bighed

Chad, my wife Cinda, and I will be driving over Friday afternoon and would be happy to meet up. Just need to decide on a time and place. Bert

I'm in

I grew up in SW Oklahoma. Lawton, Chickasha, Elgin, Anadarko were my stopping grounds. Now I'm just North of Big D. Fish Texoma often, and sometimes up into SE OK like McGee Creek.

You could winter down around Zapata or Del Rio and hit Falcon and Amistad. Mild winter weather and great winter bass fishing. This is my dream winter hangout. Probably a little farther than 2 days from home though. Around me (DFW) you get below freezing from time to time but mostly mild, today hit around the upper 50's. The reports of double digit fish are really rolling in right now. Within a hour or two we have Fork and Ray Roberts, both produce alot of big fish, Texoma (smallies), a couple power plant lakes when it gets real cold (some even have big redfish), and a couple dozen other quality bass producing impoundments. We have a low cost of living, low crime rate, but traffic can be BAD. I love to vacation in Florida and think that might be a good choice for you. The nasty cold fronts usually peter out before they get that far. You could enjoy great bass fishing, peacock bass, inshore fish like snook/redfish/tarpon, and the list goes on. If you'd like more info on North Texas just ask and I'll hook you up. I could send you out some of those realty fliers they have around the lakes. BTW, thanks for your service to our country. I'm sorry to hear you paid such a heavy price. Bert

I'd like to get a couple Mustangs but that's some serious coin. Also don't give much impact protection. Still really nice though.

Thanks for the heads up. I'm due a new pair of deep cycles and have been wanting to try some of these.

I actually love to fish shakey heads on my 820C. It's a little whippy for a dropshot unless using a 1/4oz weight or smaller. I'm using Falcon 6'10" ML Cara for the dropshots right now.

Sounds fun bo. Having never done a fantasy anything before, can you give me a quick rundown of how it is played?

Redneck, a label I wear with pride.

RR is the closest serious bass lake to my house, about 45 minutes away. I've fished it since it had nuts and squirrels in the submerged pecan trees and motors were not allowed. That said, it's become a very hard lake for me (and others I think) to crack over the years. Our club tourny there in Sept. had but one limit. I got third with a single under keeper. I'm glad the slot is going away and look forward to seeing what the pro's can do out there. I'd like to see the spots and sand bass cleaned out a little too.

+1

And ya'll laugh at us over the chicken fried steak thing. Clam cakes??? How do you keep from breaking a tooth on those things?

Just went to see who's signed up and it looks like the site is down

Yeah, but all us folks here in the South are jealous of your long Curling season. :'( :'( :'(

Yes!!! Treat it like a trip to a casino. Only take what cash you're willing to leave behind. Lots of buy two get one free from the mfg's booth kind of deals. Tackle Warehouse got a bunch of my $$$ last year. If you wear Costa Del Mars, bring them along incase they have the wheel spin thingy set up. Last year my boy won a free pair. Also bring a camera and a sharpie. There will be folks there that you'd like a picture with and an autograph from.

Yeah, chaps my butt too.

Since it's not too far from home for me I thought I'd bring the boat and chase the pro's but have now dropped the idea. Long runs on unfamiliar water and lots of locks would be the standard I think. Not many places I'd feel safe leaving the boat at over night or during the expo.

I feel your pain brother. We're having Chad's 15th b-day at the Classic and spending all weekend. A week later I'm taking the family to Maui for a week for the wife's big 5-OHHHHHH. Spring break is two weeks after that and I'd like to do something with Chad while he's off. Maybe go to visit his big brother in CO for some snow fun??? Then a few weeks later is the BR Roadtrip. Of course there's the club and trail T's as well as some Jr. stuff Chad wants to do. It's going to be tough but I think I can get it all done. I hope to see you in KY!

Very sad news CJ, I'm sorry for your families loss. We've lost two Grandad/Grandson pairs here in the last month. One pair were found with PFD's in place. Hypothermia took their lives before they could get back in the boat. Be very careful this time of year folks!

Friday is cool because you'll see all the qualifiers at the launch and weigh in. Saturday or Sunday is good since the pros that don't make the cut will be around the expo. Sunday is cool to see the champion crowned.

Anybody know anything about boat parking around the lodge? Any plug in's for charging? Would a cabin be a better choice for those thinking of bringing a boat? Thanks, Bert

Same here, stained water or night fishing. I was a hard sell on the chatterbait. After catching a bunch on them I realized I was just hardheaded.

Yes, makes a difference to me. I'm fishing almost all Falcon rods (one Loomis 820) and love them. I think they are competitive with, if not superior to, anything in their price range. Wish I could replace the Shimano and Daiwa reels.

1) Yes, it's the real deal. That's why it will be crowded. If you could fish early in the week you would be better off. 2) Besides Tom, consider: Jimmy Everett http://www.ets-systems.com/jimmyeverett/ Lance Vick, http://www.lakeforkbass.com/ James Caldemeyer, http://www.officiallakeforktrophybass.com/ John Tanner, http://www.lakeforkbassguide.com/ 3) Like I said above, try to fish early in the week. Less pressure on the fish and more likely to book a good guide.

Be sure to attend a morning launch. Well worth getting up early for!