TOXIC

I guided out of a NITRO for years....Why?.......Because clients tear up a boat. My guide boat did what I asked of it and was safe on the water. I didn't care when clients whacked my console or motor cowling, spilled food, coffee or sodas on the carpet, stepped on, or put a hook in, the seats or any of the other 1000 things they do to wreck a boat. I also wasn't afraid to take that boat places that I would not take my current boat (a Ranger) to get clients on fish. That being said, there is very little to be made in the guide business after you get done paying for baits (sponsorships help), liability/business insurance, fuel/oil/increased maintenance, licenses (state/USCG/Business, etc.), wear and tear on both your boat and tow vehicle, launch fees (if you don't have a sponsoring marina), rods & reels (I had to rotate mine out every other year). Add to that the stress of being under the gun to put paying clients on fish every time you hit the water (it's not easy). Don't get me wrong, I love guiding but as a money making business or a "side" business, the best thing you can hope for is a good tax write off. And I had a good stream of return clients that booked me every year. I could make a list just as long about the good things that come from guiding but income wouldn't be in the top 100.

There were at least 15 Yaks in Aquia Creek. Main river is a different story.

Temps are dropping, fall is right around the corner. Water temp 74 and they wanted moving baits. Also caught a lot of Yellow Perch on a Spinnerbait. Felt great to get out even though it was chilly and a lot more wind than predicted!!

Pretty much sums it up perfectly!! Don't forget the whiners and excuse makers at the weigh in!!

Personally, I use plumbers tape to avoid any mess from adhesive. I reel my initial braid on tight as well.

Remember it like it was yesterday. Truly a life changing event for me.

I write for a few of my sponsors. It's a good way to showcase baits and techniques. It really depends on what kind of articles you are going to write. Bait specific to each manufacturer will get the most interest. How to's for a specific bait will also. General interest are a bit tougher to garner interest and finding the right person to get them to isn't easy. Most have websites that may give you an email address to send a submission and moderators of some websites may be able to help.

Naw, I decided to spare my new boat from being put to work. I'd be happy to show you around if you decide that is where you want to buy. Maybe even wet a line

I think the cases and skeg are an alloy right? Just remember to take precautions for heat sink on the case which would trash any number of seals. I know it's pretty common to re weld them but if it's gone someone is going to have to measure theirs for you.

Hooksets are dependent on a number of things, type of line, amount of line out, lure choice, hook choice, rod action, reel drag setting, water temp, etc. No one answer.... but as a finesse fisherman I mainly sweep set most of the time in all situations unless I have a lot of line out deep, then I'll power it up some.

I did guide trips for residents of the hot side for a number of years. It gets very hot 90 degrees + is not uncommon in the summer but you can find cooler water up the creeks that are a normal temp for the time of year no matter how hot the main pools get. Pool 3 in the summer is the coolest of the main lake areas. Personally, I like Elk Creek due to it's varied habitat. All being said, there's nothing like catching a buzzbait fish in December during a snowstorm. I still fish over there all winter.

In a pinch, for future reference, you can cut 2 pieces of fishing line for length and girth and measure the line you cut to size later. Some hold up to their rod and mark the spot for length. Nice feesh.

Or you can do this...... https://www.gator-guards.com/skegshield-skeg-guard/

I assume you are talking about a baitcaster.....the part is called the "wormgear"

Anything to cut down on the amount of plastic to get a hookset is a good thing!! I get frustrated with the Yamamoto Shad Shape Worm because using it as my primary dropshot bait, it's a half-moon style with the initial hook placement in the rounded side. You have to be very careful to get it rigged right or you will get massive line twist.

Good fish holding spots will always hold fish and will replenish often. That being said. are you sure you're on the best spot?

I've done it a few times. Of note...once during a tournament fishing a bank as the co angler snapped a bait off on the hookset. Went on down the bank and told my partner to work up the bank again before we left. Not far from the first spot hooked up and when landed, there was my bait dangling with a perfect placement. Second time while fun fishing, I broke off a big girl under a dock. Had a friend who lived on the lake and I told him which dock, 2 days later he goes out and catches the bass with my lure still in her mouth. He gave me back the lure. I think the oddest thing that has happened is quite a few fish I have caught on a Texas rigged Senko that never had the hook in their mouth. Just the Senko and they wouldn't turn it loose!! Crazy!!

I understand the Elites do it because they are not allowed to use a net and although the FLW allows nets, lots of those pros swing them in for time savings but there's no doubt it's not good for the fish either from bouncing off the console, gunnel or floor causing impact damage and slime removal plus dangling them by the hook shaft ripping their mouth only to grab them and jack their jaw sideways. The "pros" don't do a very good job on fish care IMHO. When I had clients in my boat I always hand landed anything over a pound and explained proper fish care.

Good guide but it seems the trends are swinging to fishing odd baits at different times....like throwing jerkbaits in the summer.

I've never bent a SuperLine Gammy....maybe I need to catch bigger fish. Then again, I never swing my fish.....well I will if its under 2lbs and doesn't hit the carpet.....Never understood the reason for swinging them in.

Since my wet bar is for me.....I stock what I like and if we are going to entertain, I will bring in more of the basics. There are a few "display" bottles that I will not open like a suede box of Bacarrdi 12 year old rum that you could only get at the plant in Puerto Rico that has my name and a serial number engraved into the bottle and a certificate of authenticity and a bottle of Sinatra Century plus a few more that I put up and don't touch.

https://www.amazon.com/Caddis-Green-Neoprene-Stocking-Wader/dp/B005GSYB0G Sure they do. And in different thicknesses. I never would consider anything else for the water I waded. You have -0- buoyancy with the breathable style waders. You get swept and have on wading boots (of any style) and you will struggle to stay afloat. I've had to rescue a friend who was in hip style breathable waders from going under. Granted he panicked but those filled up with water and he was in trouble. I will admit, my wading was in a fast river with deep holes and ledges and in fall/winter. In the summer I was in shorts and my wading boots. Never a net and had a chest wading vest to hold the few lures I needed. I could always restock if need be. While breathables are light and can be layered, I wouldn't trade my neoprene due to the flotation and safety. Keeping in mind I was regularly in water up to my hips and chest.

For a number of years, I waded for smallmouth in the North Fork of the Shenandoah river almost every weekend year round. I would suggest a pair of stocking foot neoprene waders in the appropriate thickness for your water temps. I had different thicknesses for fall and for winter. You need a pair of felt wading boots. Footing is important and felt boots are a must have. Sliced ankles and a bruised tailbone is no fun. I had a pair of neoprene water socks for summer when I wore the boots without my waders. You need a pair of wraps for the top of your boots. They keep the gravel out of them and keep your boots tied. Know how to read your water!! Don't venture out into fast water until you get accustomed to the ins and outs of wading (small steps low to the bottom, recognizing deeper pools and staying sideways in the current...etc) getting swept is no fun but properly fitted neoprene waders will not fill up and are buoyant so they help you float. I fished no matter the conditions and got swept a few times. If this happens just keep your cool and scissor kick towards shore or wait until you drift up onto shallower river bottom and can get your footing again. It was more of an issue if I was breaking ice or there was ice flowing down the river. As far as casting and baits, I used moving baits because anything that goes to the bottom in current and rocks is going to hang up a lot!! I didn't want to spend half my time retying!! I would cast straight across the current and let the lure/bait drift downstream as I reeled it in. If you cast straight upstream, you are going to get hung a lot. With all that being said....If you are going out in the dead of summer in a "friendly" river, throw on some tennis shoes and go for it!!

My mindset has always been "Best Boat for the Buck" Usually you can find a super clean 2 year old boat for a fraction of a new one. Depreciation on a boat is front heavy and you really take a hit when you buy new. If it were me, I would compare what is for sale on the used market comparing prices with the new boat you are considering. If it's close, then I would go with the new rig and full warranties. If not, I would get the newest I could that still had some warranty left and the ability to add more time to it. Good Luck!!

I always try to devote a lot of time to a new technique. Its the best way for me to learn the options for any presentation. I have been known to empty my boat of any lure other than what I am trying to learn and go fishing for a day.