Conference wahoo::fishing

    Sounds like a great idea to me!
    
    Don Mac

    I'd be interested in hearing about it.
    Mike B.
    

    Sure you've got a third vote, just let us know when and where!
    
    Erik P.
    

    I'm all for it...count me in.
    
    We should give it some thought as to how to make it fair for those
    of us without fully-rigged bass boats.
    
    Joe

    I'm in for it..
    We could arrange for a boater non-boater system
    drawing names for partners?  This could help a bit on the boats.
    MA or SNH good for me.
    Bassin' Bob
    

    I'm for it and even if I have sworn off tourneys this would be to
    good to pass up. I may even have an open slot in my boat as my fishing
    partner is due to be in Europe at that time.
    
    Tight lines, Ron

    I'm interested in going.
    
    Mike_L

    I'm interested. I don't know if I'll have a boat by then and may
    need a boat-owning partner.
    
    Steve

    I'm going to need a boat owning partner too!
    

    	I may be interested depending on the when and where. I'll put
    in a suggestion for lake Monomonac on the NH/Mass border, that way
    either mass or nh Licenses are valid. I have a canoe but its not
    easily transportable.
    
    
    Denny

    Monomonac sounds like a likely spot based on the bi-state situation
    we have in this file. It's relatively easy to get to and suppossitly
    has fish, but nothing huge. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm just
    quoting from the write up by the Mass Wildlife people.
    
    For those of you that don't know this lake it is 592 arces with
    a maxium depth of 19 ft. The Mass ramp is off hwy 202 and the NH.
    ramp is off hwy 119. I happen to have been by there yesterday and
    slowed way down to look at it. NO one was fishing on it that I could
    see and it "looked bassy." The ramp I saw in NH. was a dirt one
    and the only concern I have is that the Mass ramp isnt much better.
    "might" be a small problem for "big" boats. Anyone know better that
    can comment??
    
    Lets go fishing!!
    
    Tight lines, Ron

    	Ron,
    	As far as I know the only ramp is on 202 at the Marina...I think
    its Valley Marina. I've been there once when I was looking for a
    bass boat. The day I was there I saw several 16-17fts go out with
    70-80 hp. Didn't loo to be much of a problem. I know they do charge
    either 2 or 3 bucks for use of the ramp. I read in one of the
    magazines, fins & feathers I think, that although there aren't many
    large bass in there, 2-3 lbrs are quite common. They also hold a
    couple of tournies there during the year, but I'm not sure when
    they are.
    
    Denny
    

    Well, that still sounds good to me......how about the rest of you???
    
    Tight lines, Ron

    I'd like to put a vote in for Pawtuckaway Lake.  It's got a good
    population of largemouth bass and has all types of structure....
    weed beds, lots of brush, islands, drop-offs...etc.  In fact, there's
    a tournement held there every year.  I've seen bass up to 9lbs come
    out of there!
    
    There are launching points that will accommodate large boats both
    in the state park itself and at the far end of the lake.
                 
    OK...we've all decided that it's a great idea, now how do we organize
    it??  I think someone who has had some experience with this type of affair
    should get the ball rolling...(Ron...Bob)??
    
    -Joe-

    I AGREE WITH #14, I'D RATHER FISH SOUTHERN NH.  AS A MATTER OF FACT,
    I WAS THINKING OF PAWTUCKAWAY OR BOW.  I KNOW OF AT LEAST ONE DEC
    BASSER COMMING FROM MAINE WHICH MAKES SOUTHERN NH A LITTLE MORE 
    CENTRAL.  NEXT WEEK I WILL ADD A NEW NOTE WITH LAKE SUGGESTIONS, 
    PLEASE REPLY AS TO WHICH LAKE YOU WOULD OR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO FISH.
    MAJORITY DECIDES.  
    
    I ORIGINALLY SUGGESTED THE TOURNAMENT BE IN SEPT BECAUSE THAT'S THE
    EARLIEST I WOULD BE ABLE TO GET INVOLVED AND IT IS AFTER THE VACATION
    SEASON.  I WILL TAKE CARE OF ORGANIZING IF EVERYONE CAN WAIT.  IF
    SOMEONE WANTS TO DO IT SOONER, GO AHEAD.  I WOULD STILL FISH IF
    POSSIBLE.
    
    ONE MORE THING, IT SEEMS MOST TOURNAMENTS I'VE BEEN INVOLVED IN
    HERE ON THE EAST COAST TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY.  I WAS THINKING MORE
    OF A SATURDAY.  BETTER STILL, LET'S CALL IN SICK !  (ONLY KIDDIN'
    BOSS)

    I WOULD BE VERY INTERESTED IN A TOURNAMENT . I WOULD BE GLAD TO
    HELP ORGANIZE ETC IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN FISHING MAINE . SUCH
    THINGS AS PERMITS ETC NEED TO BE OBTAINED . THE LATER PART OF THE
    SEASON ( late sept - oct ) OFFER SOME EXCELLENT BASS FISHING UP
    HERE . I WOULD BE IN FAVOR OF A 2 DAY TOURNAMENT WITH WITH ALL OF
    THE NORMAL B.A.S.S. RULES ETC. ( ARREATED LIVE WELL , CATCH AND
    RELEASE ) 
    
    THIS IS NOT TO SAY THAT I WOULDN'T GO SOUTH FOR A TOURNMENT IF THAT
    IS WHERE IT IS TO BE HELD . IN MAINE THERE IS A LIMITATION AS TO
    HOW MANY TOURNAMENTS CAN BE HELD ON A BODY OF WATER PER YEAR , I
    HAVE ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION AND CAN WORK ON PROPOSED SITES IF
    THERE IS ANY INTEREST . 
    
    IF ANY ONE IS INTERESTED IN COMING HERE PLEASE RESPOND AND LET ME
    KNOW DATES (BOTH GOOD AND BAD ) . IF SOMEONE ELSE WANTS TO ORGANIZE
    ONE DOWN THAT WAY LET ME KNOW THAT ALSO , SO THAT WE CAN SEND SOME
    WINNERS DOWN ..
    
    AL VORHIS
    

    Gentlemen, gentlemen, gentlemen, please.......lower case. All this
    shouting is hard on my eyes and do want to read this note. Please
    notice the comment in the title of this file...............
    
    Thank you in advance, Ron

    A DEC bass tourney sounds great! even though my fishing (boat owner
    partner) says he is sworn of "tournies", i will cancel my trip to
    europe and convince him of the fun. Count us in.

I've spent some time fishing Monomonac and I guess the main feeling
    I have about the place is It gets VERY crowded on weekends (I once
    counted 13 boats in the main part of the lake at one time) and the
    ramp isn't the best-gravel and a few bucks at that. I've seen some
    1 to 2+ pound class stuff but nothing I'd call memorable.
    I guess I feel there is a LOT of fishing pressure on the lake and
    any weekend would be crowded.
    My editorial summary: small fish and big crowds...
    I for one would rather go the distance for some quality...
    Ideas?

    One small thought...
    
    Don Mac and I were out bassin last nite and we talked about the
    possibilities of a tourney.  Realizing that many of us catch and
    release our fish, it occurred to us that those of us without live
    wells will find it difficult to keep fish alive.  Any ideas on this?
    
    -Joe-
    

   re: .20

   Joe,

   Sounds like the excuse you needed for that new Ranger!

   Keith

    How many others out there, who are planning on fishing this DEC
    Bassmaster's Classic [8^)], do not have livewells?      
                                                            
    We may have to accept dead fish at the weigh in... (ps: does anyone
    know of any local fish market that imports florida hawgs?!!!)
                                                                
    And speaking of livewells, (although this may not be the right place)
    has anyone ever tried one of those portable jobs that you can stick
    in large coolers?  That may be an inexpensive alternative for those
    of us w/o livewell equipped boats...?  I'd consider getting one,
    they supposedly work well for keeping shiners alive...
    
    Don Mac

    Hi,
    
    Being rather new in this notesfile, count my vote a definite "YES"
    for the tournament!! I have a small 10 footer Johnboat, good for
    two people, only have a 20lb thrust trolling motor, no livewell.
    
                               Perry F.
                              ----------

    Don, I know many people who use coolers with the small aerators
    and they work fine.  I,ve also seen people get by fine just using a
    cooler and changing the water every hour or so.  The only problem 
    with coolers is in hot weather, the water might get too hot if it 
    is not circulated with lake water. Either of two things will help.
    Add some ice to the cooler, (distilled water only, chlorine is a
    killer) or add a cap full of "Catch And Release".  Catch and Release  
    can be bought at any tackle store and it relaxes the fish causing
    them to require less oxygen.  It will also help stretch that 
    11 15/16 inch into a keeper.  It really does work. (Bob, last week 
    at Chicopee it helped me squeek out two more keepers) It also is 
    supposed to help the fish replace its protective slime that gets
    removed during handling, which increases its chances of survival
    when released.
    
                              HUG A BASS THIS WEEKEND
    
                                   BRUCE

    
    	Count me in! I'm a beginner but I'd welcome the chance to meet
    all of you and maybe get some advice. I'd like Lake Monomonac for
    a couple of reasons. I can go there without having to register my
    boat in N.H. (Why does N.H. have to be so difficult all the time?),
    plus I come from Winchendon originally and used to camp on Monomonac
    when I was a kid. Brings back old memories.
    
    /Pete

    Count me and another DECie in.  If friends are allowed I have 2
    interested also.
    
    Tony.

    re.-1	good question...
    
    Really, we have to start discussing rules and regulations, as well
    as a site..... 
           
    Don Mac
               

    I would be interested to attend such a contest if it is decided
    to have one, how about Pawtuckaway Lake in Raymond, N.H..
    
    
    O'fishn

    Count me in...
    
    Jeff

    Boy go away to the woods and then spend 2hours reading notes.
    
    As for the lake problem NH and some other unfriendly state would
    be a problem because of the regestering of boats as well as licences
    but they have the same problem here.
    
    As for friends My partner ownes the boat an WE had planned to fish
    together.  If thats the problem Hay I will just have to buy my sooner
    than I thought!! (Green Water Marina here I come)  
    
    I can most likly get a scale from my club for the weight ins.  We
    can stretch(sp) the live well rule to a stirofoam cooler for real
    inespensive.  and no plenalty for dead fish.
    
    An outher suggestion is to have one in each state then the winners
    can get together for a TOC of such!!  any takers!! This could help
    solve the problems with licenses and boat regerstrations.
    
    Lets talk and see!!
    Bassin' Bob
    

    I like Bob's idea of having two separate tournements, one in NH
    and one in MA, and then all getting together for a big bash to pick
    the winners.  I also agree with his idea on using styrofoam coolers
    and not penalizing dead fish providing an honest attempt was made
    to keep the fish alive.
    
    So...I think we've beat the issue to death...ENOUGH TALK and TIME
    FOR ACTION (before we end up holding the tourney thru the ice!)
    
    Let's get a couple of people from each state together and draft
    the T's & C's, set some dates....AND GO FISHING!
    
    -Joe-

    The idea sounds great to us here in Franklin.  There are about six
    serious fisherman interested.  We'll keep watching the tube for
    more details.  How about the no-net rule?  
    

    So far so good!
    
    The two state rule sounds good, so far it seems like Pawtuckaway
    is the NH choice...  What do you think of a couple of seperate notes
    for registration, one for each state, this note is GROWING, and
    will probably continue to do so, we could even have another note
    for rules and regulations...?????   
    
    don mac

    re -2:
    The no net rule is nice, But we may have a lot of novice B.A.S.S
    fishing persons involved, and since the Mass B.A.S.S. Federation
    does allow nets lets give every one a good chance.
    
    Bassin BOB
    

    Another thought...
    
    Some of the more fortunate bassers own larger Ranger-type boats,
    whereas, others, like myself, have either canoes or small, low-powered
    boats.  Perhaps we might consider allowing some additional time
    for those people with an earlier start time.  We really don't want
    to complicate the whole thing, but maybe 2-3 different boat categories,
    each with a time handicap.
    
    	EXAMPLE:
    
    	Canoes/Boats w/o power or only elec. motors..... 1   Hr. headstart
    	Canoes/Boats up to 5HP.......................... .5  Hr. headstart
    	Boats w/5+ to 20HP.............................. .25 Hr. headstart
    	Boats w/20+HP................................... no headstart
    
    ...or something like this.
    
    -Joe-                                                         
    
    

    I agree with what Joe just said, ya got to admit, there's a big
    difference between a canoe and a 150hp Ranger that needs a microvax to
    controll all the elctronics...      don mac 
 

    I agree with the headstart idea but, the catagories need a review.
    I.E. there is more of a speed difference between a 35hp and a 150hp
    than a 20hp and a 35hp. So it looks like there could be too many
    start times if we go by what was suggested.
    
    BTW I am a boat owner and will be glad to have a non-owner onboard.
    
    						Dave

    If you want to stay with the B.A.S.S. rules all boats must be 14'
    or larger.  And all non-powered boats must be in last flight for
    safty. We can draw numbers for flight and starting postion with
    a 5-10 second start before each boat leaves.  If you have many
    different starting times its only far that the early boats have
    to come in early.  Each boat no mater what the size has to have
    the same amount of time on the water.  Tournaments have been won
    with the first cast and also on the last.
    Bassin' BOB
    
    

    Seems as though there is enough interest out there to have this
    proposed tournament, my question is : when , where , and who is
    going to handle all of the necessary organizing to make it happen?
    
    I am in Maine and will participate in either a Maine semi or come
    to Northern NH . Don't know if any of the Maine folks are interested
    or have ever fished a bass tournament before . If anyone in ASO
    is interested let me know . 
    
    Someone needs to come up with the rules and get the ball rolling..
    

    Yea, I agree with Bob, that safety calls for the "power boats" to
    get out first so they won't create a "unlivable" wake. I know that
    out of the hole my boat throws about a 2' wave and I wouldn't like
    the idea of causing someone to get wet (much :^).
    
    The key here is the time. If you go off at say, 7:00 and the smaller
    boats go off at say, 7:30, then the first out have to be in at 4:00
    and the others at 4:30, maybe 4:45. The handicap for canoes and
    such should be the amount of time it would take to get to the half-way
    point of the lake (or so). (I was never in a handicap tourney before.)
    The important thing is "fishing time" and that would have to be
    set up on the honor system, when you have to quit..........
    
    Tight lines, Ron    

    re .38
    Bob, I think, due to the circumstances, we'd have to forego the
    14' rule, but I do agree on everyone having the same amount of time
    to fish and the honor system will have to be used.
    
    Unlike many "formal" tournements or B.A.S.S sponsored events, the
    prize(s) in this FRIENDLY competition will be small (fishing rod,
    reels, etc??) and it should be FUN and not CUT-THROAT!
    
    Although I've never joined a bass club nor participated in a
    tournement, I'd certainly be willing to help coordinate the NH "Big
    Event"....so let's get together SOON and start planning.  Anyone
    in NH who has had experience in tournements care to set a time and
    place to get together?  Send me mail.
    
    -Joe

 re -1:
    as for prozes I figured a few bucks for an entry fee and then give
    he cash back to the say first five and lunker!!!  most people have
    so many rods and reels they would not know what to do with them!!!
    

    I would agree with Bob, a few bucks or a case of (supply your favorite
    brew) would be about right. I don't think that to many would like
    a K-Mart special, which about all that could be afforded if we went
    that way.
    
    Tight lines, Ron

    To all you diehard fishermen out there! Pawtuckawy is an excellent
    lake for power boats, canoes, rubber rafts, and john boats.
    I have been fishing the lake for 38 years and as far as giving people
    with small craft a time advantage over larger craft would be futile.
    By the way I have won two contests there, the fish I caught were
    within rowing distance of the boat landing located in Nottingham,
    N.H..  The way we run our contests up there is as follows:
    
    _ Each contestent anti's up five dollars to enter the contest, an
    additional two dollars is,...if the contestent so desires put in
    to a luncker pool. The person who catches the largest fish wins
    the total dollars in the lunker pool.  The original five dollar
    pool is broken down as follows 50% of the total is given to the
    person that catches the most poundages in fish, the second place
    person gets 30%; and the third place person gets 20%.  If anyone
    out there would like any more information, Please contact me.
    NODE, MENSCH::SHEPARD
    OFISHN

A few replies back (like 23) I asked about livewell aerators, the inexpensive 
portable jobs that can be used in a cooler.  I'm thinking of picking one up
before the tournies. 

Anybody happen to know of any brand names too look for, or stay away from?

Don Mac

PS: I figure with all those HAWGS jumping around in my cooler, it'd be too much
of a pain to have to change the water. OOPS, geez, sorry guys, didn't mean to 
get ya'll nervous! 8^)

    Not to worry, Don...with what you're gonna catch all you'll need
    is a long straw and just blow hard!  As a matter of fact, if you
    make it a "FLAVOR-STRAW", then you could reverse the action and
    quench that thirst you're gonna develop from sweatin it out!
    
    -Joe- (who's_got_a_real_boat_now_and_is_gonna_swamp_Don)

    re: .45
    
    Don, BassPro has one for $24.97 that will work in any type of non
    pourous cooler. Takes about 7 days to get it (if its in stock).
    
    Tight lines, Ron

RE 144.45

	Don,
		"SuchadealIhaveforyouasneverbeforehaveyouseeninyourlife"

	It just so happens that I picked up a livewell aereator at the
Rieta Ranch flea market in Hubbardston about a month ago.  I got two 12v bubble
makers for $10.  One worked & the other was for parts.  I checked out the one
the guy said worked and guess what ???  It did.  Since then I have squandered
my fortune on a new boat which has built in livewells.  therefore you or anyone
else who cares may have the two units for the same $10 I paid for them (other
than the checkout I never used it). 

	Whereas Don brought up the subject I guess I'll let him have first
refusal...

						Al Whitman  Boves::whitman

    Sorry, Al... I already ordered one... 
    
    I called up BassPro and ordered the CatchSaver.  It's a different
    one than Ron had mentioned, on the same page though.  The cat. price
    was $31.99, but they said it was only $29.83.  With shipping and
    next years catalog ($2 but you get a $2 coupon) it came to $36.18...
    
    Should be here on 7-10 days, in time for the tournies!
    
    Don Mac  _spend_a_buck_save_a_bass_
    
    OH YEA! GONNA SWAMP ME HUH JOE???   
    Stay tuned for directions to Joe's honeyhole, where the last 2 bass
    I've caught have been 5lbers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
                          

    Hey Don...remember...its' YOUR "honeyhole" too!  You wouldn't want
    to give away YOUR secret, would you??
    
    

Got my livewell aerator yesterday.  Ordered it last Thursday afternoon, and 
received it the following Thursday morning.  That's good service.

Hooked it up in my 55qt cooler and it looks good!  It'll also double as a
bilge pump (although hopefully I'll never have to use it as such).

Don Mac 

Looking forward to filling up the livewell next Sunday and seeing how it'll 
work under pressure at the first DEC Bassmater's Classic!

   
    I was just talking to a friend decie out in AZ and learned that
    we're not the first ones to have a DEC bass tournament, they've
    had 3-4 out there! (I think he meant -this year- too!)  don mac

    Tight lines, Ron