Mitch f

Usually they only hang around within 5-10 yards of the aquarium.

Well, the higher the unemployment rate, the more the creeks will get pounded by the meat eaters. I guess I'd do it to if I had no choice.

Well, this was a spur of the moment thing without too much thought ...... Sorry. . I would say just tell me on this thread. The honor system I thought would be good enough but I know there are some who get crazy with money involved. So we can get a final tally before the contest begins. Let's say Jun 1st is the deadline for entry. I would also say artificial baits only.

All right all right, blacks only

Well, didn't intend to steal Stonerollers thunder but this is for all bass species until the end of the year.

The crappie contest?

Since summer is just starting,I'd say we start a new contest for largest bass of the year. I think there should be 4 categories: Lake Largemouth Lake Smallmouth River Largemouth River Smallmouth Contest ends on Dec 31st, 2012 I think we should use length in inches as a standard for winners, not weight, not girth. In order to qualify the photos of the fish should be taken with the fish lying on a flat hard surface with a tape measure or measuring board shot included with the photo laying next to the fish. I will personally chip in $10 for each category to start, and encourage others to donate and we can get this pot growing to something worthwhile. All you need is to pledge a certain amount of money. Monies to be divided equally in 4 categories. Only OAF members can participate, not family members. you notice I started this contest AFTER Al's 21" largie in the Big River :) and Gavin's 21" Smallie in the Big Piney

I agree, people in Minnesota just learn to deal with moose. Same with people in Colorado with Elk. People in MO can adjust too

And everyone one of them has a story about their baby daddy being in jail for a crime they didn't commit.

I was just thinking I don't even own a rebel craw, not that I have anything against them. Maybe I should buy one again and get reaquainted. I'm a wiggle wart and Bandit guy. After reading these posts, it made me think about the lure industry in general. It seems all lures are pretty much designed and created for the LMB. Even the so called finesse lures form Japan are still created for the LMB for use in the heavily pressured waters of Japan and the deep clear water of the western USA. I guess the overlap between LMB and SMB baits is so big that there is virtually no difference. Or maybe there should be a difference(?)... food for another thread I guess

Here's some I caught while wading the Ouachita River last year

Al,I think your approach has been crafted by a couple of things; One, you have honed and focused your skills to a point that you know what will and will not work and you have the ability to know when to stop fishing a non productive pattern, and 2, as you said you enjoy seeing the fish take the lure in the upper 1/3 of the water column. If your goal is to catch more fish and mainly aggressive fish (who wouldn't) this is definately the best approach. Sometimes you have to slow down to catch non aggressive fish though, and I know you can slow down as good or better than the next guy. I guess it all depends on what you're after. I prefer to fish half way in between your speed and the average guy chunking jigs. With the jet boat, your options are greatly increased. Especially if you are familiar with a certain stretch of river. I end up running and gunning more than not, looking for a big fish. This approach allows me to fish out a hole a little longer than a guy with a canoe. And if you have a big blow up on a buzzbait, you can go back later and try again. I will admit that I'm primarily a jig and crankbait fisherman, but have expanded my horizons in the last few years, thanks to guys like you and others who are more than willing to give up your techniques. As far as my favorite way to catch a big fish, topwater of course is number one. But to me a very close second is setting the hook on a jig fish that makes you feel like you are hung on a log, then in 2 seconds feeling a big slow head shake! Wow, I get crazy just thinking about it. Then, the fish stays down for 10 seconds and feeling the anticipation of how big it really is!! Then my only concern is deciding whether or not to get the net!

The Graduate! and I'm 51

To me the two worst on the meramec are Pacific Palisades and River Round. If you want to be safe in the River Round area there is a private put in called Frogs Landing. I think the owners charge $5 to launch a boat... but to me, it's worth it. By Pacific Palisades you can go to Allenton access which seems to be better.

The closer you get to the Mississippi you'll find the whites. That area below River Round is also a place I catch a bunch of hybrid Smallie/spots. Be careful at that boat ramp too!

good advice Joe... I do like bandits though, especially in the heat of the summer/low water when the small crank bait bite is on.

Yep, not mowing my grass as often and the tiny areas missed by my sprinkler system arc are getting that dull green look. According to Weatherman Dave Murray ( you may or may not believe him) June is going to be the hottest month this whole year. Even hotter than July and August! hard for me to believe but we are almost to the mid 90's already.

I think the depth and lack of boulders create a transition area that allows a bass to hide next to it and rush out to ambush prey in an open area. Kind of like a mudline in the water from the confluence of a creek into the main river. I've always caught a fish or 2 on boat ramps too!

This bears repeating

Agreed

being a commercial success has no link to talent

Ditto, I've got limited brain cells anyway, can't have Lady Gaga in there takin up much needed space

Glad to hear the smallies are coming back! Great report.....that will teach you to go back to Montana!

Dandy smallie Blazer!

Couldn't have said it any better! Also feel that way about CGI in movies, not much left to get excited about anymore