Bassmasters Open

[Dudley]

Quick question, did ole Roland actually go grab the net for his coangler when needed?

[Ham]

x eleventy billion.

I live 9 miles from lake norfork and I couldnt give a crap about fishing it. give me moving water any day of the week.

If your statement is truth and not hyperbole, you are horribly misguided and shorting yourself. But that's cool, your I only fishing moving water badge looks great.

[gotmuddy]

I prefer rivers to lakes. the pressure on the river is almost nil compared to the lakes, and the scenery is better.

[Bird Watcher]

I think I'll stick with my river fishing. This lake stuff just has way to much ego. Pro or not. Seems $$$ always gets in the way of humbleness and common sense.

If you go river fishing with me, you always get the front seat and always get on the fish first.

Carry on boy's, I am enjoying the read.

You do realize that everyone who fishes a lake isn't a pro bass angler don't you? It has nothing to do with lake vs. river. I guarantee you that I enjoy some of the most peaceful, beautiful, and enjoyable days a person could ever ask for on the lake, granted they are mostly up the river arms. I don't fish competively either- Unless it's with the old man. I'd probably rather see him win though so I don't know if it counts.

Sorry for the rant, I always just get irked at a "us vs. them" statement. We are all outdoor enthusiasts. Together we stand, divided we fall.

[Gavin]

Interesting read. This Pro-Am format seems like a fertile ground for conflict...Gas Money seems fair regardless, but there is no way that I'd spend a day in a boat with a person I cant stand. What kind of recourse do you have if you get stuck with a jerk? I'd be out of that boat ASAP, heck with the entry fee & gas money.

[ness]

3 pages, and I had to take a peek...

This sure seems like a lot of different ways to screw up a day of fishing. Blech.

[Gilly]

3 pages, and I had to take a peek...

This sure seems like a lot of different ways to screw up a day of fishing. Blech.

[/quote

No kidding. Thank goodness fishing is for relaxation in our family. It's the price of the gas that causes the angst in our boat. I couldn't imagine taking it so seriously, yikes.

[Chief Grey Bear]

You do realize that everyone who fishes a lake isn't a pro bass angler don't you?

Well no I didn't. Not from most of the post anyways. But let me let you in on another little known secret. In the first 20 years of my fishin, I spent a hell of a lot of time on the lakes. But as the boats got bigger and the motors got faster, so did the egos and attitudes. There is enough drama on the roadways for me. I don't need it on the water too.

It has nothing to do with lake vs. river. No I don't guess it does. I still fish lakes on occasion. But only in early spring. Before the azzholes start running. And I ain't just talking fishermen either. Once swimming/tubing/skiing weather comes on, you couldn't pay me to be on the lake.

I guarantee you that I enjoy some of the most peaceful, beautiful, and enjoyable days a person could ever ask for on the lake, granted they are mostly up the river arms. I have had many a great day on the lake too. 30 years ago. Funny you are running all the way up the river arms though to enjoy yourself.

I don't fish competively either- Unless it's with the old man. I'd probably rather see him win though so I don't know if it counts. I don't either. I don't have anything to prove to anyone.

Sorry for the rant, I always just get irked at a "us vs. them" statement. We are all outdoor enthusiasts. Together we stand, divided we fall.

That is odd that you say that. This whole thread reads to be the AM's against the Pro's. And you want to try and bust my chops for saying that I'll stick to the rivers. Time to step off of your high horse there cowboy.

[abkeenan]

Chief Grey Bear don't take it personal. Jeez. To call everyone that enjoys the lake (fisherman, boaters, tubers, waverunners) azzholes is a little offensive and generalizing. I do all of thee above and am no asshole and neither is my family who participate in these activities. Everyone is entitled to enoy the beautiful area/lake as long as it is still PUBLIC. Are there jerks that come out and act like morons on the water (in various water going vessels)????? Sure. There are jerks in all walks of life from work to church to fisherman. I think the majority of people are good people but yet again the old adage of one bad apple ruining the bunch applies here and that is a shame.

On another note, I have never fished a pro-am tournament and was thinking of giving it a whirl at some point starting next year. So thanks to all of your comments and opinions as it is VERY insightful and loaded with info that I needed. I want to be as polite as possible even if the pro is not. I have no idea as to what is the norm.

So a few more questions:

1. How many rods can you bring onto the pro's boat?

2. Is a large soft tackle box with the plano 3600s fine to bring aboard or should you downsize? Again no clue.

3. Food and Beverage? What is the deal here? Do you guys eat during a tournament? Small soft cooler with water and sandwich, etc?

4. If the AM is snagged is it rude to ask the Pro to go get the bait? Just break off?

5. Do you provide your own life vest?

6. Do you net each others fish? Seems polite but if a mistake is made netting on my end I would just assume jump in the water and swim home and feel awful.

7.. Do you arm wrestle for gas money fee at the end of the day?

Thanks-

Brett

[Bird Watcher]

Whoa there Chief, guess that really hit a nerve.

How dare I? Talk about an ego. Roland Martin ain't got nothing on you, "cowboy"

Maybe you could take him on a guided trip of center creek or spring river and see who's ego sinks the canoe.