Manigotapee

This is where I disagree.... That may make you good on those lakes because you would have spots, but overall would that make you a better angler? I think there is a big picture/formula for success and it involves reading the water your fishing and reading the fish you are fishing, then fishing flawlessly while executing your plan. I personally feel that the lakes I know really well, I tend to struggle on becuase I get stuck in the grove of fishing history, not "the moment". It's interesting to see everyone's thoughts on this. I should have clarified that money/time/family isn't an issue. I want to know if anyone that has the drive can mold themselves into a pro?

No, no they're not. Smart, yep. athletes, no. This is could be debated, but we'll save that for another day ;D

Ok I have been thinking about something lately..... like I assume most of you do, i consider tournament fishing a sport and anglers are "athletes". Like all sports, the more you practice, the better you will become; but what is fascinating to me is that unlike other sports (I believe) there is not a specific physical advantage from person to person. (Example: tall people have more potential to play pro basketball than a short guy) So my question/debate with everyone is...... Can anyone "become" a professional angler? Not professional like retired, just making extra cash or college student making extra cash (ME), but legit professional making a good, not decent, but a good living and being able to support a family? or Is there a physical attribute that makes one a better angler and those are the people that have it can make it? If my beliefs are correct, anyone who puts in the time and HARD work can become a pro? I know that a big factor is MONEY and support to get started up and move up the ranks, but that aside, just from a talent standpoint, why couldn't anyone not scared of hard work be a pro angler? just some food for thought......

Thanks Sin, That's more info than I was looking for but i'll keep it in mind..... Like I said, I know that spawn would be the best time to be there, but I can't get out there till sometime in July, Aug, Sept, Oct..... Of those what would be the best time to catch some decent fish, I'm not looking to break the world record, just have a good 4-5 days on the water. I will be renting a boat from the lake if need be. I am just concerned that the water will get too hot in July/Aug and late sept/early october would be a better option to get the fish biting.... Thanks for looking! TW

Hey guys, I have an opportunity to fish Lake Casitas this year. I have read about the boat ban/quarantine and how great the fishing is there. My question is...... What is a good time of year to be there? I don't think I can get there anytime before July, and was thinking about the fall fishing season? I know that idealy, the spawn would be the best but that just isn't in the cards for me this year. Is early fall a decent time on Casitas? I know nobody wants to give up there sweet spots, and I am not looking for "secrets" I should be able to research the rest of my info on the net, but I have no idea what would be a decent time to hit it.. Thanks guys Thomas

ok, this might sound weird, but I know that bass (as well as other game fish) tend to and have no problem feeding "up". If a bait is suspended above them or traveling above them they will rise to eat the bait. So..... If a bass is suspended off of the bottom (1-2 feet, not like 10 feet) will they move down to feed on bait, aka: crawdad/jig? I am looking at making/sinking some pvc fish attractors, but am hesitant with my design because i think the fish will suspend a few feet off of the bottow in these structures, so would i want to throw a jig/worm in these and be able to work it on the bottom, or would this be one of those, if i don' t get bit on the fall (typical suspended bite) move on to the next one? Any opinions, especially with fishing/constructing pvc attractors is greatly appreciated! Thanks fellas, TW

Catt, This is an absolutely awesome thread! Thanks for sharing your info on Toledo, and just on fishing in general. My question is....... In your experience in "structure" fishing, how often have you found spots that weren't exactly what they show on the map, or maybe were non-existent on the map. I look at the maps of my home waters all the time ( I have a few almost memorized....) and when I see structure (humps/ledges) I feel like if I see it on the map, everyone else should know that it's there too. I feel like the real "secret" structure spots would be a place where maybe the change in depth didn't make the map due to it's size. In addition to that, the maps for my home waters all are in 10' increments (6', 16', 26', 36', etc...) and i feel like this can be misleading when looking for good structure. say there is a flat adjacent to a river ledge and it is marked 16' before dropping almost verticle into the river. The next contour line is 6' but what if there is a hump somewhere on that flat where it comes up to 8'-10'? That would be an ideal location. So do you have any tips for finding these incognitio humps other than spending countless hours on the water looking for them? Thanks for the Help! TW

i have used 2 different rods, a 6'6" Kistler flipping stick (good backbone) and a 6'6" BPS Cranking stick MH action. I throw my traps on 12-15lb mono, depending on the water conditions.... maybe I should throw flouro?

Hey guys, I have been catching some good fish on lipless baits, and I wanted to try the red eye shad. I am ripping it through grass in around 6 feet of water. I am having a heck of a time keeping this bait upright. It always seems to want to come in sideways. KVD shows him violently ripping the bait throught the grass in order to "clear" the bait. When i do that, the bait stays on it's side and has really bad movement till I can get it back and clear the grass by hand. Maybe I should use the bigger/heavier model. Not sure at the moment. Could it be line twist or something not related to the bait? Thanks guys, for now i'll stick with the rat-l-traps until I get these Red Eyes figured out! TW

The Magnesium series is a really nice rod. I have used one on several different occasions and it is light, strong and sensitive. The 7' Heavy model is the one I recommend. Its pretty versatile. I'm not sure of your price range, the Mg series is great and should be <$200, if you have a little more in the budget, I would look into one of the 2009 LTA's with the split grip (~$275). Good luck! Thomas

I'm in!! (twells entry) I hope I can do half as well as I did last year!! Thomas

I'm caught in the middle here between the two of you.... MattFly, I see your point and agree, for $100 you could learn a lot from sitting in a pro's boat and watching him first hand....etc.... Tin, I do also see this as an arrogant move on BASS' part..etc....so i'm torn. The thing that I have a problem with is that I am expected to pay money and then do a job! I would have no problem paying for the learning experience, but I just can't get myself to write that check to go work for BASS....

I understand it, and can accept it better after Matt Fly's post. I would still rather be able to fish as a co-angler, but oh well. I was unaware of free dinners and etc.... I read about the goody bags, and don't know if I am real excited about the official BASS Marshall gear. It is still going to cost some $ when you figure hotel rooms, getting to and from the event, and other traveling expenses (meals while on the road). I look at it as if I am going to spend money traveling and time on the water (time off of work!) I would at least like the opportunity to win some money back and lighten the blow to my bank account. It should be a great program if you want to meet the pro's and learn/observe, I just feel you could do those same things while fishing out of the back of the boat..... just my 2 cents

Wow, I have several thoughts on this situation.... My immediate reaction is that there is no way I am going to pay $100 so i can do a job that BASS otherwise would have to pay someone to do. That to me just doesn't make sense! I agree that for locals on the lake that the Elite's fish, this will be awesome, and could really help you learn the lake. I looked at the webpage, and it says it's $100 to enroll, and then it talks about a waiting list if the spots are full. Would a guy get his $100 back, or is that just a chance you take? I think it is a bit on the "cocky" side for BASS to present this, but if I look at it from a business standpoint, from their shoe's, I can see their thought process. I hope FLW doesn't go this way, I like learning and think this would be a great tool, but let's just say I am more of a "hands on" learner! (aka: give me a stick!!)

7'6" Kistler Telescopic XH/Fast 60lb power pro braid 3/0 - 7/0 Owner hook or big jig it's almost scary what this combo can pull out of the slop! Thomas

spinnerbait, more detailed.....War eagle 3/8 oz white/chart. double willow (one gold one copper blade) 45 the banks and run in though junk! good luck

Hello all, I once read a great statistic/article that broke down the total number of views that a boat/vehicle sponsorship could provide. I have searched my fingers off on this site and rest of the internet. If anyone had a link to that article and they wouldn't mind sharing, I sure would appreciate it! Thanks for the help! Thomas

no, he's pulling your leg, that color definately doesn't exist, nope! : Seriously, get some.

I am so glad to hear this, I thought I was going crazy. I never had an issue with norman bait. PERIOD. Until lately, the shallow runners have been uncontrolable. The DLN/DD22's are still awesome, but I have been struggling with the fatboys, and other shallow normans... For the pond, i would look into a Spro, little john crank. They are kinda pricey ($10-$12) but are really good little cranks!

ahhhh....gotcha now. We both were saying the same thing just a little different. If they want to keep the "Texas" division, fine, but they could have a true west division, and a true central division (Table Rock, Bull Shoals, LOZ, Truman, Dardanelle, Grand, Beaver, Norfolk, Texoma, etc...) I do understand that more divisions would make it harder to qualify to fish the elites, but some earlier said it best, "it's not supposed to be easy!" Thomas

Gas Prices??? What.... There is some d**n fine fishing in the west and the "True" Central Division. I know that texas in phenomenal for fishing, but I could barely afford to drive 9+ hours to fish the tourneys in texas, much less afford to properly pre fish for a tournament of this caliber. It's too bad they have left certain areas out of this, they could be missing out on some good fishing, and great talent! good fishing, Thomas

I was really excited to fish the Central opens, that was until I saw the schedule.....Maybe they could rename in the East Texas Opens?? T

I am a HUGE Kistler fan. I own at least one of every make, and they each have a special spot in my arsenal. I really like the LTX's and the Mg series the best. I haven't found a better "big" crankbait rod than the 7'0" composite Mg series crankbait rod. Their new line of rods for 2009 should really turn some heads. Besides the rods, everyone I have spoke with in that company is flat out a good, genuine person. T

FISH YOUR STRENGTHS!! If you are good with a tube, find fish that want to eat your tube. I think the swimbaits will be a good start as well in that clear water. You may even want to think about some custom painted jerkbaits in real clear water. Don't forget, downsize your line and pay the extra $ for the flourocarbon line. Good luck, but remember, FISH YOUR STRENGTHS! T

No need to weigh or measure that fish at that lake. You can catch 6-8 around that size every day if you get on them. Good form guys, I might head down there tomorrow and give it a whirl T