Is tournament fishing a sport?

I was recently talking to a friend that doesn’t avidly fish and the topic of tournament fishing came up. He was shocked when I told him that we could actually compete for money while fishing. I asked him what he thought of when he heard the word fishing and he delivers the same response I’ve gotten several times throughout the years, “Well you get your cooler with the drinks and snacks, you put a worm on the hook and then you just have to sit there and wait.” Lets get this straight tournament fishing or fishing in general isn’t sitting on a bucket with a drink in hand, you’re screaming down the lake at 70 mph pelted in the face by sleet, rain, and snow, crashing into three foot tall waves that jar your whole body.

All the while keeping the pedal to the metal because you know a hundred and fifty other guys are doing the same thing. No, you’re not getting tackled by a 300 pound football player but if we can all agree that bowling is a sport, I think we can quickly see that fishing is certainly physically demanding enough to qualify. It’s rare that a tournament is canceled or postponed due to weather. Basically there has to be an imminent danger. Nothing short of 40-mile per hour winds will typically delay competition. In baseball, if a slight sprinkle starts coming down it’s time to cover the infield and wait it out.

#gethooked #louslures

Spring time is white bass time.

All across the country the spring white bass run is on. It starts south and moves its way north as soon as area water temps starts to rise. And when the run is in full swing there is a simple way to get into a mess. Over the years I have used this method successfully from Arkansas to South Texas, especially in water I have never been on in my life.

With the internet you can often read when the bite is on in your area. And if there is a bridge access on a river you will see folks fishing from the bank. Once the bite is on you have maybe a month of hot fishing so get it while the getting is good. And your local tackle store should be able to help you with what is happening in your area. You don't need specifics, just are they biting?

First, in the lake or reservoir near you with white bass they will usually have a main feeder river or even several big creeks. That is where you need to start. It is that simple. Run up the river or big creek until it gets shallow. How shallow? Until you hit the skeg, then trim up and go farther. Of course that is an exaggeration, but you get the point.

The reason to attack it this way is that is where they spawn. Might as well start where they are going, not where they might be. From there just fish your way back. A lot easier than trying to guess where to start. Like the great Buck Perry said - "The fish are deep, shallow, or somewhere in between." So starting shallow makes sense. Once you get way up as you idle watch the locator, they like humps, bends, and flats. Pay particular to areas that are shoals. Any that are in the middle of the river is often the spot. Not only can you see fish, you will get a good idea of the areas to check. And never overlook a flat bank out of the wind with the sun on it. The baitfish like it and the whites will follow.

The easiest way i have found to find them is to troll first. Use a small shad colored crankbait that runs in the 5 foot range to start. I also like to mix in a white/pearl paddle tail on a 1/4 ounce jig head. Then troll at 2.5 to 3 mph with the bait 60 feet out and watch the locator. Simply cover water from dead shallow to deep, if the run is on you will find them. Then you can keep trolling over them, or stop and fish them with your bait of choice. Crappie jigs, twisters, spoons, small crankbaits, all will catch them. And you can use any color as long as it shad/silver/ pearl in clear water or some chartreuse if there is some color to your water.

And don't have a big fancy locator or boat? So what! A jon boat is just fine, troll at idle speed and hold on. Spring white bass fishing is not rocket science. Of course there is more to it than this, a book could be written. But this is the simplest way to start, you just might fill the boat.

Good Luck and Tight Lines

#gethooked #louslures

Key Fishing Snacks for a Day of Fishing

Some people think of this topic just as a sandwich with chips, and maybe a cold pop or beer(depending on age). However, I personally pack those types of food too. But it’s always good to have snacks that don’t easily expire, spill, rot, melt, or are time consuming to eat; that you could just leave in your boat or fishing pack 24/7. It’s also important to have healthy snacks that offer dietary values. These snacks include, but are NOT limited to Beef Jerky, Clif bars, chewy granola bars, sunflower seeds, almonds and maybe a sleeve of ritz crackers. I know this may seem like a simple topic, but a long day of being active, in the cold or heat. Uses a lot of energy, which if not refueled can lead to sleepiness, headaches, and all around being off your game. Also, don’t forget about water. It’s always best to keep atleast a few extra bottles of water with you, especially to wash down salty jerky or crackers.

#gethooked #louslures