Fished the Anglers Choice inaugural NC Trail tournaments at Norman last weekend. We ended up with 10 and a half day one and 9 and a half day two. The frustrating thing is we were doing the right things but just couldn't get in the right areas or get our timing right. I spoke with several guys who did real well and a crank bait and chatterbait was the bait of choice. Andy had gotten on a good bite Friday but I guess the weather moved those fish off to deeper water and we couldn't find them.
Excellent run trail with fantastic payback for the entry with a chance to fish for a new Ranger in September.
Heading to Lake Lanier on Saturday to begin prefishing for the second stop on the PBC trail. Lake is 5.6 feet high and most ramps are closed. Should be an interesting trip!
Showing posts with label #RangerBoats. Show all posts
Murray PBC Tournament Report
Sunday, February 2, 2020
The tournament didn't turn out like I hoped but we had a good showing as far as points go. 115 boats will be fishing this trail and they will pay 11 places per tournament. A few less places than the normal 20% but if you get in the money you will get a good check.
We blasted off boat 7. Would have loved to have been in the last flight. Our check in time was 3:00, last flight was 4:15. Could have really used another hour to fish.
We ended up with 4 fish for 14 1/2 pounds. Caught two good ones on our second stop, one about 10:00, and the final good one at about 12:00. We needed some sun but it didn't come out until late.
Final two flights moved us from top 10 to 24th. It took 20 lbs to win so we were one big bite away. Another keeper would have went a long way in the points as well.
Next week I will be at Norman practicing for the Anglers Choice tournament which is two weeks away. New trail for this area so hope to see a good turn out. I will report back next weekend on how practice goes.
Also want to put a plug in for the Ranger Z521C. My partner has that boat and we used it for the tournament. I ran the boat all day and was extremely impressed with the ride and power. Fully loaded we were able to hit 70 and the boat drove absolutely perfect.
We blasted off boat 7. Would have loved to have been in the last flight. Our check in time was 3:00, last flight was 4:15. Could have really used another hour to fish.
We ended up with 4 fish for 14 1/2 pounds. Caught two good ones on our second stop, one about 10:00, and the final good one at about 12:00. We needed some sun but it didn't come out until late.
Final two flights moved us from top 10 to 24th. It took 20 lbs to win so we were one big bite away. Another keeper would have went a long way in the points as well.
Next week I will be at Norman practicing for the Anglers Choice tournament which is two weeks away. New trail for this area so hope to see a good turn out. I will report back next weekend on how practice goes.
Also want to put a plug in for the Ranger Z521C. My partner has that boat and we used it for the tournament. I ran the boat all day and was extremely impressed with the ride and power. Fully loaded we were able to hit 70 and the boat drove absolutely perfect.
Murray Practice
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Spent the past two weekends practicing for the first PBC Trail tournament at Murray. Spent yesterday almost exclusively idling and looking for spots off the bank - I didn't fish any of the stuff I normally would. This is what I looked like for about 6 hours yesterday....
I did manage to catch one fish off the two places I found that I like but it was the wrong species and an ugly one at that...
Looking forward to the tournament. I expect conditions to change a good bit between now and the tournament on February 1st. Water temps will cool and unless we get a good bit of rain I expect the water mid-lake and up to clear somewhat. Still two weeks to prepare...for now I am going to fish Lake James tomorrow and see if I can get on some smallmouth. Sure hope to have some good video to share tomorrow afternoon.
Next Saturday Andy Greene and I are back at Hartwell for the CATT Championship. Putting all our eggs in one basket...hero or zero.
Treble Hook in Thumb
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Fished solo at Hartwell today and ended up with a treble hook in my thumb. Not the first time this has happened and I tried to explain the process I used to remove it on video but, after reviewing the video, it was apparent I did not do a very job so I am going to explain the process here. Hopefully this will help someone down the road who is not familiar with this method.
The first step is the most difficult - removing the hook from the fish. You have a death grip on the fish with your free hand while trying to take the hook out with the hand that is impaled with a hook.
Once the fish is free, the next step is to cut the split ring on the hook attached to you to free the hook from the crankbait. Next, cut the two free hooks close to the shank, leaving you with a single hook in your hand.
At this point I got a length of fishing line (25lb) and tied the two ends together securely to prevent slippage. I took the line and placed it through the steering wheel, leaving a portion below the wheel. Next, I placed the line between the hook and my skin and pushed down firmly on the hook eye with my free hand. Once I got to this point I quickly jerked my hand downwards away from the steering wheel and the hook popped out painlessly.
I have used this method before when my myself and have used it several times on other folks. It has always worked flawlessly.
Fall Fishing at Hartwell/Shoutout to Anglers Choice
Sunday, November 10, 2019
I have enjoyed the last two Saturdays fishing at Hartwell. By far my favorite lake. The bite has been okay but I am struggling to find quality fish. Looking at the results of the BASS Nation tournament this past week I am not the only one!
The water temp was 70 two Saturdays ago and yesterday I fished water from 53-60. I anticipate the water will cool further this week with the cold front coming in...I would like to see it in the mid 50s in the area I am fishing in the CATT tournament next weekend. I feel like those bigger fish will move to where I have been fishing for them.
Thanks to Anglers Choice for their willingness to go the extra mile. Got a text from Andy week before last and he was looking at the data from my Vesselview Mobile and was able to tell what service my 4 stroke Mercury needed. I have put over 160 hours on the motor in the first year - I ran it for the first time one year ago today. I don't believe lots of dealers would be taking the time to check on their customers to this extent. Great job! If you are in need of a new/used boat, UTV, or Camper, be sure to give the folks at Anglers Choice a shot at your business. Customer service is just as important as the initial deal, and these folks are among the best.
The water temp was 70 two Saturdays ago and yesterday I fished water from 53-60. I anticipate the water will cool further this week with the cold front coming in...I would like to see it in the mid 50s in the area I am fishing in the CATT tournament next weekend. I feel like those bigger fish will move to where I have been fishing for them.
Thanks to Anglers Choice for their willingness to go the extra mile. Got a text from Andy week before last and he was looking at the data from my Vesselview Mobile and was able to tell what service my 4 stroke Mercury needed. I have put over 160 hours on the motor in the first year - I ran it for the first time one year ago today. I don't believe lots of dealers would be taking the time to check on their customers to this extent. Great job! If you are in need of a new/used boat, UTV, or Camper, be sure to give the folks at Anglers Choice a shot at your business. Customer service is just as important as the initial deal, and these folks are among the best.
BFL Recap
Friday, September 27, 2019
Fished the BFL Super Tournament last weekend. Things have been quite hectic this week and I have not had time to share how things turned out.
I practiced on Friday and found another couple of deep spots offshore that held fish that would hit a jig. I made the decision to start on two of the deep places close to the blast off area, then hit a couple of lines of docks, and then run down the lake and hit the other deep spots and then spend the rest of the day of docks.
I blasted off boat 66 and ran to the first spot. First cast I got bit and set the hook, breaking my rod in the process. Fortunately I was still able to land the fish, a good keeper. I missed another fish on this spot and my co-angler caught a keeper. I was glad to see that because he was in 11th place going into the tournament and one fish should put him in the regional.
Ran to my second spot and missed 2 more on the jig. For whatever reason they were not getting it like they had been. I then idled to the docks close by and on the second one I caught a 3.11 largemouth which ended up being the big fish for the tournament. I caught another keeper here and then ran down the lake.
I was not able to get bit deep down but was able to catch 3 more fish on docks and was able to cull up 2 tenths with the last one. I weighed in at 3:45 and had an even 10 pounds which put me in the top 20 percent and qualified me to fish day 2.
Day 2 was tough for me. Caught several fish but they were small - ended up with only one keeper and finished dead last for the second day but still got a check for making day 2.
I was fortunate to have two great draws who were good fishermen and a pleasure to fish with.
After all was said and done I finished the year in 47th in the points, missing the Regional by two spots. I really thought if I made day 2 I would make it. The bottom line is the zero in the first tournament of the year put me in a hole that was tough to get out of.
I enjoyed fished the BFL this year but I do miss the team tournament format. I have talked with an old friend and we may fish the Palmetto Boat Center trail next year. I like the lakes and the championship time and location. I hope we can nail down a decision soon.
Cannot say enough for the support I have received this year from Anglers Choice Marine and RV, Ranger Boats, and Mercury Outboards. It has felt great to be competing again on a regular basis and I am so thankful to the Lord for restoring my health to the point I felt like it this year.
I think I will spend the fall fishing club tournaments, the Clark Hill Big Bass tournament, and a couple of open tournaments.
Looking forward to working at Anglers Choice in the morning for a while and help them out with Customer Appreciation Day.
I practiced on Friday and found another couple of deep spots offshore that held fish that would hit a jig. I made the decision to start on two of the deep places close to the blast off area, then hit a couple of lines of docks, and then run down the lake and hit the other deep spots and then spend the rest of the day of docks.
I blasted off boat 66 and ran to the first spot. First cast I got bit and set the hook, breaking my rod in the process. Fortunately I was still able to land the fish, a good keeper. I missed another fish on this spot and my co-angler caught a keeper. I was glad to see that because he was in 11th place going into the tournament and one fish should put him in the regional.
Ran to my second spot and missed 2 more on the jig. For whatever reason they were not getting it like they had been. I then idled to the docks close by and on the second one I caught a 3.11 largemouth which ended up being the big fish for the tournament. I caught another keeper here and then ran down the lake.
I was not able to get bit deep down but was able to catch 3 more fish on docks and was able to cull up 2 tenths with the last one. I weighed in at 3:45 and had an even 10 pounds which put me in the top 20 percent and qualified me to fish day 2.
Day 2 was tough for me. Caught several fish but they were small - ended up with only one keeper and finished dead last for the second day but still got a check for making day 2.
I was fortunate to have two great draws who were good fishermen and a pleasure to fish with.
After all was said and done I finished the year in 47th in the points, missing the Regional by two spots. I really thought if I made day 2 I would make it. The bottom line is the zero in the first tournament of the year put me in a hole that was tough to get out of.
I enjoyed fished the BFL this year but I do miss the team tournament format. I have talked with an old friend and we may fish the Palmetto Boat Center trail next year. I like the lakes and the championship time and location. I hope we can nail down a decision soon.
Cannot say enough for the support I have received this year from Anglers Choice Marine and RV, Ranger Boats, and Mercury Outboards. It has felt great to be competing again on a regular basis and I am so thankful to the Lord for restoring my health to the point I felt like it this year.
I think I will spend the fall fishing club tournaments, the Clark Hill Big Bass tournament, and a couple of open tournaments.
Looking forward to working at Anglers Choice in the morning for a while and help them out with Customer Appreciation Day.
Fun Afternoon with Savannah
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Last Sunday my wife and I took our granddaughter Savannah to the lake after church for a few hours. We had a great time - did a lot of riding, caught a bunch of bream, and swam for awhile. Very relaxing day.
Shallow Water Froggin
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Had the chance to spend last Saturday with a good friend from Georgia shallow water frog fishing. We had a good day with about 20 blow ups but no big fish. Most everything was 2.25 up to 2.75. I am really writing about about well the Ranger Z519 performed in the shallow water. I was amazed that a boat this size would operate in as little as 10 inches of water. With a piece of wood under the trolling motor, I was able to float anywhere there was enough water for the trolling motor to get a bite in the water. I hope to put some video together this weekend showing the depth and how well the boat moves in the skinny stuff. I fished out of a 461 for years and never thought a boat any bigger would get where I could get the 461 but the 519 does just as well, if not better. With the wider beam, the weight seems distributed better, thus a shallower draft. We had around 475 pounds worth of fishermen in the boat as well. My expectations were definitely exceeded!
High Rock BFL Practice
Monday, June 3, 2019
I have been practicing for the High Rock BFL the past 3 weeks. The one thing I have figured out is what I find one weekend is not holding up the next. I am not really sure why this is - it might be I have not stumbled on the right pattern yet.
Two weeks ago I spent a full day on the water and caught around 15 with the best 5 going between 21-22. The next weekend I spent another full day and had one bite. The past Saturday I fished 11 hours and had 5 bites but all but one were good ones. I have not touched the areas where I caught the good ones week one - I am going to fish those regardless. I think I have a good plan combining things from the last three weeks and I am going to run some of this Friday when I practice. Hooks are bent and I am just looking for one bite in an area and then I will leave. I do plan to try to expand an area I found fish the last part of the day Saturday. There is more water I did not get to and I need to check it out Friday and see how much of the area I need to hit. There is enough water to spend at least a 1/2 day in.
I need a good tournament. The zero at Norman is still hurting me in the points and I have two opportunities to improve on it. A big key this Saturday will be whether or not I can get a couple of fish the first two hours. If I do then I feel good about weighing in a decent bag. But as always, if we get a bunch of rain at the end of the week and the lake rises and muddies up it might change what I need to be doing. Then it will be a matter of whether or not I can figure it out quickly enough.
I will post a report on the tournament this weekend.
Two weeks ago I spent a full day on the water and caught around 15 with the best 5 going between 21-22. The next weekend I spent another full day and had one bite. The past Saturday I fished 11 hours and had 5 bites but all but one were good ones. I have not touched the areas where I caught the good ones week one - I am going to fish those regardless. I think I have a good plan combining things from the last three weeks and I am going to run some of this Friday when I practice. Hooks are bent and I am just looking for one bite in an area and then I will leave. I do plan to try to expand an area I found fish the last part of the day Saturday. There is more water I did not get to and I need to check it out Friday and see how much of the area I need to hit. There is enough water to spend at least a 1/2 day in.
I need a good tournament. The zero at Norman is still hurting me in the points and I have two opportunities to improve on it. A big key this Saturday will be whether or not I can get a couple of fish the first two hours. If I do then I feel good about weighing in a decent bag. But as always, if we get a bunch of rain at the end of the week and the lake rises and muddies up it might change what I need to be doing. Then it will be a matter of whether or not I can figure it out quickly enough.
I will post a report on the tournament this weekend.
Murray Big Bass Tournament
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Fished the Murray Big Bass Tournament this past weekend. I really enjoy the format of these tournaments and wish there were more of them close by.
I knew the herring bite was wide open and that most of the field would be fishing those places. I decided to go the opposite direction and head upriver and fish shallow backwater areas with a frog and jig. I caught fish doing this but none over 3.5 pounds. The problem with that was that every hour for three days it took a fish 4 pounds or better to get a check. That was amazing to me...10 places paid every hour for three days and nothing under 4 placing in the top 10.
After lunch I made the decision to move down the river and fish docks with a Katch-Her Lures jig. The best one I caught weighed 5.92 and the pic below is from the weigh in stage.
Chose not to go back on Sunday due to the forecast for storms throughout the day, a forecast that ended up being wrong. Still had a great weekend and looking forward to the next one.
I also want to brag on how satisfied I was with the 519 in shallow water. Honestly that was a concern for me when I got the boat. I like to fish ultra shallow if possible and need a boat that will float in a foot of water. I fished several areas with the trolling motor propped up with a board so it would not hit bottom and never had an issue with the boat bottoming out. Very pleased with this boat.
I knew the herring bite was wide open and that most of the field would be fishing those places. I decided to go the opposite direction and head upriver and fish shallow backwater areas with a frog and jig. I caught fish doing this but none over 3.5 pounds. The problem with that was that every hour for three days it took a fish 4 pounds or better to get a check. That was amazing to me...10 places paid every hour for three days and nothing under 4 placing in the top 10.
After lunch I made the decision to move down the river and fish docks with a Katch-Her Lures jig. The best one I caught weighed 5.92 and the pic below is from the weigh in stage.
Chose not to go back on Sunday due to the forecast for storms throughout the day, a forecast that ended up being wrong. Still had a great weekend and looking forward to the next one.
I also want to brag on how satisfied I was with the 519 in shallow water. Honestly that was a concern for me when I got the boat. I like to fish ultra shallow if possible and need a boat that will float in a foot of water. I fished several areas with the trolling motor propped up with a board so it would not hit bottom and never had an issue with the boat bottoming out. Very pleased with this boat.
Ranger Z 519 Battery Addition
Sunday, April 7, 2019
For the 20 years prior to getting my new 519 in November I ran 4 batteries for my 24 volt trolling motor to make sure I never went down on power during a day of fishing. I like to fish docks and it comes in real handy to be able to run the trolling motor on high between every dock. I feel that definitely allows me to fish more docks in a day, thus more opportunities for a bite. It also allows me to cover more water looking for bedding fish in a day or be able to fish in current all day with no issues.
I went with a 24 volt Ultrex on the new boat but have only been using 2 batteries. I noticed last week the first day I looked for bedding fish that there was a small loss of speed on high by mid-afternoon. Friday I purchased the needed jumpers (4 lawn mower battery cables), 2 new battery trays, and 2 new batteries and installed them Friday evening. I charged all 4 batteries overnight and fished James on Saturday. I fished a jig on docks exclusively all day and ran the trolling motor on 10 between every dock. At the end of the day I could not tell any difference in speed from the morning. 4 batteries also helps out when charging at a crowded motel and you might not be getting the power you need. I honestly feel I can fish two days without charging if necessary using 4. I know there are other battery options out there (Lithium comes to mind), but in my opinion they are cost prohibitive for the average weekend angler like me.
Below is a short video showing the setup.
I went with a 24 volt Ultrex on the new boat but have only been using 2 batteries. I noticed last week the first day I looked for bedding fish that there was a small loss of speed on high by mid-afternoon. Friday I purchased the needed jumpers (4 lawn mower battery cables), 2 new battery trays, and 2 new batteries and installed them Friday evening. I charged all 4 batteries overnight and fished James on Saturday. I fished a jig on docks exclusively all day and ran the trolling motor on 10 between every dock. At the end of the day I could not tell any difference in speed from the morning. 4 batteries also helps out when charging at a crowded motel and you might not be getting the power you need. I honestly feel I can fish two days without charging if necessary using 4. I know there are other battery options out there (Lithium comes to mind), but in my opinion they are cost prohibitive for the average weekend angler like me.
Below is a short video showing the setup.
Lake James Tournament Report
Saturday, April 6, 2019
Fished a wildcat tournament at James today. Short hours - 7:30-2:00 but plenty long enough if you are doing the right thing!
I fished there last Tuesday and had a great day with a #Katch-her Lures jig. Based on that, I committed to fishing that jig on staging spots all day. I ended up boating 4 fish for 7 and change. I did get second big fish with a 3.70 something. I had 6 jig bites today and boated 4. I lost one that I did not see and another that was a little over 3. The quality bites were not there today like Tuesday. The water temp has risen somewhat and I think the better fish were most likely suspended in the middle of the pockets waiting to move up.
I want to give a shout out to a former student, Charlie Scott, who got his first tournament win today. I remember how much he loved to fish while in high school and he has worked hard to learn all he can. It was worth the trip just to see him get his first one. My guess is it will not be his last either. He is dedicated to spending time on the water and, in my opinion, that is the most important requirement for tournament success. I hope I get to see him get his second win as well...
I fished there last Tuesday and had a great day with a #Katch-her Lures jig. Based on that, I committed to fishing that jig on staging spots all day. I ended up boating 4 fish for 7 and change. I did get second big fish with a 3.70 something. I had 6 jig bites today and boated 4. I lost one that I did not see and another that was a little over 3. The quality bites were not there today like Tuesday. The water temp has risen somewhat and I think the better fish were most likely suspended in the middle of the pockets waiting to move up.
I want to give a shout out to a former student, Charlie Scott, who got his first tournament win today. I remember how much he loved to fish while in high school and he has worked hard to learn all he can. It was worth the trip just to see him get his first one. My guess is it will not be his last either. He is dedicated to spending time on the water and, in my opinion, that is the most important requirement for tournament success. I hope I get to see him get his second win as well...
Hit the Jackpot!
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Found some discontinued Jackal baits this week and they arrived in the mail today. I have been trying to find some of these in this size for 18 months and finally stumbled onto some. Wondering now if I should have bought more...
Wylie BFL Post Tournament
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Happy with an 18th place finish yesterday at the Wylie BFL. The lake is changing daily and it is hard to keep up with what is going on. Water temps ranged from 54-58 throughout the day and you can find most any color water you want to fish.
Ended up with 5 that weighed 11.12. I had located a couple of schools of fish off shore that would bite a carolina rig and my hope was for a quick limit of keepers and then fish a jig and chatter bait the rest of the day. The quick limit turned into about a half day of shallow and deep with only 2 very small keepers to show for the effort. Around lunch I made the decision to go jig fishing, and the area I was in had a few moved up. I boated 3 that were about 3 pounds each and lost 2 more. I had the chance to have a top 5 day but I am thankful for the 18th, especially after Norman. Moved up 20 spots in the points and need to move about 25 more over the next three tournaments to be in qualifying position for the Regional at Hartwell. Next BFL is at Kerr at the end of April.
#AnglersChoice, #MercuryOutboards
Durasafe Locks/Loc-R-Bar
Monday, March 11, 2019
Fishing the BFL's this year and I am traveling more and as a result the boat is unattended more often. Like most people, I am concerned about the safety of my equipment whether at a tournament meeting, restaurant, hotel, or just inside a convenience store. I have purchased Durasafe Locks for my Lowrance units and Ultrex. I have also purchased the TH Marine Loc-R-Bar. The Lowrance locks are installed and the rest will be installed later this week. I will put together a video showing what I have done as soon as I get everything ready. Hopefully this will provide some peace of mind when I am away from the boat. But...as a good friend of mine says, this will probably just stop an "honest thief". If someone wants your stuff they will probably get it. However, if multiple boats are in a parking lot I would assume the easiest targets would be hit first...at least that is what I am banking on. Thanks to Anglers Choice Marine for getting me the products I needed and for installation of the Loc-R-Bar.
Prop Change Today
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Everyone needs a spare prop. At least that is what I told myself as I have contemplated a change in my prop for a couple of months. (In reality everyone should carry a spare - it has saved me more than once). The 4 stroke motors in 225 and 250 come with a 23 Fury and I do believe it is the best overall, year around prop for the boat. However, I felt like I could improve performance, at least in the cooler months, with a 24 Fury. Thanks to Andy Greene and the folks at Anglers Choice Marine I got a 24 this week and ran it today. I think hole shot was just slightly slower and I lost about 100 rpm's. However, I gained a little on top end and I have better bow lift. I am pleased with change. As always, if you have any type of boating need, speak with the folks at Anglers Choice. They will fix you up quickly and, best of all, will always treat you right.
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