01-14-2003, 12:56 AM
[cool] That was quite a saga. Don't know whether to chalk it up as a bad day of good luck or a good day of bad luck. At least you got out on the water, even if you lost a big fish and burned up a trolling motor. About that big bass...didn't anyone ever tell you about using good line and setting your drag? But then again, opportunities to practice some of the more esoteric words in our fisherman's vocabulary are always needed. I think I would have invented a couple of new words in that situation.
Interesting about the range of depths and conditions you found fish. The mild temps have got the baitfish disoriented and the predators along with them. I've heard some masochists are chunkin' heavy swimbaits shallow all day and taking fish, while others are dredging the depths with the spoons and dropshots to take some deep fish.
Historically, the middle of February is a time when you can count on seeing some big mamas wandering along the shoreline, scoping out the potential for marital bliss. Sometimes it seems to be more a matter of the total hours of daylight that makes them nervous, more than the actual temps...although temps are what determine the actual spawning activities.
Anyway, I never look a gift bass in the mouth. If they wanna play in the shallows, I'll play their silly little game. I have no pride at all. I fish according to what the fish are telling me...not by the calendar. CHECK?
Man, I have worse luck than you do. I have had a steady procession of friends and relatives from the north country moving in and out of my guest room. Actually, I think most of them are coming to see my Dad for the last time. He's not likely to be around much longer, so people are putting in their appearances. Whatever the reason, it is messing up my fishing schedule. Aunt Minnie just doesn't understand when I load up my gear and disappear for the day, instead of taking her shopping at the mall. No concept of priorities.
I'm still working on my new batch of deep jigging goodies. Should have them ready to test by the end of the month. Hope the advance word doesn't get out to the bass, so they have an antidote ready.
I'll check out that website. How about you putting out the word about our little sideshow over here. We are going to be getting heavier into contests, free tackle, tackle testing, etc. As you probably noticed, we have online sources of stuff...and you can even set up your own website...free...and upload your pics, for posting on message boards.
Let's start planning a blastoff sometime around the end of the month.
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Interesting about the range of depths and conditions you found fish. The mild temps have got the baitfish disoriented and the predators along with them. I've heard some masochists are chunkin' heavy swimbaits shallow all day and taking fish, while others are dredging the depths with the spoons and dropshots to take some deep fish.
Historically, the middle of February is a time when you can count on seeing some big mamas wandering along the shoreline, scoping out the potential for marital bliss. Sometimes it seems to be more a matter of the total hours of daylight that makes them nervous, more than the actual temps...although temps are what determine the actual spawning activities.
Anyway, I never look a gift bass in the mouth. If they wanna play in the shallows, I'll play their silly little game. I have no pride at all. I fish according to what the fish are telling me...not by the calendar. CHECK?
Man, I have worse luck than you do. I have had a steady procession of friends and relatives from the north country moving in and out of my guest room. Actually, I think most of them are coming to see my Dad for the last time. He's not likely to be around much longer, so people are putting in their appearances. Whatever the reason, it is messing up my fishing schedule. Aunt Minnie just doesn't understand when I load up my gear and disappear for the day, instead of taking her shopping at the mall. No concept of priorities.
I'm still working on my new batch of deep jigging goodies. Should have them ready to test by the end of the month. Hope the advance word doesn't get out to the bass, so they have an antidote ready.
I'll check out that website. How about you putting out the word about our little sideshow over here. We are going to be getting heavier into contests, free tackle, tackle testing, etc. As you probably noticed, we have online sources of stuff...and you can even set up your own website...free...and upload your pics, for posting on message boards.
Let's start planning a blastoff sometime around the end of the month.
[signature]