WTnPuddleJumper

I hate flukes and jerkbaits, although I shouldn't. I'm rough on my gear, and I wear a thong while I fish, backwards, that way I have a place to keep my wallet.

I think the main goal is to "hit what yer aimin fer". Distance is really only a factor when deep cranking river ledges or maybe frogging a huge lily pad flat. Most of the time down here in TN we are beating the banks with 100 bandits, chatterbaits, and spinnerbaits, where accuracy plays a more important role than distance.

You, Sir, just asked the million dollar question. I imagine the fish will be there as long as there is something to eat. Then they will move on. If they eat their share and get full, a lot of times they will just hang out below the hump, ledge, etc. until they get hungry again, then they will move back to the top of the hump to feed. As far as what makes them return to the same spot day after day would certainly be some sort of irregularity to the ledge that attracts the forage fish which attracts the bass. Current can play a serious role in this scenario as well.

Ohio Bassin, Our trail fishes lakes from 300 acres to the Tennessee river System. Our First Tournament this year will be on a 300 acre impoundment and are expecting close to 40 Boats, ranging from 16 foot duck boats to 21 foot rangers. Our trail fishes a lot of State Lakes as well as 3 big water events. Its been a good balance as our club has grown every year. We fish teams instead of boater/nonboater format. That way you don't have to keep up with more or less putting on 2 separate tourneys every time you fish one. Which makes the payouts a little more attractive. I can give you some pointers to help your tournament day experience a lot more enjoyable and smooth running if you would like.

hung a 45lb grass carp in the tail once throwing a 6xd. for the first couple of minutes thought I hung a state record. Also once set the hook on a 3 lb largemouth pitching a brush hog, fought him, and flipped him in the boat. He came off as soon as he landed in the boat, so I released him, then went to re set my brushawg on the hook and realized the bass was never hooked. the hook had never broke the skin of the bait.

'cause you cant catch em from your recliner!!!!!!

Kentucky Lake @ Paris

you know come to think about it our Bass Pro here in Memphis has never had a sale. They offer a lot of things for sale. They send me circulars 8 or 10 times a year but the prices never change. Nevertheless I still continue to frequent their establishment and spend countless paychecks there. I guess they trying to pay for that big pyramid downtown. Which is kind of neat if ya think about it, How many other cities can say they have a bait shop incorporated in their skyline?

there is nothing wrong with a Silver Max, I have been using them for years and for the money you cant beat em. I have had some that has lasted me 3 years. I fish a lot, a whole lot, and I am rough on tackle. Ive tried the more expensive options but the long term results were close to the same. I use 65# braid on my chatterbait and jig rods and 17 # mono on the rest of them. As far as rod length it depends on what is comfortable for you. 6'6" are good for a broad range of baits and probably a good length for the beginner. Academy Sports usually has some good deals on rods. They have a allstar reg priced for $49 and will on sale it for $29. Its actually a good solid rod. Hope this helps

check out Lou's Pickwick fishing report on facebook. He puts out a blog about every 2 weeks about the bass fishing on Pickwick Lake. Most of the time he is spot on!!!!!

I have a motorguide 54# thrust 12V trolling motor on the front of my 16 48 Puddle boat and I have fished tournaments all day without losing trolling power. Of course the 24V system is a better choice but it is also more money and more upkeep. and most likely you will need a total of 3 batteries with the 24 volt. 1 for the cranking, pumps, electronics and 2 for the trolling motor. With a 12 Volt system you can run everything off of one battery in most scenarios. As far as the built in sonar transducer I have heard they are useless for Down Imaging, If that is accurate you can strap a normal transducer with one of them transducer guards and go fish

check out the BFL Mississippi Division, think they fished Barnett, Pickwick, Columbus, and a few other lakes in MS last year. Some of the above Lakes I think they fished twice. They have a boater and non boater division. One of our club members fishes it and he loves it.

Me too! Would love to have fork as my home lake!!!!

Sometimes the fishing is just plain tough. I've seen where a 25 boat field wins with 6 lbs. , on Pickwick. I have also seen where a 20 lb sack didn't place. Regardless of how good we think we are, mother nature always holds the upper hand.

cold fried chicken and hard boiled eggs!!!!!

Any of you guys that don't have a boat and would like to fish every now and then let me know. During the season I am usually pre fishing what ever lake is coming up on the tournament schedule and I usually fish alone. Most of the lakes are in west Tennessee and I live in Ripley. No cost involved other than meeting me on the way to the lake. Steve H

HoosierHawgs, we actually put on a fundraiser tournament for them in July at Gibson County Lake in Trenton. Also trying to build a west Tennessee bass club battle tournament at pickwick for carl perkins center as well. Had our inaugural tourney this past October and had a decent turnout. Hopefully over the next couple of years we can grow it into something special.

1) Learn how to quit "dying by the sword" meaning when the pattern I figured out in pre-fishing does not produce on tournament day, being able to abort that pattern and try different ones that will produce. 2) fish slower and smaller 3) learn how to deal with current when tournament catfishing 4) continue to grow both of my bass trails 5) raise a lot of money for the carl perkins center 6) have fun 7) enjoy good times with fellow fisherman 8) to daily thank God for all He has blessed us with.

One thing you might schedule your dates on Sundays. Being that most events are on Saturdays that might ease a little tension. It will probably draw a few more boats for people like me that have to work on Saturday. Of course some will not participate due to church. The tournament trail I started has always been on Sundays, and is really been a success! I hope you get everything worked out. Bass clubs should be fun. Period. Good Luck!!! P.S. and also what Blue Basser 86 said Steve H

it would probably be disappointing. Knowing that he is fishing with more or less the same stuff I am using, but could wax my a$$ on any day using the same stuff. As far as waypoints I would want to see what he waypointed and why those spots were deserving of marking. The reason he is a top pro in the first place is not because of the brand of tackle or the speed of his boat, but it is the knowledge and the instincts to find and catch fish consistently.

Correction: the meeting is at 7pm

Big bait--really nothing to see just the wrap with the stem of the eyelet barely peeking out. I didn't step on it, most of the times sock it before I place into rod box in boat. none of my other rods have this problem and they are way less babied than this particular rod. I don't care about the money it takes to repair because I love the action of the rod. But back to the guide it is like it has been cut clean right where the eyelet meets the stem.

Big bait--just the opposite the wraps are fine but the guides broke off I know the warranty will probably cover but heard they take forever

Big Bait----the guides just broke off clean at the wrap. I have heard duckett has been having trouble with the micro's. I personally don't care for the micros being I throw 17lb test and also I need specs to thread the darn thing. again I love the rods action and would like to keep it

Just remember that everything changes come tournament day. Most of the areas you had to yourself during pre fish outings will be frequented by fellow boaters. When that happens, and it will, watch what they are throwing. You may have to make a bait change or presentation change when fishing "dirty water". I love coming in behind someone and sacking a fish they missed. Being its your home lake, during the offseason take some Christmas trees and sink them in some of your favored areas, Just drop one tree in a couple of different points, drops, or flats. Don't make them massive so most anglers will not give them a 2nd look when charting them. If each of your "private" structures produce one keeper fish, then it will be worth the while. Good Luck and Have Fun!!!!