ball_coach_1

Just a couple additions on this post. Enjoyed all I have read so far, good stuff. There was an old man at the tackle shop growing up, and over half the pictures in the shop were of him with fish over 6 lbs. I bugged him enough, he took me over to his house to show me his boat. He had a gorgeous 21' Ranger, and he had wired his 250 motor to go FAST. Guess what, that isn't what he caught his big fish in, rather his 12 ft. jonboat with a 9.9 and little trolling motor. His gig - he fished for one or two fish over HOURS of time, day after day. He fished 10-12 inch worms, or HUGE baits, and slow and methodical enough to bore most to another hobby. Quiet fishing, deep water, big baits, really SLOW. I would agree. I am in to trophy hunting when I know I am on water where they can be caught. If it is not the spawn, it is slow, deep, and slow again. Carolina rigs and big worms/jigs on deeper structure is the ticket - from what I have learned. If you can, buy the Larry Nixon BassProShop DVD/tape on Summer Bass Patterns. It is a GREAT teaching piece. He catches some summer fish, and all the big ones....deeper water structure, near even deeper water, on really big baits (think they were on a 12" worm). He even does a bit of Carolina Rigging deeper water on the tape.

I will get in on the mix on this one. Grew up pond fishing, wading creeks, fishing creeks, rivers, quarries and local lakes in a jon or canoe with a trolling motor run on the battery out of the jeep we drove to the water. Young hillbilly fish catchin' fools. We found deep water, and hot spots, but it was out of being on the same water ALL the time, and at times being on water clear enough to see weedlines and dropoffs. Other than that, it was bankbeating and top-water. I have owned a bassboat for a while, and now my buddies have grown-up (sorta) and we are big-time now with our bassrigs and electronics. Being on both side, you don't NEED electronics to catch fish. But if you want to improve and be able to catch fish ALL the time, you do NEED electronics. There is no argument about it - it isn't even a debate. You have to see what is underneath you to be able to find where to find fish year round. There is a reason you will never find an angler that does it for a living that doesn't have them - there is a reason more than just hooking them up and spending money. In fact, I wish I was more resourceful in using them. There is as much skill in using them as there is in the fishing itself. Those of you saying you are catching fish you see on your graphs...how do you know? I think the graphs show you depth, structure, and some sorts of fish (size/depth of the fish), but you never know what those fish exactly are, though you may have a good idea.

Roadwarrior, like to know where you saw the article, I would love to read it. Growing up there was friend of my dad's who fished almost seven days a week...he was good at it too. He took me out the first time and was taking me to a lake where even as a kid I knew (or heard all the time) wasn't very good for bass. I asked the guy, he looked me straight in the eye and told me, "You can catch fish there. You can catch fish ANYwhere - you just have to know where to find them." He ended up being right. That is the one thing that interests me about the professionals that win everywhere, all the time. They have a skill/instinct to be able to find fish on about any body of water in a short period of time. Whenever I go on a trip to a body of water for the first time, I always get guide for the first day. I don't mind going out and finding fish when it is close, if fact that is part of the sport I enjoy, the challenge of finding fish when I see others coming in saying they are 'not biting today'. But if there is money being spent and travel time away, I am definitely going to invest in somebody that knows for a fact why to pass points A-X to get to point W. By the way, what did you mean in your tournament fishing/want to catch fish comment?

Repeating the same as above. Top water fishing is not about relexes, in fact, good reflexes take the bait away. I would agree with all above. Put on a trailer hook. Work the buzz slower. Put on a slower topwater presentation (popper, jitterbug, bang-o, spook, torpedo, devilshorse). No joke, if you know you are going to get hit, chuck it, work/reel it, have your head turned and check out the dusk and sun setting sky. Feel the fish, then let your reflexes be to use.

I was responding to another post, and the same thought I put on it I thought would make a good thread topic. What things/experiences have made you a better fisherman? I guess I may read a few things I can do to keep improving. One thing that has definitely made me a better fisherman is that I have been fortunate to fish a lot of different waters in different parts of the country the past 10 to 12 years. I have been on Lake Fork, Guntersville, Seminole, Dale Hollow, Okeechobee, Stick Marsh, Toho, Lake Erie and others, and fortunate enough to be with a guide on most for at least a day. I can think back to each trip, what I was taught, how I fished according to the time of year, forage, etc. Those are great memories, but also useful ones. Another thing, I posted earlier, is that I have made myself fish lures/baits/techniques I have little confidence in when I know I am going to waters with lots of fish. A private pond/lake/quarry, I am going to fish something that will make me have confidence in another technique. Probably most important, I grew up fishing creeks by wading or john boat/canoe in Kentucky. Lots of species, and a lot of finesse. My grandfather and my buddy's grandfather taught us how to fish little baits and small jigs to get more bites from lots of different fish in moving water. Thanks - miss you guys - and the finesse stuff will always get you a bite when other stuff won't....you were right.

The ol' algae bloom. My man, go golfing. I have fished a bunch of Florida lakes, several times over (Big O', Stick Marsh, Toho). You are a lucky man living down there. ONE time, god forbid again, we were down at the Marsh the week of a bloom. My friend guides that lake, and he told me when we got there....'boys, it's gonna be tough'. He wasn't fudging a bit. They do occur down there annually, sometimes more than once, and I hear can last for a couple of weeks. It looks like a turnover in the water. You can catch fish, but the majority are lockjaw. You know by now that the Florida strain bass don't like a change in temp, pressure, or water color a bit. On the bright side, there is enough water with great fishing down there you can go elsewhere and be away from the dreaded 'bloom'. For example, Garcia is about 10 miles (and canal connected) to the Marsh, and the bloom had not taken that body of water yet. Best of luck, not feeling a bit sorry for you by the way. ;D Those wild shiners still over 15 bucks a dozen?

From southern Ohio/northern KY. Living in NE Ohio (Kent/Stow). Met up with a great guy on this site and fished with him this weekend. He kicked my @ss, and I had to pay him a guide fee when we got off the water, but I am sure we have more trips in the future. Any other guys in the area close that post on here, let us know. Thanks Glenn for a great site.

I have two Lowrance units on my boat, and replaced the one on my front deck about 15 months ago...bought a new X125 (mid-range cost, think it was $299). I have always been pleased. But this unit is one I have not been happy with since installing it. My boat is gargage kept, and was on the water MAYBE 20 times heading in to the spring, and I will be darn if the temp gauge is measuring about 35 degrees to high. Garage kept, 15 months old...come on. Anyway, I have been on the website, and there have been about 10 calls made this week to the company. I have left two messages. AND, NO call back. Anyone have a problem with Lowrance as of late, if ever? Never had a problem before this. As well, anyone have the X125 unit and had any problems with it? Curious about coming responses. Thanks.

See, you should have asked that on the site before you went out. Been there, done that. Enjoyed the story...now I know there are other clowns like me out there. PS...that stuff on the bottom of the pond stinks like hell, eh???

"Not like I like the guy"....if I had a nickel for everytime me or anyone else has said that about big Roland. *laugh* I wonder if he ever reads sites like this to see what people really think about him - of course, doubt he would care. About the post. I have to disagree with the 'gets guides before tournaments' making Martin a lesser angler than Clunn. I would assume that comes from competitiveness...the guy wants to win. It isn't illegal...so a better comparison would be a one athlete choosed to use the weightroom more than another to gain an advantage. Steroids are illegal and cheating, using a guide to become familiar with water is not. As well, Roland has done a show for YEARS, and he lost a lot of time in falling in love with the chase of salt water game fish. I do not believe Clunn ever has done a show or fell in love with another species of fish. That does not make him less the angler, but it obviously has given him more specific time toward specific species...and less time demands from business ventures. So, perhaps he has become arguably better as a bass angler...but what if the winner becomes the best angler of ANY species. They left out those specifics in the voting...so where are those darn yankee Linder boys? I now do not care who wins, and believe both have legitimate arguments for being the 'best angler' with the given fuzzy debate. I do know this, the plan of the debate was a success, because knuckleheads like us have spent a lot of time debating and giving opinions ourselves - they got our time and attention just like they hoped to do in the outset.

Where are you all getting the updates on the list? I am assuming ESPN BASS site, and guess I will go there in a minute and check it out. Just curious, because I thought I saw this past Saturday that they had listed Van Dam #5 with four to go with Brauer, Dance, Clunn and Martin remaining. Obviously you all are getting the updates somewhere. Like the fourth time I have listed my opinion: Van Dam, Nixon, Clunn, Martin in some top four order, probably Clunn and Martin battling for first...now assuming that will be the outcome some way. Do this again in 10 years...Van Dam in a landslide.

Anyone have some no-doubt favorites? We have seen them all, and I am not so excited about a few of the new ones. How did that Charlie Moore character get a show by the way? I always learned a lot from the In-Fisherman clan, and have always been amazed about how many species the Linder boys could master. Yankees or not, those boys could fish. I have to laugh about Roland. My goodness, what can you say about that guy's ego. Like him or not, the quality fish and different species he can catch is impressive. Ever enjoy the one when he was complaining about being paired with President Bush in a tournament on Ray Scott's private lake because of the handicap they would be under due to the surrounding boats with secret service? *lol* The guy that I use to love watching, back on old TBS every saturday was Orlando Wilson. I liked his good ol' boy ways, he always fished public water and told you where he was, and attempted to teach what he knew in a humble way. Wish that show was still on the air. Anyone know what happened to old Orlando? I would like to read your posts of top all-time favorites and your top all-time hate list. I have a hunch that Roland and Bill Dance will find a slot in both catagories. You have admit, watching Bill Dance with your little kid will get them excited to get on the boat with you.

I agree with Roadwarrior...the piece on Clunn and Martin this month is Bassmaster is worth the one page read. I have posted my thoughts on this topic before (somewhere above). But to hear the news this morning having KVD now out and ranked #5? Come on man, it is officially what we all knew in the outset...a lot of people voting on ESPN that know nothing of the sport, and I would now not be shocked if Bill Dance does win the vote. Martin, Clunn, and Van Dam...the top three...now another spot is open at the top for the rest left. Probably now Martin, Clunn and Dance, and wouldn't bet against Dance now taking the vote.

Good pics, great fish.

I, like probably 99% of us on here, are catch and release. I do look cross-eyed at those who ask me, "you don't keep your fish???" BUT...this spring I have been doing something - taking fish. The reason, I now have a boy nearly three, and he LOVES to play with my tackle, get and my boat, and this spring likes going on the boat with me. SO, I have been taking a few keeper fish if I catch them late in the day and taking them to my buddy's pond. I am attempting to get the pond to be a bit better so my son can go out and have a bit more success and get 'hooked' by catching bass and not just casting. Still, I feel guilty taking those fish from the lakes I am on when I leave. Any of you guys doing this for the same reason? Any reason I should have a bit of guilt? Just something irks me about taking fish from their home, but I am justifying it by telling myself it is for a good purpose.

I would have to say two things....MAKING myself start fishing a jig-n-pig when I knew I could catch fish on plastics. I was always a wormin' fool, but have come to realize over time that quality comes more often with the jig than quantity with plastics. I started fishing deep water with my buddy when I was in high school, a LOT, in a john or canoe. He wanted deep water structure, and I was a bank beatin' fool. We would compromise, and a lot of times he was right....especially in hot summer. Deep cranks and carolina rigging were all I would do, and thank god. It amazes me how few people fish deep water structure. I would be one of those people if my ol' friend wasn't such a stubborn son of a gun. I have learned or been reminded on this site of a LOT the past two months since coming here. This site has made me appreciate the thinking part of the sport again.

I have a 17' boat with plenty of storage, until the baits started catching the fisherman. Two huge boxes, two duffle bags of organized plastics, and then storage full of clear boxes under my feet in compartments. Enough was enough. I was organized to the point of disorganization, so I have been trying something new. I took EVERYTHING out of my boat, including all rods out of the rod box. I now make the time the night before a trip to take what I need. For example, if I know I am going to clearer water the next day, I rid of all dark colored plastics, dark jigs, and what ever baits are probably out of season for what I am going. I bet I now take MAYBE a third of the baits/boxes/plastics/rods with me on the boat when I am on the water. I know where exactly EVERYTHING is on the water the next day, a lot of it pre-rigged on the boat, and the night before makes me better prepared mentally for the next day or so of fishing on the depending water. A lot on here probably were smart enough to do this before, but it only came to light for this dimwit in the past couple of months. I am actually less stressed on the boat now than before because I have left the clutter in the garage, and feel more efficient on the water.

It depends on how you want to fish the minnow or shiner. If you do some research, you can read the specifics of the action a certain hook placement will do in a bait. When shiner fishing, you will find times to use the lips, the back, or the tail. As well, depending on the bass, the liter from the bobber or no bobber at all while free-lining makes a difference. I don't do a lot of live bait fishing at all, actually just in Florida and what I learned to do with my grandfather when I was a kid, but you can find plenty of help from florida guide websites, and I am sure some of the knowledgable guys on here will be willing to share specifics for what you are doing and where you are fishing.

I am starting to wonder if it will ever happen for me. I have taken pictures of plenty, but am missing having a mount in the worst way. My number has been 8 plus, and have caught a few over 7 and a bunch over 6. Living in Ohio, getting a chance once maybe twice a year to take a trip south to FL, GA, TX, AL...I will soon give in to a lower number. I will say, there is something in me that says one caught on a live shiner in FL would make me feel guilty looking at it on the wall. Think it will have to be an artificial catch to make me feel 'worthy'. By the way, Roadwarrior, what's the weight of those two smallies in your picture. Those two are gorgeous in color. Just curious.

Been on a bunch, and lived on one for the past two years that is specific to my few local states. Thought it was really good, and then I found this one. This place is great. Already met someone local, all the advice is friendly, and the moderator does an excellent job of keeping it specific, clean and without ads. Thanks to the moderator and all you guys/gals willing to share info.

Another question, any certain place to find lure retrievers? Guess the better question is where do I find crank retrievers to send down my line? Idea of a price? I would guess under 10 dollars, I hope.

I just posted a question on 'what's the best crankbait' post - ask the same here, probably goes better here. A shortened version of the question. TimberTigers. Use to see a lot about them when they came out a few years ago, and haven't seen them in a while, if fact looked a couple of days ago in a couple of shops. Are they still making them? Are they worth the money if you find them? They had a bit of an odd design, and am almost certain the bill was square. I agree with a post above on 'dragging' your crank through cover....especially. A few years back learned how to fish Baby 4 and 1 Minues on the tops of submerged grass on Guntersville. Crank the bait, feel the grass with the bait and hooks....pull it or drag the lure off/out of the grass....start reeling until it is time to pull/drag again. It works, and I use it often when I find the tops of submerged grass.

Without a doubt, these best fishing (meaning the biggest fish I have taken) has been right before a big storm hits. Literally, when I press the luck (practice stupidity) and wait until the last second to get off the water before a big storm hits, this is when I have caught some of the most quality fish of my life. This is not a secret, but am curious if anyone can tell me for a fact why that is. Is it the quick drop in barometric pressure? Is it a surge in feeding due to them heading to cover at the onset of the storm? And I assume it cannot be coincidence this is when I seem to get the better fish to bite. I look forward to some shared knowledge.

If they would have clarified what makes for the 'greatest angler', that would have made it less complicated. Of course, that is probably why they didn't clarifiy. I grew up a big Larry Nixon fan, so my heart is with him, but I would probably rank him third. And I believe if they did this debate 10 years from now it would be Kevin Van Dam hands down. BUT...it has to be either Rick Clunn or Roland Martin. How can you argue with those two guys' career statistics? Clunn with that many wins and Classic championships, and Martin winning angler of the year 9 times....come on, these others don't touch that. My top four, if I HAD to choose: 1. Roland Martin (that is hard to type) 2. Rick Clunn 3. Larry Nixon 4. Kevin Van Dam

This is one subject I feel I can give some solid input. My uncle bought some property when I was a kid, and it had two quarries about 100 acres apiece. He sold it a few years back, and broke my heart. It was private, and plum FULL of bass. I bet I fished each of those pits about 100 times apiece. Like any structure on any water, you can always find fish on wood / brush / rocks / etc in shallower banks. BUT, these mini-lakes is where I learned to do some deeper structure fishing. Find drop-offs and humps, many times you can see without a depth finder due to the clarity of the water. This is where I always caught my biggest fish. Running crankbaits off the drops to deeper water, slow rolling spinner baits, dragging a lot of carolina rigged plastics, and even fishing jigs deep to shallow, shallow to deep from the drops. Clearer water to will allow you to see definite weedlines in the quarries. Find the edges, and fish the edges with plastics, cranks and spinners. Quarries are neat because of the different depth changes due the cuts made by equipment. Find the shallow flats in the evenings, and have a ball with top water baits. There were nights when I could catch fish by the 30's on top water. God I miss that place...if I ever win the lottery, I know what property I am going to buy. I am jealous, wish I could join ya.