It Was Off to Milldam Today

"So much nicer this afternoon," noted Ron in opening his email. "Almost no wind, relatively warm, and just pleasant from 2 to 5:30 p.m."

Ron said it was muddy at launch but that the water cleared up as he headed eastward. While Snake Creek south was crystal clear, it didn't produce a single bite. Points in Milldam proper, however, were a whole different story. A buddy with him caught a nice 16-incher that might have gone 2+ pounds.

Ron, on the other hand, caught two bass, weighing in at 1-2 and 1-12 (see above), respectively, as well as a 21-inch chain pickerel (see left).

'Twas a bit surprising, said Ron, that neither he, nor his buddy, caught any panfish today.

"Lightning" Can Strike Multiple Times in the Same Place

Legendary big-bass expert Denny Brauer (right) knows all about catching big fish from the same spot on return visits. Once during a tournament on Mexico's Lake Comedero, for example, Brauer boated three bass totaling more than 14 pounds on three consecutive casts one day. He then went back to the same spot the next day and caught a bass weighing more than 7 pounds.

It seems a pretty safe bet that Brauer more than likely was fishing one of those "seven spots where big bass rule," as characterized in an article by well-known outdoor writer and photographer Steve Price. "To catch a trophy-class largemouth, you've got to forget about the places you usually find fish and think deeper," said Price.

"Experienced anglers and biologsits agree that when a bass grows large enough (usually between 4 and 8 pounds) to become the dominant fish in its immediate environment, its lifestyle changes dramatically," Price continued. "Most important to fishermen, big bass move into deeper water--on average, 4 to 5 feet deeper than small bass. Mature fish become wary, like mature whitetails, and use the deep water as a sanctuary. Although a big bass may feed and spawn in relatively shallow areas, the time they spend there is minimal, often under cover of darkness, and they rarely go far from access to deep water.

"Here are seven key places to consider when targeting big bass. As you fish, try to find places with multiple factors that together make a spot even more attractive. And remember, the best part of finding big-bass hideouts is that they tend to produce monsters year after year.

"Steep-Sided Points. Points hold bass because they offer a natural corridor from deeper water to the shallows used by forage fish. The presence of cover, like flooded timber, stumps or rocks, also helps attract and hold baitfish. On lake maps, look for points that fall into a channel, such as those at the mouth of a tributary. If you can locate these features near a spawning area, your chances of success increase, especially during the prespawn and postspawn. Big bass are more likely to use points that drop steeply into deeper water because of the vertical freedom it gives them. Tips and Tactics: Deep-diving crankbaits can work, but also try Carolina rigs with lizards and worms. If the bottom is relatively clear of brush, consider drop-shotting.

"Isolated Weedbeds. Smaller weedbeds and hydrilla patches that stand alone frequently signal a depth change. For example, they may outline a high spot or hump that has deeper water around it. Big bass are often loners and will take over a piece of prime habitat like this. The mouths of large tributaries are excellent places to check, but you can find isolated weedbeds anywhere. Think in terms of quick deep-water access. Tips and Tactics: Spinnerbaits, floating frogs, and soft weedless jerkbaits work well near the surface. For a slow presentation on the bottom, try rolling a spinnerbait or crawling a jig.

"Channel Bends. Forage fish migrate down channels, and brush caught along the outside of a bend provides good ambush opportunities. Study a lake map that shows the primary river channel. Bends of 45 to 90 degrees that come after a long, straight stretch are best. Tips and Tactics: Crankbaits and soft plastics normally cover the water most effectively. Cast across the bend from all angles; every piece of structure like this contains one key feature, which may be only a single stump that attracts and holds the largest fish.

"The First Breakline off a Flat. Breaklines, or sudden dropoffs, provide a depth change that attracts baitfish and other forage. For bass, these represent not only feeding areas but also safety zones. The best ones are close to places where the depth varies very little over a large area. A map offers you your best chance to find a flat. On the water, look for a large cove and idle straight out from it as you study your depthfinder. The mid- to lower-lake flats are usually best. Tips and Tactics: Keep your boat in deeper water and cast crankbaits or swimbaits up on the flat at a 45-degree angle, then reel them across and over the edge. For slower presentations, hop heavy plastic spider jigs along the edge and over the drop into deeper water.

"Outside Edge of Vegetation. The outside, or deeper, edge of aquatic plants frequently marks a depth change, a change in bottom composition, or both. Bass patrol this line to feed on baitfish, using the vegetation for food and sanctuary. Stay in the lower half of a reservoir and fish the main lake or the largest tributaries where the outside edges of vegetation, including hyacinths, hydrilla, or wiregrass, are well defined. Tips and Tactics: The deeper outside edge is best in summer and early winter and can be fished effectively with spinnerbaits, heavy jigs, and plastic worms. Look for points, indentations, or other different features along the edge.

"Submerged Roadbeds. Old roads inundated when reservoirs were formed provide big bass a hard bottom surface, a feature they prefer. Such arteries often have depth changes and cover, and may be the first deep-water features bass encounter once they leave spawning flats. Study a good lake map to find roadbeds, then pinpoint them with your electronics. Roadbeds crossing the mouths of major tributaries or continuing off long points are among the best. Tips and Tactics: Crankbaits are effective to about 15 feet; plastic worms and sinking swimbaits also work well. Cast across the road, as well as along it. You can follow it with your depthfinder, putting out marker buoys if you need to.

"Isolated Ridges or Humps. Ridges and humps that rise above the bottom provide that magic depth change and also may offer a change of cover and bottom composition. You might be able to identify these high spots if they rise close to the surface by the presence of weeds or brush. Good lake maps also will pinpoint them. Tips and Tactics: Carolina-rigged worms and lizards can be cast to the top of the hump and crawled down into deeper water. Water depth may limit crankbait use, but jigs might be productive," concluded Price.

My motivation for this particular post was borne from discussions with a couple of friends who have had a taste of success with multiple quality fish from the same spot. As a result of those discussions, I soon found myself reliving some similar moments of my own from over the years, especially those involving trips I've taken to Milldam. Although a lot of time has passed, I can assure you I never pass those oh-so-familiar spots without wearing 'em out for a few minutes.

Neither Wind, Nor Cold...

Those conditions weren't about to stop Ron or his son, Alex, from making a trip to Tecumseh today. They fished from 3 to 5:40 p..m.

It was only his son's second outing of the new season, but nothing appeared to have changed much from last year. As usual, Alex outfished his dad. About 100 feet from the ramp, while trolling a beetlespin, Alex landed a nice 19-inch bass that weighed in at 3-8 (see photo above).

Before the day was done, though, Ron managed to find a 17-inch bass that tipped the scales at 2-11 (see photo right). His fish came on the XTS Minnow. Those two fish, however, proved to be the extent of their collective efforts.

"No crappie and, surprisingly, no chain pickerel today," said Ron in tonight's email, adding, "I guess if you're only going to catch one each, make 'em good ones. All luck."

Ron said he played around with the Whopper Plopper a little bit today but didn't get the first bite with it. He was giving it a try because he had boated a small fish and lost another on it yesterday.

In closing, Ron took note of the fact the river gauge was standing at 2.38 this evening, so, in his words, "Options are opening up for a trip tomorrow, too."

Despite Rising Muddy Water, Still Found Some Fish

When I stopped above the West Neck Bridge about 9 o'clock this morning and saw how muddy the water was, I began thinking a trip to Albright's might be in order. The next 30 minutes, however, changed my mind.

In that time, I boated two white perch and three bass, including a dink, a 1-7 (right), and a 1-10 (below). I figured the stage might be set for an outstanding day, but it proved to be something different. I fished a short ways past the S-curve without another bump. It already was noon then, so I discounted a trip to Albright's and instead decided to run to the mouth of West Neck and work my way back toward the marina.

By the time I quit at 2:30, I had boated another three bass, all ranging between 10 and 12 inches. The only productive lure today once again was my gone-colored Shadow Rap Shad. I fished a couple of different crankbaits throughout the day, without ever feeling anything resembling a fish.

From a beginning temp of 42 degrees, the water had warmed to 50 by the time I called it quits and was heading back to the ramp. A couple other trailers were in the parking lot when I got back, and one still was there when I headed home about 4:30 this afternoon.

Once more, I have to wait and see what the weather is going to do before I lock in plans for another trip. The only thing I'm certain of is that the next trip won't occur next Wednesday because I rescheduled a doctor's appointment from today to then. But I'll be trying to get in at least one day next week.

Was It a Whopper of a Catch, Whopper of a Story, or Both?

A few years back, I remember being among a small group of anglers who happened to overhear a conversation taking place between a couple of bass-tournament competitors following the weigh-in. One of them was relating to the other how, earlier in the day, he had lost a nice fish--"easily 7 pounds," as he described it--in an old duck blind on this one creek.

From that point to this, that piece of cover--what little is left of it, anyway--has been known as the "7-pound duck blind" among those of us who overheard the original story. We still have an occasional chuckle about that event, but we also frequently still take our turns checking to see if that 7-pounder perhaps has returned to the site of his now-somewhat-famous get-away.

I will admit I've caught some fish off that blind over the years since we branded it with that name. However, none of the fish have come anywhere close to being a 7-pounder. Neither have I heard any of the other guys claiming to have weighed in a catch of that magnitude.

Fishermen have been exaggerating the sizes of their catch--as well as a few that got away--for a long while, probably since the beginning of time, if the truth be known. The one place where you'd better think twice before embellishing on the size of your catch, though, is the Lone Star State. You see, Texas has a law on the books (it has been around since 2011), making it illegal to lie about the size of any fish you catch.

This law came about on the heels of a 2009 incident in which a pro angler tried to win a $55,000 fishing boat by adding lead weight to his bass. He was caught and thrown in jail for 15 days.

Both freshwater and saltwater tournaments are affected by this law, which makes a violation a Class A misdemeanor unless the tournament prize offered is more than $10,000. In that case, the violation becomes a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

It bears mentioning here that, in 19th Century Japan, some enterprising fishermen already had found a foolproof way to record trophy catches. (Some versions of this origin story suggest they did so at the emperor's behest.) The method was known as gyotaku, or "fish rubbing," a process whereby fishermen were allowed to print inked fish onto paper, thus creating a permanent record of their sizes (see sample above). They used a nontoxic sumi-e ink traditionally used in both writing and painting, which easily could be washed off. Once the print was made, the fish either was released, if it still was alive, or sold at market.

Writer Scott Yoder characterizes fishermen exaggerating the size of their catch as "axiomatic," adding, "the one that gets away always is a whopper." A friend of his, who's originally from Cuba, claims Cubans are the ultimate weavers of fishing tales, noting that "nobody ever catches a tiny fish in Cuba.

"With Cuban fishermen," continued Yoder's friend, "the expectation that you'll exaggerate the size of your catch is so ingrained that everyone accounts for it when they consider what you actually caught. For example, when you say you caught a 10-pounder, they assume you're exaggerating. Everyone guesses you actually caught about a 5-pounder. If you catch a 5-pounder and tell the truth, everyone assumes you actually caught a 2-pounder."

Do you know how to tell when a fisherman is exaggerating? The answer to this question, according to some, is "anytime his/her lips are moving." If you ever watch Judge Judy on TV, you probably knew that answer immediately, because she frequently asks parents on her show a similar question. Her question always goes like this: Do you know how to tell when your teenager is lying to you? The answer then is the same as above.

Another writer I ran across in my research took note of the fact that, "when you look up 'fish-length-overestimation' in an online dictionary, you usually find an explanation similar to this: 'the act of habitually and impulsively, but not deceitfully, overestimating length and/or weight of a fish that has been caught or lost.' Synonym: Fisherman.

"As a fisherman," continued that writer, "I know that I've been guilty of this more than a time or two. Actually, I was the poster child for fish-length-overestimating. For years, I always estimated the fish I caught as being 18 to 20 inches. Once I began actually measuring them, though, that size range dropped to 15 to 17 inches."

In the final analysis, I tend to believe the vast majority of hard-core fishermen generally are honest about the fish they catch and/or lose. However, I also believe there are times when you're far better off taking what you hear with a large grain of salt. I especially urge you not to go lookin' for truth in all the wrong places (e.g., like a local tackle store or the neighborhood bar & grill).

Of course, the lines of truth as we've always known them suddenly have blurred, now that the Trump White House is in charge. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the concept of "alternative facts." I believe in calling a spade a spade, especially when the "alternative" carries far more potentially serious consequences than any which can be attached to a fisherman's overestimating the size of a fish.

Quick Trip to Upper West Neck Creek

Ron launched at Indian River Road yesterday afternoon and headed south to see what he could find. His first hookup was with "something of some size," as he described it, noting that whatever it was took some drag before throwing the hook. "Pretty sure it was a bass---guessing 2-plus," he said.

Before the trip was over, he managed to catch a total of six bass, but none of them eclipsed the 12-inch mark on his ruler. The catch of the day, though, was with a fish that turned out to be his first citation of the year: "a nice toothy and fat chain pickerel that came in at 24.2 inches and weighed 3-6 (see right)," to borrow his words.

Ron then noted that he had a guy recently tell him he had caught a 7-lb. pickerel in Tecumseh, which, to Ron's thinking, seems a stretch, considering that the Virginia state record for that species is only 7-10. That fisherman's story, however, paled in comparison to what a guy he met on the upper North Landing told him. This dude said he had caught a 12-lb. bass.

"I take all those kinds of stories with a grain of salt," said Ron. "My fishing log," on the other hand, as he explained, "is as honest and full of integrity as was my 30 years of service. I simply don't understand 'fabrication.' My usual response to being asked on the water what I caught is 'just a few dinks,' adding a pointer on where to find 'em."

This evening's email from Ron let me know that he took another short trip (4:30 to 6 o'clock) this evening to Tecumseh. He noted that the "weather was almost perfect, but the bite wasn't so good. Lost a few but managed a 22-inch chain pickerel seen here, as well as two dink bass.

"Fog rolled in near dark," he continued, "and it got real cold with the dampness all about. A buddy of mine caught one crappie, but we neither one could find the sought-after stringer."

Ron referenced what he sees as "odd weather for this time of year" and said he's trying to figure it out. He mentiond that he didn't fish freshwater last year until March, "so it is all new to me. The chain pickerel are much fatter than I remember from late last winter/early spring."

In closing, Ron noted that he wants to find some decent yellow perch.

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017...Other than for a bummer launch and recovery because of low water and a lot of mud on the banks at Indian River Road, today's return trip to upper West Neck Creek wasn't half bad. Ron found four bass, the biggest a 16-incher (right) that weighed in at 1-13. The other three all were dinks. Today's only productive lure was the XTS Minnow. "Spent more time unhooking snags from all the stumps in the area than fishing," he said, but it wasn't a bad day, given the fact he only fished for an hour.

Ron's talk about tall fishin' stories in his first trip report above sparked an idea that was just too good to pass up without some kind of action. Don't reckon I need to tell you what the subject of my next post will be, huh?

Gone, Gone, Gone, Gone, Gone...

Each "gone" in the title of this post signals a fish that I caught today on the "gone"-colored Shadow Rap Shad (slow-rising model). There would have been two more gones, but I had two small bass come unbuttoned on their way to the boat. Nevertheless, I look at it as a good day, especially considering how dismal the weather was the whole time I was on the water.

I very well may pay a price for today's trip--Uncle Arthur already is doing a little barking, and if the usual pattern ensues, it only will get worse from here. But that's OK, I satisfied an itch I've had for several days, and that's what really matters.

I started out fishing my way toward the mouth of West Neck this morning but only had boated one bass by noon, so ran and started above the bridge, where the water temperature was running about two degrees higher than the other direction. At the end of my five hours (from 9:30 to 2:30), I had caught a total of two white perch and three dink bass.

The best part of my day came as I was fishing my way through the S-curve above the bridge. A couple of minnow dunkers just had passed me and shut down only spittin' distance away. They each had put about three lines in the water and hadn't caught anything yet when I started up the opposite shoreline and immediately put two white perch in the boat with my jerkbait. As I moved away from them a short distance, I looked back over my shoulder to find the two of 'em scrambling to get re-anchored in the area where I just had caught those fish. Couldn't help chuckling a bit to myself.

Have to admit I was a bit nervous at times today, because the duck hunters were out in force doing their thing. I found myself ducking a couple of times when I couldn't tell exactly what direction they were aiming. But, alas, there were no close calls--that I'm aware of anyway.

The water going toward the mouth, for the most part, was off-colored, but it got markedly better above the bridge, which made me have a few regrets for not starting there this morning.

Don't know when I'll get out again. I only know it won't be until the currently predicted slug of rain has passed on by. And, most likely, it will be a weekday, which should somewhat limit the number of hunters I'll come across.

I was a little surprised to see a couple of "big boys" headed south yet today. Also saw one headed north. I had figured all that action was pretty much over with until warmer weather returns.

Just received an email from Ron. He too stirred the water today. Launched at Blackwater Road and fished Milldam Creek from about noon to 5 p.m.

His totals on the day included four bass (two dinks, a 1-3, and the 1-6 pictured right), a 9-inch yellow perch, two white perch (10 and 12 inches (see 12-inch one below), respectively), and two crappie (to 11 inches). He also lost a decent chain pickerel at yak-side.

Said Ron, "I have enough panfish for some Sunday-football tacos, thanks to my friends who also caught and shared a few crappie and white perch. Yum!" he exclaimed. "Was surprised to see the white perch this time of year; makes me wonder if the warm weather will throw off the 'schedule.'

"My bass today were caught shoreline, mid-channel and near structure (feeder creeks were too shallow to get into today)--a very erratic pattern."

Ron went on to note that, despite mostly clear water, he found many globs of slimy green stuff dotting the surface.

Back on the Bass Track

After a couple days of pretty much no action other than from chain pickerel, Ron got back on the bass track yesterday with his afternoon trip to West Neck Creek.

He launched about 3:30 and, as he was heading out, noticed some birds diving north of the bridge, so he decided to check it out. Unfortunately, things had quieted down by the time he arrived on the location. "Not sure what they were after," said Ron.

Since he already was headed in that direction, Ron continued north, fishing the mouths of feeder creeks and structure on the west side. The fruits of his efforts included two 12-inch bass and a nice 1-8 (above right) on the XTS Minnow. He also tried a jig, as well as a Cotton Cordell bait, to no avail.

As the sun was setting then, Ron noticed some surface action in the mid-channel and decided to troll a beetlespin and Road Runner in hopes of perhaps catching some crappie. About a half-mile north of the bridge, he ran into a pole-bender on his ultralight rig, which had the Road Runner tied on. He thought it might be a record crappie, but instead, it was a 15-inch striper (above), which, in his own words, "made my day!"

Looking back on his trip, Ron summed it up as "not bad." He also took time to thank Charlie for sharing some of his seasoned advice with him prior to launching yesterday. If one thing is certain, it's that Charlie knows where the fish hang out in West Neck Creek this time of year.

To Help Or Not To Help--That's the Question

Running wakes like this, as a minimum, can be tricky, and at the worst, fatal.

I've seen some folks registering their concerns about all the other college-tournament boats that simply ran on past those two University of Florida teammates who got tossed out of their boat last weekend. I counted at least four boats in that parade of passers-by caught on video, and there may have been more. I decided to do a little online investigating and see if I could find out whether those concerns were warranted from a moral and/or legal standpoint.

Unfortunately, this same scene or a similar version may happen more times than one might think. For example, I found a case from this past summer where a fella was running to a boat dock he wanted to fish when he decided to stop and work his way to the dock. "As I worked toward the key spot," he said, "I noticed a pontoon boat a bit ahead on the other side of the channel."

The family/friends group on board appeared to be having engine trouble. "One of the older gentlemen was sitting on the front with a paddle, trying to move the boat to the other side," he explained. "It took me about three minutes to figure out I should stop fishing and see if they needed help. In the meantime, three or four boats went past on pad without a second look. I couldn't help wondering how many other boats had gone by before I got there."

When the fisherman motored over and asked if he could help, they responded, "Yes, thank you." A towing rig quickly was put together, and they started toward the dock a few miles away. During the tow, the pontoon boat's passengers kept working on the outboard and eventually got it to start.

Said the fisherman, "I was struck by how many folks went by, never bothering to slow down and see if they could help. Guess I shouldn't be surprised; yet, I'm constantly reminded how considerate and polite folks are down here in the South.

"Glad I helped and gave up some of my fishing time. Would hope someone would do the same for me in the event I needed it."

I found out just today (Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017) that my friend Jerry and his weekday fishing partner, Eddy, also experienced a similar incident in the summer of 2015. They were fishing the Northwest River, along the Virginia/North Carolina border, at the time.

Said Jerry, "We were having a very good day, fishing along the southern bank as we approached another bigger boat having engine problems on the north bank. The operator yelled and let us know that he needed help. We immediately headed toward him, hooked up, and started towing the much bigger vessel into Moyock Creek. Our destination was the Shingle Point ramp.

"About halfway into Moyock Creek, this boater, like the earlier one talked about here, was also able to get his engine to fire. We untied, but the boater asked us to follow him to the ramp--just in case. We obliged, and once the boater was at the ramp, Eddy and I went back to our spot and resumed fishing. Unfortunately, in the time it had taken us to help the distressed boater, the bite had quit. but Eddie and I didn't mind because we realized we, too, may one day need a tow.

These are the two college anglers who took a quick "exit left" last weekend.

Part of the problem, as I understand it, is the existence of what's called "The Common Law." While most of us would agree that you have a moral duty to help a person in need if possible, as a general rule, a bystander is under no obligation to come to the aid of another person in distress. Accordingly, a bystander who did not create the dangerous situation is not generally required to prevent injury to other people who happen to find themselves in the middle of it all.

Like most areas of the law, though, there are exceptions to this general rule. One of the important exceptions is when the bystander negligently created the dangerous situation. Then he/she has a legal duty to do something to prevent injury to others. If they fail to render assistance, they can be held legally responsible.

As a Coast Guard public affairs officer explained, "The main thing we emphasize to boaters on the water is 'prudent seamanship.' That means knowing what the limits are of your capabilities, your training, and your vessel. A boater who is capable of safely towing a busted watercraft should do so. If you have any doubts about your ability to render aid, don't. Towing a vessel, just like towing a car, can be a hazardous thing--more hazardous, even, because a boat doesn't have any brakes.

"As with any emergency, a boater's first instinct should be to call for help. If you see a boater get into trouble, summon authorities immediately, before trying to assist them."

Perhaps the most appropriate bottom line here is a remark I ran across during my research. This one guy said, "I let the Golden Rule be my rule in all matters--Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

A Good Reason for Life Jackets and Kill Switches

"Anglers, departing." That Navy terminology could well be used to describe what you're looking at in the accompanying photo. It happened during the FLW College Fishing Tournament on Lake Seminole this past weekend. The two University of Florida teammates were ejected from their boat while running to their first spot after blast off.

The whole scary scene was captured on their GoPro camera. Check out the video at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AkgjPkCQXc&feature=youtu.be.

According to sources at the event, a locknut came loose on their hydraulic steering, which rendered the operator's control null and void. They were running about 60 mph when steering capability went away, and the boat appeared to hook approximately 90 degrees after planing over another boat's wake, tossing both passenger and driver into the water.

Both young men are alive today because their life jackets were on, and the kill switch was engaged while they were running.

As a couple of local fellas related to me a few months back following a similar incident they had, "It's crazy how fast things can go from perfect to terrifying in a bass boat running on step." Danger lurks anytime your boat chine walks over another boat's wake.

Besides being a reminder for wearing life jackets and always running with your kill switch engaged, let this incident also make you diligent about doing regular safety checks of your boat's steering, motor mounts, and trailers.

Proof Positive (Beyond Any Doubt)

...of a good bass fishing day

...of a banner bass fishing day.






In case there are a few who don't recognize what we're looking at here, it's called "bass thumb." You get it after catching, landing and gripping numerous largemouth bass. When bass are "lipped," their raspy "teeth" dig into the flesh of the inner thumb, as they squirm and shake, trying to gain their freedom.

The angler sporting his "badge of honor" in the top right photo had lipped 50+ bass. It's anyone's guess, though, how many fish the angler in the above left photo had lipped.

A lady bass angler I read about while researching this topic took note of the fact she had suffered for years with what she described as "the dreaded 'bass thumb.' Sometimes I even would quit fishing for the day, with plenty of light left because my thumb was so sore and bleeding,..," she said. "I fretted about what to do to solve the problem."

This lady angler went on to explain that gloves were too restrictive for the delicate finesse fishing she does with ultralight tackle. As a result, she turned to the Internet, where she eventually found a forum in which someone recommended Finger Gloves (see Fingergloves.com). "I read all the excellent reviews," she said, "and ordered a set. Now I come home with thumbs as soft as they were when I was a baby."

Another solution to the "bass thumb" problem is Pro Flex 5, which world-class fisherman Randy Howell uses. Pro Flex 5 sharkskin neoprene covers slip over your finger and thumb, protecting against line cuts, lipping cuts, and rub abrasions (see photo directly above). Meanwhile, your fingertips stay exposed, so you don't lose any feel. Check out the online shop at http://www.fishermansthumb.com/online-shop.html for the different colors of Pro Flex 5 that are available.

Before I wrap this up, let me share a portion of a story I happened across during my research for this piece. It first appeared as part of the 2007 Angler's Guide, which was published in the March/April 2007 issue of Outdoor Oklahoma. The author, Andy Whitcomb, makes mention of the fact that his philosophy while growing up fishing Oklahoma farm ponds was to "lip everything." That mostly included only bass and bluegill, though. Then he started traveling and experiencing new, toothy species--like pike, walleye and bowfin, to name only a few--and learned the hard way that "lipping" these fish was not without its hazards.

"It was like extreme, full-contact fishing," he said. "I used to believe that a successful fishing trip meant that I returned bleeding. I'd grin and bare it, then bandage it.

"Now many years later, I have reached a point where I do not have to have an open wound after a fishing trip for it to be successful. However, a slight disfigurement not requiring surgery isn't all bad. I have come to appreciate some of the finer things, like those tiny, pointy teeth on a bass's lower lip.

"I know some say to leave the bass in the water while removing the hook. However, it is vastly more satisfying when, just for a minute, you reach down and pick that big ol' bass out of the water. Immediately, there is a slight pain in the thumb that lets you know, if you did not already, that you pulled it off.

"Then you feel its heft and see it's dripping wet, glorious green and black. Nothing else is lifted for the sheer pleasure of feeling heavy. While momentarily distracted by girth calculations, your thumb is a palette being sculpted, chiseled in a few uneasy seconds by many perforating little teeth.

"The result is not unlike your thumb having a close encounter with an extremely fine cheese grater. You are left with a bristle of hundreds of partially detached skin pieces. For the next few days, each time you use that opposable appendage, each tiny flap of skin creates a tingly reminder of time much better spent. Simple, routine activities, such as brushing teeth, lifting a cup of coffee, or signing your name may trigger the sweet pang of bass thumb.

"For the most part, this transitory scar usually goes unnoticed. Most people just don't go around examining other people's thumbs. However, if, during the course of a successful fishing trip, my thumb becomes a shredded mess, for the next couple of days I become like the 'Fonz.'

"'Ayyy,' I say with the classic 'thumbs up' gesture to no one in particular.

"My souvenir keeps me grinning while I am back in the office. Suddenly an abrasive character, I put my thumb out there for the world to see. This is when I want to be fingerprinted. This is the thumb I want to be remembered by.

"I get no greater satisfaction from an injury from any other outdoor activity. There is nothing pleasant about ringing ears from skeet shooting, blisters from hiking, sunburn from swimming, scraped elbows from biking, or rolled ankles from basketball. But bass thumb is different. It allows a type of 'closure' in a brief, turbulent relationship.

"A day of fishing will be over all too quickly. If I catch a bass, that 'Man vs. Nature' battle may only last a couple of minutes. When it is over, I will slip the bass back in the water and watch the ripples subside, leaving me, hopefully, with one lasting impression."

"People should shake your hand and know that you're a bass fisherman, not a wisherman," as one angler put it.

The piece of art above is a reprint of what appeared with the original article.

Relax and Take It Easy

That's the title of a 1951 country music tune recorded by Tommy Duncan. It's also what Ron decided he wanted to do today, and he did it. How? By taking a 6-mile, 4.5-hour fishing trip in his kayak.

He launched in Hell's Point Creek at Sandbridge Road, where the water was very low and murky. From there, he headed north.

Ron tried a variety of lures, throwing to structure. At trip's end, though, he only had managed two dink bass (see above right) and a very small crappie (left). All three fish came near the end of the trip, when the sun poked out for a spell. The only lure they would hit was a beetlespin.

"Tomorrow should be similar weather," said Ron, "so I will head out somewhere."

Never Give Up!

That includes even when you're down to the last 5 minutes of tournament fishing time. No bassin' pro alive today is a more vocal advocate of that philosophy than--you guessed it--bass fishing's original "bad boy," Mike Iaconelli.

For a good spell now, the fishing world has known Iaconelli as the man who nearly always screams "Never give up!" right after he has caught a last-minute bass in a tournament. However, I'll bet there are a lot of anglers out there who have pumped a fist or two high into the air, and/or maybe have done their best imitation of Ike after catching a tournament-winning fish within the last 5 minutes of competition.

This much I do know: I've certainly heard my fair share of "winning fish caught in last 5 minutes" stories during my time as tournament director for the Dewey Mullins Memorial Bass Tourney Series. On many occasions, a 3-, 4- or 5-pounder caught just a few minutes before weigh-in has spelled the difference between walking away as winners or losers.

I found several other examples online, too. For instance, there was a young co-angler who shared that his FLW Tour pro had pulled up on a "last chance" spot that was close to the tournament check-in point. With that one final cast, the young co-angler hooked and landed a fish that helped him win the co-angler title by less than a half-pound. "Stay focused," was the young angler's advice to others. "I can't tell you how many times a fish has made a big difference for me in the final 5 minutes. If you're not focused, you can miss that chance."

In another case, a tournament duo had caught four fish early in the day, "thinking it was going to be a typically good day." To their chagrin, however, several hours then passed without a single fish. It wasn't until about 5 minutes before day's end that one of them finally boated a 2.83-pounder to win both the tournament and the big-fish pot.

I also read an account where, in the last 5 minutes of a tournament, Elite Series pro angler Dean Rojas pulled out a victory with a 3-3 and a 2-13. That success came after enduring a spell in which he had lost a fish and caught three more that didn't meet the 12-inch length requirement.

Yet another example was Winchester, VA, weekend angler Mike Callahan, who won an American Fishing Tour bass tournament on the Potomac River in the last few minutes. He already had caught 10 good keepers but culled a 2-pounder with a 3.5-pound bass in the final 5 minutes to give him the victory with a sack weighing 17.25 pounds.

And finally, we come to Boyd Duckett (left), who, at the end of each season, always tries to sum it up in one statement. For 2016, he said there's only one sentence, even though it's admittedly not original, that works, and that is: "Never give up."

As he pointed out, "Every angler has been through times when he wanted to give up, times when he felt so lost and defeated that he was ready to pack his tackle and head to the house. Whether he (or she)  was tempted to quit the sport entirely, quit on a season, or maybe just quit on a tournament or two, EVERY angler has been there."

This past year, like most others, found Duckett coming down to the final Elite Series event in LaCrosse, WI, needing a clutch performance to make it into the Bassmaster Classic. He remembers sitting under a bridge with Mark Davis and Kelly Jordan during a driving rain and thunderstorm, thinking he probably was in something like 80th place. To make matters worse, he didn't have a single fish in the livewell at that moment.

"We were hoping the weather would eventually clear enough to see 10 or 15 feet in front of our boats," he said. "But I didn't panic. I'd been there before. I just chose to focus on the hope that I would be able to establish a pattern before the day was done. I truly thought I had a chance to catch some fish, so I kept telling myself, 'Don't give up.'"

At the same time, however, neither Duckett, nor those other two anglers, were giving any thought to heading back out and fishing through the storm. As Boyd explained, "Four times in my life, I have been on a body of water where guys were struck by lightning and died. So I wasn't going anywhere, and neither were Mark or Kelly."

All three guys ended up having to get out of the storm's way twice that day, totaling about two and a half hours of lost fishing time. Between those retreats to safety, Duckett ran to a jetty break and caught a 3.5-pounder in swift water, so when the weather had cleared the second time, he ran back to the same spot, but nothing was happening. Convinced the same pattern would work, though, he kept moving and was able to catch enough big ones to stay in the game.

Duckett finished 15th at LaCrosse and 12th in the AOY event on Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota and still barely made the Classic field (he finished 37th out of 39 Elite Series anglers). "It was close," said Duckett, "but the obvious lesson is: Never, ever, ever give up."

I would add one more thing here: I think you have to believe in yourself and your abilities, especially when it comes to making big things happen in that last 5 minutes of any given tournament day. It's too easy to say, "OK, I give up. Maybe next time." I've often said that, and I've also heard a lot of other guys make the same comment.

Time for a Fish Fry

That's what Ron chose as the subject line for his latest email.

It seems he and his son, Alex, headed to Lake Tecumseh Friday, hoping to catch enough crappie for a good fish fry this weekend. Turns out both of them had some luck.

Ron's tally included a 1-6 bass (see below left), four chain pickerel to 20 inches, and a bunch of crappie. Meanwhile, Alex claimed crappie bragging rights for the trip with one measuring 14.75 inches and weighing 1-8 (see above right). They collectively took home 10 nice ones for the frying pan.

Ron explained that the bass and chain pickerel were slamming the XTS Minnow, while the crappie were interested only in the beetlespin. He was using an ultralight rig for the crappie, which he described as "a blast."

"The weekend looks fair to middlin'," noted Ron, "so we shall see."

A Little More Twitchin', A Little Less Jerkin'

Pick up any dozen articles about jerkbait fishing, and before you've read past the first or second paragraph in about 10 of them, you've undoubtedly heard the standard advice about using a jerk-jerk-pause cadence. That's why I read a little farther here recently when I saw a jerkbait story in which Elite Series pro Fred Roumbanis (right) proposed a different cadence.

Instead of simply taking a few quick winds to get your jerkbait down to its optimum operating depth, Roumbanis suggests taking a few "winding jerks" after the bait hits the water. In his words, "This allows the jerkbait to reach its horizontal plane quickly, thus spending more time in the most productive strike zone."

When using braided line with jerkbaits, as Roumbanis does, a "twitch, twitch, pause" cadence, in which you only move the rod tip 8 to 10 inches, is preferred, compared to the traditional method. His contention is that these smaller rod movements will help you avoid ripping the hooks away from fish. Instead, you'll feel pressure and know it's time to set the hook.

It's also important to use a rod with a very soft tip, according to Roumbanis. The soft tip ensures your twitches have a less drastic effect on your jerkbait. "The idea, after all," he said, "is to keep your bait in the same area as long as possible." His personal preference is the 3-power, 6-foot 9-inch medium-action iROD Genesis II Series.

"Jerkbaits and cold water are a phenomenal combination that can load your boat in a hurry," noted Roumbanis. "If you're having trouble getting bites with more commonplace tactics, however, don't be afraid to go against the grain. Sometimes, all it takes is some simple experimentation to turn a tough day into an unforgettable one."