SPEEDBEAD.

In your OP, you failed to mention you found out the bite after the tournament. I'd say chalk it up as a learning experience, be prepared to flip brush next time if you have to and move on to the next tournament. Try your strengths and if that's not working, be willing to adapt.

LOL, a fisherman is still a fisherman. As RW very often points out, fish weights tend to get streeeeeeeeetched out a bit when not put on a scale. Everyone wants that fish to weigh just a bit more than it does. Not calling his integrity into question, simply a recommendation to remove all doubt and allow others to share in his experiences through seeing pics.

See, I was right. Just catch bigger fish. LOL

If you want to "fool" the fish, I would try a swimbait or a jig. If you just want to "catch" the fish, I would catch one of those little bluegills swimming around and run a hook through it's tail.

One of the greats. Respect. http://www.tmz.com/2013/04/26/george-jones-country-music-dead-at-81/ White Lightning anyone?

Not a clue on specific spots in that area but it shouldnt be too difficult to find somewhere to access the river. Along it's whole stretch, it's not long until you are able to find a spot to fish. Spinnerbait wouldnt be a bad idea either. I'm just partial to topwater this time of year in the river/tribs.

Do you have any free time at all when you are up here? Like enough for a day trip?

You should be right in the heart of spawn/post-spawn. Just go fishing, seriously. You may very well have a banner day.

^ Disregard, I found it. Electric only.

Are there any boating restrictions at Black Hills?

I think the pros would clean up on the Quan.

Lake Linganore is bomb!

Some good suggestions here. If you are fishing from a boat, there is generally no excuse (except in extreme situations, cast offs or bite offs) for losing a bait. Buy yourself a good plug knocker and it will pay for itself in the first day. Guaranteed. If you are fishing the baits correctly, they are going to get stuck. Honestly, I would save your money and buy ONE or TWO proven hardbaits and learn them. I personally prefer the Mattlures Hardgill or the High Power Herring. IMO, they are the best hardbaits that I have used as far as fish catching ability. If you focus solely on the price of these things, you will never fish them where they need to be fished. You can thank me later. It's worth it, trust me.

Garth Blake Shelton DAC Haggard Hank

You still didnt say whether or not you contacted Bobby about the issue. If you were only looking to see if others had the same issue, I believe your title could be worded very differently.

What is a price range you are comfortable with: A. For a single bait B. For a rod/reel combo

Just catch bigger fish.

Yeah, you are.... Did you contact Bobby? Perhaps the guy that came up with the stuff just "may" have encountered the problem in the past.

Define the swimbait you want to throw as there is a big difference in tossing a hollow belly and a Hudd. A range of weights you intend to throw can lead us to suggest baits, rods, line, etc.

Fished Deep Creek last Saturday. I caught picks and walleye all day but couldn't buy a bass bite. My buddy on the front of the boat was the exact opposite and put about 20 bass in the boat, mostly smallmouth. BTW, it was SNOWING in the morning there. Stupid weather.

Pulled a deer tick off the instep of my foot a couple years ago. Next day it started turning red. The following day it had doubled in size. I immediately went to the DR and he ordered a 28 day script for Doxycycline as a precautionary measure. PA/MD border is a hotbed for Lyme Disease. I didnt want to take any chances. I believe Hank Parker's kid has Lyme.

I dont even get the fly rod out. I just pick 'em up off the ground or catch one, run a little hook between the wings and give it a chuck out into the creek/river. Doesnt take long usually. LOL

It's Afghanistanimation! Who is this Johnny Chimpo?

LOL, I can see the caption to that pic now.... "You wouldn't like me when I'm angry!"

I disagree somewhat. I understand the sentiment, but dead men don't talk. I think some people would like to have a chat with this fella before he rides the lightning.