March 2-13, Rogue and I will be entertaining some on-line friends from Scotland who have NEVER been to the United States.  The couple will stay in our home to "live the life of an American family" instead of doing the "tourist thing" as they have told us.  He is a boat builder and avid fisherman.  Jim is a "regular" on the AOL fishing chat rooms.  Rogue will take Jim fishing here.  Jim wants to hook a few Bass, as bass are not found where they live.  What baits and strategies do you suggest we set up for him to use?  We live in south Mississippi where we are already seeing beautiful weather.  We want to provide a very successful trip for them.  Thanks for your input.

How about some topwater. If not that I would try some finnesse worms on spinning gear.

Well, if the Scot is already a seasoned fisherman, then the hard part is done.  Just set him up as you would set yourselves up, perhaps making sure he's comfortable, but pretty much let him fish.  If after a little while he isn't having any luck, then maybe you should be more active in his fishing.

As for lures, I agree that moving lures would certainly be easier for him to use if he's never been bass fishing, so set him up with topwaters, or maybe some cranks.  From my own experience, I wouldn't try him out on spinners, buzz-baits, or anything else "fancy" until you're sure what kind of fisherman he really is.  Who knows, he might just out fish you without any help from you

I travel to the Prestwick area of Scotland most every month and love the land and the people. I have FINALLY learned to understand them after several years (ok - I am a slow learner Lad). Top water fishing and sight fishing for bedding bass will get anyones blood pumping. Good luck and good fishing.

8-)

That's awesome guys, I'm sure you'll represent the U.S. in grand fashion.

Any plans for a trip to their neighborhood?

Yes we'll be going back over there in the near future.I'd like to sample some of their fine trout fishing....but the main thing I want to do and see is to play a round of golf at St.Andrews.They live 5 Km. from" The Royal and Ancient" St. Andrews.

that's awesome man.  I was born in Bermuda and my parents had friends that lived in Spain.  My brother and sister (7 and 9 yrs older) both got to go and stay with them and their 2 kids would come to Bda for the summers.  

Although I was too young to go, it was a great ordeal all around.  

Their door is still open to me and mine to them.  Last time they visited, was in '91 and I took them skiing.  They had never seen snow before.

Yes we'll be going back over there in the near future.I'd like to sample some of their fine trout fishing....but the main thing I want to do and see is to play a round of golf at St.Andrews.They live 5 Km. from" The Royal and Ancient" St. Andrews.

That's something on my "Things I Want to Do Before I Die" list. I also want it to be in ALL the elements. The harder the wind the better . A little misty rain mixed in would be great too.

Ok I don't know these good folks fishing lineage but if they are fishing in Scotland they either have a background in fly fishing for trout or if they are "rough" fishermen they have a background fishing live baits or dead real baits. They may be most comfortable and productive fishing live bait and you might learn some stuff too. Just a thought.

I travel to the Prestwick area of Scotland most every month and love the land and the people. I have FINALLY learned to understand them after several years (ok - I am a slow learner Lad). Top water fishing and sight fishing for bedding bass will get anyones blood pumping. Good luck and good fishing.

8-)

Jim and Mary live in West Kilbride, Ayrshire, Scotland and he tells me that the Gulf Stream provides them with fairly warm water.  But the main things that they are looking forward to is SUNSHINE, seeing the results of Katrina to our area, and staying in an American family's home instead of doing the "tourist" thing.  I pray for nice weather while they are here.  One of our trips will be to BPS. I believe that they will enjoy that.  Obviously, they will use our fishing gear and tackle boxes since it will be difficult to bring their own gear.  We are so excited!  And we do plan to visit them later.

If your friend has never fished for bass before, you might want to set them up with minimal-effort gear.  I don't think you should send a newbie out for finesse fishing if they have never done it before.  Work some liped and lipless crankbaits and some spinners and look for some good cover (i.e. partially submerged tree stumps, branches, cat tails, etc.) You say your from mississippi, try the bogachita river(I think that's how it's spelled).

If your friend has never fished for bass before, you might want to set them up with minimal-effort gear. I don't think you should send a newbie out for finesse fishing if they have never done it before. Work some liped and lipless crankbaits and some spinners and look for some good cover (i.e. partially submerged tree stumps, branches, cat tails, etc.) You say your from mississippi, try the bogachita river(I think that's how it's spelled).

J-bass,I live about an hour from the Bogue Chitta River.I cross it about twice a month(on a bridge...we have bridges down here...really...LOL) going to Natchez to visit my in-laws.I've never fished it,but it sure looks good!

Rouge, take alot of golf balls I hear the rough is killer over there

HEY ROGUE

        DON'T BOTHER WITH THE BOGUE CHITTO RIVER, IT'S RIGHT BELOW THE HOUSE AND IT IS MUDDY AND ISN'T WORTH FOOLING WITH RIGHT NOW. THE LAKES ARE A DIFFERENT STORY .  THE BIG MAMMAS ARE IN ABOUT 5 FOOT OF WATER WAITING FOR THE WATER TEMPS TO GO UP A LITTLE MORE.  BLUE, DARE I SAY IT AGAIN, BLUE JIGS ARE PRODUCING  FISH.  THE THUMB

Thumb,believe me.I know what you like to fish.7'0 MH rod pitching and flipping a blue jig and trailer.Me too!!!

Thanks to all for your input.  Rogue will be working during many of the days that they are here and I must be the hostess.  I have spent many days "deep cleaning" our home in preparation, but now I am beginning to focus on the entertainment aspect of their visit.