Almost all bass fisherman handle their fish with care due to respecting their beloved species. It is also in the best interest of each tournament angler to take care of their catch so that their weights are not deducted during weigh ins. I too find it upseting when a fish doesn’t survive and make it back to the water.
I understand that the perception of a dead fish is viewed in a negaitve manner by the public. Unfornuately, casualities are a part of the sport.
I also understand that people reading his article have negitive views towards bass fishing tournaments. Yes, some tournamnets are not run as well as others, which are hard to defend.
Bass fishing tournaments have been in the Coulee Region for greater than 30+ years (That is as far back as I can go). Thirty plus years ago, 2 anglers could weigh in 10 bass without a size limit! Yes, it was very common for a boat to weigh in 10 bass and have less than 10LBS. During this time, the majority of the bass boats were flat bottoms. Without offending a flat bottom angler, let be honest, the live wells were nothing as they are today. The bass population is better than it has ever been. I understand that anglers have certain days where they struggle to catch fish but the weights the bass tourneys are bringing to the scales support that our bass population has not been impacted. We have some of the best fishing right here in the Coulee Region because everyone puts forth the effort to fish management.

Sunday’s Results (unofficial)
1. Chris Tauscher/Justin Peterson 22.XX (Big Bass – 4.XXX)
2. Mike Mueller/(Al Gray-ILL – Replaced)21.XX
3. Bruce Chandler/John Hamilton 21.00
4 Darren/Gina Zumack 20.XX
5 Todd/Wayne Donally’s 20.12 (tie – Bigger big bass)
6.Chad/Casey Moldenhauer 20.12 (Tie – smaller big Bass)
7.????? 20.XX
19 lbs did not get a check!!!!!
59 boats – This is the best I can do. It might not be the most accurate but very close.

Are you signed up yet? If not, let me know. I live in La Crosse and I will have the week off prior and you are more than welcome to come with for a day or so. Let me know. my e-mail address is [email protected].

Well, I am like the rest. The phone calls have hit the fisherman and there is a scramble for NON-Boaters. By any chance if there is a non-boater out there and the above requests have been filled, feel free to let me know if there are any interested fisherman that would like to be a co-angler.

Thanks,

Chad

Cade,

Are you catching them on your Curado??????

Chad

8 fish.

I agree. I have 2 Crucial’s that were the first series that were made about 6 years ago and they are still the best flippin rod out there.

Current – Live or Die by it!!!
I will add my 2 cents and like ususal, someone will find a way to state that I am incorrect. So, take this info and put it to use and develop your own finding.
First, are we talking about river or lake current?
Large or Smallmouth???
It makes a difference.
I will assume we are talking about smallmouth on a river system:
First off, 14 – 15 inch fish do not give you weight to win. So, focus on larger fish. If you find a school of 13-15 inchers, don’t waste all day hoping to catch large ones from this spot. Can it happen, Yes, but you need to play the odds to be successfull! If you need these fish later, then return.
Here is my theory:
Large Smallmouth love strong current!!!!!!! They will move shallow if there is strong current that they can hide in. Don’t focus so much on baits, if they are there, they will feed. Remember, they are in strong current or the eddies to feed and when they take a large bait, they look for a resting spot to digest the food. Yes, smallmouth eat large bait fish. I have fished spots where a school of smallmouth will target large shad. A smallmouth, will hit a large shad 5-10X’s before eating it. They are trying to cripple it and bite off fins to prevent the shad from swimming away and making it a easier target.
In our area, current is only strong for about 2 1/2 months – bass fishing months (May – Mid July)! Then the flow shuts down if we do not have a lot of rain. When the current or flow is strong, it is good fishing. The fish are predictable and are often together. When the current, FLOW, shuts down they scatter, thus making the current bite difficult. What you as an angler needs to learn is this – spend time on the water! Watch the flow! Learn what spots hold fish at certain flow levels. Fish are prediciable when they feed.
Good Luck!

The reels will never go down in price. If anything they will be worth more. You can’t touch a better reel under $120.00. This is one of the best reels ever made. I have dozens and I have ones that are 10 years old and if not for the scratches, they work like new.

Sorry, I should have stated that they are the Green ones. They are not the new $199.99 models (silver).

Big Fish,

If you are interested in a reel, I would purchase a Shimano Curado, they are well worth the money! I have some brand new ones that are still in the box, never used that I would sell for $80.00 each (Cash), NO Tax! They are 201B’s 6.2:1’s. Let me know if you are interested. If you prefer a right hand retrieve, I can get you one as well!