GOOD SHOW, bad fit…

I know it dates me, but the truth be known, I don’t like “slim fit” suits. Frankly, even a younger, athletic guy looks like he bought the wrong size.

Likewise, I have no interest in Go-Pro cameras. I’m not saying one shouldn’t buy the gear. They are fun and ideal for a younger, techno generation that likes replaying exuberant fist-pumping and such, not to mention, opportunities to get on World’s Dumbest Daredevils.

I apologize, of course. (more…)

LAKE SKINNER gets the copper sulphate again tomorrow.

We can debate how long or to what degree treating the algae will affect the the bass bite. But one thing you won’t be able to do tomorrow is launch–they’re closing Lake Skinner, June 17, as they “bluestone” for the second time in five weeks.

Was out again this morning, trying to take advantage of what has been a very productive topwater bite, but the fog burnt off in less than an hour (more…)

Like many others, I had no idea Kevin VanDam had retired from tournament bass fishing. I mean, I think I still see him on old B.A.S.S. re-runs and Bass Pro Shops commercials, don’t I? Still, I just checked in on the BassFan.com World Rankings, and right there on the home page, there is no KVD! (more…)

Despite hovering more than 50 points out of 10th place on the FLW Tour, Ish Monroe is having a very good year in his two-circuit season so far. In fact, as the fourth place pro in the Bassmaster Elites behind Edwin Evers, Skeet Reese and KVD, just one more good finish on the other side with the FLW guys and Monroe could be looking at “Best of” status in his home state. (more…)

Don’t look for the all the luxury options on my personal rig as yet, but if you’ve had tunnel vision for just your sonar and all the updating, maybe you haven’t heard what’s brewing with future of bass boats. Indeed, the next generation of bass anglers will be picking from a whole different page than those guys whose first boat was a TR3. (more…)

THEY BIT that fry pattern Rico so Michael Kramer had a nice morning.

We’re all well familiar with the mode of the touring pro. They see dark cloud on the horizon, a butterfly on the east bank or last desert pupfish doing the side stroke and they immediately change gears; change lures, or change locations. Sometimes, conditions change in a heartbeat and these fine-tuned anglers make seamless adjustments enroute to their money-winning sacks.

But not every condition change happens spontaneously. You don’t have to wait for the that last minute knock from Mr. Opportunity, but rather, there are plenty of times you know what’s up ahead of time.

Really. Tide changes? They’ve got a book on the whole year. Activity tables? Pretty apparent they didn’t print that this morning. Weather reports, dam releases, partial or total lake closures. All these usually come as a heads-up in some form of media. (more…)

QUIET WEDNESDAY at DVL…

Doing a little sight-seeing today and took a few shots from the launch ramp since the overlook at the west end is closed Monday through Wednesday.

Guys were definitely taking advantage of those half-priced Wednesday rentals, but I was surprised there weren’t more trailers in the lot.

One thing I did notice was a line of green stuff (more…)

FLOAT TUBERS won’t have to kick very far to these rocks in the Dream Extreme contest at Lake Elsinore…

This weekend and beyond, team tournaments will be the topic of interest for the guys who cast for cash (and prizes). Some brand new events are on the board along with a more established, 2-lake event in San Diego County.

Anglers Marine’s third leg in its Owner Appreciation circuit moves to Lake Castaic on Saturday, June 1, with the $160 entry event featuring a range of categories from pro to rookie with several spots in between.

The carrot at the end of this 5-contest trail is a shiny new rig–and that is one reason so many have stayed with it this year. (more…)

Having charted the numbers in recent years, there has been a clear trend relative to risk-rewards in pro level tournament fishing. Quite obviously, the risk has not matched up well with potential rewards and we saw that yet again with the Everstart Tournament at the Delta a few days back.

The winner? He did okay. (more…)

Oh the horror! Our own Kevin Stewart, disqualified for fishing in an off-limits area in Thursday’s FLW Tour event. What’s wrong with that guy? Surely this will cast a pall over every Westerner who wants to try professional bass fishing!

Or will it? Do I have time to list every professional angler who has violated a tournament rule and had all or at least part of his catch disqualified? (more…)