Koikus

OOOPs. I was specifically refering to Largemouth Bass in my previous post. I wouldn't feel too bad about killing some of the junkier species if it meant fame and glory, ha. I once caught a Yellow Bullhead Catfish outta my lake that would have possibly made it as an OK state record...it was just over 2 pounds. But at the time I was ignorant about state records. What I discovered about 2 or 3 years later was that there was no record even recorded for that species in OK. The info I read stated that it would take a 2# Yellow to even be considered. I had it, but I let fame and glory slip away, lol! That's okay, I'm holdin' out for the new state record Black Bass....dream on, dream on!

Great topic, Glenn. I love Bill Dance's show because of the many things he's taught me over the years. In my opinion he is absolutely the best teacher for bass fishing out of all the other bassin' programs I've watched through the years. I sure gotta kick out of fishingrulz1234's post on this subject...that's great! I think the one question I'd ask him is just how many miles of his fishing tapes end up on the cutting-room floor!

I totally agree with and echo Cragaria's post. I've been outfished a LOT (more than I'd like to admit, ha ha) by my friends at the back of the boat. I usually am in front, but I purposely skip good spots for my buds. When one of my fishing partners caught a 9 pound Largemouth and then another friend boated an 8 1/2 pounder from the back of my boat, I ALMOST thought about not being so nice....just kidding. Seriously, my partners and I always talk about what we want to start throwing first. If we're thinking of throwing the same bait, then one of us will put something else on. This naturally increases our chances of discovering what may or may not be working on that given day. We will continue to change to different lures if nothing is happening until one of us discovers "the key" that day. If one of us (and usually this will happen) discovers a "hot" bait, well the other man isn't too proud to change to that bait.

Back in the days when I was limited to bank fishing, if I was consistantly not doing any good, I would try other lures, even some I had no confidence in whatsoever. I've found when I get locked into only a few certain baits, I am limiting myself in good catches. By expanding my horizons and talking with other fishermen, I was amazed at what I learned....and still continue to. Granted, I have my favorite lures (confidence factor is high), but the only way I've been able to catch more fish during slow times (we ALL have them) is to start trying new and different baits...and don't be shy about asking others what's been working for them lately.

I learned from a very painful experience to be careful where you put your hands as well! About twenty years ago, my son and I were fishing my private lake. It was dusk and we were getting ready to leave the lake. I reached down to the water to pick up our stringer of catfish and crappie when all of a sudden-WHAM! There was a Copperhead at water level checking out our fish obviously. I didn't know for sure what type of viper had hit me, so I chased after it after he hit me and could see the patterns/markings. I drove my son and I to the hospital about 25 miles away. I got there right before I started getting violently ill. It's a myth that certain pit vipers like Rattlesnakes and Copperheads don't swim in the water. Far as I know, almost ALL snakes like a dip now and then.

If the game ranger has a set of certified scales with him and is willing to come to the lake I'm fishing, I would do it for sure. However, if getting Ms. Lunker certified would kill her, then no way, but you can bet I'd be getting LOTS of pictures, including at least one of the fish hanging on my scales with the weight discernable. Oh, and don't forget about getting all the big one's measurements so I could get a replica put on the wall!

any tips on where to find them and what to throw to them when it gets hot in the middle day like this?