Donna G

I've not hard of Gibroni, but I like using Senkos and I usually Texas rig mine, too. I've seen ads of the Parasite clips and I thought they looked interesting. How 'bout a product review? Nah, I like to fish 20 ft and under. Give the GPS to Fishrman. Of course, I do fish deeper than that when forced to. Speaking of Texas rigging the Senko, I fished with a guy a few months back that's a pretty fair expert with a drop shot. I don't fish it a lot, but it is fun. One of the reasons I Texas rig the Senko is to lessen the chances of hanging up. Well, I had never seen anyone fish a drop shot Texas rigged, but he does. Uses a good 1-0 hook. Increased my interest in trying a drop shot more. Have a good weekend and keep catching those big 'uns. Me and my fishing partner are headed to Joplin Saturday for the Bill's Marine show. Take care. Donna G

No worries. Just giving you a hard time. That's what forum friends are for, right? LOL

Beautiful fish! Bet that was a thrill. Hey, Fishrman, why a PM on what he caught it on? How 'bout sharing with all your friends.

Sweet! Sounds like fun. Me and Champ188 will be there Saturday. We'll probably be hanging out around the CPAA booth some.

Champ188 would never fail to give me credit, but just wanted to clarify that the 3.5 LM was NOT one of the ones I missed. LOL Cranking a chunk rock bank and barely knew I had a fish. Just felt like the crankbait was pulling more water. Other than that, only a couple more bonafide bites and didn't hook those. One of the toughest days I've ever seen on TR. On the bright side, I got to spend a full (nice) day on the water with my best friend and didn't look like the Michelin tire man from 14 layers of clothes. Better luck next time ... I hope. Donna G

Thanks, Eric. Champ188 and I are hitting it Saturday. It will be my first full day on the water since surgery. I'm really looking forward to it. I found it interesting that you said jerk baits needed to be moved quickly. Champ took me to Beaver last Friday for a short day. Wasn't much happening on jerk baits - we were doing the typical slow winter presentation. Then, I ended up hooking a nice SM on a jerk bait when I was letting it drag behind the boat as Champ was moving up the bank. I thought, huh, they must want it moving. I'll be sure and try the faster retrieve on Saturday. Think we are going to hit the lower end this trip. We're river rats, but need to learn more about the rest of the lake. Appreciate the good info - that'll get us started. Donna G

Howdy. Thanks for asking about me. Went back to work part-time this week. Actually got out on Beaver last Friday with Champ188 and caught a few. Feeling better every day. I'm not up to the Polar Bear tomorrow, although I usually fish it. Champ's hooked up with a buddy and they're fishing it. I'll let Champ update you on the Beaver bite, but they aren't hitting the stick bait real solid yet, at least not for us. When we fished last Friday water temp ranged from 45-48. A buddy caught 'em good on a Wiggle Wart. I did get a nice smallmouth on a Pointer and one dink. I had another keeper SM on a football jig. We haven't fished Lomond in awhile, but we were fishing it a fair amount back in the summer at night. We heard they were going to lower it quite a bit and were smacking our chops over what a fishbowl it would be. We normally launch at Tyree, but that will be out of the question with low water. Happy New Year's. Donna G

Thanks, motoman. Don't tell anyone, but I had to restrain myself some so as not to beat Champ188 my first day back. Yeah, right. Thanks to him, I got out. I wasn't sure I was ready, but you're right, fishing is therapeutic. Glad to hear your dad is doing better. My surgery was done laproscopically which cuts down on the recovery time. I was thankful that was an option. Take care.

Great topic and one that gets you thinking. I have actually been mulling over fishing goals ever since I had my recent surgery. I love tournament fishing and I decided that after losing a kidney to cancer, life is too short not to 'go for the gusto.' I made the CPAA championship as a co-angler last year, which was my first year to ever fish a tournament circuit (with the exception of two tournaments when WBT kicked off). I was really proud of that, so my number one goal is qualify again this coming year. I would like to cash a check this year. So, that's goal number three. Yes, I know I skipped number two. Number two is to catch that elusive one fish in each tournament. As a co-angler, sometimes my chances are better than others depending on what my pro is doing, but I am still striving to catch at least one each competition day. I know everyone gets skunked sometimes, but I have a tendency to give up as weigh-in approaches and I still don't have anything in the livewell. I try not to, but it's hard. That's a definite goal - to hang in there. (I refuse to say 'never give up'). My final goal, but not in the numbered order, is to pursue opportunities for writing and having my efforts published. The CPAA Fishin' Magazine has been printed and I understand is being mailed. Check me out. I have a column called 'Angling for More' and have been asked to write a column for each of the upcoming issues next year. I was so excited. It's not a how-to. I'm a rookie and don't have any expert advice to offer, but I think it is an interesting read. When I came up with the column name a friend asked me to define what 'Angling for More' was to me. I liked the title and considered it catchy, but hadn't given any thought to meaning. Now that this year is ending I've come up with a few definitions. Angling for More - More success at tournament fishing More knowledge about fishing and tournament fishing More time on the water with my best friend and fishing buddy (love ya' Champ) More kindness showed toward others More respect for me from myself -and last, but not least - More thanks given to Him from whom all blessings flow God bless you all. Thank you for letting a 'girl' chat with the boys and being so nice to me. Happy New Year's. Donna G

Wow! Bet that was fun. Good job on the video, too. Looked almost pro-fessional. I don't striper fish often (I'm one of those nasty ol' bass anglers - lol), but the stripers are definitely exciting, especially when they are schooling. I'd probably be squealing like a girl if I caught a striper as big as the one in the video. Oh, wait. I AM a girl. Donna G

Thanks, Don.

Just wondering if anyone on the forum is fishing the Polar Bear next week. I'm bummed because this will be my first year in the last several that I will miss the Polar Bear. Had surgery 3 weeks ago and don't think I'm quite up to a tournament day yet. Did go out yesterday with hubby for a pretty full day. My first time out since surgery so I wasn't hitting it hard. Caught a couple of smallmouth, though, and one of them was about 3 lbs. Has the jerkbait bite started yet? They didn't seem to be on it Saturday, although I did catch the nice SM on a Pointer. The other one came on a football jig. Interesting that both fish were caught when I was just letting the bait troll behind the boat. Hubby (Champ188) was moving up the bank and I hadn't retrieved my lure to make a new cast. Donna G

Sorry. Been out, but stayed a little closer to home - Beaver. It was my first day back on the water since the kidney cancer surgery. I actually caught a few! Nice 3 lb. smallmouth on a jerk bait, but caught it when the bait was just swimming behind the boat. Champ was on the trolling motor and I just hadn't reeled in yet. Go figure. Hope you have a catch 'em trip. I'm looking forward to getting back on the Rock. Oh, and Cajunangler, of course ALL Champion owners are this friendly. Donna G (AKA Mrs. Champ188)

Thanks, Techo. You, too. Makes me appreciate my fishing partner more, too. He's been a real blessing during this time. I'm not sure about the work part. If I don't get back to work soon I'm going to have callouses on my backside and remote hand. lol Merry Christmas.

I haven't fished any other circuits besides CPAA, with the exception of the WBT when it first started. I always fish amateur side and I competed in every CPAA tournament this past year except Stockton, including the championship. I realize there has been a lot of controversy, but I can only speak from my personal experience. Although each pro I fished with had a different style and personality, I was treated with respect and never unfairly. Yes, I didn't always get a prime cast, but no one ever deliberately front ended me and many of the pros were more gracious than I would have expected. Heck, they are paying the bigger entry fee, the boat payments, insurance, most of the gas and oil and doing all the practicing. I always think of my competition days as a cheap guide trip by a top-notch angler. I have learned an awful lot in the back of the boat. That's not to say I haven't heard some horror stories from my fellow amateurs, but it never happened to me and anglers, pros or amateurs, are just people. Some of them are nice and some of them aren't. I've been lucky, I guess, but I make a real effort to show respect and courtesy. I never assume the worst when I climb in someone else's boat. I believe it has been an asset. Doesn't answer your question Heartland vs CPAA, but just my two cents on recent CPAA experiences. Not sure how the new one-day pro-am format will work as opposed to two days. We'll just have to wait and see. On the plus side for me, I can fish amateur on Saturday and me and Champ188 will get to fish team on Sunday. I like fishing with my main squeeze. Donna G

Thanks, Don. The doctor was pleased with my progress and released me to return to work December 29 with some restrictions. The pathology report was positive for cancer, so we were guided to the right decision. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the Mrs. Please keep us posted, as well. Donna G

I appreciate all the prayers and well wishes. We are heading to Tulsa this morning for the first visit with the doctor since surgery. We don't have the pathology report yet. Hopefully, we'll get that today. Feeling much better, but definitely not up to 'flinging steel' yet. It's amazing how hard you try not to cough, sneeze or laugh when you have stitches in your gut. lol Champ188 has been a rock. I noticed his post referring to himself as a domestic goddess. (Shhh - domestic goddess in training, is the correct title.) I think I have now seen every Law and Order episode, including all the spin-offs. I love Christmas time, so I'm getting to watch all the sappy Christmas movies, too. We had a subscription for a while to North American Fishing Club and received several how-to books on bass fishing. Didn't know if they would be any good, but I have been reading them and they aren't bad. Most are several years old so they don't have the latest techniques / baits, but still great stuff. I'm hopped to try some of the things I've been reading about. Gotta go get ready so we can pull out at 8 for Tulsa. Thanks again for staying in touch. Oh, keep your fingers crossed for me. I paid a deposit before I went to surgery to fish Beaver in the May FLW as a co-angler. I haven't heard yet if I made it. There is usually a waiting list. Beaver is technically our home lake, but Table Rock is where our heart is. We still hope to move to Table Rock in a few years. Tight lines. Donna G

Hey, guys. I've been sitting up today in a chair as much as possible. Champ set up my laptop for me. You are so sweet to keep me in your thoughts and prayers. The forum definitely does feel like family and I appreciate all of you. Kinda overdid it walking the halls today with my catheter stand in tow. It's not looking as good for a Thursday departure as Friday. Yep, figured we could hit the small lakes in Bella Vista in a couple of weeks. I'm getting ready to take my final stroll this evening and get Champ to help me back in bed. Talk to you soon. Donna G

Thanks for the good word. Always encouraging to hear someone else's success.

Thanks, guys. I'd respond individually, but you've made me all teary-eyed. I've been pretty staunch through all of this, but I'm a little anxious this morning. We're leaving in a few hours. I appreciate all the well wishes and prayers. I'm sure Champ188 will keep you updated. Donna G

Actually, I have. I love to write and love story telling. It helps that Champ188 is a newspaper editor and freelances some, too. He's taught me a lot. Check out the CPAA magazine when it finally arrives. I have a column in there. I'm almost famous. lol

Yeah, I know. You should see his hand twitch like he still has it when he's asleep in the recliner. Thanks, Techo.

Yes, it has been sold and I think the jury is still out, but change sometimes stirs up good things. The magazine is finally coming out. I've seen the proof and it's sharp. Should be printed and distributed the first of the year, I heard. Check the Table Rock forum. There a couple of subforums (more CPAA breaking news, etc.) on the recent changes in ownership and format. New owner helped with the weigh-in yesterday.

Well, me and Champ188 got out for a bit of fishing yesterday at the Central Pro-Am White River Electric team series. Bunch of good limits caught. Alas, not for us. Think we were both pretty distracted. To make matters worse, when Champ went to drive the boat on after the tournament, he noticed one of the bunks was off the trailer. Managed to get it bungied on and I put the trailer in deep. Got the boat on straight and secure for the time being. Thank goodness for Duct tape and bungie cords. He did take me to Raymond's to eat afterwards. Funny place. They do not accept checks or any form of plastic. With debit cards these days, I rarely have any cash on me. We managed to scrounge up enough currency between us to have dinner and leave a tip. Great Mexican food. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks Mr. Babler for carrying my little sack up the hill. If I had a good bag I need to hire a hauler, I guess, since I'm apparently a sissy. lol We head for Tulsa tomorrow. Pre-op is Monday and surgery is Tuesday to remove the kidney with the cancer. They are doing the surgery laproscopically, so my hospital stay and down time should not be too bad. We think we will be back home on Friday and then I'll be off work for the rest of the year and off the water for a couple of months. Sigh. Anyway, prognosis is really, really good and no chemo or radiation will be done. Ya'll keep chatting at Champ and keep him occupied. Oh, and remind him he has to do the dishes, the laundry, take care of the cats, cook, shop, pay bills, rub my back, wait on me hand and foot and relinquish control of the remote control. Keep those lines stretched and tell me all about it. Take care. Donna G

I'm originally from Texas and we used to fish a couple of indoor docks at Lake Ray Hubbard when we were boatless. Don't recall if they were heated, but certainly helped ward off the elements. Lots of places to fish on the outside, but you could always come in, too. We also fished one at Lake Lavon near Garland, Texas and one at Lake Lewisville. A lot of people crappie fished on the docks, but I would make up some dough bait and fish for carp because they got so dang big and it was a fun pull. Caught a 5 lb bass at the Lavon dock with my dough ball. Oh, also caught a duck. That was scary. For the duck, too. Guess I had cast up shallow and he was diving for whatever ducks dive for and got my dough ball. Managed to release him unharmed. Caught a few small gar doing that, too. I'd rather catch a duck. lol Unfortunately, I haven't heard of any since I've been to Arkansas / Missouri.