sirmo

Hope your adjuster isn't a member.... ;D

Well, I'm looking to really heat things up for November and December. So won't comment on the year yet! So far 3rd in my club with 1 more tournament, and the classic. I'll post again when the year is officially over down here in Florida.

As fisherman, there's a little "hillbilly" in all of us. Gonna try that chain thing!

LOL....great replies... Avid, you should have seen the guy who told me about the bird shot. You nailed it!!!! My TM is bow mounted, and does have the power to motor upstream, but can't do it all day. Boat moving with the current is definately ideal in this situation. The rope/chain solution is similiar to the hose/birdshot method. Supposedly the hose/birdshot will get hung up less. Call me what you want, but I'm gonna try it!... ;D That and anchoring for fish a spot, and pulling to drift to another sounds like where it's at. Any other bright ideas? Thanks guys, Sirmo

From what I understand, drift socks and such are only effective in wind. The drift parachute is going into the same fast moving water my boat is in, and would imagine that it would travel even faster than my boat. No???

Have a 16.5' Aluminum bass boat. As the weather cools, I'll be frequenting a favorite hole that has some pretty smoking current. Don't really like standing on the TM to push up-stream, and drifting down stream is a pain as the speed of the current, combined with the many twists and turns of the river make handeling difficult. What would you reccomend for slowing the boat down so I can fish and handle better. Some suggested a garden hose filled with bird-shot tossed out the back to drag. Sounds good. Any advice on that or maybe another method. Thanks in advance! Sirmo

I caught 22 bass in about 4 hours at Lake Stella last year. All "Florida Specials" But 22!....that's a hurt'n Go Rinky Dink!

Ocala Florida Horny Toad Released to fight another day...

When exactly did people start stuffing lead into fish?? Probably the first day the weight of a fish could win you some $$$ Who knows....just keep trying to beat it either way

Yes, us southerner are lucky. What are you guys doing up there!!!!!!!!!!!! What, you've never had a bass bust through the ice to hit your super fluke? Must not be working it right..... ;D

Topwaters can most certainly work in the winter. My personal best I got last year was in 40 degree water on a horny toad. I actually prefer to fish fast on the really cold days. Rattle traps, horny toads, DT's. Winter does not always equal slow presentation, and absolutely does not require you to cut topwaters off you line. Get out there and keep it up!

Sent you an instant message

Brackish river for me St. Johns

Anyone who doesn't consider fishing a sport, hasn't pre-fished for 3 days for a 2 day florida tournament in August. The strong and dedicated rise to the top.

Hey come on guys... What are you saying, you don't think these were both 7lbers??? ;D

of course the fish will be aware of your presence. And probably moreso than you think. But just because he knows your there, doesn't mean he knows thats your worm that just fell in. A fish will most likely take guard if your presence is definate, and may hold off on feeding for a while. But as will anything natural, you can't say exactly how that fish will react to you. It will be different for each fish each time. Best I can say is try to not be so noticable, and your likely to find more fish that will actively feed. Keep it quiet!

I've seen pet bass. It's not that far fetched for any animal to get used to something. These fish get used to getting food, and get used to it getting it when that "thing" walks onto the dock. There's a pond close to me that has bass that will follow you as you walk around the pond. Waiting for some food to fall in. They've been fed enough times to associate tall skinny land walking animals with food. I even tossed them some little wiggler worms once, and they all but turned their nose up at them. I came back with some meaty night crawlers and they took a couple of bites. Not sure what these people are feeding them, but it must be some good stuff!

I believe many times we give bass a little to much credit. I dont believe they really "think" at all. Moreso they react. They react and respond to whats happening around them. They react to a change in the oxygen content, and move. The react to the temperature of the water, and go deeper. They react to the fact that shad are congregating and moving alot, so they hit cranks. So to say "bass aren't hitting cranks today" is basically saying that the conditions and counter-actions of the fish don't envolve hitting moving baitfish. If a bass thinks all that much, why would he ever hit a pink worm? Has he ever seen a pink worm? No, he just reacts to it as a potential to satisfy some hunger and hits it whether it's black, blue, white, or pink. Shades is another subject all together. Yes, they have minds of their own, but all bass in a body of water are likely to react in similar fashions, as they are being affected by the same environment. Sounds good anyway.....lol Sirmo

Thats a pretty good question. And the african reference is good. Preditors and their prey often find it neccessary to co-exist. The spot you are seeing these fish in has something to offer both of them. So they are both found there.

Though I have never caught a fish over 3lbs on a slow moving topwater. I did catch this pig on a horny toad moving full steam ahead. And in winter time too.

Man, you guys are killing me with some of these sponsors Orange County Choppers.....lol....Someone's REALLY dream'n I'll chime in with anyone who sells wild shiners.

Constant boat traffic gets to me after a while. I try to avoid those situations, but sometimes you can't. That and constant talking. Just shut up and fish.... Sirmo

Good tip about running the aerator to look for bubbles. Will do. I guess I'll just start with some diluted soap and water. Needs a little more than just water I think. Any other tips?

Fishing Poles!!!! Seriously, sounds like you have a great list to start with. Remember safety first, so have all that in order before you hit the water. Thats awesome you got a craft. This will take your angling to a new level. Have fun. Oh....how about a depth finder? Maybe one of those that just clips to the boat. A transducer and screen all-in-one unit. I'd be lost without electronics. Go get 'em!

Chalk up another for Jacksonville. Fish: St. Johns and tributaries Sampson/Rowell Sante Fe Kingsley Whatever has bass.... Sirmo