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| FISHING TIPS |
NEW from HUMMINBIRD!
Side Imaging Sonar. This is not a camera but the latest sonar
technology. The picture here is from the 987cSI. This image
was taken on Table Rock Lake in Missouri. It shows the old
Highway 13 Bridge that was flooded when the lake filled.
It is located in over 100 feet of water. I have used Side
Imaging to locate Structure from 2 foot to over 150. This
technology will work in both clear or dirty water it doesn't
matter, it's sonar. This is the same type sonar that was used to
discover the Titanic. I am very excited about this new tool to help find
structure that is often overlooked in our fisheries. I have a NEW 997SI
on my boat and the images are incredible. You have to see it to believe
it. I was there when this image was captured. If you are interested in
Humminbird Side Imaging graphs check out the Side Imaging Group
and learn more about how Side Imaging can increase your sucess! or
Side Imaging Sonar. This is not a camera but the latest sonar
technology. The picture here is from the 987cSI. This image
was taken on Table Rock Lake in Missouri. It shows the old
Highway 13 Bridge that was flooded when the lake filled.
It is located in over 100 feet of water. I have used Side
Imaging to locate Structure from 2 foot to over 150. This
technology will work in both clear or dirty water it doesn't
matter, it's sonar. This is the same type sonar that was used to
discover the Titanic. I am very excited about this new tool to help find
structure that is often overlooked in our fisheries. I have a NEW 997SI
on my boat and the images are incredible. You have to see it to believe
it. I was there when this image was captured. If you are interested in
Humminbird Side Imaging graphs check out the Side Imaging Group
and learn more about how Side Imaging can increase your sucess! or
Side Imaging Sonar:
Custom Baits:
One of the secrets or tools that I have found to increase my
success on the lake is custom painted baits. It's not that the
manufacturers do not make the correct color, its more of my
confidence in a color. I also feel that custom painted baits are
an advantage on heavily pressured lakes, it allows you to
present a color combination the fish have not seen. When I
choose a custom painted bait I choose Dave's Custom Baits.
David Ryan is a good friend of mine but also an accomplished angler that takes great pride in caring for
your baits just as if it was one of his own. Alot of people can paint baits but David has a great clear coat
that protects your custom painted bait for years to come. With an unlimited number of colors and styles
he can help you design the color combination to give you the confidence you need to land the big one.
Fishing requires a positive mental attitude and custom painted baits gives me that extra help I need to be
successful and feel confident that I am using the correct bait and color. Another added benefit is that
David can repair those special baits - like your precious old balsa wood baits. He can repair wood damage
to replacing bills. So if you want to improve your confidence and your fish catching ability give a custom
colored bait a try the next time you hit the water.
success on the lake is custom painted baits. It's not that the
manufacturers do not make the correct color, its more of my
confidence in a color. I also feel that custom painted baits are
an advantage on heavily pressured lakes, it allows you to
present a color combination the fish have not seen. When I
choose a custom painted bait I choose Dave's Custom Baits.
David Ryan is a good friend of mine but also an accomplished angler that takes great pride in caring for
your baits just as if it was one of his own. Alot of people can paint baits but David has a great clear coat
that protects your custom painted bait for years to come. With an unlimited number of colors and styles
he can help you design the color combination to give you the confidence you need to land the big one.
Fishing requires a positive mental attitude and custom painted baits gives me that extra help I need to be
successful and feel confident that I am using the correct bait and color. Another added benefit is that
David can repair those special baits - like your precious old balsa wood baits. He can repair wood damage
to replacing bills. So if you want to improve your confidence and your fish catching ability give a custom
colored bait a try the next time you hit the water.
Not all bass live on the banks. That is why great electronics help many
of the top anglers locate bass living on structure. Structure may be a
hump, old roadbed, creek channel or even an old house foundation.
Bass love structure in the winter and summer. Some of the best fish I
have ever caught have been off structures. One of the main reasons
bass move to structure is for water comfort and the other reason is
due to bait. Fishing pressure has also forced bass to move off the bank.
If someone kept bothering you, you would probably move, too. When
the summer heats up, structure fishing heats up. This is when I turn to
the power of my Humminbird Electronics. I prefer the big screens of
the 900 and 1100 Series Unit so I can customize the screen to get all the information I need to target these
fish. It also allows me to locate off-shore structure and then pinpoint the structure I've found. I also prefer
the Humminbird Electronics because of the feature that allows me to customize a unit to fit your fishing style.
You can split screens to the amount of area you need for each side. Want more sonar and less GPS it can be
done. Plus Humminbird offers DualBeam Plus sonar which allows me to view transducers at once; 20
Degrees for High Detail and 60 Degree for added coverage area. For more information check out
Humminbird's website has some great tutorials on basic sonar usage.
of the top anglers locate bass living on structure. Structure may be a
hump, old roadbed, creek channel or even an old house foundation.
Bass love structure in the winter and summer. Some of the best fish I
have ever caught have been off structures. One of the main reasons
bass move to structure is for water comfort and the other reason is
due to bait. Fishing pressure has also forced bass to move off the bank.
If someone kept bothering you, you would probably move, too. When
the summer heats up, structure fishing heats up. This is when I turn to
the power of my Humminbird Electronics. I prefer the big screens of
the 900 and 1100 Series Unit so I can customize the screen to get all the information I need to target these
fish. It also allows me to locate off-shore structure and then pinpoint the structure I've found. I also prefer
the Humminbird Electronics because of the feature that allows me to customize a unit to fit your fishing style.
You can split screens to the amount of area you need for each side. Want more sonar and less GPS it can be
done. Plus Humminbird offers DualBeam Plus sonar which allows me to view transducers at once; 20
Degrees for High Detail and 60 Degree for added coverage area. For more information check out
Humminbird's website has some great tutorials on basic sonar usage.
Crankin' is one of my favorite techniques to catch bass. Often many novice anglers
do not understand the importance the fishing rod makes in catching bass and
crankin' this is one time a quality rod makes the difference. I prefer a good cranking
rods for 99% of my crankin' applications. These rods features a good backbone for
hook penetration yet a soft tip to allow the bait more action. I feel length is more
a personal preference but the action should be matched to the bait. The smaller the
crankbait the lighter the action. The number one rule in crankin' is to set the hook
after the fish has taken the bait. With the a good crankin' rod the bass generally
hook themselves and the bait requires very little hookset. This helps prevent pre-
mature releasing of the fish. The soft tip also improves landing percentage as it
allows the angler to play the fish and reduces the chances of the fish becomes unbuttoned do to hook
pull out.
do not understand the importance the fishing rod makes in catching bass and
crankin' this is one time a quality rod makes the difference. I prefer a good cranking
rods for 99% of my crankin' applications. These rods features a good backbone for
hook penetration yet a soft tip to allow the bait more action. I feel length is more
a personal preference but the action should be matched to the bait. The smaller the
crankbait the lighter the action. The number one rule in crankin' is to set the hook
after the fish has taken the bait. With the a good crankin' rod the bass generally
hook themselves and the bait requires very little hookset. This helps prevent pre-
mature releasing of the fish. The soft tip also improves landing percentage as it
allows the angler to play the fish and reduces the chances of the fish becomes unbuttoned do to hook
pull out.
Structure Fishing:
Crank Baiting:
| Click on Logo to visit my Sponsors |
| MORE TIPS and TOURNAMENT DIARY at 7/24 Outdoors. Click on Logo to the Right: |
7/24 Outdoors Article Links:
I have been invited to be a contributing writer for Mid-America Outdoors Internet site and Magazine.
Please check out the following articles available on-line that I have published with 7/24. Also please visit
their site at www.724outdoors.com for the latest information on fishing and hunting in the Mid America
Region.
My Journal Entries on 7/24 Outdoors
(Scroll Down to read all Journal Entries)
* Lago Vista Lodge - Mexican Bass Fishing Diary
* BASSmasters Louisiana Central Open 2005
* Stren Series - Kentucky Lake 2006
* Stren Series - Mississippi River 2006
Catch & Release Tips (Must Read Article)
Measuring Bass Made Easy
Fisherman Christmas Gift Idea Fisherman Gift Ideas
Got Cabin Fever? Mexican Bass Fishing
Electronics: The History and Basics of Sonar
Please check out the following articles available on-line that I have published with 7/24. Also please visit
their site at www.724outdoors.com for the latest information on fishing and hunting in the Mid America
Region.
My Journal Entries on 7/24 Outdoors
(Scroll Down to read all Journal Entries)
* Lago Vista Lodge - Mexican Bass Fishing Diary
* BASSmasters Louisiana Central Open 2005
* Stren Series - Kentucky Lake 2006
* Stren Series - Mississippi River 2006
Catch & Release Tips (Must Read Article)
Measuring Bass Made Easy
Fisherman Christmas Gift Idea Fisherman Gift Ideas
Got Cabin Fever? Mexican Bass Fishing
Electronics: The History and Basics of Sonar
| SIDE IMAGING GROUP Click here to join. |
2D SONAR
SIDE IMAGING
| Click to enlarge |
Topwater Tactics:
If you like ferocious strikes and heart pounding excitement then
topwater fishing is for you. And my favorites are the fine line of
topwater lures from LuckyCraft. They have sizes and models to match
the hatch and match the conditions. The number one feature is the ease
of use. LuckyCraft goes to great lengths to make their baits work
perfect straight from the package and any level of angler can use their
products with success. Just add Fish! And your on your way to many
great memories.
SplashTail and WakeTail A Prop Bait unlike no others. This bait has the
two spinning blades that freely rotate. And I mean Freely Rotate, they
keep spinning once the bait stops. The other big plus is the hooks are
positioned to prevent hang-ups if fishing standing timber a big plus on
Truman Lake. The picture to the left fell for a Splashtail one crisp Fall
day on Truman Lake. Try a Prop Bait when bass are missing or short
striking a buzzbait and especially right after the spawn.
G-Splash: Popping Baits can generate some of the most amazing strikes
from Bass. I really like the G-Splash bait as it's like getting two baits in
one, depending on the retrieve. Aggressive popping action creates
water flying action that really gets aggressive bass munching. Or use a
finesse approach and create mind blowing sounds that just drive bass
wild. It's a must for any tacklebox.
Gunfish: This is one of the hottest baits on the professional tour,
because of it's unique design. A wider walking-the-dog action with the
addition on water spittin' attraction. The slim size of this bait makes it
irresistible to even the most finicky bass.
Sammy: The Sammy. The easy to cast, easy to work, superior
walking-the-dog action of a topwater bait. This is a must have for your
tacklebox if you like topwater action. The Sammy is perfectly weighted
to make those long casts required in clear waters or to reach schooling
fish. It is so easy to get the bait to "walk" correctly. Pop the tip of the
rod and hang on.
topwater fishing is for you. And my favorites are the fine line of
topwater lures from LuckyCraft. They have sizes and models to match
the hatch and match the conditions. The number one feature is the ease
of use. LuckyCraft goes to great lengths to make their baits work
perfect straight from the package and any level of angler can use their
products with success. Just add Fish! And your on your way to many
great memories.
SplashTail and WakeTail A Prop Bait unlike no others. This bait has the
two spinning blades that freely rotate. And I mean Freely Rotate, they
keep spinning once the bait stops. The other big plus is the hooks are
positioned to prevent hang-ups if fishing standing timber a big plus on
Truman Lake. The picture to the left fell for a Splashtail one crisp Fall
day on Truman Lake. Try a Prop Bait when bass are missing or short
striking a buzzbait and especially right after the spawn.
G-Splash: Popping Baits can generate some of the most amazing strikes
from Bass. I really like the G-Splash bait as it's like getting two baits in
one, depending on the retrieve. Aggressive popping action creates
water flying action that really gets aggressive bass munching. Or use a
finesse approach and create mind blowing sounds that just drive bass
wild. It's a must for any tacklebox.
Gunfish: This is one of the hottest baits on the professional tour,
because of it's unique design. A wider walking-the-dog action with the
addition on water spittin' attraction. The slim size of this bait makes it
irresistible to even the most finicky bass.
Sammy: The Sammy. The easy to cast, easy to work, superior
walking-the-dog action of a topwater bait. This is a must have for your
tacklebox if you like topwater action. The Sammy is perfectly weighted
to make those long casts required in clear waters or to reach schooling
fish. It is so easy to get the bait to "walk" correctly. Pop the tip of the
rod and hang on.
| FLW Stren Series Championship November 8-11, 2007 Mobile-Tensaw Delta Mobile, AL |
| Higginsville, Missouri |
| DOUG VAHRENBERG |
| Competitive Bass Angler |
Pick-up America
I have started a New Initiative for a Cleaner World. " Pick-up America "
Just think if you and everyone else would pick-up just one extra piece of trash a day. That's 365 pieces of
trash each person would remove from the face of the earth a year. With a United States Population of
303,796,469 people as of April, 2008 that would remove 110,885,711,185 yes 110 Billion pieces of trash
from the United States a year. If we all do just a little it will make it a cleaner earth for future generations
and ours. Which will not only clean our lands but our fisheries and waterways as well.
Just think if you picked up two or three extra pieces a day. We may remove litter totally for the face of the
earth! Not only do the big items need to be removed but everything down to the last cigarette butt.
Start helping today and help put trash in it's place - not on our lands and in our waterways.
Just think if you and everyone else would pick-up just one extra piece of trash a day. That's 365 pieces of
trash each person would remove from the face of the earth a year. With a United States Population of
303,796,469 people as of April, 2008 that would remove 110,885,711,185 yes 110 Billion pieces of trash
from the United States a year. If we all do just a little it will make it a cleaner earth for future generations
and ours. Which will not only clean our lands but our fisheries and waterways as well.
Just think if you picked up two or three extra pieces a day. We may remove litter totally for the face of the
earth! Not only do the big items need to be removed but everything down to the last cigarette butt.
Start helping today and help put trash in it's place - not on our lands and in our waterways.
There's More to a Boat than Looks:
Do you buy a car without driving it? Most do - some don't. Then why do
most buy a boat from the showroom without getting in seat and taking a
demo ride? All boats run straight and feel good running in calm waters.
But you really need to see how the boat performs:
1) Does it has the speed performance you want. Click Here for Yamaha Performance Bulletins
2) Ease to drive at all speeds - Especially at Wide Open Throttle
3) Turning ability at all speed ranges, slow, mid-range and high speed (For Performance and Safety)
4) Dryness of ride off-plane, on-plane, mid-range speeds and Wide Open Throttle.
5) Fishability and Stability when off-plane. (Walk Around Decks)
6) Rough Water Performance - Dryness and Ride (May have to make some turns to simulate)
7) Holeshot - Fast and Slow take-off Planing. See how easy it is to get on plane.
8) Field of View - Can you safely see at various speed ranges and taking off.
Example of a good all around Demo Ride: Skeeter Demo Ride Video
These items with your own criteria for performance and safety should be considered
when making your boat purchase. Not only should you look at performance attributes
but look at how the boat is constructed. Are they designed for strength, long-life,
safety and performance. Today's manufacturers are adding construction details in their sales literature
and websites. Look at the advanced engineering that Skeeter uses: Click Here.
Today boat manufacturers has raised the bar in safety, performance
and reliability with the creation of the NMMA Certification for boats.
These certification tests assure you are getting the safest boat on the
market. Look for the NMMA Certification Label on your next
boat.
As you can see you really need to look past the glitter and
sparkles of a new boat and find the boat that best fits your
ability for safe driving and performance. Look and learn how it is constructed and get in feel how it
performs on the water. Skeeter Boats offer many opportunities to get into the boat for professionally run
demo rides and takes you through a planned course showing you the abilities of the Skeeter Boat. Visit a
Local Skeeter Demo Event and see what sets them apart.
May 10 - Mark Twain Lake, MO
June 14-15 - Kentucky Lake, KY - BASS Elite Bluegrass Brawl
June 19-21 - Lake Fork, Texas - Skeeter Owner's Tournament
July 12 - Truman Lake, MO - Central Pro-Am - Bucksaw Marina
Sept 19-20 - Truman Lake, MO - Leukemia Tournament
Oct 11 - Patoka Lake, IN - Northern Skeeter Owner's Event
Oct 18 - Smithville Lake, MO - Smithville Marine Tournament
most buy a boat from the showroom without getting in seat and taking a
demo ride? All boats run straight and feel good running in calm waters.
But you really need to see how the boat performs:
1) Does it has the speed performance you want. Click Here for Yamaha Performance Bulletins
2) Ease to drive at all speeds - Especially at Wide Open Throttle
3) Turning ability at all speed ranges, slow, mid-range and high speed (For Performance and Safety)
4) Dryness of ride off-plane, on-plane, mid-range speeds and Wide Open Throttle.
5) Fishability and Stability when off-plane. (Walk Around Decks)
6) Rough Water Performance - Dryness and Ride (May have to make some turns to simulate)
7) Holeshot - Fast and Slow take-off Planing. See how easy it is to get on plane.
8) Field of View - Can you safely see at various speed ranges and taking off.
Example of a good all around Demo Ride: Skeeter Demo Ride Video
These items with your own criteria for performance and safety should be considered
when making your boat purchase. Not only should you look at performance attributes
but look at how the boat is constructed. Are they designed for strength, long-life,
safety and performance. Today's manufacturers are adding construction details in their sales literature
and websites. Look at the advanced engineering that Skeeter uses: Click Here.
Today boat manufacturers has raised the bar in safety, performance
and reliability with the creation of the NMMA Certification for boats.
These certification tests assure you are getting the safest boat on the
market. Look for the NMMA Certification Label on your next
boat.
As you can see you really need to look past the glitter and
sparkles of a new boat and find the boat that best fits your
ability for safe driving and performance. Look and learn how it is constructed and get in feel how it
performs on the water. Skeeter Boats offer many opportunities to get into the boat for professionally run
demo rides and takes you through a planned course showing you the abilities of the Skeeter Boat. Visit a
Local Skeeter Demo Event and see what sets them apart.
May 10 - Mark Twain Lake, MO
June 14-15 - Kentucky Lake, KY - BASS Elite Bluegrass Brawl
June 19-21 - Lake Fork, Texas - Skeeter Owner's Tournament
July 12 - Truman Lake, MO - Central Pro-Am - Bucksaw Marina
Sept 19-20 - Truman Lake, MO - Leukemia Tournament
Oct 11 - Patoka Lake, IN - Northern Skeeter Owner's Event
Oct 18 - Smithville Lake, MO - Smithville Marine Tournament
The Secret is OUT! Secret Lures
I have always been very picky about the products I use and represent and Secret Lures is another one of
those companies. Secret Lures is about refinement and precision detail of their products - NO
CUSTOMIZATION REQUIRED! Yes many of todays pros tweak their lures to get maximum performance or
consistent results. With Secret Lures that's built in to each and everyone - open the package and catch
fish.
Check out the Current Product Line-Up from Secret Lures. Click
on any of the images for a direct link to the Secret Lure Website.
From the only Clear Legged Frog for "finesse" frog fishing to
the Tail Shaker and MVP Football Head Jig that features the
"Pivot Divot" Head design for better control. Secret Lures offers
Lures that catch fish - not the fisherman. Watch this new
company grow. Dealer Opportunities Available. Check them out
visit www.secretlures.com
those companies. Secret Lures is about refinement and precision detail of their products - NO
CUSTOMIZATION REQUIRED! Yes many of todays pros tweak their lures to get maximum performance or
consistent results. With Secret Lures that's built in to each and everyone - open the package and catch
fish.
Check out the Current Product Line-Up from Secret Lures. Click
on any of the images for a direct link to the Secret Lure Website.
From the only Clear Legged Frog for "finesse" frog fishing to
the Tail Shaker and MVP Football Head Jig that features the
"Pivot Divot" Head design for better control. Secret Lures offers
Lures that catch fish - not the fisherman. Watch this new
company grow. Dealer Opportunities Available. Check them out
visit www.secretlures.com
