DADAKOTA

I too like the MLB format and wish there was an easy way to use it in all derbies. I do not dispute there is tournament mortality and that it is greatest in the heat of the summer. Of course any deep hooked fish will probably die whether put in the livewell or not. Most deep hooking occurs with the use of soft plastics which are really popular in the summer. I'd guess there is more mortality due to recreational anglers deep hooking and/or harvesting bass than tourney mortality in a year time as there are far more recreational anglers.

Those are some dandeyes.

Tourney anglers should take care of their fish. A livewell thermometer is another good thing to have. That way you won't overcool the water. I'd prefer that the summer derbies be shorter in length to lessen the stress on the fish. Three or four hours is enough. But summer derby mortality is just one component of total mortality on a given lake. Chi seems to have a problem with tourneys and lays a lot of bass mortality at the hands of the tourney anglers. So many factors play into the bass mortality and reproduction on a given body of water. Do some bass die from poor handling in tourneys? Absolutely. However, those that were hooked deeply most likely will die regardless of whether in a tourney or not. Today's super hooks do not rust out like the old hooks we used to use. Leaving the hook in a fish is most likely a death sentence. Cranking a fish to the surface from 60 feet down will affect their swim bladder. Not "fizzing" the fish and releasing it into the warm surface water results in dead fish. Should we limit the depth one can fish? Impacting the spawn by sight fishing hurts reproduction. Do we stop fishing then? Coming out of the spawn the bass are weak and more susceptible to disease and being stressed. Do we stop fishing then as well? Folks that harvest fish for the table reduce populations as well. How many bass die due to the use of live bait that they swallow? DO we outlaw bait fishing? How a bout the folks that put them on a stringer all day and decide they don't have enough to clean or don't feel like it. Do you think those bass will survive? How many fish swallow a senko type bait because the angler does not realize they have a bite? More than likely a dead fish. Do we outlaw senkos? So many things kill fish. Otters and cormorants hammer bass. So many causes of mortality. To blame one group (tourney anglers) is ludicrous. There is a carrying capacity for each lake that the fisheries folks consider when regulating the harvest of various fish species. Mortality by all causes goes into the planning and regulations for each body of water.

Awesome fish. Is there a lock on the Osage I am not familiar with?

If my livewell is not plugged it will drain as I run. So you lose all the weight when on plane.

Great looking rig. Only thing I'd suggest is to install a foot pedal tray and drop the pedal in. You'll have more balance while on the trolling motor and your back won't be killing ya. Lots of fun to be had with that sled.

I'm using anywhere from an 18" to a 30" leader of 10# fluoro AbrazX on these. One end is tied to the hook and the other to a barrel swivel with all the bling between. Then I clip the barrel swivel onto the snap swivel attached to the bottom bouncer. No loop to get snagged, easy to change rigs, and double the no twist protection. Been running 20# fluoro mainline. My wife and I fished 4 days and lost 2 SDRs, but did not lose a bottom bouncer. Thanks for the video. Just snelled an SD hook and made another rig. Gives it a nice finished look. Wish I could snell the swivel end too.

Unless they re-closed it, the 215 bridge was in use Memorial Day week.

I've been playing with the slow death rig. During our Memorial day trip I used the subtle small blade three bead rigs at the bottom of the picture with great success. Figured I'd tie up some bolder versions with a bigger blade, 6 beads, and a float (top four). What type of SDR rigs are you dragging?

If you are staying north of Stockton the closest free ramp is at Orleans Trail Marina. the town of Stockton has everything you will need from groceries to gas to Smoothies at the Emporium on the square. Several restaurants as well. If you venture toward the south end of the lake to put in stop at Ken's cafe in Arcola for breakfast. A little spot that has awesome food, big helpings, all at a decent price. Enjoy your stay at Stockton lake, Missouri's little piece of heaven.

Awesome news

Next thing you know ya'll will be breaking out a Peck bait. Back in the day they were sold at the drugstore in Galena by my wife's Grandad.

Anyone ever resort to the old Little George type baits instead of spoons?

Sounds like an awesome trip.

Generally I like to fish with someone. But there are times I actually prefer to go on my own. Especially when I am trying a new technique or looking for new spots for tournaments. Boat positioning is so much easier when you are alone. I know some tourney guys don't want to share a boat with others they may fish against on the same water.

That should take care of those wading without fishing. Of course it says nothing about swimming.

Don't let a bad experience with the lodging at OT keep you away from a great lake. Check out the cabins at stockton lake. www.cabinsatstocktonlake.com

That sure looked like fun!

If Paho is an MDC lake, it seems odd that the local sheriff would be running them off. Wouldn't an MDC warden be the one enforcing the rules? Did they catch any toads?

Didn't know it at the time, but I actually shared the cleaning table with WM and hiw wife at OT last week. Was a pleasure chatting with ya Mike. If you need any info. on Door County or the Green Bay area just let me know.

Amazing what a little kindness can do raise peoples spirits. Your buddy Max went out of his way for that youngun and just hearing about it has made my day better already. What kind of jig head is he hanging those grubs on?

glad to hear that Mary is progressing nicely. Keeping you both in my prayers.

Gorgeous fish. However they are still the cubs. Not sure what the excuse will be this year. Goat, Bartman, whatever.

to me dragging cranks behind the boat is called pulling. Spider rigging them would be pushing the baits.

So sad and so avoidable. No reason not to use a kill switch if your motor has one. If you don't want to wear a pfd for your own safety, then wear it for your family so in the worst case scenario they can avoid a search for your dumbarse and have a body to bury.