Lane

Topwater, I am good friends with the Texas BASS Conservation director, and he does ALOT to conserve the resource. The Arizona director works hard as well. The state conservation directors, and even the alot of the BASS affliated club conservation directors spend countless hours of their own time working to conserve the resource. Our director here in Texas has been able to get grant money to start an native aquatic vegetation nursery for habitat improvement on some of our lakes. Most of these guys are TOP NOTCH!

Fivebass, I hope that your absence means you will be making BIG $$$$$$! Glad to hear everything is allright, I was about to think you did not want to eat my cooking! Lane

Matt, Anglers mentality here in Texas is the biggest detriment to the 20lb class range. TPW has to do what the public wants, and so far, Fork is our ONLY designated trophy lake. We have lakes that I have no doubt contain 20lb class bass, in fact they have been stocked with SAL offspring, and have the right stuff for sustaining those bass. Like others, that is as much information as I am willing to share if you know what I mean.

Sam, You bring up a GREAT point! Especially how it pertains to the YOUNGER aspiring tournament anglers. Mega corporations like, Google, Yahoo (who just bought U-Tube), Dell, Microsoft, Mac. Even the telecoms like Sprint, Verizon, Cingular, and the list goes on and on. The high tech big boys need to be brought to the table. Media exposure is the key to getting the big boys outside the fishing industry. That is the BIG plus for BASS anglers, because of ESPN. With that being said, ESPN needs to treat the sportfishing anglers and their sponsors like sons or daughters instead of stepchildren! Sony is HUGE with Playstation and electronics. If I were a young angler, I would try to get local franchise stores like GameStop (large supplier of Playstaton, WEii, and X-Box) for a sponsor. Afterall, aren't there interactive fishing games? The possibilities are ENDLESS! On another note, I met one of the finest professional anglers from your state that I have ever had the pleasure of meeting! His products are a household name around here, Lil Tony Chachere! Another example of a NON fishing related company, and Lil Tony is a professional angler that fishes the Elite Series.

Matt, You are right that a good number of our BIG fish here in Texas are retained, usually for skin mounts or the frying pan! But if it were not for the SAL program, you would see even more big girls ending up on the wall. The females are taken to Athens, where they recieve the best care on the planet, spawned, then released back to their home waters no worst for the wear! Some do die, but usually this occurs early on, and is due to poor care by the angler. To much show and tell out of the water! The SAL program is working, and Texas is registering numbers of large bass, just not in the 20lb plus range. Also, most of the lakes in California are kept CLEAN due to the fact that they are reserviors for municipal drinking water. I call it the X factor, which is missing here in Texas and Mexico. I saw one of those HUGH Cali bass in person when I was up there in the spring of 90. That is a story in itself! I will never forget it, either!

Brushpile, George Perry is dead, killed in a plane crash. There are NO pictures of George Perry with, "THE" bass, at least none that have surfaced at this point. BASSMASTERS mag presented a picture of a YOUNG boy holding a large bass. Was that THE bass? There are more questions than answers regarding the Perry bass, questions that will never be answered. I would not consider Bob Crupi or Mike Long, "average trophy hunters", but to each their own. There is a thread on a Texas forum regarding the possiblility of 20lb class bass exsisting and being caught in Texas that is being discussed right now. There is at least ONE documented 20lb bass that was found dead ( as a result of the LMBV) here in Texas. Meanwhile, California still holds the record for numbers of 20lb class bass.

IMO, they should throw out George Perry's record for SEVERAL reasons! Bob Crupi should hold the World Record. Landing and certifying TWO of the top 10 bass of all time is NO SMALL feat! Mike Long is up there with Hannon in my book, they are in a league of their own! Most people don't realize how hard it is to, hook, land and certify these HUGE double digit bass as many times as these men have done it. Most of us that live in trophy largemouth country are still trying to hook and LAND a 10lber! Thanks Matt for posting those stats!

This trip is coming up FAST! I am going to need a head count, since we have planned on cooking one night! So far, Fork has produced 2 Sharelunkers this season. Hopefully we can add to that. I have already notified David Campbell of the TPW/SAL program, that he better have his truck and gear ready.

BASSfisherman, DEFINATELY put your name on the shirt! That way everyone can identify your name with the forum.

WOW! Checkmate! Keep us posted, I would like to read any responses to the questions you presented. Lane

Baitmonkey12, The Frabill habitat looks pretty cool, but don't use the Fat and Sassy bedding. Get the Canadian peat moss. If you PM me your UPS address, I will send you my top secret worm food. They lay bright green egg capsules, so keep an eye out for the eggs. Lane

My husband, Tony is on cloud 9 right now. He graduated from the University of Florida and is a DIE HARD GATOR! Heck, all of our packaging is orange and blue! We were out of state attending a dealer show, but our flight was scheduled to arrive back home in plenty of time to watch the game. Things did not go as planned, our flight was delayed and we missed our connection back to SA. He was NOT a happy camper, since they scheduled us on the next flight out of Memphis that would have departed right after kick off. He would have missed all but the last few minutes of the game. I felt sorry for him, so I told him that it would be o.k. with me if we got a room at the Radison, so he could watch the game. I had mixed feelings, since I knew he would be very upset if Florida lost! Like most everybody else, I thought that Ohio State would probably win. But Tony had complete confidence that his beloved Gators and his heros Leak and Tevo would not let him down! I decided that I would watch the first quarter with him on the big screen. If Florida was taking a beating after the first quarter, I would go back to the room and rent a movie. After the first play of the game, I thought that Ohio was going to run OVER Florida. But that would be the ONLY big play of the game for Ohio! We were surrounded by Ohio State fans, including several GA Bulldog fans that HATE the Gators. They disappeared after the third quarter. Tony now has FULL bragging rights, since the Gators are the national champions of basketball and football, which NO OTHER TEAM HAS EVER DONE! GO GATORS!

I would have to agree with Rolo and Doug Hannon, the plastic worms. I personally prefer, Yamamoto, Spike It, Grandebass, Roboworm and Bass Assassin.

The Grande Bass Mutant will DEFINATELY catch fish, and big ones. Jerry makes a good quality bait. I have not been impressed with the quality of the Wave Worm baits. I did like some of Wave's unusual color patterns until I recently saw Spike Its new crazy color combos, and I know they make a quality plastic bait that has great action and lasts! If you have never tried the Grande Mutant, you should buy a bag or two, I think you will be impressed! His baits have consistantly produced large bass, and a Sharelunker was bagged on a Mutant last year!

Burley, Pradco bought the Leverage patent from the inventors, it is now called the Booyah bait. Don't get too excited because the quality of the bait is not as good, the bungee part is prone to breakage! Lane

OMG! This is HORRIBLE! Roland endorses our products, and has for quite some time. I am totally floored by this endorsement, he must really need money! I doubt that my dear friend Chief Braswell of Yamamoto baits knows about this. I know for a fact that the owners of Spike It and Frogg Togs do not know. Unfortunately, endorsements now days are about $$$, and not about belief in the product! Almost all of the big boys are pimps! This might be our last year with Roland, I can't stomach this one! Rolo, Rolands ex-wife owns the marina along with FULL rights to use his name!

Craig, You are obviously knowledgeable about rods and rod building. That is great, and I totally understand your last post, since I enjoy fly fishing. I can also appreciate a well made and balanced rod for certain fishing applications. You need to realize that there are quite a few YOUNG members on this forum, and they may or may not understand your informative post. I am a biologist, and there is PLENTY of misinformation being printed about that subject from people who should know better. Trashing people by calling them idiots and making references to drug use will not further your cause. When I post about a subject that I have expertise and knowledge about, I try to back up my statements by presenting documentation. As previously stated, Glenn and the mods do a fantastic job of running an informative and CLEAN forum. NONE of them deserved the harsh statements, and it should be obvious from several of previous posters that their hard work and dedication is very much appreciated by the members of this forum. Please show them and the members of this forum respect. Thanks, Lane

Baitmonkey12, Yes, they are redworms and I believe that they are the Hortensis variety! You will need to purchase some Canadian peat moss while you are at Wal-Mart. They will need to be transfered to a larger bin with a lid. I used the Rubbermaid storage containers and drilled air holes in both the lid and upper portion on the container. The worms that you purchase at Wal-Mart will be older redworms, so they will not reproduce like the younger ones. Good luck with your project!

I am in 100 percent agreement with Glenn. Members with knowledge and expertise, should ALWAYS strive to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. The number of younger members on this forum is IMPRESSIVE, and as adults and parents ourselves we should act like mature adults. If someone has a complaint, they can use the PM system that Glenn has put in place. As an advertiser, I can assure the members of this forum that Glenn is NOT making much if ANY money from ads! Glenn, the mods and others work together to make this forum a class act! All of us are VERY fortunate that people like Glenn are willing to donate their time and resources so that we can gain knowledge, and discuss our passion of fishing with others!

Baitmonkey12, What part of Oklahoma do you live in? Bass Pro does not carry the live redworms, and neither does Academy. Unfortunately, you may have to order the redworms. There was a pretty large redworm breeder in Oklahoma, but he relocated to Georgia over the holidays. Depending on where you live, I may be able to locate some nearby. Yes, you will have to remove the older/larger worms after a period of time. Thanks for the kind words! Lane

BassXL, I have not been to this part of the forum for quite some time. If you want, you can shoot me a PM about the kids pro-staff. Lane

Baitmonkey12, I am not a live bait dealer, but I do have MAJOR connections with worm farms. I invented and patented, "Worm-Glo", which is sold to many of the worm farms. I recommend the Eisenia Hortensis, aka European or Belguim redworm. They can withstand both extreme heat and cold conditions, and make for an EXCELLENT bait worm. The Hortensis is easy to get and is VERY prolific. If you send me a PM, I will give you contact information for several worm dealers/farms. Lane

ghoti, You have posted a good question. It is true that the LMBV can be spread in livewells. I emphasis the word, "can", because research has proven that there are livewell conditions that can promote the spread of the virus. Research has proven that the virus can be spread when livewell temps exceed 78F. Bass were noted to have a much more severe disease reponse when temps reached 84F. In 2003 the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) obtained blood samples from 231 largemouth bass from 9 Florida lakes. Fourty four percent of these bass tested positive, showing that they had been exposed to the virus and had developed antibodies against it. In otherwords, their immune system effectively dealt with the virus by producing antibodies. The finding was VERY significant, because it demonstrates that bass are becoming immune. Dr. Jack Gaskin of the University of Florida conducted a study right after the FWC sampling, where 98 largemouth bass were innoculated with the LMBV. The results were that that ALL of the virus challenged bass developed antibodies to the virus. The research mirrors the the results found in the wild. Ongoing studies have shown that stress reduces the immune response in fish, especially in hot weather. For almost 13 years, I have studied the effects of stress hormones called cortisols in vertebrates. The study became a matter of life and death for me, when I was diagnosed with the most deadly strain of HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), that I recieved from a blood transfusion in 1980. Through what can be termed as, "better living", I have been able to keep my OWN cortisol down to VERY LOW LEVELS. The HCV viral load in my own body has been DRASTICALLY slowed, allowing my liver cells to regenerate before life threatening damage occurs. I have now applied my research with human viruses, cortisols, and immune responses to fish. Fish need healthy ecosystems in order to properly develop healthy immune and reproductive systems. State and Federal DNR agencies have made great strides in the last few years to address ecosystem issues such as habitat improvement and water quality improvement. It is an ongoing process. Tournament anglers can help by properly handling their fish, and providing adequate livewell conditions for their catch. I believe that I posted the entire study that you are referring to on this forum. The study was VERY flawed IMO, but did show high mortality rates at elevated temperatures. They did not sample an adequate amount of bass for the LMBV in the study. Most of the bass died from bacterial infections, due to elevated water temps and overcrowding in pens and raceways. To answer your questions, the overall effects of the LMBV have GREATLY diminished for the bass population. Yes, many viruses can be spread from one lake to another. It is very important for tournament anglers to disinfect their livewells after EVERY tournament to prevent the spread of invasive species and pathogens. We are working on a livewell and boat disinfectant that is currently used in hospitals and some aquaculture facilities to kill various pathogens including viruses, without the possibility of residual harm to the fish. Solutions of bleach can produce chlorine toxicity to fish if livewells and equipment are not rinsed WELL. Also, bleach solutions can cause respiratory problems in humans if fumes are inhaled in a confined area, such as a garage or storage facility. The LMBV does not pose a great threat to the largemouth bass population, but there may be new emerging viruses on the horizon like the newly discovered VHS (Viral Hemorragic Septicemia) on the Great Lakes that could significantly impact the fisheries. Hopefully, this information will help. IMO, healthy ecosystems are key to the survival of the fisheries, and tournament anglers help to provide the MUCH NEEDED FUNDING TO HELP PROVIDE THESE HEALTHY SYSTEMS. Their continued support is VITAL, the benefits that tournament anglers provide to the resources GREATLY outweigh ANY potential harm!

Spnerbat 101, KEEP your GPA preferably above 3.0 from your Sophmore year in high school until graduation. READ, READ and READ some more! Fisheries biology is tough and the pay low, unless you decide to go into the private sector. If you enjoy biology and working with wildlife, consider going into vertebrate zoology. From there the possiblities are endless, including a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Hatchiesting06, if I was attending Texas A & M, I would definately be looking into their engineering program, best in the country! They have a pretty darned good vet program as well, but engineering occupations are in demand and pay big $$$$$. Good luck with your degree plan.

I can understand BASS unloading their Weekender's Series under their present circumstances. They did not feel that the series had enough of a draw to continue with their current program. I can also understand why they went with ABA, since Triton boats is a ABA sponsor as well as one of the MAJOR sponsors of BASS. There are pros and cons, so each angler will have to decide what is best for their individual circumstances. BASS is very aware of the independence of the PAA. The PAA will have their first classic next spring. No entry fees for the pros, ONE MILLION dollar purse from Toyota, media coverage of the event by CBS and the Outdoor Channel, each pro can openly promote their sponsors, including individual boat sponsors, etc. That format and payout is going to be HARD TO BEAT, especially when some of the procedes will go to benefit the Texas Parks and Wildlife youth program. More PAA events are being planned around the country. BASS must FOCUS on the Elite Series. Some anglers will like the change in the Weekender's Series and some will not. The bottomline is that there are plenty of other trails with opportunities. Many have comparable payouts! Bassfreak2, if you live in Indiana check out www.HoosierOpen.com, they have a 80% payout. Another really good trail to check out is, www.nbaa-bass.com. They are one of the fastest growing trails in the country. Anglers can shop around! Just my 02 cents!