Fisher of Men

Man, this is a [glb]HOT[/glb] topic!! I can see both sides of the argument here and it sure does sound that California is in line to stake a claim to a new world record. Here in Texas efforts are constantly being taken through the "Lone Star Lunker Program" where 13 + lb'ers are donated to the fish hatchery to use for brood stock. I'm sure other states are doing all they can to "create" big bass since bassfishing is such an economic boom for a state. It sounds like California just has an edge on others based on location, climate, and forage source. I'm sure if we could release trout in our lakes here we would. As much as we "Non-Californians" would like to argue, I think the record should (and will) stand based on IGFA standards. It will always have the state of California next to it, which allows the rest of us to judge its credibility as we will. We can accept or deny it as we choose. That's what makes this country we live in so great!! God bless, Fisher

A 14 ft.'s(without seats, etc.) around $650 new at BPS. I just bought a 12 footer for $469. They also want $599 for a trailer. I've found trailers for as low as $300 (cheaper models). The only thing about buying a jonboat used is there may be leaks, etc. I think that sounds like a pretty good deal if you trust your neighbor. Will they let you take it on water to see if it leaks? I've heard of filling the inside with water if you can't take it out.

Go to page two of this section, "Boats" thread. FOM

I think the question was, "If we had to have three baits. . .", not "If we choose to fish three baits. . ." I think we'd all agree not to limit ourselves to three baits, but I bet (if you really think about it) most of us end up catching most of our fish on less than five types (not color or pattern). . . or at least I probably do.

Try $469 for a 12 footer. I just bought one. They're running them on sale right now. I think about $650 might be almost enough for the 14 footer and $750 for the 14 footer with a live well. There's a post somewhere regarding the "tadpole" style boats. They seem kind of narrow and pricy to me.

Aric, A good forum to investigate (of course not near as good as Bassresource.com ;D) is www.iboats.com. The focus is strictly on boats and there are plenty of boat "gear-heads" there who know their stuff (not that we don't). I've solved a couple of really puzzling problems with their information.

I would speculate that weight would be a consideration. Steel gears weigh alot and have to resist alot of wear and tear. That's why four-stroke engines were not made very big for years. Mechanical valves and camshafts weigh alot more, but with modern metals and alloys, they've been able to make larger HP four's. Who know's, maybe it's on the forefront. I'm sure, like JT said, the big Mfg's have probably spent many hours researching it. It's still a good idea! 8)

I went out with some friends last summer. There were four adults and several teenagers. We pulled two three and four person tubes behind the boat and the teens educated me the fine art of "tube-hopping". On the corners the tubes will swing around and bounce into each other. When they do, we (yes, I got involved) would jump from tube to tube. This is OK unless you miss the other tube. We lost the drain cap off of one of the tubes while me and another guy were riding it. Boy, you talk about a shaking. I had enough water in certain places that I'd ever want on that day. And I probably won't be able to have children again. LOL ;D

I think it depends on the type of cover your fishing and hookability. There' s no doubt that two or more trebles are going to hook better than one single hook (or trailer). Unfortunately the hooks will hook into more than fish. I'd stick to spinners over heavy grass or small twiglike structure and use cranks in more rocky open water or larger brush that can be bounced off of. Both are good locator baits and can be fished quickly. If the cover doesn't prohibit or limit you to one or the other, I'd do as others say: Use what your confindent with. -Fisher

Buzzbait, Plastic 7" Worm, Lipless- Crankbait (Rat-l-trap)

I fished from a two-man boat for years. At one point in time we lived on Lake Palestine (Texas) and I'd fish in our cove. Occasionally, larger @#!?! boats would pass by too close and shake me up a little, but as long as we'd stay seated and ride with it, we never went belly up (and my boat is only 7'6"). Here in Texas, you must register all "motorboats" regardless of length. A trolling motor attached to it caused me to have to register it. (I think non-motorized boats under 10' don't have to be). As far as insurance, I don't think it's required on boats in TX, and as far as liability is concerned, what kind of damage is a waterscamp going to do anyway? I'd check with your state wildlife agency regarding registration/insurance/etc. before you purchase. Also if you ever plan on going out with more than two people, you might consider a jonboat or one of those plastic boats. I recently bought a 12 ft. jon because we are a family of three and my daughter can go with us. Tightlines, Fisher

And Rich: Are you sure you weren't fishing over a garbage dump? ;D and, I hope you let that other fish go after removing the Rapala's. It looks like it was his destiny to get away.

Two of the nicest Channel Cats I've ever caught were on the same outing from a large stock pond in my two-man boat; both went over 5 pounds: Catfish #1- was caught on a black chugger topwater. Catfish #2- was caught on a spinnerbait I put them on the stringer to take home and they towed my little boat around like a team of horses. ;D I've caught many other channel and mudcats on Berkely powerworms and thought they were massive bass when they thumped it hard.

I think somebody on here had something to say about those awhile back (you might scroll throught the old posts and find it). They claimed they had problems with warranty service or something, but they admitted to buying the first year's model and that maybe Brigg's had corrected the malfunction that caused the problem though. I agree, B&S engines have always been my engine of choice on mowers and last for years. I just bought a 12 jonboat and may have a desire to purchase a motor soon, too. I'm taking the "wait and see" approach to these motors.

Bassin101, I'm going to check out the website. Interesting phrase, "low impact camping." I assume you mean packing light, tent camping, leave little behind and no evidence you've been there. To all others who have posted: THANKS!! My students and I are checking this thread each day and discussing the information. You are contributing to the education of our youth. Thanks again. Keep posting!!

Go to "Tackle Box" heading at top of this page, drop down that menu, and click "Fish Weight Calculator" It's right after "Fishing Log".

??? Sorry for the lengthy read. I teach an 8th grade Science class that is currently studying about "Human Impact on the Environment". I am not a "tree-hugger", but I try to instill in them the desire to take care of our resources so the next generation can enjoy the outdoors and natural resources too. We have had a discussion involving water quality and pollution/trash in our lakes. Our opinion of these issues is limited to North Texas. Could you help me by providing me with information concerning your local lakes? Are they polluted? Can you safely eat the fish from the lakes? What are state/local gov't's doing to combat these problems? etc. I'd like to provide some of this information to my students to give them a more national/global perspective. God bless, F.O.M.

I have fished from a Scamper II for years. Mine has a shallow draft and is only 7'6" long, and if I bought a newer one I'd go for 8'6" or 9ft. and a little taller draft. I have to agree you have to get used to casting from the same side and if you stand up, be careful not to sway front and back, or the boat will slip out from under you. I recently bought a 12 ft. jonboat so my wife and daughter could go with me at the same time. Nobody can have enough boats!! ;D

Yeah the beavers are pretty adoment about getting you out of their territory. Regarding the bats, I remember them swooping us when we ran lines in the middle of the night as a kid. Now, we like to go out late evening and swim in our pool or sit and watch. I guess the bats are trying to get water (or mosquitos). We had my wife's cousin's 11 year old boy over last summer. We knew the bats were coming and didn't tell him. When they started swooping him he freaked out and was screaming like a girl. Even my 6 year old little girl thought it was funny. ;D

Abelfisher, It's a smaller spinnerbait, kind of a two piece jointed spinner that is sold on cards for about $1.19 a piece. I think they also make some full size versions though. When I was a kid they were about 50 cents a piece and caught great #'s of fish. I looked for a website (over the last ten minutes) and couldn't find one, but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I think Wal-mart still sells them (or at least in Texas).

. . . or maybe an inline Mepps?

then again. . . don't use a spinnerbait. What about an H & H? I caught loads of'em on them years ago. Just talked to a buddy who has success using them on Lake Bridgeport, here in North Texas. I'm thinking about going back to basics with them myself.

Rat-L-trap. Definitely.

Rat-L-Trap. This comes up weekly. My mind still hasn't changed. ;D

JT: I don't throw that many in a season!! ;D