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Jan 21, 2006 1:26:05 GMT -5
Post by teambateau on Jan 21, 2006 1:26:05 GMT -5
Its time to get this side of the lodge going, I will be making this side bigger so lets go fishing!!!!! I will be going in the morning, pics to come soon.
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Jan 21, 2006 1:29:44 GMT -5
Post by admin on Jan 21, 2006 1:29:44 GMT -5
Sounds great, be a couple more months before much fishin goes on around here. Looking forward to seeing some pics. Good luck in the morning.
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Jan 21, 2006 1:33:00 GMT -5
Post by teambateau on Jan 21, 2006 1:33:00 GMT -5
Thanks, Looks like I have my job cut out for me, Oh well, I will just have to fishing for everybody else.
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Jan 21, 2006 1:37:21 GMT -5
Post by admin on Jan 21, 2006 1:37:21 GMT -5
Yes you will. The weather hasn't been cold enough for any Ice fishing but to nasty for any regular fishing. Welcome to the north. ;D
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Jan 21, 2006 7:09:40 GMT -5
Post by ScottC on Jan 21, 2006 7:09:40 GMT -5
No bass right now, but I heard pike fishing is awesome for those who didn't lay up their boats for the winter. No ice around.
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Jan 21, 2006 19:28:06 GMT -5
Post by teambateau on Jan 21, 2006 19:28:06 GMT -5
Well, I bombed out today, I caught 4 short Bass. There was a front that came through around Noon. I got out of bed late hooked up the boat, got 3 miles down the road and yes, a flat, so two new tires and 1 1/2 hours later I was on my way, I got on the water at Noon. Some days go that way.
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Jan 21, 2006 19:36:51 GMT -5
Post by admin on Jan 21, 2006 19:36:51 GMT -5
Bummer man, but you're right, there are days it just don't pay to get out of bed. ;D
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Jan 21, 2006 19:56:32 GMT -5
Post by teambateau on Jan 21, 2006 19:56:32 GMT -5
Hey, I wasn't at work.
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Jan 21, 2006 20:03:46 GMT -5
Post by admin on Jan 21, 2006 20:03:46 GMT -5
Good Point. ;D
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Mar 4, 2006 15:27:26 GMT -5
Post by bassrod2 - TJ on Mar 4, 2006 15:27:26 GMT -5
Not really sure were I should post this but I wanted to show everyone that if you set your mind to something and work hard you to can recieve these kinds of awards. I'm VERY proud of these. 2003 / 2004 Sport Fisherman of the Year. Sport Fishing Institute 2004 National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame 2004 DuPont Outstanding Sportfishing Achievement Award 2004 Honored with B.A.S.S. Outstanding Achievement Award 2004 Inducted into the National Boating Safety Hall of Fame
Get outdoors, it's a GREAT place to be!!!! ENJOY THE OUTDOORS, TJ - bassrod2
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Mar 4, 2006 15:35:22 GMT -5
Post by admin on Mar 4, 2006 15:35:22 GMT -5
This is as good a place as any.
Congrats on all of your awards. We look forward to your input and advice as our fishing season approaches.
Good to have you onboard.
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Mar 4, 2006 16:01:36 GMT -5
Post by teambateau on Mar 4, 2006 16:01:36 GMT -5
Cool, We need more bass fishermen on here.
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Mar 4, 2006 17:33:25 GMT -5
Post by Jå§ðñ ﻴﻺ on Mar 4, 2006 17:33:25 GMT -5
Well I'm one. I love bass fishing.
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Mar 4, 2006 18:19:39 GMT -5
Post by teambateau on Mar 4, 2006 18:19:39 GMT -5
This is back when I kept the fish that I caught. This is a Redfish I caught a few years back.
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Mar 6, 2006 5:57:45 GMT -5
Post by olddog on Mar 6, 2006 5:57:45 GMT -5
Nice catches, how is the fishing since KATRINA? LIKE your shirt TAZ is my hero.
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Mar 6, 2006 19:06:13 GMT -5
Post by teambateau on Mar 6, 2006 19:06:13 GMT -5
TAZ ;D ;D. saltwater fishing has been great, but I never get to go(work,work, lack of $$$$$$)
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Mar 8, 2006 16:42:31 GMT -5
Post by bassrod2 - TJ on Mar 8, 2006 16:42:31 GMT -5
The Importance of Weeds
Seek out the weeds this season, and see what lurks within. Largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and musky are the big four that use the ambush method for corralling food. When it comes to freshwater angling, weeds play an extremely important role in the livelihood of a fish. They provide shelter, oxygen, ambush points, and a smorgasbord of baitfish - more than enough reasons to pay special attention to the green stuff when out for the day. Learn the true reasons why weeds are so special, and watch your catch rates grow in leaps and bounds
Give Me Shelter
Since fish don't have the option of owning an underwater home, making do with structural elements is the next best thing. Be it logs or fallen trees, rock cribs, or bridge pilings, most of these spots are premium real estate for the competitive nature of a fish. One thing that is found in abundance in most lakes, however, is vegetation, and believe me, the majority is teeming with fish.
Different species will use weeds for differing reasons when seeking shelter. In the case of the largemouth bass, shallow water lily pads and cabbage beds provide shade and cooler water temperatures. For walleye, a thick weedbed offers a dark environment for their light sensitive eyes. When dealing with panfish, seeking shelter under the greens is a way to stay protected from feeding predators.
Although many fish use vegetation as shelter, it usually is only a temporary stay. They may come during certain times of the day to laze about, or it may be used as part of a seasonal movement. Now, if food sources are plentiful, they may linger in the general area all season long, gorging on the free meals at their doorstep.
Breathe Easy
Vegetation has a unique component in its ability to provide oxygen. Much in the same way humans need it, fish depend on this gift of life to maintain their existence.
When figuring out the best weeds to tackle, pay close attention to the color. What you are looking for is the greenest, crispest looking vegetation you can find. The darker in color it is, the more oxygen it will ultimately give off.
In the case of the largemouth bass, shallow water lily pads and cabbage beds provide shade and cooler water temperatures. Searching areas like this is paramount depending on the season at hand. Fall and winter, when many weeds are dying and decaying, will find fish staying close to those still holding on to their life-giving gift. As shallow water weeds die, fish will move outwards, taking up residence on the next sustaining weedbed they stumble across. Make sure you wear polarized glasses in order to spot these prime real estate areas.
Although I have discussed the merits of finding green weeds, this pattern hold true only for those plants that are still alive. Dead vegetation also holds fish, and although it is not giving off any oxygen, the shelter and ambush spots it provides overcompensates for that.
Slop, which is nothing more than washed up weeds that have been chopped up by an outboard, is a tremendous area to seek out largemouth bass. It may not be green and crisp, but boy does it ever hold fish. So, floating weeds are an excellent choice regardless of color, whereas anchored vegetation (including pad beds) go up in value the greener they get.
Waiting in Ambush
Fish seem quite lazy at times. Instead of chasing down prey, they lie in wait, ready to pounce on the next edible thing to swim by. If truth were known, conserving energy through an executed attack is not lazy at all (although it may appear so,) but rather a smart and efficient way to eat.
One of the most concealed spots in a lake to ambush prey is within the weeds. Predators can easily camouflage themselves amongst the plants, lying still until the perfect opportunity presents itself. And the main reason prey flock to the weeds is for the zooplankton and insects that they provide.
Largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and musky are the big four that use the ambush method for corralling food. This is not to say they won't aggressively chase down food (as they will), but ultimately prefer to save energy and play the waiting game.
Knowing this information can help an angler improve their odds when working over the weeds. First of all, look for the distinct weed edges. Think of this as a thick wall of vegetation, with open water space out in front. Fish will tuck into this "wall," while waiting for fish (or lures) to swim by this unobstructed channel.
Another good spot to target would be weed clumps. Again, toss baits right along the edge of the clump to find out what's lurking inside. Pockets or holes inside weedbeds are also optimum choices to target. Think of this as hide and seek. Anywhere you find a spot that can conceal a fish, yet allows it to have a clear view of prey, is a definite area to wet a lure.
Another good spot to target would be weed clumps. Again, toss baits right along the edge of the clump to find out what's lurking inside. Mealtime
Although oxygen, ambush spots and shelter are extremely important, without the addition of prey, weeds just wouldn't be so favorable. Vegetation attracts a wide range of prey species for fish - frogs, baitfish, and craws - which use weeds both for food and shelter. The better the weed area is, the more chance for prey to be present. This in turn equals more predators.
For baitfish, zooplankton and insect larvae are the attracting forces to flood the green stuff. They follow this tiny prey in, and then ultimately become food for the big guys. When it comes to frogs and craws, they call pads and sandy-bottomed weed areas home. And the bass and pike will be close behind.
If you find a promising weed area devoid of baitfish, there is a good chance the larger predators have moved on. They might stop for a short visit as the move around the lake, or even spend a lazy afternoon conserving energy, but they won't be there long unless food is at their doorstep.
Lures and Baits
It's no secret that weeds hold fish. That's pretty much a no-brainer. Whether you can catch them might be a different story.
Fishing in the weeds holds a different approach than open water fishing. Exposed hooks will quickly snag and foul, leaving you cursing unmentionable obscenities. There are some baits that are made for the weeds, and will do the trick for enticing those hidden fish:
Texas-rig plastic baits when working inside the weeds. For working the edges, an exposed hook should be fine. Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are two top choices. Upturned hooks run well through the weeds, and are relatively snag proof. Weedless frogs and creature baits are ideal for pads, slop and weed clumps. If jigging, stick with bucktail as opposed to plastic trailers. Flipping jigs reign supreme in the weeds. They are undoubtedly one of the best baits for largies in the thick stuff. Shallow running cranks can be worked over the top of emergent weed growth. Lipless crankbaits are ideal for 'ripping' through and above vegetation. Seek out the weeds this season, and see what lurks within. The fish will be there if you do your homework, and the catching can be easy if you know what tools to use.
ENJOY THE OUTDOORS,
TJ
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Mar 8, 2006 20:40:48 GMT -5
Post by teambateau on Mar 8, 2006 20:40:48 GMT -5
Well, I don't know about anybody else, I know there are fish in the grass-------- But I hate it hate it hate it . Give me a stump and I don't care if I don't catch a fish as long as I don't have to fool with that doggone grass.
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Mar 9, 2006 7:17:46 GMT -5
Post by admin on Mar 9, 2006 7:17:46 GMT -5
More great information there bassrod, thanks for sharing.
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Mar 12, 2006 13:13:35 GMT -5
Post by bassrod2 - TJ on Mar 12, 2006 13:13:35 GMT -5
The wife also wrote this about the use of a crank bait. You can also find more at bassrod2.bravejournal.com/ This is where you'll find articles from us & our friends. THE USE OF CRANK BAITS FISHING The Use of Crank Baits by: Diane Flaton When the fish start suspending will be a good time to get out your crank baits. These baits vary from style and depth. There are 1 minus to 30 plus crank baits. What this means is that the 1 minus will go no less than twelve inches deep and the 30 plus will go 30 feet deep. There are different types of bills on each crank bait. The bill configuration can cause the bait to have more side to side motion. Long bills make a wider wobble and shorter bills make a tighter wobble. The 30 plus will wear you out on the retrieve because of it’s large bill. You may wish to invest in a glass cranking rod if you get into crank bait fishing. This rod and a fast retrieve reel will help to keep from wearing you out. My husband uses a Flipping rod, We have caught many spring and summer time fish suspended over deep humps with this bait. The Storm wiggle wart in the magnum series is a great summer time bait in the creeks and over deep humps. I use the wee warts for the mid to shallow depths. In deeper water we'll use Mann's 10+ or a 20+ if trolling. The line size that you use is the biggest controlling factor on how deep a crank bait will run. The 30 plus on 20 lb. line may not go but 20 or so feet deep. So keep this in mind when choosing your crank bait. Lighter lines will cause the bait to run to its maximum depth. We use Berkley 6 to 10 pound XT line for the shallow runners, and Berkley 12 to 20 XT for the deeper waters. In the summer I graph deep humps and creek channels, find where the fish are suspended and then decide what type of crank bait I will use. The water color and type of day it is will also tell you what color to use also. You'll throw past the school and work the bait down quickly. Then slow the retrieve, even STOP, so that the bait will be presented to the entire school of fish. My husband uses what he calls a Hit 'N' Run, this is toss the bait out, let it sit then a fast retriveve, stop, a few short jurks, fast retrieve, this seems to create strikes. When the spring is over, and the males are guarding the fry, a Mann's 1 minus crank bait over grass beds will produce strikes. Try bream and baby bass colors. The males that are protecting the fry will strike the bait. A mid range crank bait will only run 5 to 15 foot deep. This is a good bait to fish points where the wind is blowing across. Fan cast your crank bait across the point and then parallel to the point until you come in contact with a fish. Crank the bait down fast then slow the retrieve to maintain the proper depth. Key colors that I like to use are a crawfish pattern, chrome with a blue back, white with green back, chartreuse with blue back or a shad color. Crank baits can be thrown in timber, around boat docks and along riprap. When working a crank bait through timber and you come in contact with a hard object, stop the bait and let it float up, then start the retrieve again. A lot of the strikes will come when the bait stops and starts up again. I sometimes run the bait down fast then slowly sweep my rod to maintain the depth on a slow retrieve. Sometimes the sweeping action is better than the stop and go action. Adding a rattle to the bait works also. Crank baits are a great summer time bait because you can cover a lot of water when trying to locate fish. Once you have located the fish and they quit hitting the crank bait, you can switch to a worm and possibly catch some more. During post spawn I run crank baits in the middle of creeks to locate feeding males and females which have recently left the spawning areas. This is when the BIG females will strike. One thing that I do after opening the package on the crank bait is to check the hooks and sharpen them and check the split rings. Sometimes the manufacturer will use bronze instead of stainless steel on the split rings. If so I change them immediately. It will take some time and practice but with a little of both you will learn to fish the crank baits over and through standing timber and stumps. If I can learn how to use them anyone can! If you come in contact with an object and the bait feels stuck don’t jerk the rod. Drop slack and use the banjo trick and usually it will pop loose. A good lure retriever is also a good investment. My retriever is my husband TJ. Thanks for reading, Diane Flaton ENJOY THE OUTDOORS, TJ-bassrod2
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Mar 14, 2006 18:37:28 GMT -5
Post by bassrod2 - TJ on Mar 14, 2006 18:37:28 GMT -5
Tuesday, March 14th 2006 6:27 PM
TEMPTING TASTE OF FISH FISHING JOURNAL
The Tempting Taste of Fish
Go and grab an apron - Fish Cooking 101 is about to begin. A mess of these can quickly turn into a delicious meal for the whole family. If there's one thing I've discovered after spending all these years out on the water, it's that fresh fish sure tastes good. No matter what species it is, be it bass, walleye or crappie, the tempting aroma and mouth-watering flavor they exhibit might be the closest thing to pure perfection that I can think of.
Even though I release the majority of fish that are unlucky enough to strike my lure, I believe that bringing one or two home for the dinner table is a right of passage that should be embraced by everyone that chooses to cast a line. (Knowing what to do with your catch, whether that means filleting, freezing or preparing, will be your ultimate recipe and test for success.) So go and grab an apron - Fish Cooking 101 is about to begin.
The Initial Catch
If your skill and tactics are up to snuff for catching a fish for the table (which I'm sure all of the Bass Pro Shops readers are!), then a plan and strategy must be worked out from the minute your hook is removed from its yap. Firstly, be extra careful when handling your catch. Dropping your fish to the floor, or allowing it to flop around at your feet will do nothing but bruise the flesh - a definite route on the way to poor quality. Keep handling to a minimum, and if possible, use a net to make the landing quick and effortlessly.
Once in the boat, your main objective is to keep your quarry alive. Livewells are a great feature for accomplishing this task, and your fish friend will continue to swim and breathe until you get back to the dock or your doorstep. If a livewell isn't available, a stringer tied to the side of the boat is your next best bet. Make sure the fish have plenty of leeway in the rope, and that they are not thrashing against one another, or the side of the boat. Keeping your catch alive will ensure optimum freshness and firm flesh - the necessary ingredients for a top-notch dinner.
If you don't have a livewell or stringer at your disposal, your only option is to immediately kill your catch. Filleting or gutting the fish will ensure that the meat doesn't spoil, or get contaminated from the body fluids. Once prepared in this manner, the fish should be placed on ice (and covered over), and put into a tightly sealed cooler. This will help in preserving the meat until you make it back to the kitchen.
For most fish I cook filleting is my method of choice. Preparation is Key
If you've kept your fish alive up to this point, it's now time to get out the fillet knife. For best results, choose a knife that sports a thin, flexible blade. (This will allow better maneuverability for maximizing the most meat.)
And even though it's common sense, an ultra sharp blade is a necessity. I always have on hand a filing stone or knife sharpener, in order to give the metal a quick touch up before each "operation" takes place.
For most fish I cook, including bass, walleye, perch and crappie, filleting is my method of choice. (I won't go into detail on the precise instruction, although information can be found quite easily throughout the worldwide web.) Filleting is quite simple once you get the hang of it, and like most things in life, practice certainly makes perfect.
For small trout, gutting the fish is often the preferred choice. This process involves cutting the head and tail off, while scraping out the gut and innards from the belly section. (Many also remove the backbone fat due to possible contaminants being stored there.)
Lastly for larger fish species, especially salmon and trout, cutting the meat into steaks will get the job done nicely.
No matter what method you decide upon, the next step in the process is the most crucial for prolonging the life of the meat.
The Deep Freeze
Unless you are going to eat your fish immediately, storing it in your freezer is the only viable option for saving it for a rainy day. How you choose to store it; however, will either make or break the taste and quality. (The two common problems with frozen seafood is the development of off-flavors due to the oxidation of tissue lipids, and freezer burn, which is caused by moisture loss.)
Here is a guide showing the approximate storage life for the common species of fish kept:
Species Months of Storage Lake trout, rainbow trout, whitefish, carp, catfish, lake herring, smelt, northern pike 3-5 Chinook salmon, coho salmon, white bass, sucker, Burbot 5-8 Walleye, yellow perch, bass, crappie, bluegill 8-12
Once your fish is fully cleaned and prepared, thoroughly wash the meat in cold water. After this stage is complete, it's now time to choose a freezing method from one on the list below.
Vacuum packaging is the most efficient way to store fish for the freezer. Vacuum Packaging -- This is the most effective method for protecting fish against the two types of problems associated with freezing fish - oxidation and freezer burn. Although this system can be pricey, the rewards are well worth the initial cost of the unit and the accompanying oxygen-barrier film bags.
A vacuum unit literally sucks the air out of the bag containing the fish, leaving a tight, sealed package. With the absence of air, most problems associated with freezing are diminished or eliminated.
Plastic Wrap -- The second best choice when it comes to freezing is the common plastic wrap. In order for this method to work, apply the plastic as tightly as possible to the fish. (This will form a moisture barrier that will greatly reduce the chance for freezer burn.) Once wrapped with the cling-tight plastic, wrap the package again with several layers of butcher paper or aluminum foil for full protection qualities.
Freezer Bags -- Freezer bags are a common and popular choice for the fishing enthusiast, and are quite effective when used properly.
When placing fish into bags, the most common problem encountered is trying to remove all of the air. A handy trick to try is to insert a straw into the opening at the top, and literally suck the oxygen out. Another tip to try is to freeze the package for a few days, then re-open the bag and add a little cold water, manipulating it throughout to cover all areas of the fish while eliminating air pockets. It can now be put back into the freezer for storage.
Thaw Time
Once you have decided it is time to have a feed of fish, thawing your package before cooking is the route to take. The preferred method is to place the package directly in the refrigerator, which should take approximately a day for a pound in weight.
If time is of the essence, placing the freezer bag in a tub of cold water is a great technique. (Depending on thickness and weight, an average package should take 1-2 hours before it is complete.)
There are literally thousands of recipes and methods for cooking fish. The microwave is the fastest method available, but one to be careful with. Always set the oven to defrost, and monitor closely for readiness. Placing the frozen fish in a closed package, glass baking dish or loosely wrapped in waxed paper will help the process along. It is imperative that you only partially defrost the fish, as microwaving it too long will ultimately cook the outer edges.
The Finished Product
You've finally reached the stage where it's time to actually cook the fish. Congratulations!! There are literally thousands of recipes and methods for cooking fish, and with so many options, the variety of delicious meals you can serve up is limitless. Here is one of my favorite recipes - it's simple to do and I promise you that it will melt in your mouth!
Justin's Foiled Fish
1. Select fillets from your favorite specie of fish. I've found that bass and walleye work well. 2. Cut fillets into four to five-inch pieces, and place onto flat sheet of tin foil. I use five or six fillets for each tin foil sheet. 3. Place a tablespoon of butter or margarine on top of fillets. 4. Sprinkle a thin layer of commercial fish batter on top of the fillets. (I've found that Fish Crisp works well.) 5. Place assorted spices on top of fish, including Montreal Smoked Meat and Lemon and Garlic. Add a dash of salt and pepper for seasoning. 6. Squeeze a splash of fresh lemon across the fish. 7. Wrap fish up in tin foil, leaving no openings in package. 8. Place on BBQ over medium heat, turning every few minutes. 9. Cook for 10 minutes and enjoy.
Easy Recipes for Tasty Treats
Here are a few more recipes that are simple and delicious. Try one out the next time you bring a fish home for dinner!
Skin-on Grilled Salmon Fillets
1. Preheat grill to medium heat and brush grate with oil. 2. Cut salmon fillet into pieces 2-inches wide, leaving the skin on. 3. Brush the skin side with oil, and salt and pepper both sides. 4. Place the salmon skin-side down on grill. 5. Coat the top side of each piece with dressing. 6. Cover the grill. 7. Cook for 12-15 minutes until the skin is crisp and the fish is done.
Dressing
1 Cup of mayonnaise 1/2 Cup of Dijon-style mustard 1 Tablespoon of dill weed Salt and pepper to taste
Broiled Bass Fillets
1. Preheat oven to 450. 2. Coat bass fillets with melted butter and place on a non-stick broiler pan. 3. Sprinkle fish evenly with lemon pepper and cayenne pepper. 4. Place thinly sliced onion rings on the fillets. 5. Bake for 8 minutes on oven rack and then turn broiler on at 50U for 3-6 minutes to brown the top. 6. Remove and serve with lemon.
Mushroom Cheddar Baked Walleye (Serves 4)
1-lb. Walleye Fillets (4) 1/4 tsp. Salt 1/4 tsp. Pepper Pinch of Nutmeg 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup 1/4 cup White Wine 1/2 tsp. Tarragon 1/4 cup Heavy Cream 1 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Place fillets in an 8" by 8" pan. 3. Mix together salt, pepper and nutmeg. 4. Sprinkle mixture over fish. 5. Combine soup, cream, wine and tarragon. 6. Spread over fish and cover with grated cheese. 7. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
ENJOY THE OUTDOORS,
TJ
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Mar 14, 2006 19:19:58 GMT -5
Post by michihunter on Mar 14, 2006 19:19:58 GMT -5
You're killing me TJ!! Looks like you'll have to take me out fishing real soon!! ;D ;D
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Mar 14, 2006 19:53:30 GMT -5
Post by bassrod2 - TJ on Mar 14, 2006 19:53:30 GMT -5
You're killing me TJ!! Looks like you'll have to take me out fishing real soon!! ;D ;D Yeah Michi, we'll get together and wet a line or two. Went out this afternoon picked up new line (Berkley of course) going to reload the reels in the morning. Getting the spinner baits all tuned up, shape hooks, new shirts, blades, I'll be ready to go out soon.
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Mar 19, 2006 21:49:43 GMT -5
Post by bassrod2 - TJ on Mar 19, 2006 21:49:43 GMT -5
This was sent to me from a friend Roger Brown in New York, Enjoy the story!!!!! "A WISH COME TRUE!" (By "The Bass Coach" Roger Lee Brown) A few weeks ago in the late afternoon while I was re-spooling one of my fishing reels my wife had yelled down to me in the cellar and said that I had a phone call. Right in the middle of my winding I had asked her who was on the phone to which she responded, "I think you'd better get this call." So I stopped what I was doing and picked up the phone and said hello. The voice on the other end of the phone introduced herself as Cheryl from the "Make A Wish Foundation". She then proceeded to ask me if I was the Bass Coach, to which I responded yes. She then asked if I was the person that had the bass fishing school and a bass charter service located up in the Lake Champlain region in upstate New York, to which I again said yes. I was thinking to myself (kind of dumbfounded) and was wondering why she would be calling me, so I asked what I could do for her. Cheryl then told me that a 17-year-old boy by the name of Jared who resided in Michigan had made a wish. Now, I had heard of the Make-A-Wish-Foundation in the past and even donated to its foundation, but I wasn't sure how the foundation really functioned. I just knew that they had helped people with terminal illnesses make their wishes come true, but when Cheryl had told me that Jared specifically requested that he wanted to meet me in person, and especially that he wanted me personally to teach him how to fish for bass. I was speechless. I then thought to myself for a moment... wow! What an honor! Cheryl said that this young man had been diagnosed with a terminal illness called "Leukemia" and of anywhere in the whole world he could have choose to visit or of anybody that he could have wanted to meet or see, he just wanted to meet me personally and to have me teach him how to fish for bass. I never in my wildest dreams expected an honor such as this one. After the Make-A-Wish Foundation and I had set up a time slot that was open on my calendar and scheduled Jared and his father to attend my 3-Day "On-Water" Bass Fishing School, much to my surprise, not only was Jared and his father coming to the Lake Champlain area, but the Make-A-Wish Foundation made it possible for Jared's whole family to come with along with them and visit the Lake Champlain, NY area during the period when the school would be scheduled. The more I was learning about this foundation the more impressed I got in finding out what they were doing for the unfortunate people suffering from all the many different terminal illnesses. This Make-A-Wish Foundation is truly great! All of my life I have donated to charities of different natures, but after dealing with this foundation I feel that it's a true "second-to-none" organization that really supports its cause. Anyway, while helping with lodging accommodations I had suggested to Cheryl that a Bed & Breakfast establishment would be a great idea for Jared and his family to stay at because they would have the old "Home-Town" hospitality that would make their stay more comfortable, and she agreed. When the reservations were made, the lodging was reserved at the Crown Point Bed and Breakfast which was only a minute from Lake Champlain and about 10 minutes from Lake George (which being the two lakes that I teach on), and just minutes away from Lake Placid (NY), Burlington, VT., Rutland, VT., and Fort Ticonderoga which is located in the Town of Ticonderoga, NY. This gave Jared's family a chance to visit the many different areas here in the famous Adirondak Mountains as well as a chance for Jared and his father to enjoy the different places after the finish of each "On-water" school day. When the first day of the school started, I picked up Jared and his father (Ron) at the bed and breakfast where they were staying. After meeting them for the first time, the impression I got from Jared was a good one. He was a tall, slim, good-looking boy with a great personality. As the three days had so quickly moved on, while spending time with Jared and his father I couldn't help find myself getting attached to them. We had so much fun fishing together especially while catching several bass each day that we had spent on the water. Just being able to teach them how to use so many different baits that they'd never used before and consistently catching bass with them, we all had a great time. Jared and Ron didn't realize that there were different types of baits that caught mostly big bass while other types of baits caught smaller ones (especially in numbers). Jared used to fish with his grandfather off and on through the years while growing up, but now his father had a chance to learn not only how to catch bass, but how to spend more quality time with his son fishing together as a family should. During these three days, Jared and his father not only learned how to fish for bass, but they learned how to enjoy each other just spending time doing something they now had in common. When the last day approached, I was starting to feel a deep kind of sorrow for Jared because I knew that I probably wouldn't have a chance to see him again. The little time that I had spent with Jared, I found him to be an amazing seventeen-year-old boy with a positive attitude in just about everything that he talked about. I don't know if most of us wouldn't just pity ourselves if we were in Jared's situation or not, but I do know now what strength, love, caring, and having friends and family is all about. I know the Lord has reasons for everything that he does, and I'm sure that he had a reason for Jared's condition, but I would gladly trade places with him if I could. I just want Jared and his father to know that I'll always hold a place in my heart for them and that my prayers will be with them always. Lastly, I want to thank the Make-A-Wish Foundation once again for all that they have done for Jared and his family. It's organizations like this one that truly make wishes come true! Please, help in supporting this foundation because they are truly for real. Until next time….. Take care & God Bless!... "The Bass Coach"..Roger Lee Brown www.capital.net/~rlbrown and www.fishing-boating.com/basscoach or you can email me at: rlbrown@capital.net or call me at (51 597-4240
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Mar 19, 2006 22:19:24 GMT -5
Post by michihunter on Mar 19, 2006 22:19:24 GMT -5
What a wonderfyul story TJ. It's amazing the things we take for granted. Tell you friend that he is one heckuva guy!! We need more Roger Lee Browns in this world!!
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Mar 20, 2006 23:08:13 GMT -5
Post by bassrod2 - TJ on Mar 20, 2006 23:08:13 GMT -5
What a wonderfyul story TJ. It's amazing the things we take for granted. Tell you friend that he is one heckuva guy!! We need more Roger Lee Browns in this world!! I'll pass on your kind words buddy!!!!!!
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Mar 21, 2006 1:50:35 GMT -5
Post by admin on Mar 21, 2006 1:50:35 GMT -5
Send that double TJ.
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Mar 21, 2006 15:20:34 GMT -5
Post by bassrod2 - TJ on Mar 21, 2006 15:20:34 GMT -5
Not a problem guys I'll be happy to send on your kind words to Roger. He's like I am, he also likes to fish with kids.
ENJOY THE OUTDOORS, TJ
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Jul 13, 2006 15:28:47 GMT -5
Post by bassrod2 - TJ on Jul 13, 2006 15:28:47 GMT -5
This came from my Good Friend and Mentor Hank Parker he wrote this for Bassin' Magazine. Thought I'd send this along to y'all.
Sneaky Pond Tactics
Bass fishing on big waters seems to get the most attention these days. However, those anglers who spend time fishing ponds or small, private lakes should not be ignored. After all, most every fisherman learned to bass fish by stalking small, fish-filled potholes scattered around the countryside.
If you’re a pond angler, you must realize that the techniques and strategies for pond fishing differ somewhat from the wisdom commonly shared by lake fishermen. Bass are bass, but the pond environment is considerably different and thus requires different tactics.
Pond bass are limited in where they can go and aren’t accustomed to daily contact with people. Any abrupt disturbance puts them on guard and will cause them to shut down from feeding activity. Vibrations, including the plodding of anglers along the shore, are reverberated into the water, and the bass will sense it immediately.
That’s why I approach a pond in a sneaky manner. When fishing with others, I speak softly and avoid making noise on the bank. In fact, I rarely walk directly along the shoreline. Once I decide to move elsewhere, I walk at least 50 feet directly away from the bank, turn, walk parallel with the pond, then turn and walk quietly toward the next fishing location. If you do that, you’re less likely to spook fish along the shore.
I also suggest you give ponds a break and not fish them more than once a week. Pond bass wise up quickly, and it takes a few days for them to settle down after they’ve been fished hard.
If you’d rather fish a bigger pond with a boat, I’d recommend using a stealthy craft. I’ve had good success while filming television shows from a Hobie Cat Outback. It is a shallow draft boat that can be pedaled or run with a trolling motor. If you prefer a johnboat, oil the oar locks and place carpet on the floor to deaden any sounds of tackle or gear scraping its bottom.
One of the advantages of pond fishing is that fish are easier to locate. I tend to fish each spot thoroughly before I move because I know the fish aren’t far away. If they won’t hit my first choice of lures, I’ll try a variety of baits until I’m convinced it’s time to move.
Another major difference between ponds and reservoirs is the size of lures that I fish. I prefer smaller baits that make less of a disturbance when they land in the water or move through it. Instead of Texas-rigging a worm, I may split-shot it. Instead of casting a 1/2-ounce spinnerbait, I may throw one considerably lighter.
I once did a show with a young lad on a pond that held giant bass. We used traditional bass lures, but the biggest fish we caught was about 4 pounds. At the end of the day, I switched to a Beetle Spin and hooked an 8-pounder and a 9-pounder. The smaller baits made a difference, even on the bigger fish.
I’ve also found that pond fishing is best on windy or rainy days. The chop on the water helps disguise your presence, and run-off from the rain will stain the water and make the fish more aggressive. In addition, if a pond has a drain or ditch running into it, you can expect to find active bass hanging around where that fresh water is coming into the pond.
Finally, don’t be afraid to keep a few fish. I would never take out the big bass, but removing smaller bass and panfish reduces competition for food. Each body of water has a carrying capacity, and smaller ponds tend to get overpopulated easily if some fish aren’t removed. Do it judiciously, and you’ll enjoy good fishing for years to come.
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