PITCHING THE REEDS is still effective...

Following the progression of things at Lake Skinner over the last month or so, it seems the spawning period has just about run its course, based on yesterday’s outing. Most bass nests are empty, with a rare fish either guarding a shell-marked patch of bottom, or lurking near clouds of bass fry.

Instead, the hard bottom areas are now mostly marked with the deep, honeycomb nests of large bluegill. Still, the bass seemed to be present in three types of spots: (more…)

When it comes something as plain as day, you will find a huge difference of opinion on whether black is actually a color. Physicists will say one thing, artists another. 

But in bass fishing day or night–we all know the color. We know it, but unless we fish a lot at night, or do the Mexico thing with big Power Worms, black plastic is no longer the staple it once was.

Something changed. (more…)

Since I started covering bass tournaments back in the 1970′s, someone with quiver in his voice has continued to stammer, “Bass fishing is getting b-b-b-bigger than ever.” But while the game has had its moments since Ray Scott first collected $100 entries and tournaments moved from magazines to cable TV and jumpsuits to jerseys–it still ain’t a real sport–certainly not a major one. (more…)

UPDATED, Saturday p.m.–Delayed by fog, the Mars was scheduled to arrive on Saturday rather than Friday as previously announced. And one source said the big bird was actually flying to Lake Amistad to fight fires in Mexico.

The huge red, fire-fighting seaplane from Canada is again making a stop at Lake Elsinore–this time an overnighter Friday afternoon through Saturday morning–causing temporary closures on portions of the lake. (more…)

The Professional Anglers Association (PAA) has continued to appeal to the competitive or otherwise professionally minded bass fishermen, and for a short time, is offering a nice incentive–a drawing for $600 set of Optima Blue Top, Group 27 batteries. During the week of April 19-26, anyone who joins the PAA or renews an existing membership at any level is eligible for the drawing. (more…)

Seemed like a small thing that we were going to be staying with the grandkids for a few days. But not having my computer is almost almost as bad as not having access to my rig or my tackle. I had no idea I would miss tinkering or organizing stuff, while I surfed the best bass sites.

Wednesday afternoon (more…)

Sometimes it’s hard not to be a partisan observer. Especially when you see the Western tournament pros dominate not one, but two national circuits on the same weekend. Not only did the “good guys” win a pair of key events, their “map fellows” filled the ranks of finalists. (more…)

SIMPLE AND CHEAP

All I wanted were some utility boxes with a bit more utility–you know, something roughly 9 x 14 inches with the trays running the width, not lengthwise. But since those guys are obviously selling too many sewing kits or hard bait boxes, I’ve about given up.

Instead, I’m going with real utility, real simplicity, and sorry “futility box” makers, I’m going real cheap. (more…)