly or amicable. IMO, Haynes left because because he didn't want to legitimize what happened...If he shares it or goes elsewhere, it's essentially accepting that tactic as somehow OK. Basically his way of saying, "I know the game you're playing and I'm not going to be a part of it." At least that's what I took away from it. I can't say I would have done the same thing, but I have a lot of respect for a guy that sticks to his beliefs that way...Especially knowing the potential consequences. IMO it wasn't quitting and going home, it was making a statement. I don't know either guy so I probably shouldn't even comment...But that's my take on it.

Eh, it was rude and would have irritated me too...As much as I wish it could be eradicated, we all know it can't so I don't let these little things bother me beyond muttering "really, dude?" under my breathe. Extreme example of rudeness as alluded to in the title and 1st paragraph had me thinking about a melee that ended in a flipping-weight barrage.

No, it has nothing to do with where I live (currently). It's because I don't think a few leap frogs with another boat on a tiny 100 acre lake - With no other confrontations/altertcations/exchanges/etc - qualifies as 'extreme' rudeness. There was no fighting, cussing, yelling, throwing of weights, boat-circling, or anything else...Just 'he got a little too close to me'. The level of rudeness of the situation, at least IMO, would appear to be of a normal inconsiderate fisherman - nothing more, nothing less. This is based on bass fishing extensively all over the country, including 'down there' where you are. In terms of what do about it? Why do anything? OP caught fish and they didn't, instant justice....Move on.

Sorry, but I'm not really seeing 'extreme' rudeness in what you described. More of a inconvenience than anything else and it didn't seem to effect your catching either. If anything, it just enhanced the story you got to tell. Also, the lake's only 100 acres...Sooner or later you're going to be leap frogging in water that small. Not saying the guy was a saint or anything, but if that's all you've got to get worked up over - you're living and fishing good . You'd go nuts on the Potomac...30 yards is someone being 'considerate' most of the time .

The same amount per mile as the guys going 30mph

Tournaments always add that little edge to things and that's part of the fun IMO. Just have fun, sounds like that's the main point of the particular event you're fishing anyway. Don't worry about bombing, you probably won't...But even if you do, it happens to everyone eventually - Even the best pros will have rough days occasionally. As for tips for a new co-angler...Keep it simple, fish the things you're good at, and don't overpack.

Been mentioned already, but you had it right...Chip in for gas, ramp, etc. There's a big club local to you that's always open for membership (see signature)...It's a good way to get started!

I went without poles/talons for a long time, I did just fine. You obviously don't NEED them for anything...But now that I have 2 poles I can't imagine not having them. They are useful for so many things and provide a huge advantage is so many situations. It'd be nice if they cheaper, but that's sort of obvious...I wish my boat, tackle, electronics, truck, and everything else were cheaper too.

Table Rock SP is a solid color with chartreuse sides. It's a fairly bright color but, good for stained water, cloudy days, or when you want loud colors for targeting smallies/spots. I personally use it most often when targeting smallies. GP Pro Table Rock is a ghost/translucent color and even though the sides are chartreuse-ish, they are see thru so it's not very flashy/loud. It's good in a variety of conditions from clear to stained water, I like to use it in lakes without shad to imitate perch, shiners, bluegill, etc...

FWIW, I bought replacement 110 Jr hooks directly from Megabass USA back when they still sold hooks in bulk. They're just standard light wire #8's...I think VMC's. Any light wire #8 treble should be fine on the 110 Jr size. Also FWIW, the A-Mart Nano Trebles mentioned earlier in the thread run about 1 size small. I haven't used them myself, but a friend confirmed that the #5 size Nano is needed to match the size of the #6 Katsuge hooks (he was replacing standard 110 hooks). I stick with the stock #6 Katsuge outbarbs for standard size 110's, I think it's the best hook for them.

I guess it depends on how much room you have to get through. If it's a normal safe distance there's no reason come off plane. If it would require you to 'thread the needle' to get through, drop to an idle.