First One on the Spot Has Dibs

That's the rule of thumb for deciding the right of way between a duck hunter and bass fisherman, according to Chad Boyce, a biologist with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF). He also happens to be both a duck hunter and fisherman, so he speaks from experience. And just to be on the safe side, he ran his response by the local CPO sergeant, who acknowledged that it is "spot on."

As Chad explained, "Both users have rights to their respective activities in public waters. Each should operate on ethical decisions based on 'who is there first.'"

In other words, if a duck hunter is set up with decoys out and clearly hunting, a fisherman should steer away from that area. Likewise, if a duck hunter goes to a spot where a fisherman is actively doing his thing, then that duck hunter should find another spot to hunt.

"There are extreme circumstances, however," noted Chad, "when both can claim to have exclusive rights to certain locations in public waters. This is where many conflicts arise.

"Accordingly, there's a law that protects the rights of all hunters and fishermen. However, the law simply states that it is illegal for someone to knowingly impede a lawful hunting or fishing trip of another," which, to paraphrase Chad, doesn't begin to address the common-sense and ethical issues involved.

While doing some research online for this item, I learned about some folks who often combine a hunting and fishing trip into one. They aptly call it "blast and cast." This group simply hunts until the ducks stop flying, then search for different species of fish.

If you "blast and cast," you just carry three or four fishing rods along in the boat, in addition to all the hunting paraphernalia.

The only thing I know about this subject matter, based on my own experience, is that it's not cool to go busting through a duck hunter's decoys in your bass boat. That has happened to me two or three times over the years, and I've always stopped and apologized profusely--in hopes I wouldn't become a target.

Super Bowl of Bass Fishing Set for Knoxville

The 48th annual Bassmaster Classic, with its million-dollar purse, is scheduled to be held March 15-17 in downtown Knoxville on the campus of the University of Tennessee.

Tournament waters will include Fort Loudoun and Tellico lakes, twin reservoirs connected by a canal and comprising about 30,000 acres. The 50 competitors can fish either lake and anywhere along the Tennessee River upstream from Fort Loudoun Dam to the Interstate 40 bridge on the Holston River and the Highway 168 bridge on the French Broad River.

The Classic has come a long way since its inaugural event in 1971 at Lake Mead, NV, which Bobby Murray won with 43 lbs. 11 ozs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaKI81zuUGw). Originally, it occurred in the fall but switched to summer in 1984, and then to late winter in 2006. In 1977, founder Ray Scott also stopped holding the Classic at a "mystery lake" and began announcing the site in advance to permit fan support. The '77 event (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm3Tmmw22lg) was held at Kissimmee Chain, FL, with Rick Clunn taking top honors. His winning weight was 27 lbs. 7 ozs.

Both Clunn and Kevin VanDam have a total of four Classic wins. Meanwhile, Jordan Lee, Bobby Murray, Hank Parker, and George Cochrain have finished first twice each.

Other record-book holders include the following:

     * Largest Bass Caught: 11-10, Preston Clark, Toho, FL 2006
     * Heaviest Venue Total Weight: 1,578-14, Red River, LA 2009
     * Heaviest Total Weight: 69-11, Kevin VanDam, Louisiana Delta, LA 2011
     * Heaviest Single-Day Weight: 32-3, Paul Mueller, Guntersville, AL 2014
     * Most Top 5 Classic Finishes: 11, Rick Clunn
     * Most Consecutive Classic Appearances: 28, Rick Clunn, 1974-2001
     * Most Second Place Finishes: 4, Aaron Martens, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2011
     * Largest Final Day Comeback: 13-14 deficit, Jordan Lee, Conroe, TX 2017

The Man Who Was "Finesse Fishing" 20 Years Before Most Even Heard the Term

(From left) Former Kentucky Afield TV-show host Hope Carleton and Charlie Brewer fish the Slider method on Dale Hollow Lake in 1975.

------------------------------

Charlie Brewer returned from World War II to Lawrenceburg, TN, and opened a radio and TV repair shop with knowledge gained in the South Pacific. A natural-born tinkerer, he grew weary of the long, fishless hours throwing a baitcaster spooled with black nylon line and a crankbait, such as the Heddon River Runt. He figured there had to be a better way to catch bass more consistently when they aren't active and chasing lures.

Brewer developed a unique leadhead designed to plane in the water, instead of falling to the bottom like a smooth rock. He also poured his own slender 4-inch ringed worms with an egg sack that tapered to a paddle tail. He cast these worms on short graphite or graphite-composite rods with a Tennessee handle for increased sensitivity. He removed the bail from the reels to increase casting distance for his 1/16-to-1/4-ounce leadheads and diminutive worms. He founded the Crazy Head Lure Company in 1970, now known as the Charlie Brewer Slider Company.

The key to Brewer's system is presentation. The Slider method is designed to find bass suspended in the water column or hanging just above the bottom. Bass in clear-water lakes, such as Lake Cumberland, Laurel River Lake, and Dale Hollow Lake suspend most of the time during the day, especially in summer and winter. Suspended bass represent one of the toughest bass-fishing situations.

The original Crazy Head was a flat-bottomed leadhead that came through the water in a straight line on the retrieve. Brewer later developed other styles of flat-sided heads and bullet-shaped ones, but the basic concept remains. The heart of the Slider system is manipulating the speed of the retrieve and the weight of the leadhead until you hit the combination of depth and speed bass want that particular day.

This may require cutting some weight off the Slider head 'til it weighs just 1/32-ounce or flattening it to slow the rate of fall. Find a likely fish-holding structure, such as a channel point laden with boulders or stumps. Cast parallel to the structure and count to 10. Reel the Slider worm with a rhythmic but slow cadence and watch your line intently. Keep counting down and reeling slowly until you get a rapid peck or nip from a bluegill, baby bass or crappie. This is the activity zone. Count down a little more on the next cast and you'll be in bass.

Once you find the depth and speed they want, you can fish similar areas all over the lake and catch fish all day. The Slider worm resembles a minnow more than anything, and fish can't help themselves. It is simple and ingenious. Plus, light to medium-light spinning rods and 6-pound line make 2-pounders feel like trophies. It is simply a fun and relaxing way to catch bass after bass, plus the occasional trophy bluegill, crappie, walleye, and even freshwater drum.

Brewer also believed bass anglers do way too much running and gunning, instead of fishing. He felt folks should pattern their fish close-by and focus more on technique than covering water. He relates in his touchstone book Charlie Brewer on Slider Fishing that some of his best fishing days stemmed from engine trouble that forced him to scour the fishy-looking areas near the ramp. This also saves gas and wear and tear on the big motor.

All you need is a small box or a paper bag with a few colors of Slider worms, some Slider heads, a pair of sidecutter and needlenose pliers and knowledge. Largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass gobble them up with the same abandon now as they did when Sliders first hit the market in the '70s.

This text was taken from a 2009 piece titled "Charlie Brewer--The Father of Finesse Fishing," by Lee McClellan, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Thought you also might like to see a sampling of videos from back in the day of Charlie and his Slider system:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddsOqGETmi4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYuFDJDDxhM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THgGx1_SoYo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgdS23apxvA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSdIOQjG5CU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qipf1iGqueE

At What Point Do You Turn on Your Bass-Tournament Teammate?

One would hope the answer to that question is never, but that isn't always the case.

For example, I recently read about an angler who blamed his teammate for a tournament loss...and went so far as to hang his gripes out there in writing for the whole world to see. As you might expect, that poor judgment call broke up the team. An apology was eventually forthcoming, but the damage had been done, and there was no going back.

The simple truth is that everyone occasionally has a bad day, and while it may be your partner today, it could be you tomorrow. To blame your partner for your team's poor finish is just plain stupid. Most of us know what it feels like to lose a good fish that would have made a difference in the final standings. We feel like crap. A good team has the ability to put such a misfortune behind them in a hurry and move on, without casting blame or bashing each other.

Here are some other very obvious common denominators among team-tournament anglers who really understand what it means to gel with their partners:

Trust. Team anglers who trust their partners seem to do better than those who don't. The trust involved here is whether you trust your partner's fishing abilities, trust their decisions on where to fish, when to move, when to change presentations, when to change tactics, and the like. Sure, their decisions may prove to be wrong, but so might yours.

Be a teacher. If your partner is new to the sport or has less experience than you, take the time to explain things to him. When you make adjustments on the water, tell him why. If you're fishing one type of bait, suggest that your partner fish a different bait...until one proves to be working the best. Doing so will help your partner become a better angler, and it also will help your team.

Be a learner. Strive to learn something new every time you go fishing, whether from your partner or on your own. Anglers who think they know it all about bass fishing are only kidding themselves. Team tournament anglers who learn from each other stand to become a better team.

Have confidence in each other. Next to having complete trust in your partner, having complete confidence in your partner is the second biggest element that successful teams seem to have in common. It's reassuring to know your partner will do exactly the right thing at exactly the right moment, especially when the pressure is on. It's not just a matter of being confident he will be right there with the net when you need it, you also need to be confident he will switch lures when the situation or conditions call for it. Further, it's confidence he will be prepared for almost anything that comes along. This type of confidence can only come from time spent together on the water. How many times have you heard tournament winners say they "just knew" they were going to win? While some may blow off this kind of response as cockiness, if it happens more than once, it's more likely a case of having total confidence.

Have confidence in yourself. How many times have you said, "I knew there was a fish there," after catching one? Better yet, how many times have you told your partner, "I'm going to catch one right there," and then did it? Some might just call this luck, but the truth of the matter is that it's self confidence at its absolute best, and you either have it or you don't. And when both team members have it, especially at the same time, they are going to be very tough to beat.

Encouragement. Giving your partner a pat on the back, bumping fists, or saying something like "Nice job!" once in a while when he does good can work wonders. But don't limit your encouragement to just good situations. When something happens like losing a fish, also offer a word of encouragement. Things like "Nice try," or "Great cast, you ought to catch one there" always are welcome ways to help him regain his confidence.

Communication. It's equally important that partners talk when one has made some mistakes or errors in judgment. Address these issues when they occur (or no later than the end of the tournament). Don't allow them to fester and become a more serious problem. Make sure you discuss any problem areas in a cool and calm manner. It very well may turn out to be nothing more than a simple misunderstanding or something that your partner didn't perceive as a problem. It certainly isn't something worth losing a friend over.

Remember, in the final analysis, it's just fishing...it's supposed to be fun.

Many an Angler Try 'Em, Only a Few Stay With 'Em

If you get frustrated easily, don't even bother--that's my advice. These baits will send you over the edge in short order. What am I talking about? Why, hollow-bodied frogs, of course.

You don't have to take my word for it. Here are three online videos I found that more than aptly demonstrate what happens to the majority of frog users. Take a look for yourself...and plan to be amused.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=truGaRgVKBI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8Nlk1bujWo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwePrYmaakM

If after watching these videos, you still decide to give hollow-bodied frogs a try, you might first want to digest this online advice from an FLW angler. He notes that many people make the mistake of skipping the frog along, as if it were frantic to get away from a predator. "While you may get some strikes doing this, you'll miss out on the better quality fish," he explains.

The FLW angler says he likes to pop or twitch the bait a time or two before stopping it for a few seconds and repeating. When the bait approaches a pocket, weed edge, lily pad, or something different to key on, he lets it sit...sometimes for as long as 30 seconds, or maybe even a minute. If no blowup occurs when he twitches the bait after one of these long pauses, he'll just barely move it, which makes the legs quiver a little. It's at this point that a big fish usually strikes.

If a frog appears to move too quickly for a bass to chase down, he often will search for an easier meal. After all, he doesn't grow big by being a stupid and inefficient hunter.

When a frog makes a huge boil, and you set the hook, but the lure just floats back up, that signals a couple of things could be wrong. You could be using the wrong equipment, or you might be setting the hook incorrectly. The correct equipment is a beefy rod (a 6 1/2-foot medium/heavy- or heavy-action casting rod with an extra fast tip) and a reel with positive anti-reverse, spooled with 30-to-50-pound braided line. These all play a key role in hooking more fish when using frogs.

If you're fishing lighter cover, or when the conditions are tough, it's OK to scale down to a 6- or 6 1/2-foot medium/heavy-action spinning rod, spooled with 15-pound braid. With the smaller diameter line, you'll still have the 0-percent stretch properties, but you won't spook as many fish.

The FLW angler also suggests that another reason why people lose so many fish on frogs is because of "how" they set the hook (e.g., jerking too early, too late, or with the wrong technique). As he points out, "When a fish blows up on a frog, half the time he won't even have it in his mouth. Many times all he does is smack the frog under the water's surface, where he then attacks it. So if you set the hook on the blowup, you often will miss the fish.

"Instead, as soon as the strike occurs, drop your rod immediately, but don't set the hook. Reel down slowly until the line is semi-slack, then wait and watch for line movement, or until you can feel the fish, and then set the hook with a swift, hard wrist snap in the opposite direction your line is moving. It's absolutely critical to have some slack in the line before you snap your wrist. If you try to set the hook on a taught line, you'll only pull the bait out of the fish's mouth. With a slack line, you'll be at maximum velocity when the line tightens up and have enough force to drive the hooks home."

The FLW angler went on to acknowledge that, in the beginning, he was one of those folks who would throw a frog for 10 casts and then put it away for the day. "Now I always have one tied on, and it's one of my go-to baits," he concludes.

Oh Be Still My Heart!!!

It can start with a bone-jarring hookup, or a sensation so timid you'll swear it's only a bream, but then comes the moment of truth. Bubba (or maybe Bertha) shows himself or herself, and you suddenly realize you're locked in battle with nothing short of a behemoth. The scene may be reminiscent of something like you see in the photo above, or in the link for the video that follows:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqbcqHXvRGw

In any event, your heart is now racing, the adrenaline is pumping, and your palms are sweating from gripping the rod so tightly...or if not, maybe they will be after you watch these additional videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjALy0TSFtQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PWhcyD7eIE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9Ov-sVXvX0

Instantly, you shift into action for the fight that lay ahead, all the while pouring over these basics in your head:

     * Don't "horse" it.

     * Maintain steady pressure.

     * Keep the rod low (if possible) to minimize jumps.

     * Make sure the fish stays away from cover, dock posts, etc.

     * Keep your net close by, where you can grab it quickly.

But wait, this scenario thus far presumes you will have time to get ready for the fight that occurs after hookup. What happens when Bubba or Bertha hits right at the boat, as in the following video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=HDIGyozPnKI

In this case, there's no "getting ready." You simply react to the surprise of the moment.

I'm guessing that a majority of anglers possess the skills and self-confidence necessary to "just get the job done" anytime Bubba or Bertha hits. If you happen to be like me, though, you find your mind clouded with a whole host of self-doubts at moments like that. Nevertheless, I always have and always will welcome every opportunity to do battle with a massive bass. I truly still hope I live to see the day when I hook up with and land one bigger than my long-time personal best--a 7-plus from Back Bay.

Let's Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Remember the '90s--back when modern television was transitioning into what it is today?

Classic fishing shows filled the airwaves every Saturday and Sunday morning. A lot of us woke up extra early, just to be ready before those shows aired--or maybe we just set up our VCRs the night before to record all of 'em.

In some respects, those classic fishing hosts were like an extra member of our families.

Today, fishing shows have taken on a life of their own. Big money, marketing and slinging products have largely replaced the quality of content we were spoiled with back in the day.

However, that doesn't change the fact that you probably can rattle off a lot of those fishing-show hosts by name, and maybe even go so far as to hum or sing their theme songs.

How could any of us ever forget the likes of  "Bill Dance Outdoors," a show that began in 1968, or "Fishing with Roland Martin," which first hit the air in 1974? There also was "Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine," which had its beginning in 1985, and "Jimmy Houston Outdoors" that aired during the '90s. Other favorites during that era included such shows as "One More Cast with Shaw Grigsby," which hit the small screen in 1995; "Fishing with Orlando Wilson," which began in 1982 (but didn't hit its full stride until 1993); "In-Fisherman," with Al and Ron Lindner, which ran from 1979 until 2001; the legendary "Babe Winkelman"; and, of course, "The Fishin' Hole," hosted by Jerry McKinnis, which is one of the longest running shows ever to air on ESPN.

We are left to wonder whether these old-timers, or for that matter, the current crop of fishing-show hosts, will be remembered 20 years from now. Perhaps the era of fishing shows will have gone by the wayside by then. Hopefully, however, some of them still will be on the water, teaching anglers the lessons they have learned along the way.

In the meantime, here is a list of links for your viewing pleasure of some TV commercials that many of us have seen over the years while watching the aforementioned vintage fishing shows. Take a break and enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=XUsiTB8Y7-Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCaq3yxm4EA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=KJawiwbeWnY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4vWGL2BNec

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isOsYhmQ4dE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vn2ZyRUZ4-s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJfBX-0dfiU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXTg1uGrsaA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CMLYSX6JOo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLTOAAQgYvo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xlXEApCTLA

https://www.ispot.tv/ad/AnqW/garmin-panoptix-sons-of-fishes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Eq5VQAD5-s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaXte2ae3gQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujW3qf9fyXk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sifMkcfb3nY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcgiSd28S40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdEbGRpNl7U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzAwU_1JzYI

Finally, the Absolute Truth on How Big Bass Really Get Away

Knowing how those thieving big bass actually get away from us is the first step toward making sure that it never happens again. There's nothing worse than getting a good hookup with a giant largemouth, only to see it spit the hook, break the line, or find some other way to gain his freedom.

Finally, there's a video commercial that changes all and reveals the real reason why those sneaky little buggers have such a knack for getting off the hook. We get a little taste of that confused feeling we all get when the big one escapes, but like all good fishermen everywhere, we never give up.

This vintage commercial was the brain-child of Rapala lure company, which has been putting out quality lures since the 1930s. With that much experience, it should come as no surprise they figured out what it takes to hook the big ones and keep them hooked.

Leave it to a company that sells more than 20 million lures a year to have come up with a commercial like the one at the following link as a great way to sell more.

https://www.wideopenspaces.com/finally-absolute-truth-big-bass-really-get-away-video/

Once you are at this link, just scroll down and click on the start button of the video with these words in the corner of the black block: "Posted by Beer and Fishing."

Mental Focus Can Make or Break Your Day on the Water

Let's face facts: We've all done it, fished for a few hours with no bites, become frustrated, and then just start going through the motions.

You're out there fishing physically, but your mind is wandering. Breaking that mindset by focusing on current conditions is the key to turning your day around and catching some fish.

On the other hand, though, a fisherman sometimes can get so focused on something as routine as digging through his tacklebox that he fails to notice anything else going on around him. For example, take the fella in the video advertisement found at this link:

https://www.facebook.com/BeerandFishing/videos/vb.352586204856263/733897396725140/?type=2&theater.

Improvements Underway at West Neck Marina

Had a gent ask me the other day what all the clearing was about at West Neck. I wasn't sure if he was talking about the old stuff or something new that I didn't know about yet, so yesterday afternoon I took a drive out that way. Needed to make sure my outboard was tilted down and the battery charger was hooked up anyway, so had a good excuse for going. However, I wasn't quite prepared for the 13-degree temperature drop that occurred while I was out that way.

As it turned out, there is a bunch of new stuff happening, starting with a lot more clearing of trees, brush, old fencing, and you-name-it, starting at the marina entrance and extending all the way up the road (toward the trailer park) to the property's end. Found myself having to dodge several piles of garbage that were still smoldering from burns that had been performed in recent days just to reach my storage shed.

Considering that I have a naturally inquiring mind, I decided to contact Gene and find out what's happening. Found out the property owner and marina manager have teamed up and hired Gene to do a whole bunch of stuff. Let me explain it this way: Gene isn't likely to have much free time on his hands this winter. Here's why.

Once all the clearing is complete, new surfacing is going to be laid down throughout the marina. New fencing also is slated to be installed along the stretch where all the trees and brush have been removed. Folks who store boats there should welcome the fact that new electrical outlets are planned down the whole stretch of new fencing, replacing the haphazard array of extension cords that have been the norm for many years. And, there's going to be some painting done, as well. Seems at least the side of the old boat barn facing West Neck Road is going to get one of the first coats of new paint, and who knows what else will get a facelift before all is said and done?

Come spring, we all should be looking at much improved surroundings.

In Case Anyone Is Wondering

If past experience is any kind of teacher, I'm guessing that a few readers, especially the regular ones,  of this blog may be wondering why I've not posted anything new for a spell. To save you the bother of sending me an email, as some have done during other dry spells, I decided to explain myself.

The problem this time started this past Monday. It had all the familiar earmarks of a run-of-the-mill cold--sneezing, a little hacking, feeling a tad feverish at times, and some minor aches and pains. Rather than let it get a foothold on me, I immediately launched an attack. My go-to response always is Coricidin HBP, which I've used for years--basically, dating back to when I was first diagnosed with high blood pressure. It normally does the trick, and this time was no exception.

After three days of treatment, I was turning the corner, but then came a surprise. I got hit with a case of acute prostatitis, brought on, as some of you already may have guessed, by the Coricidin HBP I had been taking. Yes, the precautions on the container spell it out that people with an enlarged prostate might want to think twice before starting this medication. However, I've never let that warning stop me in the past, because the family doctor always tells me at physical time each year that mine is only slightly enlarged.

For some reason, however, this time around proved to be a wake-up call. My slightly enlarged prostate ballooned far enough to deliver a double-whammy. I have the usual pain all victims of prostatitis incur when passing fluids, and as a bonus, I get to deal with a feeling like I need to take a dump all the time. Don't you know I'm praying for at least some of that swelling to disappear soon. It goes without saying that this is one "bonus package" I easily could do without.

And, as if this situation isn't bad enough, I'm still waiting for what amounts to the usual finale to any cold to hit--you know what I mean, blowing my nose nonstop and coughing up phlegm for days on end. Neither of those two things have reared their ugly heads yet, so I'm left to wonder if whatever invaded my body in the first place has just taken up permanent residence, or maybe it's just waiting for me to get past this double-whammy and then sock me with a vengeance.

Who knows how this will end? All I can tell you is that I certainly hope it doesn't take much longer. And P.S.--Here's hoping none of you find yourself in the same predicament. Instead, go catch a big fish and send me the details, so I'll have something new to write about.

Oh, and by the way, I'm on a thousand-milligrams-a-day dosage of an antibiotic to nudge this double-whammy out of town.

It's Easy for Some to Forget It's Winter...

Yee Haw!

(This photo appeared in the latest issue of Jay Kumar's BassBlaster.)

Winter Boating Calls for Extra Precautions

The colder air and water temperatures of winter make it crucial to be prepared for anything if you head out on the water.

Here are seven tips from the U.S. Coast Guard designed to keep you safe:

File a float plan. This can be as easy as telling a loved one where you are headed and when you plan to return. Leaving this critical information with someone on shore can help rescuers narrow down where to look if you don't return as scheduled.

Always wear a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket that fits properly. Just as important as wearing one yourself, always make sure the people with you are wearing one, too. With the many different types available these days, it's easy to find one that fits your needs and lifestyle and keeps you safe.

Have some form of communication on you at all times. A marine-brand VHF radio and handheld GPS easily allow you to call for help and give rescuers your position if necessary. Cellphones, on the other hand, don't always have reception in the areas you may be going. The Coast Guard always monitors VHF Channel 16 for distress. If you're staying close to shore on a kayak or paddleboard, the next best thing to have is a cellphone. Keep it and your other valuables in a ziplock bag to keep them safe until/if you need them.

Dress for the water, not the air. Even though the outside temperature may be 60 or 70 degrees, the water temperature could be near freezing. It's always crucial to check the water temperature and know the proper protective equipment that will keep you warm in the worst-case scenario.

Know the 1-10-1 principle. Knowing this basic cold-water immersion principle can greatly increase your chances of survival if something goes wrong. 1 - You have one minute after being submerged in water to get your breathing under control and realize what has happened. If breathing isn't controlled immediately, the possibility of drowning drastically increases. This is often referred to as the body's response to "cold water shock." 10 - After gaining your awareness, there are 10 minutes of meaningful movement to help someone self-recover. After 10 minutes, it's likely the cold water temperature will cause a loss of dexterity in fingers and arms, lessening the ability to recover yourself. 1 - There is approximately one hour until hypothermia will set in and someone could become unconscious.

Maintain situational awareness at all times. Whether it be knowing what is happening in and around the boat, keeping an eye on changing weather, or even knowing where the boat is, good situational awareness can help a bad situation from getting worse.

Always be responsible, and never boat under the influence. Boating under the influence decreases overall situational awareness and lessens your ability to recognize dangerous situations before they occur. There always should be a designated boater when heading out on the water. The safety of each person aboard depends on it.

The Next Time You're Having a Bad Day...

Just click on this link:

https://www.bassmaster.com/news/your-day-lake...

and you'll be taken to a story written by Bassmaster's Don Wirth.
I give you my solemn word that this "gem" will pick your chin up off the sidewalk and have you grinning from ear to ear--if not busting a gut laughing--faster than you can throw a whip knot in braid on a windy day. Incidentally, Jimmy, thanks for this link--it's a winner, for sure.

When the Tried and True Doesn't Work, Try Something New

That's the concept I used to turn what otherwise would have been a one-fish day into a six-fish day last Sunday, and it all happened in a matter of about an hour and a half.

Starting at 9 a.m., I had fished for three and a half hours, with only one fish to show for my efforts. I was fishing the upper reaches of West Neck Creek with my favorite jerkbait. The day had showed some early promise--I had missed a couple of strikes in my first dozen or so casts. I soon followed up with a dink, but things then had lapsed into boredom, and I talked to a couple of friends who were having the same luck.

Having fished to the S-curve and a ways back down the other side with absolutely nothing to break the monotony, I decided to pick up and run to the other end of the creek. My plan was to target two areas that had lots of wood cover. And instead of staying with the jerkbait, I put it away and picked up a rod with one of my favorite shallow crankbaits attached.

Somewhere around my third cast at the far point of the first selected stretch, I was ever so slowly bouncing the crankbait amongst the wood when I felt a fish and boated my first keeper of the day. Moments later, I hit another keeper and decided to stay with the same crankbait for the rest of the day. After an hour and a half, I had boated a total of five fish, including three keepers (the biggest of which weighed 2-11) and two more dinks.

Everything I've ever read has noted that a wise angler concentrates his/her winter-fishing efforts in northern areas, which warm faster during the day this time of year. That's why you usually find me fishing above the West Neck Bridge once cooler weather locks in. And more often than not, I will live and die in that area this time of year.

This past Sunday, however, I decided to go looking for more fish, and I'm glad I did. The generally accepted thinking is that wood cover creates enough warmth to draw fish in, and given my recent experience, I would have to agree.

As I see it, there are a couple of distinct advantages to fishing this time of year. For openers, you usually don't see that many other people on the water. And secondly, the best fish-catching times typically are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That's not to say a couple won't bite at daybreak and dusk; they just likely will be few and far between. So take the opportunity to sleep in and enjoy a more comfortable fishing experience with the warming day.

For the Week Ending Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019

Monday, Jan. 7 (from Ron)...Fished upper North Landing from 4 to 5 p.m. Had a few swirls and followers, but they weren't aggressive. Managed to entice two to hit the XTS Minnow. They weighed 1-3 and 1-7 (both close to 14 inches).

A Sign It's Been Too Long Since You Last Went Fishin'

Our phone conversation had gone something like this:

"Hey, Wayne, I couldn't get the trim 'n' tilt switch on the bow to work at all Sunday."

"When can we meet at the marina so I can have a look?" came the response from Wayne. "You busy this evening?"

"Nope," I said.

With that, we decided to meet at West Neck last evening, and just as Wayne had removed the "suspect" switch and was holding it in his hand, he said, "You know, the main power switch has to be 'on' for this thing to work."

The dumbfounded look on my face prompted Wayne to add, "Reckon that means we probably can chalk this up to 'operator error.'" And with a quick flip of the power switch, he had proven his point.

Forgetting something so elementary seems nearly impossible, but it's typical of what can happen when it's been two months since the last time you dropped your boat in the water. Reckon it could have been worse, though--I could have forgotten to install the drain plug before I launched last Sunday.

Fortunately, I was able to save a little face by asking Wayne if he would mind mounting a new bow strap for me. That way, the trip out there wouldn't be a complete waste of his time. FYI: The hook on the old strap had gone belly up some time back, and he had replaced it with a hook that he happened to have available at the time. Problem was, however, that it wasn't strong enough to work right very long, and I had had to replace it three times already. What I didn't realize, however, as I asked him about changing the strap, is that I was handing him yet another problem.

He quickly removed the reel assembly, only to find that the bolt preventing the strap from coming all the way off was so tight he couldn't bust it loose. This was the point where I likely would have just tossed in the towel, but not Wayne. As he thought about the situation, he took a look at the new strap I had purchased at Walmart and discovered it was far inferior to the one currently on the boat. He then handed it to me and asked that I check to see if the hook worked OK on the boat.

The new hook worked fine, so he asked if I would like to have him simply put the new heavy-duty hook on the old strap. I agreed, so he began making the swap.

Moments later, he had reassembled everything, tested it, put away his tools, and was on the way home.

As I, too, squared away things in my storage shed and readied for the trip home, I had a chance to think about all those little preparations I had been taking for granted only two months ago. Never have liked wasting a man's time, even when I'm paying him for it. Hopefully, it won't be another two months before I get on the water again.

For the Week Ending Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019

Tuesday, Jan. 1 (from Ron)...Started the year out without a skunk! Fished upper North Landing from 3:30 to 5:20 p.m. and found a small bass and a small crappie. Productive lures were the XTS Minnow and Berkley Pitbull crankbait.

Wednesday, Jan 2 (from Ron)...Went to Lovitt's Creek at 3:30 and fished till 5 p.m. The bite was on. Caught eight bass and lost a big chain pickerel as I tried to lip-grip him. XTS Minnow was the ticket, but tried Booyah Prank, and a few hit that as well, especially one tiny aggressive dink. One bass I caught may have had a bit too much pie over the holidays--'twas a fat little fella, or he may have just been misshapen. Also caught my second ever tagged bass: a 1-8. Biggest weighed 1-13, and all the rest were around 12 or 13 inches.

Wednesday, Jan. 2 (from Ken)...This would have been my first day on the water in 2019 if everything had cooperated with me. As it turned out, though, the piece-of-crap trim & tilt unit on my rig decided to pick today to call it quits. I'm just glad it happened before I could launch. Called my buddy, Wayne, when I got home, and by about 4:30, he had removed the old unit, loaded it in his truck, and took my money, with a promise to have a replacement in a few days. Have already told him I'm not going to nurse any more boat problems this year. Plan to fix everything that's wrong and then plan to get back to fishing like an old retired guy. Checked my records a couple days ago and learned that I only fished 40 days in all of 2018. That's anywhere from 15 to 25 fewer days than I used to fish when I was working full-time. UPDATE: As of  5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, Wayne had replaced my trim & tilt, tested it, and everything worked perfectly.

Saturday, Jan. 5 (from Ron)...Gusty winds today forced me to fish Okum Creek for some shelter. Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., caught three chain pickerel and two dink bass. The chain picks were all the way in the back. Not great, but sure beats a skunk. Pickerel were hitting a micro spinner bait. The bass liked the XTS Minnow.

Sunday, Jan. 6 (from Ken)...At last, I got a day on the water, and it turned out a lot better than I expected. As usual, the weather gurus got the predicted winds all wrong, but I was determined not to let that get under my skin. Caught a total of six bass: one on a jerkbait and five on a shallow crankbait. My best three weighed 1-1, 1-9, and 2-11. The other three were 6-to-8-inch dinks. Missed a couple more strikes this morning on the jerkbait. The water temp reached 51 degrees. Saw about eight boats on the water today. Only talked to one angler, though: Dave Anderson. He told me had about 8 keepers for the day, plus a number of dinks, all of which he caught on a jerkbait, in the upper stretches of West Neck.

Sunday, Jan. 6 (from Ron)...Launched about 2:30 at Lovitt's and fished until 5 p.m. The bite picked up about 4 p.m. A micro spinnerbait caught nine dinks, a 2-0, a nice chain pickerel, and the first of the season yellow perch. Wish I could have found a few more yellow perch for tacos. Will start targeting them.