"Some Days It Just Doesn't Pay to Get Out of Bed"

That was the sentiment of a bass angler who definitely had every reason to feel that way. His day, in a nutshell, went like this.

Having backed his Suburban up to the boat trailer, he immediately had problems getting the receiver on the trailer to drop onto the ball. Nothing he tried would work.

"I tried raising and lowering it, shaking it, jerking it, banging it with a hammer, and everything else I could think of, but it would not latch down," he explained. "Finally, in desperation, I sprayed everything with WD-40, then again lowered the receiver onto the ball, and it latched with ease...go figure."

Soon, the angler was on the road to the lake, located about 30 miles away. The moment he got there, though, it started raining heavily.

"I sat there for about 30 minutes, but the rain didn't let up," he said. "So, I called my daughter and asked her to have a look at the National Weather Service radar. She told me there was a large cell in the vicinity, and that it probably would be at least a couple of hours before it passed. Thoroughly disgusted, I drove back home...into bright sunshine."

The angler then checked the radar for himself and discovered that the cell his daughter was referring to was nowhere near the lake. The only thing showing over the lake was a couple of popcorn showers that quickly had fallen apart after he left.

"Needless to say," grumbled the angler, "I was somewhat perturbed to learn that my daughter was geographically-challenged."

And with that, he got back in his vehicle and once again drove to the lake, where, this time, he was graced with a partly cloudy sky.

"I was boating alone," he said, "so I kicked off my new sneakers, put on my flip-flops, then opened the cargo doors on my Suburban, and backed the boat down the ramp. Upon getting out of the truck to free the boat of the trailer, I unknowingly kicked one of my sneakers into the water. Luckily, it landed right-side up.

"I waded around to the back of the truck and checked the cargo area, only to find that I had neglected to put my tackle box in the boat. In taking care of this, I soon would learn that I had created another problem for myself. I accidentally had hit the door-lock button on the rear post of the cargo area while closing the doors."

After a 15-second delay, all the door locks clunked down, but he never heard them. Here he was, with a locked truck, keys in the ignition, and the vehicle sitting in water up to the running boards on a busy boat ramp...oh, and with a new sneaker slowly floating away in the distance.

"First things first," noted the angler. "I fired up the boat, chased down the sneaker, and then tied the boat to the dock. I waded back to the truck and found there was no way I could get into it without breaking out a window. I found a boulder about the size of my head and decided to break in through the window on the right-side rear-seat door. That glass, however, must have been bulletproof.

"I ended up throwing that boulder at the glass, and all it did was just bounce off, without even causing a scratch. After eight or nine attempts, I gave up and decided to try the front-seat passenger side. This time, the boulder went through that glass like a knife going through butter. Glass went everywhere, as if I had thrown a hand grenade into the truck."

Besides throwing a lot of glass into the driver's seat and causing a lot of damage to the leather, the boulder hit the console and knocked the lid off its hinges. Twenty minutes and several lacerations later, he had removed the boulder and enough glass from the driver's seat to allow him to get in and drive the truck out of the water...a big relief.

"I then reminded myself that despite the fact it now was 3 p.m., my intent since 6 a.m. of catching a few bass had yet to be fulfilled," said the angler. "So I hopped in the boat and went tooling across the water. I was so angry with myself that all I wanted to do was haul azz across the water. I did this for about an hour and then cooled off enough to try fishing. I found a point and half-heartedly fished it for about 20 minutes, all the while thinking about all that glass and blood in my truck. Needless to say, I gave up and headed back to the landing."

As it turned out, a park ranger had noticed the shattered window during the angler's absence and left him a note, saying that he had notified the police of a break-in. Fortunately, the ranger also had left his phone number, so the angler was able to call and cancel the Red Alert.

And then comes the kicker to this story: A game warden drove up while the angler was tying down his rig and getting it ready for the road. "Have any luck today?" he had the audacity to ask.

"What I said to that poor guy is not fit to print," the angler allowed. "Let's just say I was VERY vocal about the luck I had had. At least he never asked to see my fishing license."

For Week Ending Sunday, April 4, 2021

 

Monday, March 29 (from Ron)...Fished upper West Neck, and the bite was near non-existent. Tried a variety of lures but the only productive lure was a micro spinnerbait. Again, there was nothing caught on plastics. Did avoid the skunk with two small fish.

Wednesday, March 31 (from Ron)...Before the rain arrived, I fished Pocaty for a bit. Caught one white perch and one bucket of trash...and yes, he meant just what he said...one bucket of trash. It's all part of the Tidewater Kayak Anglers Annual Trash Tournament, an event run like a fishing tournament, but instead of submitting photos of fish, a participant submits photos of his/her catch of trash. The more trash photos you submit, the greater your chances of winning the grand prize, as well as other great prizes. This event began at 8 a.m. Feb. 1, 2021, and runs 'til 12 noon Sept. 25, 2021. The Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the safety of kayakers and the conservation of Virginia's natural resources.

Thursday, April 1 (from Ron)...I will be fishing saltwater for the next two weeks in pursuit of speckled trout. Got about a dozen today, running between 15 and 22 inches. It was kinda choppy and windy, but the weather should improve.

Friday, April 2 (from Ron)...Fished for some trash and speckled trout. Did well on both fronts. Caught about six 5-gallon bucketsful of trash and a nice 23- and 23.5-inch speckled trout, as well as a few shorter ones. The wind and cold were dreadful, though.

Sunday, April 4 (from Ron)...Happy Easter. Fished the incoming tide this afternoon and caught six speckled trout to 22.5 inches. Also landed five 5-gallon buckets of trash.

62-Degree Water Greets Anglers for 2nd Tourney of 2021

I know what some of you...like me...probably are thinking, "Wow! That's topwater conditions." As it turned out, though, not everyone found any such action. My partner nor I certainly never had any...and that was after throwing an arsenal of several different kinds of topwater baits.

Most of the 15 anglers in nine boats today, however, did find fish. Our totals at day's end were 37 bass brought to the scales for a combined total weight of 80.74 lbs. Those numbers translate into an average weight per fish of 2.18 lbs. and an average weight per boat with fish to weigh in of 10.09 lbs.

Here is the rundown of those anglers who finished in the money:

1st Place, the team of (from left) Gabe Himmelwright and Fred Crawford, five-fish limit, 17.82 lbs. total weight, 5.14-lb. big fish, which earned them the day's Lunker Prize, as well.

2nd Place, the team of (from left) Rob Peppers and Don Carter, five-fish limit, 11.93 lbs. total weight, 3.81-lb. big fish.

3rd Place, Wayne Hayes, three fish, 11.75 lbs. total weight, 4.87-lb. big fish.
















Here is the lineup for the rest of the field:

     * The team of Dave Anderson and Ken Testorff, five-fish limit, 9.81 lbs. total weight, 4.15-lb. big fish.
     * The team of Chris Fretard and Mike Miller, five-fish limit, 8.37 lbs. total weight, no big fish.
     * The team of Steve Bailey and Dennis Dean, five-fish limit, 8.36 lbs. total weight, 2.82-lb. big fish.
     * The husband-wife team of Andy and Diana Morath, four fish, 6.82 lbs. total weight, 2.65-lb. big fish.
     * Mark Ingram, five-fish limit, 5.88 lbs. total weight, no big fish.
     * Jim Calhoun did not weigh any fish.

Congratulations to all of the winners, and thanks to those who assisted the tournament director, Wayne Hayes, in taking care of all the details. For planning purposes, our next scheduled tournament is Sunday, April 11th. As usual, we will fish from safe light (probably about 6:30 a.m.), with weigh-in at 2:30 p.m.

One Last Cast

One of the most telling signs of the time of year we're moving into now was the number of ol' turtles that were sunning themselves on logs nearly everywhere you looked today.

I don't remember another time when I saw as many as were out today. As usual, the vast majority were lined up by order of size, with the biggest at the front.

As I once commented to Dave, turtles are definitely one species that knows their pecking order. However, we did see one giant among today's throng. He was a real bruiser...and he had a log entirely to himself.

Apart from observing this yearly phenomenon, this was a day...for Dave and me, at least...which best could be summed up as "pot luck." Upon landing our fifth keeper of the day, Dave took note of the fact that each fish in the livewell had been caught on a different lure than any of the others. Eventually, though, Dave found one lure that put about three fish in the boat.

And we weren't the only anglers who had this experience. I was talking to some others today, following the presentation of money envelopes, who echoed the same thing. If any pattern truly existed today, we never were able to diagnose it.

All in all, it was a pretty decent day. The temperature wasn't too bad until the clouds, which built throughout the day, finally obscured the warm sun. At that point, it felt as though there was something like a 10- or 15-degree temperature drop in a matter of only a few minutes. And by the time I got home, grabbed a shower, and was able to sit down for dinner, I was listening to raindrops hitting the skylight in our kitchen.

One final note, and then I'll shut up and give everyone's eyes a rest. Remember I noted back in the beginning that Dave nor I...and other anglers, too...were able to generate a topwater bite today? I should point out, that this afternoon, we happened across a fellow in a johnboat who rather gleefully reported that, while he was fishing the mouth of West Neck this morning, he had landed a dandy 5-10 bass on a buzzbait. The one seeming constant reality of bass fishing is that someone somewhere is always putting 'em in the boat on a bait that you can't even buy a strike with. I say that because Dave fished a buzzbait this morning without so much as a second look from a fish. Oh well...

For Week Ending Sunday, March 28, 2021

Thursday, March 25 (from Ron)...After far too long, finally got out and caught a few. The jerkbaits were only attracting white perch...caught about a half dozen. Switched to SwimSenko and landed one 2-2 bass. Weather sure was nice, and it felt good to get back out. Water is still a murky mess from the serious fluctuations in the water level but hopefully will settle down before the weekend.

Saturday, March 27 (from Ron)...Fished Blackwater this morning. Launched at 0830 and threw SwimSenko, as well as Zoom Flukes (base of cypress and shoreline)  for two hours without a sniff. Tied on a micro spinnerbait (white), and that seemed to be the ticket.  A 2-2, 2-10 and a 4-13 made my day! Stopped at Pocaty River launch on Blackwater Road and picked up six 5-gallon buckets full of trash. Could have picked up at least five more but didn't have enough trash bags.

Spinnerbaits Ready for the Scrap Heap of Time? Never!

As some people age, they often tend to become resistant to change. Just don't include Kevin Van Dam in that assessment, though--at least, not yet.

For example, you probably remember that, prior to the start of the 2018 Bassmaster Elite season, KVD opted for a Minn Kota trolling motor, vice MotorGuide. And as I learned during some Internet research yesterday, it also appears he shelved his affinity for spinnerbaits...even earlier than that.

Throughout most of the 1990s, KVD always "was flinging blades and whipping ass," as veteran outdoor writer Pete Robbins put it. "But since taking the 2011 Bassmaster Classic with a one-two punch of a spinnerbait and a crankbait," continued Robbins, "he's won five B.A.S.S. events, and a spinnerbait played a major role in exactly none of them. The world's greatest power fisherman has won more times with a dropshot in the last five years... ."

So, what does that mean? Is the spinnerbait likely to disappear from store shelves? Hardly. At worst, it's just another contender for space on those shelves with the likes of square-billed crankbaits, swim jigs, vibrating jigs, and swimbaits...all of which weren't as much in play when KVD first arrived on the scene.

As Brandon Palaniuk, the 2017 Bassmaster Angler of the Year, explained, "The fishing world has constant innovation, and people always are trying to get a leg up. There are so many more techniques available now, and when you look at something like a bladed jig or a swim jig, they're just easier to understand than a spinnerbait. You don't have to be in tune with all the different spinnerbait styles for specific situations and conditions.

"Therein lies the rub," said Robbins. "A spinnerbait's situational specificity is what makes it tougher to pick up and throw, but it's also what makes it so deadly when conditions are ripe."

"You shouldn't forget it because it's so versatile," added Palaniuk. "I love it in the spring when the water is cold and muddy because I can get a whole lot more vibration fishing it slowly through the water column than I can with any other bait. And I love it later, during the shad spawn, because the multiple blades imitate multiple shad. There are so many things you can do with a spinnerbait--you can slow roll it, bump stumps, fish it around grass."

"The only limitation on spinnerbait use is your imagination," noted Robbins. "There may be no more versatile category of lures. Perhaps most importantly, to the extent that spinnerbaits have lost some street cred, that's all the more reason to start slinging them again."

"In the last seven to 10 years, spinnerbaits probably haven't been as popular," Palaniuk concluded. "The age of most bass people catch is younger than that, which means there are whole generations of bass that never have seen one."

Tournament wins may move products, but big bites will elevate your heart rate.

What Is Rick Clunn's Favorite Bait When the Bite Suddenly Shuts Down?

Let's just say the answer to that question isn't what Wired2Fish editor Shaye Baker thought it would be.

It was April last year when Baker interviewed the veteran pro about his lure choice when looking for a couple more fish from an area where he's been catching them.

In his mind, Baker was thinking the answer might be a shaky head, or perhaps a dropshot, Ned rig, or a Neko rig. He was surprised but delighted by Clunn's answer.

"It's important to understand the predatory/prey relationship," Clunn said. "We'll use the analogy of a lion sitting there watching a herd of impala. Even if he's active, he tries to pick the young or the weak. He uses the laws of conservation of energy. Which one can he get and receive the most energy from with the least effort or injury?

"This is why topwater may be the best bait to throw during those time frames when the fish aren't biting. Because you're really pulling that predator's strings. He's sitting there like, 'Dang, that's weak. I'm supposed to eliminate it'...because a predator's role is to eliminate anything that's weak. And all of a sudden that topwater is easy, it looks fairly large, and the fish is supposed to eliminate it.

"Predators were not designed to eat the whole herd. Remember the Lion King? It kind of works off that a little bit. Yes, they're out there to eat the impala, but they're not there to destroy the whole herd. Their presence should make the herd healthier by eliminating anything that's weak. So that's why one of my favorite choices in that time frame is a topwater."

Rick Clunn throws a topwater when the fish aren't biting because of the Lion King. And that's one of the many reasons why this veteran pro is one of the best and most loved anglers in the world. He has a far deeper spirit and grasp of things than most anglers ever will even glimpse in their lifetime.

New Coast Guard Requirement Effective April 1, 2021

Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link as of April Fool's Day. All "fooling" aside, that's the official word from the Coast Guard, as the result of a new law passed by Congress.

The ECOS and its link prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The link attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm. Usually a lanyard-style cord, the link attaches to an ECOS either in close proximity to the helm or on the outboard motor itself if the vessel is operated by a tiller. When enough tension is applied, the link disengages from the ECOS, and the motor automatically shuts down.

Wireless ECOS, a fairly recent development, also are approved for use. These devices use an electronic "fob" that is carried by the operator and senses when it is submerged in water, activating the ECOS and turning off the engine. These wireless devices are available on the aftermarket and are beginning to become available as manufacturer-installed options.

Each year, the Coast Guard receives reports of recreational-vessel operators who fall or are suddenly and unexpectedly thrown out of their boat. These events have led to injuries and deaths. During these incidents, the boat continues to operate with no one in control of the vessel, leaving the operator stranded in the water as the boat continues on course, or worse, the boat begins to circle the person in the water, eventually striking them...often with the propeller. These types of situations put everyone in danger, including the ejected operator, other users on the waterway, marine law-enforcement officers, and first responders.

Section 503 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018 required manufacturers of covered recreational boats (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust) to equip the vessel with an ECOS installed as of December 2019. Owners of recreational vessels produced after December 2019 are required to maintain the ECOS on their vessel in a serviceable condition. It is recommended that recreational-vessel owners regularly check their existing ECOS system to ensure it works, following manufacturer's instructions.

Section 8316 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 requires individuals operating covered recreational vessels (less than 26 feet in length, with an engine capable of 115 lbs. of static thrust...3 hp or more) to use ECOS "links." Using the ECOS link is required only when the primary helm is not within an enclosed cabin, and when the boat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. Common situations where ECOS-link use would not be required include docking/trailering, trolling and operating in no-wake zones.

The Coast Guard believes that the overwhelming majority of recreational vessels produced for decades have had an ECOS installed, so this new use requirement simply obligates recreational-vessel operators to use critical safety equipment already present on their boat.

Seven states currently have ECOS-use laws for traditional recreational vessels, and 44 states have ECOS-use laws for personal watercraft (PWC).

Boaters are encouraged to check the U.S. Coast Guard website for additional information on this new use requirement and other safety regulations and recommendations. That link is as follows: https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/engine-cut-off-switch-faq.php.

One Lucky Dude, Indeed!

As anglers were just getting started on Alabama's Smith Lake Thursday morning, March 11, 2021, during the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Tour, angler Aaron Britt experienced a horrifying bass-boat crash on the way to his first fishing spot. He lost control of his Ranger bass boat and ramped onto a rocky point. Somehow, he managed to remain inside the boat.

According to his original Instagram post following the incident, Britt was upset that nobody stopped to help him after the crash. He also stated that the boat was totaled.

Things like this can happen in the blink of an eye, which underlines the importance of always wearing your PFD and kill switch.

The best news here: Bass bro Britt is OK.

To see a video of the crash, click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l7HtI84dWw.

Preceding info came from Wired2Fish editors and the latest issue of Jay Kumar's BassBlaster.

I Have Problems, But Facing Reality Isn't One of Them

I heard that someone had made a comment that I'm "not much of a fisherman anymore," or words to that effect. The way I see it: I'm not sure I ever was much of a fisherman, even as a young guy.

In any event, a statement like that certainly doesn't ruffle any of my feathers. Why? Because it's simply the truth, and I've openly admitted as much to a host of people in recent years. How could I ever attempt to deny the fact I'm an old man, given what I see when I look in the mirror each day? There's a lot of history behind all those cracks, crevices, lines, and sags.

As if that's not enough, I especially see the decline every time I'm on the water. Things I used to take for granted have become anything but that nowadays.

For example, when I'm holding down a boat's stern, and my tournament partner hooks a big bass, it's undoubtedly comical watching me "scramble" (I can only wish) from my perch on the backseat. Too many times, I nearly fall just getting to the floor of the boat, grabbing and deploying the net, and finally scooping up the fish.

Then there comes the matter of how much help I'm actually contributing to the cause of catching tournament fish. In some cases, such as this past Sunday, the unfortunate reality is that I didn't catch a single keeper bass...and there will be more of those days throughout the year. As the season warms, however, I eventually will catch my stride, in a manner of speaking, and start contributing to some tournament totals.

I understand that I'd be the last choice as a tournament partner for a lot of anglers, and that's why I've very rarely asked to partner up with anyone in recent years. If Dave Anderson hadn't asked me to join him, I never would have approached him, 'cause I did and still do consider Dave to be in a better league.

The only promise I can make and keep is this: I will always do my best.

A Little Cold and Dense Fog Couldn't Deter This Group

 

Our 2020 season opener is now in the record book, with a total of 14 anglers in 8 boats showing up for today's contest. When the 3 p.m. weigh-in was complete, 31 bass had come to the scales, weighing a combined total of 65.98 lbs. These numbers translate into an average weight of 2.12 lbs. per fish and 9.52 lbs. per boat of the seven that weighed fish.

When it came time to pass out pay envelopes, tournament director Wayne Hayes acknowledged the following competitors:

1st Place, Red Bruun, five fish, total weight 14.84 lbs., big fish 3.89 lbs.

2nd Place, the team of (from left) Gabe Himmelwright and Fred Crawford, five fish, total weight 12.80 lbs., big fish 5.23 lbs.

Big Fish, the team of Dave Anderson and Ken Testorff (not pictured), five fish, total weight 11.15 lbs., big fish 5.47 lbs.

Here is how everyone else finished the day:

     * The team of Rob Peppers and Don Carter, five fish, total weight 8.88 lbs., no big fish.
     * The team of Chris Fretard and Mike Miller, five fish, total weight 8.84 lbs., no big fish.
     * The team of Wayne Hayes and Mark Ingram, five fish, total weight 7.45 lbs., big fish 2.68 lbs.
     * The team of Craig Jones and Rob Chatham, one fish, total weight 2.02 lbs.
     * Bobby Moore did not weigh any fish.

Congratulations to all of the winners, and thanks to everyone who were on hand to get the new season underway.

For planning purposes, our next tournament is slated for Saturday, March 27th. Start time will be safe light (about 7 a.m.), with weigh-in at 3 p.m.

One Last Cast

Taking center stage for this season-opener discussion of my thoughts on the day's contest is none other than my partner, Dave Anderson, who asked me to rejoin him this year until such time his current regular partner, Gary Coderre, completes rehabilitation from shoulder surgery.

Without any reservations whatsoever, I want to say that Dave is--by far--one of the "coolest cucumbers" I'm proud to say I've ever known. In the face of circumstances that would drive some folks nuts--and yes, I easily could be characterized as a ringleader of this group--he just "quietly" keeps plodding ahead with the job at hand.

I won't get into the specifics here, but suffice it to say that Dave was having "a bad day" today--one which would have had me talking to myself, given the same circumstances. But not Dave. Time after time, as a new challenge reared its ugly head, he just dealt with it, and then kept on chunkin' and windin'...and, more importantly, kept catching fish, including the "lunker of the day" prize, no less.

I don't mind tellin' ya that this kind of "calm under fire" demeanor makes Dave one "cool cumber" in my book. And he's that way all the time. As I told him near the end of the tournament day, "I admire you for being the epitome of what I and anyone else like me would do well to emulate."

My hat's off to you! Dave. You can call me to be your net man any ol' time.

For Week Ending Sunday, March 14, 2021

 

Monday, March 8 (from Ron)...Launched Sunday at noon, but it was too windy. Did manage a lone crappie to avoid the skunk and had one serious pole-bender that threw the hook before I called it quits. Headed out this afternoon and caught a few. First bass fell to a Cotton Cordell Redfin at 3-6. Then got a 3-1 and a 1-4 on the XTS Minnow, as well as a nice crappie. Had a 12-inch yellow perch on my measuring board, but he didn't want his picture taken and jumped overboard. I was going to make a taco or two out of him...darn!

Tuesday, March 9 (from Ron)...Got out on this beautiful afternoon and caught a few, including two chain picks, two crappie, one white perch, and three bass (dink, 2-0, and a 3-4). The XTS Minnow and Rapala Original Floater were the lures of choice. Sure was nice out there.

Wednesday, March 10 (from Ken)...I left the house all bushy-tailed this morning but returned with my tail tucked 'tween my legs this afternoon. Of course, I fully expected this is how things would go. To my delight, the little nit-noid problems that usually crop up the first few times out each year were at a minimum today. Unfortunately, though, so were the fish. Until 1 o'clock, I wasn't certain there were any live fish even swimming anywhere near me. But about that time, I finally felt an ever so slight tick on a jerkbait, but that was the extent of action for another half-hour or so, when I finally had a distinct hit on a square-billed crankbait. I set the hook and immediately felt some decent resistance. Got him alongside the boat, though, only to have an inopportune brain-fart. Instead of keeping the fish coming in the direction he already was going, I reversed course...and watched the pound-and-a-half-or-so bass promptly spit both hooks of my crankbait. As a result, I now stand with two goose-eggs on the scoreboard thus far this season. Can only hope I do at least a little better during our first tournament of the new season this Sunday. It's always nice when you can contribute to the cause, rather than spend the day watching your partner have to boat all the fish. On a final note, I'm certainly happy I had 'em give me my second covid shot yesterday in my left arm, or I feel pretty certain I never would have lasted as long as I did today. All total, I was on the water about six hours. Water temp when I quit registered 58.

When the Bite Is On and Ya Just Gotta Go

"There are some days when the only smart thing to do with a boat is to leave it in the garage. But all of us like to push the envelope at times, especially if the fish are on a binge bite. Weather be damned, we're going to get out there and take a few licks--in more ways than one."

Thus said award-winning outdoor writer and fishing and boating author Frank Sargeant. "Boating in rough water is rarely fun, but it need not be dangerous or painful," he continued. "First, know your limits and those of your boat," he admonished. "A big, deep, V-hull boat with a tall transom and automatic bilge pumps can take on some pretty scary water and still bring you home. On the other hand, a low-freeboard, heavy-in-the-hams bass rig that's a real bullet in a 1-foot chop may stuff its nose, do a somersault and sink in 4-foot waves. When in doubt, sit it out."

As one would expect, there are some things you should do to prepare your boat for taking on rough water.

"Check your bilge pumps, secure all hatches, drop the water level in your livewells, and batten down or stow all rods, tackle and anything else that might become an airborne missile as your boat rears up and down like a bucking bronco," said Sargeant. "Make sure your trolling motor is secured, too.

"Put on foul-weather gear, because no matter how well your boat is designed, you'll probably take on a lot of water in the cockpit, and you'll make better decisions if you stay warm and dry. Finally, buckle your life jacket tightly and attach the emergency-stop lanyard to it...just in case."

Then comes some actions to soften the ride in rough water.

"Bring the sharp forward sections of the bottom, the deepest part of the V in most fishing boats, into first contact with the waves," noted Sargeant. "This splits them like a knife and softens the impact. Also trim your outboard in, dropping the bow, to bring this about. Just be sure not to overtrim to the point where you experience what's known as 'bow steering,' with the bow acting as a pivot to force the boat off course.

"Dropping the bow works up to a point, but when the waves get really tall, you will have to come off plane to save your boat from a beating. In these conditions, you want the bow high, instead of low, so trim the motor back out, forcing the stern down and the bow up.

"In truly tall seas--long, rolling 6-footers or more--the best strategy is often to go with the waves. Get on the back of a big wave and ride there, throttling up and down to hold your position just behind the wave's peak. This is a great trick for riding through a really rough inlet, as you might face where a river enters a big lake, because a big wave tends to flatten the smaller but steeper and more treacherous waves that are bouncing around.

"And on big lakes, where sportfishing cruisers abound, get behind one of them and ride on the second swell to pass through a tough inlet. Again, their passage flattens the other waves, leaving you in smoother water."

Sargeant also noted that, in general, it's best to run quartering into rough seas when you can.

"You might have to tack back and forth across a stretch of really rough water to avoid running 'in the trough,' or broadside to the waves, but that's better than risking a rollover."

Last but not least, Sargeant mentioned the idea of getting and installing a Garelick 77000 shock-absorbing marine-seat mount.

"It fits between any standard bass or walleye boat seat with sliding tracks and provides a cushioning effect against real 'butt buster' wave impacts," he said. "This item is easy and quick to install, and it's adjustable for the driver's weight."

Making the Best of Bad-Weather Days on the Water

If anyone is qualified to offer that kind of advice, it's none other than Kalamazoo, Michigan's own Kevin VanDam. He has fished some of the roughest waters a bass angler ever has had to fish.

"When you're fishing in very rough weather, with lots of wind and possibly rain," said VanDam, "the bass will feed actively. The way to solve the problems associated with this kind of fishing is to have all your equipment ready for fishing a bad storm. That kind of water can be very dangerous."

One of the things he does is add an extra bilge pump to his boat when he knows he'll be fighting that type of weather.

"I use a Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor that features Spot-Lock," VanDam explained. "That feature holds the boat exactly where I want it to be when I find the bass. It allows me to keep both feet planted firmly on the deck, instead of having to keep one on the trolling motor. I usually position my boat so that I'm fishing with the wind...not fighting it.

"If you're fishing shallow flats," continued VanDam, "fish a spinnerbait or crankbait, since the bass will be very aggressive during bad weather and windy conditions. Try to use a lure that's efficient for the depth zone where you're at. For instance, when I'm fishing the Great Lakes in windy conditions, a heavy drop-shot rig is hard to beat. It gets down to the bottom quickly, and I can stay in contact with my line and the bait, provided that I'm fishing with the wind. On days when I have to face into the wind, I present a bait that I'm confident the bass will eat in the depth zone where they're feeding."

Bad-weather days may not be the most fun days to be on the water, but, as VanDam noted, "you can catch fish if you'll work with the wind, instead of fighting it."

A Rather Puzzling Ice-Fishing Rescue

I've known some folks in my lifetime who took oddball items with 'em on fishing trips, but an incident I recently learned about online still has me...and a lot of others...scratching their heads.

It all started with two men who were fishing on a slab of ice connected to the bank of the Rock River in Rockford, IL, when the 20-by-20-foot patch of ice suddenly broke free and began making its way downriver.

The slow moving floe had traveled about 500 yards downstream before witnesses spotted it and called 9-1-1. The Rock River Water Rescue team arrived on the scene and pulled the two fishermen to safety without any injuries. However, they were forced to leave all their gear behind, including two ice augers, a fishing rod, a bag of chips, a plastic water bottle with some drink remaining, and...yes, a mattress. (Local policy is to rescue only people from ice...no gear.)

As one observer noted, "My question is: Why did they have two hand augers and a casting rod? I don't even wanna know about the mattress."

"The fishermen were fortunate the slab of ice stayed intact," said the local fire chief. "Had it broken up, they could have been dumped in the water and exposed to hypothermia."

Thanks for the tip, Jim.

2021 Season Opener Has Been Delayed

The tournament director has decided to start the new season next Sunday, March 14th. Stay tuned for times, because next Sunday marks the beginning of daylight savings time.

While Some Texans Were Struggling To Find Running Water and Electricity...

Anglers throughout the state were busy boating one giant bass after another at various local lakes. From Feb. 19th through the 28th, they reeled in eight Legacy Class largemouth bass, led by Joe McKay of Bussey, Iowa, who kicked things off Friday night, Feb. 19, with a massive 16.40-pound fish (see photo right) for the Toyota ShareLunker program.

Six of those eight Legacy lunkers came from O.H. Ivie, one from Conroe, and one from Lake Travis, bringing the season total to 12, which triples last year's total, with one month still remaining of the three-month collection season.

The Toyota ShareLunker program is made possible in part by the generous sponsorship of Toyota. A long-time supporter of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Toyota provides major funding for a wide variety of fisheries, state parks, and wildlife projects.

For Week Ending Sunday, March 7, 2021

Monday, March 1 (from Ron)...Caught one bass to avoid the skunk. Am trying different places and tactics, and will see how it goes. Only bite was on the Rapala Original Floater. Northwest River never has been very kind to me.

Tuesday, March 2 (from Ron)...It was a bit cooler today, and the bite was not very good. At least, the wind died down at sunset. Caught one small white perch and a small bowfin on the Rapala Original Floater. Also tried some minnows under a bobber, to no avail.

Wednesday, March 3 (from Ron)...Another lovely evening on the water. Caught five crappie, a couple white perch, and a 2-12 bass. The XTS Minnow and Original Floater were the ticket to success. Seems like the panfish bite is improving, and the chain picks have gone underground.

Thursday, March 4 (from Ron)...Fished Asheville Bridge Creek this evening. Had a blast catching crappie and small bass on light gear. Five crappie fell to the beetlespin under a bobber, and four small bass and two chain picks hit the 1/8-oz. spinnerbait thrown near the base of cypress trees. Water was a bit low but very clear once I got a half-mile south of Sandbridge Road.

Saturday, March 6 (from Ron)...Trolled around Tecumseh and caught four bass at 1-11, 2-2, 2-3, and a 3-0. Also stumbled onto a small chain pick and a yellow perch on the original floater. Had a large white perch that got off yak-side, as well. Tried spinnerbaits along the shore and base of cypress trees but couldn't find any there.

If the Past Is Prologue...

The future has yet to be written. And that includes this coming Sunday, March 7th, when our 2021 Dewey Mullins Memorial Bass Tourney Series kicks off.

For the benefit of those who haven't already checked, the current weather forecast is calling for generally sunny conditions and a high temperature around 47 degrees. However, as we all know, that can and very well may change a number of times before we hit the water Sunday morning.

The only thing that can't possibly change are the results from our season openers in past years. Following are the numbers from those contests:

     * Saturday, March 23, 2013; 10 boats; 15 anglers; 14 bass weighed in; 24.95 lbs. total weight

     * Saturday, March 22, 2014; 12 boats; 18 anglers; 24 bass weighed in; 47.65 lbs. total weight

     * Saturday, March 14, 2015; 6 boats; 11 anglers; 19 bass weighed in; 35.04 lbs. total weight

     * Saturday, March 12, 2016; 10 boats; 17 anglers; 33 bass weighed in; 63.43 lbs. total weight

     * Saturday, March 18, 2017; 12 boats; 18 anglers; 10 bass weighed in; 14.18 lbs. total weight

     * Saturday, March 17, 2018; 6 boats; 10 anglers; 9 bass weighed in; 14.07 lbs. total weight

     * Saturday, March 16, 2019; 11 boats; 18 anglers; 41 bass weighed in; 78.34 lbs. total weight

     * Sunday, March 15, 2020; 13 boats; 21 anglers; 54 bass weighed in; 124.65 lbs. total weight

For those who might be interested in being a part of our 2021 season opener, please be advised to arrive at West Neck Marina in time to sign up, pay your fees, launch your boat, and join all the other participants in the boat basin, waiting for the tournament director, Wayne Hayes, to shove everyone off about 7 a.m.