Hellabass Prefish at Bassmaster Series Le Homme Deu Chain

Pics and Info at The Bass Hole


Grand Lake Bassmaster Elite Series Champion Mike McClelland
He absolutely smoked the entire field and won by a staggering 15-09 margin.

What I've been up too.

I've turned into a slithering reptile in the TLLB ecosystem, wonder when that happened?

Pre-fished Osakis on Wed. more on that later.

Didn't feel well yesterday, bad head and back aches

I've got a new trolling motor. More on that later.

Holy Schmallies
Caught by FLW Rookie Michael Murphy . Story on the Guy from Bass Fan.

BP sends out Memorial Day gratitude to all soldiers who served this nation. God Bless America!

Pic from the launch on Mille Lacs. Story Here

The Weather edited(from earlier today): It has been rumbling for the last 45 minutes and it has gotten very dark outside. I love a good thunderstorm, just waiting for it to punch. It has started to rain with a medium downpoor... It eventually came down pretty good with some marble sized hail. The temp went from 92 to 74.

Blogs that BP recommends:
Fishing Jones
Ezods
Hellabass One & 2
The Bass Hole

BP finds a new search engine: Dogpile I'm one of the many who are miffed that Google didn't put a tribute to our soldiers on Memorial Day.

Sunday May 28, 2006

BP VS. Cyberfish Bass Opener 2006

Tommorrow is supposed to be hot again. I don't have a plan but I'm scheming to get rid of that Minn Kota Endura trolling motor as fast as I can.

Family News
Congratualtions to my older brother Jeff for being accepted to Hamline Law school with a generous merit scholarship. So William Mitchell, what is thy offer?

Mom got a speeding ticket in Florida

I got a call from Isabelle Todd and Kristen yesterday

Devin Sage lost Grandma Maas to the road as of yesterday. Mom is heading north.

Liveblogging the 2006 MN Bass Opener

I didn't repeat last years mistake and got up early to hit the PRO where the early bird gets the worm. I woke up at 5:00 and was on the water by 5:35. It was a cool 67 with a bit of a SE breeze already stirring the air. I headed straight for the Platte River Outlet.

Upon Arrival I had several rods rigged and ready to go. I picked up the white swim jig and reddish purple trailer first. I got a hit on my very first cast but it was a pike. The Swim Jig was getting to caught up in the rice and so I switched to a green Zoom Horny Toad, shortly after starting to throw that I landed a 13.75" bass. Shortly after that I landed a 16.75" fish on the Horny Toad, then I landed a 17" bass with the swim jig. I then caught another 13.75" on the Toad and then a pike and then a 12" bass.

I had started making my way into the river at this point and another boat was coming in there with me. I landed a 15" right in front of these other two guys. They proceeded to go right in front of me and start fishing almost immediately the guy in the front of the other boat caught a 14-16" fish. I kind of worked slowly allowing for us to have some separation. I then started thoroughly working the wind blown side of the river. I caught a couple of 12 inchers then I got 2 that were 15-16", this was fishing behind these two guys. I narrowed the gap between us and decided to split.

I went to a semi-protected part of the PRO outside of the river. The slop was thick enough that it was Snagproof Frog time. I started by throwing a white frog and was shortly rewarded with a 16" bass. A little bit later I caught a 15" fish. I switched to a brown Snagproof Bobby's Perfect Frog, I got a bite and broke off, I'm not sure if it was a pike or not. Disappointed I tied on a Black Red Sparkle Frog and kept fishing. I worked my way to the river mouth then headed to the south shore of the PRO. All I got on the south shore was a few hits from Pike.

I then headed into "Old Cabin Bay" to do a little dock fishing except the good dock run was all covered up by parked panfish fishermen. I moved beyond them and started on docks with a black and green jig. I got a few on the docks and missed a few but nothing bigger than 15" and the fishing was fairly slow. I headed in about 11 O Clock. Overall I did alright. Conditions started to get tough with that wind, there were a ton of people on their docks or out in boats, it was a zoo out there by 9AM.

And then I took a nap

I went out for about 45 minutes around 4:30PM. I was fishing docks in our bay with the black and green jig. I managed to get one little bass. Didn't see much activity but a few sunnies. I left my polarized glasses here at the house. I got back to the house by 5:30 and shortly after that Mike "Cyberfish" Thompson arrived and we had dinner. He had been out on Mille Lacs hammering crappie and sunnies. He said he saw a lot of bedding Larry's and Sally's but could not get them to bite. After Dinner Mike cleaned crappie for a fish fry tomorrow.

We decided to go out around 7:30 in the calm area just to the East of our place. I got one 12"bass and Mike had a couple of follows. This area is full of rice which caused the Trolling Motor to overheat and now I have no working forward speeds. NICE! Fricking Minn Kota piece of crap.

Tomorrow is supposed to be warmer and more windy than today. Dad will have a look at the trolling motor tomorrow. I have a sinking feeling that I will be using our old trolling motor for at least the first couple of tournaments. I think it will work out ok provided I don't have to fight millfoil or rice. Tomorrow with the high winds and boat out of commission Mike and I may go float tubing on a little lake.

Tournament Reports 2005 for Knife and Platte Sullivan are up at the Tourny HQ.

MN Bass Openner is now just under 24 hours away!

The Plan: Wake up at day break and hit the PRO, from there it's anybodies guess but I will be out today looking for beds and bass activity. I suspect I'll be throwing lots of jigs and trick worms at docks with maybe a little bit of action in the slop. It's supposed to be quite windy and warm.

Mike Thompson will be coming up on Sat. night and we will hit the lake after church on Sunday which is supposed to be into the 90's. We may hit Mille Lacs if it's nice on Sun. or Mon.

Gar at The Bass Hole has been whackin and stackin

Mosquito's the little buggers started to be out in force today with the warm weather. Bass openner is now just a few short hours away. Visions of Snagproof Tournament Frogs will be dancing in my head tonight.

Hellabass wins at Wapo

BP fishes with Gordy

Mille Lacs Launch with Dad

BP Feature: BP's 2006 Tournament Outlook Part 1

Picture of Devin Sage Maas

This is what Uncle Todd had to say at his blog.

Welcome....

Devin Sage Maas my wonderful new little niece coming in at 21 1/2 inches and 8lbs 7oz at 4:51a.m.

I am an uncle again. So welcome little one, my prayer for you would be that you would know Jesus, know Jesus, Know Jesus and that you would grow in wisdom and mercy. Wisdom and Mercy will be your the 2 godly attributes that I will pray be raised up in you.

Congrats Steve and Kim and of course Haley! I'm sure you are exhausted. Love you,

Uncle Todd

We are all very excited!!!!!!

Fishing Rod and Reel Story from My Fishing Chronicles- "Fishing is a Passion." This is one good fishing blog, lots of pictures and stories.

Gar with Big Korean bass at The Bass Hole.-Check it out!

In case BP fans are wondering, why all the blogging. It's kind of cool outside and I don't think the fishing will be that great, plus bass aren't officially open, plus the weather is supposed to take a turn for the better starting tommorrow; that's why I blog today.

The first BASS Major is over with Peter T taking home $250,000 at the Bassmaster Memorial.

Check out this Blog: Bassin' the Net (a very fishy blog)

Devin Is Born! Plus Misc

Hooray! my Brother Steve and Sister in law Kim had Devin Sage Maas at 4:40AM. She was 21" inches and 8lbs7ozs. I haven't seen any pictures yet, but Steve says she is definitely a little Maas. The labor went on for 15 or 16 hours. Poor Kim had a terrible time of it, but everything is good now.

Hellabass has his first tournaments of the summer this weekend. Preview

Because we are fishing these two tournaments "No Cull", it changes how I may go about things. I feel pretty confident I could start out with Jerkbaits & lipless cranks and get a limit in the morning. If I do that and females make themselves easy pickings in the afternoon, then I am hosed because I am stuck with a livewell full and I cannot cull them out. So if the water looks right, I may just start the morning looking for bigger fish.

Although traditionally our May club tournaments are pretty stingy, so I may put the first few keepers in the box regardless of size. I have been burned before by throwing keepers back. I feel there is a pretty solid chance there will be some fish ready to spawn by tomorrow afternoon.

I don't know about in the Amery area but up here the weather threw a curve ball from the actual forecast. It was nice up until about 11 and then the clouds rolled in the wind picked up and it even rained for a while. This front wasn't supposed to come through so fast. The bite up here on Sullivan for pike went from so so to tough. I hope Hellabass wasn't counting on the bite getting better as the day wore on.

Have I been dissed?

Anyhow, if you want a target to shoot for, it makes more sense to target Instapundit than Bass Pundit.

via basil's blog

Man he could have used any of the other 143 other Pundits out there, but NO basil chooses to smack me around.

Actually I thought it was funny. I think I'm gonna add it to the top of my page.

Today...

Was a nice day a wee bit windy. I hung out most of the afternoon throwing the frisbee to Pattie Lou. Eventually I braved the wind and went out fishing. I caught 3 Pike including a strong 29" that made my day. I also had a break off and caught several bass. I fished Sullivan.

Tommorrow I will be heading to Lake Minnetonka for the inagural Fishers of Men 3rd Thursday Outing. At this point I expect to be the only boat out there. Oh well.

More trolling motor problem, my bracket broke, but dad worked out a pretty good fix for me. Minn Kota Endura transom mounts are junk for serious fisherman, step up to the Maxxum's.

Brought the Widow Olson some fish to eat and she repaid me with a choclate bar and banana bread. Had fish for dinner, yum.

Still no word on Kim, tommorrow must be the day

Tommorrow is the start of the Bassmaster Memorial Major-be sure to get those Fantasy Bass Rosters up to date.

All for now.

How much longer until bass opener? Anyone seen any dogfish I can catch?

It's been a pretty lethargic last couple of days, I did get the boat cleaned and visited the Minnesota Fishing Museum with Dad yesterday.

Go check Hellabass for some interesting Wapo informationO. I am amazed that he would write about his pre-fish before the tournament was over. Or maybe he was doing PsyOps with the competition.

Here is Cyberfish's openner report: via Catch-N.com

No walleyes for me either. We took some kids out on a pontoon for some pike
and crappies. the lake I wanted to fish had too shallow ramp for the toon.
Decided to mosey on over to whaletail, where I have heard rumors of huge pike
and slabs. Well, I am sure they are in there, but we didnt find em. The bass
must have known the season was closed, cuz that is all that was biting! I threw
a huge spinner with a heavey steel leader, but only got two nice bass. Mitch our
best GEM fishing guide boated a huge bass over 21inches and full of eggs. No
pike not even a hammer handle, no crappies, one kid got a couple of sunfish on
waxworms. Everyone had a good time, we got out of the wind and it didnt rain too
much.

Kim, I think you should have your baby today;)

Opener in 4 Parts

Opening Report Part 1:
I'm Back. The wind and waves were howling in out of the East which means I couldn't cast very well. After about 6 to 10 casts I was out of there. If the wind stays like that than the Eddy's Jetti may be pretty good tomorrow during the day.

Opening Report Part 2:
I've spent the day so far inside relaxing, the weather has been cool rainy and windy, but plan to get out in a bit. Here is the results so far from the Gov., Governor, first lady reel in walleyes.

Opening Report Part 3:
Around 3PM or so I started getting around to getting the boat ready in a steady drizzle to light rain to steady downpour. I was not thrilled about this. When the boat finally launched I trolled a Excaliber Floater Shad for Pike and Walleye's. I got a pike and then the motor started giving me trouble so I headed into the little east bay. I got 3 small pike and a bass. From there I headed into Sullivan and trolled the Excaliber Floater Shad for Pike and Walleye's with no results. I then headed to the South side of the Pro. I started with throwing a swim jig and caught a small bass immediately. Shortly after that a pike separated me from the swim jig. I put on a spinnerbait and worked all the way into the river. I got 2 more small pike and a bass. I was getting hungry and so I headed back into Platte. I decided to troll with the Excaliber Floater Shad for Pike and Walleye's when I was between the two Islands. Trolling in I whacked a 5-6lb Northern and then I decided I was good and headed in.

Opening Report Part 4:
The weather was finally clearing up and so I decided to head to Mille Lacs and Eddy's Jetty. The reports from Mille Lacs today have been that the fish were on fire. I waited until I saw all the fishing stuff on the 10 O'clock news and then headed out. Between 10:45 and Midnight I landed 4 Eyes all off the same spot on the Jetty. The first two were a 15" keeper and 19" keeper. I then landed a 21.5" slot fish and 20.5" slot fish. After casting for another 15 minutes or so without a bite I decided that was good and left.

Not a bad end to a somewhat crappy day.

Heading out to open at Eddy's Jetty. Developing...

Pre-Opener Thoughts

Minnesota Pro Jim Moynagh is leading the FLW Kentucky Lake Tournament.
BassFan Story
FLW Story
FLW Quick bites

Pre-Opener Thoughts:
Tomorrow night at Midnight is the start of "The Opener," the weekend that marks Minnesota's open season for the state fish Walleye and the toothy Northern Pike. "The Opener" comes with a great deal of hoopla and anticipation amongst the angling crowd; It is a rite of Spring.

I do look foreword to "The Opener" but it is not the end all be all for me because it doesn't open the season for bass. I must note it is OK to catch bass provided you are fishing for northerns, walleye, dogfish, or panfish. It's still a couple of weeks away before I can break out the full arsenal of bass catching bliss. In the meantime I do enjoy fishing for both pike and walleye and will do a little of both over the weekend and throughout the rest of the open water season.

The weather is supposed to be cool and breezy with a hint or two of some rain. Not the greatest but not outright cold wet with gale force winds either. If the weather was better I would be hitting the water hard. As it stands I will take it easy. I will probably head to Eddy's for some midnight shore fishing. When I wake up on Saturday I will venture out on Platte/Sullivan to see how many hammer handles I can catch. The weather should be good for catching pike. I may even try to troll for walleyes a little bit.

The weather is supposed to be better for Sunday and I may hit the big pond on Sunday night before the night ban goes into effect on Monday.

Those are the plans, report to follow.

2005 Horseshoe 2 Tournament Report

Fishers of Men Spring Outing BP Report.

Team Bass 2005 Tournament Report Sauk Lake

Team Bass 2005 Tournament Report North & South Center

Fantasy Bass Fishing Update

2nd Dogfish of the Year

2nd Dogfish of the Year
Got a 21incher tonight on a white Stanley Phantom. May have had another follow.

Happy Birthday Kim!

1st Dogfish of the Year!
Yesterday I went to Mille Lacs for a little bit of multi-species angling. I started in the Isle Island Canal for panfish. I caught 2 small crappies 1 sunfish and one milting perch. There were tons of baitfish in this canal along with several muskie; At one point I had two 40 something inch muskies swimming side by side right under the boat. Apparently the crappie had been going good in the canal up until the cold weather a couple of days ago.

As the day wore on I deceded to try "Dogfish Nirvana" which is a very small bay over by the State Park Isle Bay. For some reason there always seems to be dogfish in this particular cut. I got in there and started tossing a 1/2White Jig and pig. As I made my way in I spotted a nice doggy right in front of me. I was able to make a couple of casts and bounce the jig off his white nose, but he didn't bite. The boat then passed over the fish and I had to spin around. I respotted the fish and cast passed it. I then hopped the bait closer and closer, sure enough it struck and I set the hook. I fought the dogfish until it was plum wore out and then I netted it. It was a dark fish (looked a lot like doggy drawing above) that measured 30inches. YES! What a way to start for doggies this year.

I think I saw another smaller fish in "Dogfish Nirvana" too.

Fish attractant scare reported at Bassfan

Various news outlets are reporting that a leaky bottle of J.J.'s Magic Dippin Dye fish attractant yesterday forced the closure of the Hueytown, Ala. post office. In addition, 20 workers were sent to hospitals in the Birmingham area.

Apparently, officials were at first unsure whether the concoction was lethal. The Associated Press reported that six workers had difficulty breathing and were rushed to hospitals as a decontamination measure. Others reported a burning sensation in their throats.

And as its name implies, J.J.'s Magic Dippin Dye also contains lure dye. Workers initially thought the substance was caustic and had burned the floor.

The threat of a terrorist attack is anything but funny, and BassFan, every day, thanks the men and women who put themselves in harm's way to keep up safe. But there is one line of an AP report on the event that we got a chuckle from, and you might too: "Many anglers are familiar with such concoctions and use it without any protection."

No dogfish yet. I've only had one good day with the Crappies.

The Weather: To nice to blog.

Fishing Goals 2006

Fishing Goals 2006

Crappie:
1. Catch 14inch or bigger
2. Find the Crappies this spring on Platte

Dogfish:
1. Repeat as MN Bowfin Grand Champion
2. Catch a State Record Doggy (Current Record 10lb15oz 32"/15"- 31"/14.5")

Walleye:
1. Catch a 30inch fish.

Pike:
1. Win or place in the money in Hillman Lions Platte Lake Pike Tournament (August)

Bass:
1. Catch a 21plus inch or 7lb Largemouth
2. Catch a 21plus inch or 6lb Smallmouth
3. Catch 40 Bass@ or over 19inches or 4lbs.
4. Catch 60 Smallmouth.

Team Bass Trail:
1. Win 2 Tournaments (1@Horseshoe)
2. Win Big Bass 2 Times
3. Place in the Money 4 times
4. Never Finish below 10th place
5. Limit every tournament
6. Average over 2.25lbs per fish
7. Make the Super Stars Tournament

New Lakes to Fish:
Osakis (Team Bass)
Bordon

SPRO Stuff:

Here is what I won in the Spro Monthly online prize drawing.

Two Spro Visors
A Black Spro Polar Fleece Pull Over
Roland Martin Signiture Aruku Shad 75 Blue Shiner
Roland Martin Signiture Aruku Shad 75 Red Craw
Roland Martin Signiture Spro Dawg 100 Silver Black
Roland Martin Signiture Spro Dawg 100 Chart.
Charlie Ingram Special Fat Crank 20 Firetiger
Charlie Ingram Special Fat Crank 20 Shad
Charlie Ingram Special Crank 25 Baby Bass
Charlie Ingram Special Crank 25 Parrot

So far I'm quite impressed with the quality of the baits, although I have not caught any dogfish with them. I like the Spro Dawg better than the Lucky Craft Sammy of similiar size. The Spro Dawg throws a country mile. The Aruku's look like they will be fish catchers. The Fat Cranks are super shallow runners like Mann's Minus 1's and the Crank 25's are a unique bait that is shaped just like a small sunfish or perch. When bass season opens these baits should get serious consideration. Unfortunatly I did not get any of those new Dean Rojas Bronze Eye Frog's, but beggars can't be choosers.

It's that time of year again, so once and for all.
BP's Philosophy of MN Closed Bass Season over at Bass Pundit Preach

Hellabass on Wrapped Boats

The Weather: Has been unseasonably warm, so I've been fishin instead of blogging. Also this computer is a bit mixed up right now so that's been a factor in my non-blogging as well.

Boat in the water, motor fired right up. YES!

BP Fishing Report: Rock Off

Can Shin do it agaIN?

In case you are unaware Japanese Angler, 2004 FLW Angler of the Year, Shinichi Fukae is in the hunt at Beaver Lake Wal-Mart open to win the $200,000 first place prize. This would be his second FLW tour victory of the year. He won $100,000 at Lake Okeechobee, the first tournament of the year. It is quite a test to win a 200 boat field Pro Tour tournament, two in one season would be incredible.

FLW Walmart Open Live blogging:
It 's down to Shin and Mark Rose, both have 1 fish left and Shin has a 2lb7oz advantage.

Mark Rose weighs his last fish: Has a Smallie it weighs 2-2 he needed 2-7 to take the lead Shin Wins Shin Wins !

Shin's winning weight 21lbs a full 2lbs15ozs bigger than Mark Rose in 2nd.

Shin's Win BassFan Shin's Win FLW Online

The Weather: Mid 50's no wind, I'm going fishing.

BP Fishing Report: Rock Again

Rock ON today's report from Rock Lake.

Ice Off !
Platte Lake April 6th
Sullivan Lake April 7th
Rock Lake April 7th
Long Lake April 7th
Erskine Lake April 6th

We didn't get the rain that the twin cities had, but that didn't matter. We are free and clear.

The Weather: Extended Forecast Bring it on!

Bass Fishing and Other Things 2006 Bass Fishing Goal

Bassfan Big Sticks are done blogging from Beaver

BassFan Cartoons:

Also at Scalesandtales.net obviously.

Platte Lake Ice Out Update: I'm going with tomorrow for the official "Platte Ice Out Day" even though the big western and big northern bay will still be ice covered but our bay will be ice free thus Jenny's launch would be open along with about 70% or more of the lake. I could fish the lake tomorrow so tommorrow it will be.

Other Area Lakes: Long (80-90%) Erskine (20% or less ice cover) Rock (60% or more ice cover) Whitefish (50% ice cover) Shakopee (70% ice cover) Sullivan (70% Ice Cover, River Area 100% open) Mille Lacs (99% but I could float the slip slop over fishable water in Wigwam, and probably in Isle) 2006 MN Ice out status.

Goings on at the GOMH

Explain this to me : At the recent Bassmaster's Elite Series Tournament at Santee Cooper Kevin Van Dam and Alton Jones were disqualified for breaking the rules. (For background click on names). For more background read here

Here are the applicable rules:
Rule 3: "During both the official practice and the tournament, a competitor may not have the assistance or advice of anyone for the purposes of locating or catching bass, nor enter the tournament waters with anyone who has been on the tournament waters during the off-limits period including, but not limited to, a professional guide, state or federal wildlife agency employee, or any other person deemed an "expert" on these tournament waters by the tournament director, unless they are a competitor in the tournament."

Rule 12: "In pro-am type events, pros will fish from the front deck, non-boaters from the rear deck, no exceptions. Non-boaters are only allowed to drive the boat in emergency situations in both practice and competition with the exception of loading and unloading from trailers."

Now in Kevin's case the "non-boater" who was "a competitor" drove the boat in a non-emergency situation and that garnered the DQ. I think this punishment was harsh and unnecessarily severe, but clearly KVD broke the rules.

In Alton Jones case he was disqualified because his son "Little Alton" was on the front deck spotting fish. In light of both rule 3 and 12 Alton was in violation of the rules. "Little Alton" was not a "competitor in the tournament" thus helping his dad find fish would put him in violation of the rule 12 and being on the front deck in violation of rule 3.

However, I have learned that angler Randy Howell was looked into for violating the rules but was not disqualified. According to the story at Bassfan this what happened:

On the first day of practice I had my brother-in-law practicing with me. We got hung up on a stump, and it was one of those situations. He cranked it up to get me off the stump and idle me over in an emergency situation, which is legal

Now never mind the definition of emergency situation or not, Randy clearly admits he was practicing with his brother in law who was not a "competitor" in the tournament. Should not Randy Howell have been guilty of breaking Rule 3?

I just do not see how it is legally allowed for a boater to fish with a non-boater who is not also a competitor. Someone explain it to me, please?

Platte Ice Out Update: The rain and wind have been chipping away. From what I can tell the lake is now 30to40% open with a real shot at being fully open in the next couple of days.

New Platte Ice Out Prediction: April 5th

Preston Clark sets record at Santee Cooper plus BASS AOY current standings.

It is that time of year folks
MN Ice off status 2006
MN Ice off status 2005
MN Ice off status 2004
MN Ice off status 2003
MN Ice off status 2002
MN Ice off status 2001
MN Ice off status 2000
MN Ice off status 1999

Be sure to visit the Bass Hole now that he is fishing again.

On the FishingMinnesota.com Bass Forum this question was asked by SLP:

I'm just curious what people think a great day on a Minnesota lake would be from a quantity standpoint fishing for Bass with 2 guys in the boat. 10? 20? 30? 50? 100? The few people I have talked to say 75 plus days are pretty common in the spring(late May early June). What do you think?

Now instead of answering the question in a straight foreword answer, most responses consist of talking about how any day fishing is a good day and quantifying it does not matter blah blah blah. Finally after a bunch of those sophist responses Tom Wilson answers with this:

SLP,
While you got a few answers here, and they are all right on about the company you keep, I don't think anyone answered your question. From the end of may (after opener) until about the 4th of July, for two people in a boat fishing for an average 6-7 hours 100+ fish is not uncommon at all. At that time of year, shallow water fish are the key, and if you know what you're doing, then 50 bass apiece is absolutely doable.

BP's responce: I am a fisherman that is geared to pay attention to numbers and so feel qualified to offer an informed responce. I think the answer depends upon the lake being fished, the weather conditions, and the pattern/presentation being used.

Obviously some lakes have better bass populations than other lakes and that will be the number 1 deciding factor of guiding expectations for bass "by the numbers." 2 Guys would be having a pretty darn good day on Platte/Sulivan if they could put 50 fish in the boat. On Sylvia/Twin in Wright County catching 50 is probably an easy mark, 75-100 about average and 100+ a pretty good day with 125 to 200 fish days possible. I don't know which lakes or rivers Mr. Wilson fishes but I would say calling 100+ fish days "doable", meaning in somewhat common, is a bit of a stretch. You have to really be whacking them pretty good to be boating 20 fish an hour for 5 straight hours; many lakes just are not capable of that type of output.

As I mentioned before the weather conditions and pattern fished obviously play a role. If the fish are shut down because of conditions than even a great bass lake can be pretty stingy. Also if you a chuncking a jig at docks, 100 fish days are gonna be the exception rather than the rule even on a great dock bass lake.

Overall I would say the normal range for a "good day" for 2 people in a 8 hour day would be between 40-80 fish, 90-120 a very good day, 120+ phenominal.

The Weather: Today was below normal cool and cloudy. Despite that a several acre large patch of water has openned up the NE corner of the main bay on Platte. Had we gotten that rain and the sun that was predicted today than there probably would have been serious momentum towards ice off being next week. As it stands I'm sticking with yesterday's prediction.

Is it Friday already?

The Weather: We didn't get the big warm rain I was hoping for. Today was cool and windy.

BP's Predicted Platte Ice Out Date (As of today): April 9th

Fantasy Bass Note: As of today BP'sObro assumed the lead position in the fishers of men league and 4 of the 6 posse members are in the top 50.

Ice Conditions Platte Lake: 10inches of honeycombed ice.

I went out fishing today and the ice was rotten from top to bottom. It never got below freezing last night and the wind worked the water on top of the ice through the ice column. The lake has even turned dark at this point. Open water could be here within a week if the correct conditions prevail, which they just might.

BTW-Didn't catch anything but saw a pike go by high in the water column.

Kevin Van Dam's DQ Full BassFan Story here.

BP's Take: One thing wrong with the current state of professional bass fishing is the state of rules in relation to violation enforcement. Often the time DOES NOT fit the crime. I don't understand why a disqualification is the default punishment for a rule infraction. A minor rule violation, such as Van Dam's oversight, should not in my mind rob a competitor of the chance to be competitive in a tournament; There are far more creative ways to mete out justice. What about weight penalties? fines? docking a person's blast off time? Instead of being creative and fair they hand out what amounts to a death sentence for a tournament. Hopefully this is something the PAA will be able to redress and get some positive action on.

Also frosting my cookies on this issue is this comment from FishingMinnesota.com Bass Forum.

Why is he such a class act? He was caught CHEATING, whats more damaging to the sport, a stuck up snob that follows rules or someone caught cheating? I like KVD dont get me wrong but he did something that he is not supposed to do period. friendly

KVD did not "CHEAT", he broke a rule or in basketball terminology he commited a foul.

Let us consider "CHEATING" vs. commiting a foul:
Putting lead weights in the belly of a fish, CHEATING! Putting fish in a box or on a Stringer to retrieve, CHEATING! Breaking lake restriction rules in pre-fishing, CHEATING! Culling in a no cull tournament, CHEATING. Blowing through a no wake zone, CHEATING

Forgetting to put your life jacket on, NOT CHEATING! Forgetting to wear the kill switch, NOT CHEATING! Failure to have a ratings plate on your boat, NOT CHEATING! Fishing in a restricted area, NOT CHEATING! provided you don't catch and keep a fish out of the area otherwise, CHEATING! Fishing without a licence, NOT CHEATING! Having a observer hold a branch, NOT CHEATING!

Updated: The KVD DQ cost him Angler of the Year, which he would have won going away. He nearly won it as it was finishing 2nd to Ike.

The Weather: It was a little above normal today even though it was overcast. The forcast is for more of the same the next few days. Hooray. Took Patti and Lilah for a walk on the ice and it was slush city. Finally a good weather day for melting ice.

Reel Problem: Life is sweet when your baitcasting fishing reels are brand new; They are properly lubricated, smooth as a whistle, and everything works. I am hard on my baitcast reels and all of them have too many seasons under their belt. I have several reels that are broken down and all of my reels really could use being being professionally gone over. Most of the working reels have glitches or are in need of cleaning and lubrication, which is something that I don't have a knack for. I've been frustrated a couple of times having paid for service that was less than satisfactory in result, needless to say those places do not get any more business from me.

In addition to that, I have added one more rod to my arsenal than I have working reels. What to do, What to do?

Belated Tournament Report from Last Summer: Team Bass Guy /Gal Tournament Sylvia Twin July 23rd 2005

The Weather: It has turned warmer though still below normal. There is significant open water at the "Grumpy old man hole." It is supposed to be warmer with rain this week. I say, Bring it AAAAWWWWWWWWWWWNNNNN!

Grumpy Old Man Sighting: Last night I scratched that itch and went to the GOMH to do some fishing in above said open water while on my way to pick up dad at the new house. As expected I caught nothing. The water is very low right now. I then went to the East Access to see if anyone was ice fishing Sullivan. Lo and behold there was the grand pooh bah of GOM, Willard was at the access. Apparently he and Lee Ander had been out terrorizing little sunfish for the afternoon. He had a pale full of just big enough to clean one's. I had a good time listening to Willard talk; he had a story about a guy who he nearly saw drown last year and a story about almost getting wet getting off the Gull River.

Gar has been out fishing at a new Bass Hole

From BassFan: Show Me The Money:Veteran Pros Dispute Myth of Fishing Riches
BP comments: Frankly I am not surprized by the fact that all but a select few (KVD, Rick Clunn) have it tough when it comes to making ends meet as a Tour Pro

MN Tournament Fishing Schedule 2006

Hellabass Hypes ST.JUDE'S charity bass tournament- Check it out.

10,000 Hits for the BP- It's about time.

The Weather: Things are finally looking up as the past couple of days up here have still been below average but above predicted. It's supposed to be in the mid to high 40's on Sunday and in the 50's in the middle of next week.

The Blogging: The computer has been acting funny, probably mostly due to a fan that isn't working. I'm also having a problem logging in the my ESPN/Fantasy Bass Fishing information.

Another Big Bass story

This from BassFan:

Kriet bushwacked 3/23/2006
At the recent Rayburn Bassmaster Elite Series event, Jeff Kriet was bushwacked by poachers – hole poachers. Granted he was fishing an area (known as the Deer Stand) that gets a lot of local pressure. But it sounds like courtesy was out the window.

"I slid in there the first day and caught 18 pounds real quick," Kriet said, so he was in a good spot (22nd) in the standings. Locals were watching, and on day 2 he went back and "had no less than 20" local boats with him, he said.

"I figured I'd have some pressure in there, but normally people will back off and give you a little leeway. This was unbelievable. These guys were catching big ones, holding them up and were keeping them all. There were times when I could flip to one guy's boat in the front of me and another guy's in the back of me."

Here's an illustrative anecdote: "This is no lie. I missed a fish, and turned around to get another Senko. I felt my line, and it was kind of frayed. Before I could retie and put another bait on, a guy slid in behind me, fished the same stump and caught that fish.

"It was so bad. I've never been so frustrated in my life. It was unbelievable.

"I had a mental breakdown," he added. "If I hadn't been running a wrapped boat with my name on it and all that, I would've self-destructed."

He said he felt it was pointless talking to the other boats, which apparently were not fishing a tournament. "They were local guys on spring break, and were saying things like, 'Maybe we ought to be in the tournament.'

"It was the most sickening thing I've ever seen in my life," Kriet said. "I should have just left. I shouldn't even have tried to go back in there (on day 2)."

He ended up 59th, less than a pound out of the money. "All I had to do was catch 10 pounds to make 10 grand, and I caught 9," he said.

Bummer Kriet was on my fantasy team.

The Bass Hole has landed his 1st Bass of the Year over in S. Korea

All the Lost Nomad has to say is Holy Crap (in responce to that Big Bass in Cali)

Dottie and I Won Something

Big Cali Bass:

BassFan Coverage, ESPN, Hellabass, Ohio BassFishing Blog , Ezods, Fishing Jones,

BP's Thoughts: I don't think a snagged fish, whether intentional or not, should merit consideration as a world record. They did the right thing and let it go, so maybe it will be caught again. Big Bass gotta feed.

The Weather: We have gone into a slightly below normal weather pattern, which is frustrating as all get out to me. At this time of year every day of below normal temps means another day of Ice cover on the lakes. With this years mild winter we were on track for an earlier ice out than the last couple of years but that eventuality is slowly slipping away. When is it gonna be 50 again?

I won something! I just got an email from Bigfishtools and Spro, to let me know I won the Spro monthly lure give away. Hopefully it includes a Bronze Eye Frog or two. Yeah!

Global Warming: Bring it on, cause so far we are in a slow thaw here in the North Country and the extended forcast is for more of the same and that sucks.

Hack wins at Sam Rayburn!

BASS Story
Bass Fan Story
Hackney Said:

"I learned that I am $100,000 richer."

Rayburn Lessons Learned.

BP Fishing Report for the last few days.

I miss open water.

BP's 2005 Big Bass Review is UP.

Daunted to the Dolphins

Culpepper thrilled to join Dolphins Well isn't that Special? The BP is NOT thrilled to see a second NFL Elite player leave the Purple for a pitance. Randy left because of the stupidity of Red and Tice, this one is the stupidity of Zygi and Childress. I cannot believe that we would give someone worth potentially so much for so little just because he wants to be traded. I thought this sports thing was supposed to be a "business" but the Vikings have been exercising the roster like it is some meaningless fantasy league. As a fan I am flummoxed and frustrated.

ON Culpepper...
I was a devoted fan of the guy and believed in him even when his performance was less than stellar. At this point I feel duped and don't wish the guy well. Unfortunatly I think he's got a lot of good football in him, with pass protection the guy is just scary good. He very easily could take Maimi to the Super Bowl, but I sure hope not. Keep throwing those pics and fumbling the ball Daunte, that would make me a happy fan.

Bass Pro's on the New Elite Series

"A different feel? No, not yet."

My Favorite responce: Edwin Evers who differs from everyone else.

Daily Pro Site-ING
See Steady Edwin Evers

Weather Report: The Shores of Platte Lake Minnesocold are Sunny but Cool today, with a lack of wind.


Congratulations! to veteran Bass Pro Zell Rowland who surpassed the B.A.S.S. Million dollar mark in Career earnings at the Amistad Elite Series Tournament.

Don't Forget: Fantasy Bass Fishing Roster Deadline for the "Lonestar Shootout."
The Pundit Picks are up now, too.

Fishing Report from Today: Mixed Bag

Lake Amistad Posse FBF Round UP is ready.

Don't miss Amistad Blogging from Hellabass.

Speaking of Amistad, the BassMaster Elite Series just concluded it's first tournament of the year there and it was a Toad Fest. The winner was
Ishama Monroe with 104-08. Ish is the only African American angler in the Bassmaster Elite series and as far as I know is the first ever African American to win an event in one of the biggest two pro tours.

Ishama is a west coast pro and by all accounts seems to be a really good guy. Ish is also doing the two tour thing, never more difficult than this year, and he has started out very strong . You can send him congratulations at his Message Board.

Here is something Funny: BASSMASTER BLING!

Kirby Puckett Tribute & Frogs

FLW Kirby Tribute
Powerline Tribute
Game Six: The Stuff of Legend Jim Souhan, Star Tribune
Reusse Tribute

BP's Tribute:I may not have gotten to a lot of Twins games when Kirby was a player, but I went to enough of them to wintess Kirby at his Hall of Fame best. Robbing home runs, throwing guys out at the plate, driving in the game winning run, stealing a crucial base. On TV, and through the radio, I witnessed Kirby do all that and so much more. Kirby was a true hero to me and so many other Minnesocoldian's. I read Kirby's book, collected his baseball cards and loved to hear him interviewed because the guy was so funny to listen too.

I was plenty aware that Kirby loved to fish, whether it was pictures of him at Little Jim's Bait Shop in Annandale or the tales told by Spike at Gander Mountain. Hopefully Spike at Living the Dream will eventually share some of his favorite Puckett stories.

Godspeed Kirby.

On BassFan Radio: Minnesota Pro Mark Fisher of Bear Facts and Fish Tales and Rapala is inteviewed. He talks about development of new products (Rapala) for the bass fishing enthusiast and their pro staff.

I really like the look of those new flat sided baits, if they catch fish anywhere near as well as the X-Rap than I'll be a happy camper. I am quite partial to those flat siders in the early part of the season.

Frogger:

There's a saying in bass fishing: "You can't win with the frog, but you can sure as heck lose with it." It's the mafia bait – first your friend, then your worst enemy. Why? Lost fish. Dump a 9-pounder on day 4 of an event and you'll remember it for the rest of your life. But today in Texas, at the Amistad Bassmaster Elite Series, Ish Monroe won with a lot of help from the frog.

Get the rest of the story on Ish Monroe and Fred Roumbanis who were Amistad Frogging Fools. Dean Rojas also said he was frogging it.

BTW-This year, I plan to throw frogs more than I ever have. Horny Toads, Sizmic's, Snag Proofs and Spro's; maybe I'll even pick up a Swamp Donkey if I see one.

Recovering from the flu-be back soon

FBF News: Pundit Picks are up for Amistad.

Breaking FBF News: Posse Member BP's Mommy has taken 9th place in the FLW Fishing Challenge for Pickwick Lake. She wins an official FLW Outdoors t-shirt and FLW Outdoors hat. I am sure mom will be so thrilled that she will give the stuff to me. If it wasn't for that 118th place Dave Wolak pick, she could have been looking at the $5K.

West Rush Lake Report: The Cyberfish secret spot was only good for Cyberfish and that for about 5 minutes. The schools of Crappies really seemed to be on the move today and the action was there for sporadic bursts, the average crappie size left something to be desired too. Overall we had a good time and when the sun was out, and there was no wind, it was a heck of a nice morning and early afternoon. Thank goodness it wasn't a BP vs. Cyberfish competition day because he pretty much cleaned everyones clock. Maybe I'll have to challenge him to a big Crappie Contest at next weeks G.E.M. Outing.

Is it Friday already? Hmm it's March as well.

IKE Meltdown Eyewitness:
I was down in the cities for the monthly Fishers of Men meeting yesterday. Our speaker was Mark Schutz Fishing Guide and Midwest Director of the Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail. His wife Nacole is the Minnesota East Division Director. Mark was in Florida last week and was an on the water eyewitness to the Bassmasters Classic Meltdown of Mike Iaconelli; in fact he had a sound bite, as a witness, on Sportscenter and BassCenter. Mark says that he was edited to make his remarks seem more sympathetic to Ike than he really was. Apparently Ike carried on worse than what was shown and Mark totally agreed that the DQ was the right call. He said that up until that point Ike had really been pretty tame in his celebrations with one mini-yell after he caught one around 4lbs.

Anyway, it was interesting to hear about his experiences. He said that 2006 Bassmasters Classic Champion Luke Clausen was fishing agonizingly slowly with the worm. Mark claimed, "it was the most boring fishing I've ever watched in my life." They did see him land a couple and break off a couple of good fish.

FLW Pickwick: Day 3 FLW story, Quick Bites, and BassFan

BP Notes: Tommorrow I will be Ice Fishing on West Rush Lake with the Fishers of Men Club. Also we are getting to that time of year when the Tulibee come out to play.

Fantasy Bass Super 6 Pick'em Magician: Blogger Hellabass was tied for third overall in the ESPN/BASS Fantasy Bass game Super 6 Pick'em.

How did the Posse Do? Click Here!

Daily Bass Pro Site-ING:
Matt Herren

Breaking News: (pun) BassFan is reporting that Mike "IKE" Iaconelli has been dumped by Ranger Boats for his behavior at the just concluded BassMasters Classic despite an apology by Ike.

For those who do not know: Ike forgot to turn on his livewell and his fish were near death with possibly a couple having expired. Ike went berzerk and kicked the transom light post, which also had an American Flag attached; The light post bent badly. Ike then proceeded to rip it out of it's hole, break the pole in two, and throw it down in the middle of his boat all the while yelling profanities. He also may have thrown a dead fish or two back in the lake which would have been a tournament rule violation. Anyhow Ike had his weight disqualified for the day for violating the Sportsmanship Rules. Ike ended up finishing last.

FYI-He was fishing out of a Triton, not a Ranger at the time

Basically I haven't spoken out about the incident because I didn't care that much. I see it as a case of Ike the attension whore extrodrinaire doing what an attension whore will do for money. Looks like this stunt will actually cost him, beyond that DQ and last place. Probably deserves it for leaving his Fantasy Bass owners hanging in the wind like that. And no, he was not one of the Posse's picks. Actually I don't think being dropped by Ranger is that big of a deal so long as he keeps most of his other sponsors, which he probably will. Ike is an elite pro and has to have had accumulated quite a bit of wealth at this point. He won $200,000 at the Potamac River FLW Chevy Open just last year. Ike is an obnixious and arrogant pud, maybe this will knock him down a peg or two.

More on IKE at Ezods

FLW Fishing Challenge Deadline Tonight

FLW covering Luke Clausen's Bassmasters Classic win, and why not he's their Team Chevy/Ranger Angler.

Daily pro Site-ING:
Pick a Pro, any Pro
Pick your own for today on the BP list (scroll down on right side bar).

MY Bass Masters Classic Fantasy Bass Fishing Round Up is finished at the HQ.

Super Luke Clausen Bassmaters Classic Champion

I think "Super Luke" is a good name for this 27year old who has now won the $500,000 Bassmasters Classic Championship and a $500,000 FLW Tour Championship. Luke is more of a FLW pro than BASS/ESPN guy and to my knowledge will not even be fishing the BASS tour this year. His main Sponsorship obviously comes from Chevy and Ranger, not Toyota or Triton, Ouch!
Here is his website.

BASS/ESPN Story

Classic Top 25 Breakdown this one is interesting and lists the Top 25 in order.

Day 3 Notes

BassFan Story

Full On Classic Coverage Day 3 BP Style

Photo:Bassmaster
Can Terry Scroggins bag a huge sack and close the 5lb gap between himself and Luke Clausen to complete the biggest comeback in Classic History?

#1 Espn "On the Water" Live Leaderboard
#2 Odds on Favorites
#3 TV coverage of the final weigh in starts at 5:30 Eastern on the ESPN Flagship.
#4 For comprehensive Day 3 coverage, go here.

Classic Bloggers Update: Ezods is BMC Blogging

For Classic Conversation
Bass/ESPN Fantasy Bass Board
Fishing Minnesota- Bass
The Ultimate Bass Resource Guide
Uglo Klunkasaurus

Speaking of the Uglo- Someone there has cut and pasted the content off of the Official ESPN Bass Insider Classic (disgrace of a...) Blog, Way to go!

Lots of interest in this theft. For instance:

Posted 6:10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25, by Alan Clemons FLW Tour anglers Luke Clausen and Ron Shuffield are leading the Classic. If either one wins, it will be a public relations nightmare for BASS in the coming season. Clausen is sponsored by FLW entities and doesn't give a rip about BASS. This merely is bonus money for him. Shuffield has made no bones about his departure from BASS, through which he made his name, and has told just about anyone who will listen this week all his reasons for switching. Whoever wins, wins. So be it.

Interesting yes, worth paying for??? Put advertising on the page and a contribute button then ESPN will have a blog worth linking too.

OK More...

Damn, I just love fishing. Really. How can you not? Even if you're of the sit-on-the-bank relaxing mindset or a torqued-out monster bass guy or gal, what's not to like? You're outside. You're doing something that takes skill and refinement of those skills. You best a creature, an opponent, you cannot see. Tiger Woods, please make this 4-foot putt while blindfolded. Derek Jeter, please hit this curveball with one eye closed. Sasha Cohen, please skate the Olympic freestyle routine perfectly with dull blades on a rink that has not seen a Zamboni in two weeks. It must be ultra-quiet in the tennis court or golf course before the "pros" can make a shot. Hit the damn ball and quit belly-aching about the guy who sneezed. Anglers battle wind, cold, rain, summer heat, waves and equipment problems ... and they don't pitch hissy-fits.And fishing is an easy thing to pass on. You don't have to spend thousands on golf clubs, clothes, lessons, greens fees, the cart Junior ! ran into the lake and money for weekend tournaments. But you can teach a 4-year old to hold a cane pole or cast a Zebco 33 to catch bass, bluegill or cats. Cost for crickets? A coupla bucks. Cost for the rod or pole? Another coupla bucks. Memories made? Priceless.

Now that I've read more, the blogging is excellent. Worth having to pay up front to get, Nah! Blogging should be Freebird. One problem with this commentary, anglers definetely DO " pitch hissy fits" as Ike showed this week; I know I've pitched my share. Sometimes pitching the hissy fit is needed and part of the fun, definitely worth laughing about afterward; For instance that time I broke my rod and then spazzed out in front of a bunch of people at the Pike Creek in Kenosha Wis. That must have been hilarious to watch. Or what about that day Cyberfish went ballistic about not being able to drill all the way through the ice because he didn't have an auger extention, gut wrenchingly funny stuff. Yep some anglers do pitch hissy fits from time to time.

Well it's time to head over the Jenny's to watch the final weigh in, be back later Lord willing.

Since You've been Gone

Sorry I've been gone, but I was down in the cities and had a priority of playing with my niece Isabelle Grace over the blogging thing.

BIG NEWS (JUST LATE): Bassmasters Classic Official Blog Wait DON'T CLICK! Cause all your gonna get is this blogging BS.

Posted 11:55 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, by Craig Lamb
Okay, so by now everybody's heard of "blogging" on the Internet. Everybody's doing it, even a Delta Airlines flight attendant who got fired for posting "unethical" pictures of herself in uniform on her personal blog. So much for freedom of speach. So now we're giving it a go with bass fishing, and specifically on BASS INSIDER. Check out the posts in the coming days. We're going to tee off on whatever comes to mind, good, bad or ugly.

After that is an advertisement for the Bass Insider Magazine of which you must be a subscriber to access the blog. YOU GOTTA FRICKEN BE KIDDING ME, HOW LAME IS THAT! And how stupid anyone would have to be to pay for the Bass Insider content in the first place unless you really wanted the magazine. The only redeeming factor is that speech was mispelled.

For genuine Bassmaster Classic Blogging it looks like it's me, Hellabass, BassFan Big Sticks-Jay Yelas, Anyone know of anyone else?

PS-That is a sad statement about the pathetic case of bass fishing within the bloggosphere. Everybody may have 'heard of "blogging"' but bass fisherman by and large are not "doing it." The guys at ESPN/BASS sure don't get it and to charge for the content is going about it in a very non-bloggish fashion. Losers!

Can I get an Amen from the choir?

However if they link to the BP than all can be forgiven. (Anyone who has Bass Insider Know if they do? I'm far to cheap to pay for content when the web offers a lifetimes worth of excellent content freebird.)

Speaking of the BassMaster's Classic, Day 2 content here, and here.

How is the Posse doing in Fantasy Bass Fishing? Developing...
First Update BTW Congrats so far to Hellabass tied for 34th in the fishers of men league.
2nd Posse Update

Daily Pro Site-ING Classic Edition:

Tim Horton this site is worth the look.

Thoughts on Fantasy Bass Fishing Numbers.

BassMasters Classic TV Schedule

Daily Pro Site-ING Classic Edition:

Jay Yelas

Design Denny Brauer's New Ride via Hellabass. Looks like a job for Cyberfish to me.

Kumar talks Classic Favorites Here. BP talks Classic dogs Here.

Classic practice day reports BassFan, BassFan Big sticks, More reports here and here and here and here

Daily Pro Site-ING: Classic Edition
Larry "Legend" Nixon aka "The General"

Just as it was with Clunn's website, it's obsolete and in need of serious updating.