Champ188

You bring up an interesting point, Mike. While you aren't much of a blade guy, I'm not much of a shallow crankbait guy. I think the two are very often interchangeable and that sometimes it becomes (a) a matter of preference and ( a matter of there's only so much time in a day. So many places to cast, so little time. LOL Not saying there aren't times that the fish prefer a blade over a shallow crankbait and vice versa, but Donna's a pretty good hand with a squarebill and there've been lots of days when I've thrown a blade and she's followed with the squarebill and we've both caught em.

That's what I heard ... close to 18. Good bag for a slow day.

Mike, I fish both visible and submerged cedars. Don't let the fact that a tree is sticking up deter you from fishing it as long as it's in the type of area the fish happen to be using at the time. On a weekend,there's a chance someone has already messed it up or actually caught the fish. Later in the day it gets, the more likely that is. But it only takes a couple of minutes to try it. I catch a lot of fish out of visible trees.

Good stuff, T. You said a mouthful in No. 4. I'm convinced that a lot of the reason some folks don't fare well with a spinnerbait is they don't commit to it. To me, it's a matter of putting your head down, putting everything else in the rod box and saying I'm gonna catch em this way or not at all. I'm not even sure it's ever the most attractive bait in the world to a bass, but there's nothing more attractive that you can cover as much water with, and therein lies the beauty of the blade.

Fine report indeed, Bill. And thanks for the kind words, although the only part I'll say is 100% right is that I mess up my share of trees, too. If there is one key element to share about what I've learned, it's something that Bill told me several years ago: Most days you get one shot with that Fin or Spook. Miss your cast even a few inches one way or another and like Bill said, that tree is done for at least a couple of hours and probably for the day. Gotta be accurate and none of us are capable of that 100% of the time.

Is that a 12-inch board? Just kiddin, pal. That's a pretty one.

Actually, there are two big derbies coming up. FLW Stren Series is here Oct. 6-8, then BASS Central Open is Oct. 20-22. No telling what all will be going on with local tourneys in between and on top of the two biggies.

My guess is things are getting a little quiet here because of the upcoming BASS Central Open. Starting to see the usual increase in new members that tends to accompany such derbies.

Good "food for thought" Bill. We could all use that refresher course from time to time.

But remember, 90 percent of the fish live in 10 percent of the lake, and that 10 percent just happens to be Aunt's Creek.

Thanks for the detailed report, Bill.

Hey, I could fish those derbies ... long as Donna or Denny would fish with me. Sure is nice to have elderly fishing buddies.

Betcha anything both those fish are fine and someone will probably find them a nice Sammy in the next day or two. LOL. Buck Creek Mike, I grew up in Hot Springs with Mark Davis and he would do like you sometimes when chasing open-water schooling fish and opt for the light line route. He'd take a long, limber spinning rod with 6-pound mono spooled onto a big ol' Zebco Cardinal 4 (you oldtimers like me will remember those old green Cardinals, they were great reels in their day). Mark would tie a Boy Howdy, Devil's Horse or other good-sized topwater on that spinning rod and he could throw the darn thing nearly outta sight to schooling fish. Whoever was in the boat with him was just out of luck because none of the rest of us had a set-up like that.

Wouldn't worry about them dying. With each other to pull against, they were most likely separated within minutes, maybe seconds. Just a suggestion, but no need to throw topwaters on 8-pound line. Actually, a topwater will perform better on bigger monofilament line such as 15-pound Trilene Big Game. I like to use both a split ring (most quality topwaters come with one) and a smallish snap to get maximum action from the lure.

Welcome back, ol' pal.

Darn fine sack, Jason. Congrats.

Phil, remember you don't have to outrun the bear, just Babler. Donna and I will get out there soon and have you lined out when you get back, Bill. Denny will do his part, I'm sure.

Sorry pieces of sh**.

Don't sweat the big black snake. He's not poisonous.

Hang in there, brother. No matter how big it is to us, Donna and I are living proof that cancer is no issue for The Great Physician. Will continue to pray for both of you.

Really nice report indeed. Thanks for taking the time to write it up and for sharing.

LOL @ Stone - he's gonna hafta put a seat belt in that new Phoenix or he'll blow himself plumb out of it.

So why would culling up in size be an issue anyway if you aren't fishing a tournament? Are you culling up to take the largest six fish home to eat? If so, you have no right to criticize derby fishermen.

Move over Gary "Mr. Walleye" Roach. There's a new sheriff in town.

Donna and I have been driving Titleists lately rather than the Champion.