bassmaster8100

So I've been fishing as a co-angler for a few years now and thought I'd share a few tips for those who fish as co-anglers or may be thinking of doing so. I've seen some discouraging things posted about getting into BFL's as a co-angler in the past. Things such as if you don't have a boater to link with your chances of getting in are low. I do not link with a boater and I get into every one I register for. So here is my advice on that register early don't wait til the last minute. I register for every one online and usually do it like 4 weeks or so before the tournament I always start on the waiting list but I'm always confirmed a couple of weeks before the tournament. No worries this way. If you insist on registering the Friday before the tournament get there early. Registration typically runs from 4-6 followed by pairings and a meeting at 6:30. Don't show up at 6 and expect to get a boater. I see people do this at almost every tournament. The early bird gets the worm. When you meet with your boater, here is what I suggest first give him money for fuel. It is costly to tow a boat and to run the boat, do your part to help him. Also I always offer to bring ice and ask if there is anything else he needs. You're going to be on the water with this guy in his boat for 8 plus hours make sure you do your part so he's not upset with you for not doing so. Find out what his game plan is for the tournament and prepare your rods and takcle accordingly. I do have my own boat and I do prefish however if you do this understand you are more or less just getting a feel for what's going on in the lake and the layout of the lake if you haven't been there before. You will be fishing his spots. I always let my boater know I have prefished and what I found. I have yet had a boater want to go to my spots which is what I expect but I always offer the info. An example of this is a few months back my boater and I both prefished but found fish at the opposite end of the lake. I found them cranking rocks and he found them flipping reeds. We flipped reeds all day. If you are meeting your boater at the lake be there before him to help him launch the boat and hopefully you know how to back a trailor. You have to be versatile as a co-angler. We all have our own styles and our own strengths but be prepared his may not be what yours are. Do not fish with the exact same thing he is. I suggest the same type of bait but a different presentation. If he's good he's gonna pick off the easy fish. Also pay attention to how he's fish and adjust accordingly. An example of this in the last tournament I fished my boater pitched a brush hog 90% of the day. I fished behind him with a jig and a senko. Just my 2 cents hope it helps someone.

I picked up one about a month ago,awesome reel! You'll love it!

I live in Madison and spend a few days a week fishing Ross Barnett usually. Not a lot of good places to fish from shore but if you have access to a boat be sure to try up river or Pelahatchie Bay.

Look up Sumrall Bass Club. I used to fish with them a few years back before I moved.

www.bassingaround.com

I use a Denali Kovert for punching 7'8 Extra Heavy Fast and a Denali Rosewood for frogging 6'10 Heavy Mod Fast

What rod do you guys recommend for Umbrella Rigs?

What is your go to bait for schooling bass?

I've had zero luck on the A-rig until today and I got my first catch on the A rig and it was a double! One about 2 pounds and another about a pound and a half. Not huge fish but I was pretty amped up for my first double. Yumbrella rigged with money minnows.

Ok I got my rod in today and man I love this setup! This may be my first Lew's reel but certainly not my last. Such a smooth operating reel. I've got it paired with a Denali Rosewood 7'11 Cranking rod MH mod. Amazing combo!

Denali Jadewood J842DS, 7' Med Mod. Nice rod for only $99.

Purchased my first Lew's reel today, a speed spool. Always been a Shimano guy but decided to give Lew's a try since I've heard a lot of good things about them. Gonna use it for crankbaits, I have a Denali Rosewood 7'11 crankbait rod ordered that will be in on Wednesday so looking forward to trying it out.

Where would you suggest? They're just about the only place I can walk in to that's local for me and look at the actual unit is why I was shopping there. Plus I always get good service there.

Will do thanks

Been doing some research as I'm getting ready to make a purchase with the next couple of weeks and my question is why would a person choose side imaging over down imaging. I thought I wanted a Lowrance Elite 7 but after a trip to BPS yesterday I'm either gonna go with a Hummingbird 859 or 899. The down imaging seems pretty clear but the side imaging looks a bit confusing.

Reccomend me a fish finder/gps combo in the $500-$800 range perhaps something with down imaging. I have been looking at the Lowrance Elite 7 HDI but still somewhat undecided. I have had nothing at all on my boat for the last year. I'm going to be getting a bonus at work in about 2 weeks and I plan to purchase a unit. From what research I've done the Lowrance seems to offer the most for the price. What do you guys think?

I use both I think it's more about the action of the rod not necessarily whether it's spinning to bait casting. I like it on a 7' MF rod

I've used them quite a bit and have not had a problem with the paint coming off. My only dislike is the body is not as soft as a lot of others which I think affects the hook up ratio. But it is a great frog and I've caught tons of fish on them.

Senko for me also. In pads my go to baits will be a hollow body frog usually a River2Sea or StrikeKing. If I miss one on the frog I'll throw a Yamamoto Senko back in there and a large percentage of the time be able to catch that fish.

Who has used this reel and what do you think of it? I'm gonna be buying a new rod and reel in a couple of weeks and I was giving some serious consideration to this reel. Was hoping to get some feedback on it.

What type of bait is it happening with? What type of knot are you tying?

River2Sea

Denali Kovert or Denali Rosewood

Ole Miss Head Football Coach-Hugh Freeze