Conference wahoo::fishing

Besides using this note for putting in a plug for our favorite site, we
can also use this to determine how many NH entries we have, how many have
boats, size of boats (so we can think about the handicap idea), if there's 
seats available on boats, etc...

I'll put in a plug for Pawtuckaway.

I'll be fishing from a 14ft flat bottom w/ a 4.5hp & elec, as of right now,
it's kind of early to tell if I'll have an empty spot or not.

Also, you MAINEiacs are welcome to join us, we may be closer than the 
Mass. tournament, but then again, maybe you guys have enough people up
there for your own tournament, making this a 3d job!

Don Mac  now_I'll_shutup_and_see_if_there's_any_other_NH_bassers_out_there

    My vote is for Pawtuckaway Lake.
    
    I've got a 14' canoe w/electic motor.
    
    -Joe-(watch_out_for_MY_HOLE_SHOT!)

    I don't know Joe, do ya think Pawtuckaway's big enough for the
    both of us??????                                      
                                                          
    WHAT HAPPENED TO ALL THE NH BASSERS OUT THERE??????????????????????????
    
    Don Mac (watch_out_for_HOLE_SHOT_JOE)
    
    

    Don,
    
    You know that if it keeps up this way, you should just plan to join
    us down here and get some real fishing in. NOT just those little
    6.79 lb'ers :^) Oh, just for grins, a Hawg is any largemouth over
    9.5 lbs and a smallmouth over 6 lbs. (but those are southern standards
    and should be adjusted for the north) Lets say over 6 lbs here and
    4 lbs for smallies. So, you got a Hawg if you go by that.
    Congratulations.
    
    Tight lines, Ron

    Yeah....what happened to all you guys from NH????
    
    Well...there's two more that can be added to the NH list...
    
    	Chris Fletcher and Keith Dilsworthy (sp?)
    
    Any more out there??
    

    thanks Ron, yea, let's go by the over 6lbs = HAWG!
    
    Hey Joe, I think I just figured out why all the NH bassers haven't
    responded.....  They've read about your cajun 7.5lber and now they've
    read about my yankee 6.79lber, and since you and I are the only
    ones registered so far....... the ONLY conclusion that I can come
    up with is that we're just TOO MUCH COMPETITION for them!!!!!!!!!
    
    Don Mac _maybe_that'll_stir_up_some_response_!!!!!!!!_
    
    

    YEAH...I think you're right Don...these NH fisherman (if that's
    what they call themselves) must be a bunch of wimps.  They probably
    figure that, what with me and my 24lb - 7 fish catch and you and
    your hawg...they don't stand a chance.
    
    Oh..oh...I think now we're in for some trouble!  If we have the
    tournement and DON'T PRODUCE....well...ah....we may never be able
    to look this notes files straight in the eye (or screen)...
    
    C'MON GUYS...(and gals)...let's see some activity here!  Pawtuckaway
    is a SUPER place to fish and it's bound to be a FUN time!
    
    -Joe- (beginnin_to_wonder_how_much_a_MASS_license_might_cost?) 

    Ron,
    
    
    Since it takes a 5lb for a state pin A HAWG for a smallie should
    be considered at least 5 and 7 for a large mouth.
    Bassin' Bob
    

    re -1, -2
    
    
    Thats why I never mentioned me 6lb 10oz large mouth 2 weeks ago....
    Don't want to scare off the Mass people.
    Bassin' BOb
    

    re:  .6,.7
    I, for one, admit that I personally spend most of  my  time  in  the
    puresuit  of  trout.  However, once in a while I've been known to go
    after bass and Northern Pike.  I defiantly  plan  to  go  "slumming"
    with the rest of the N.H.  fisherpersons for the DEC Tournament.

    re:.4
    I have never fished Pawtuckaway (no trout), but it  sounds  good  to
    me.

    Keith

    CAN SOMEONE OUT THERE TELL US POOR MAINE BOYS WHERE PAWTUCKAWAY
    IS AND ANY OTHER PERTINENT INFO ? I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HOW THIS
    IS GOING TO BE RUN , I AM PLANNING ON BEING THERE .
    
    THANKS
    

    It's in Raymnd NH, about 30 miles from the Berwick, ME border

    Geez, we're closing in on 10 people!
    
    Keep `em coming!
    
    Don Mac
    
    ps: as far as how this thing is going to be run, I think we're going
    to have to wait until we get a few more responses, until today,
    it looked like it was just me and Joe T, but if we get a few more
    it'll be worth while.   Then Holeshot Joe can fill us in on the
    details, I heard he was the one running this thing...
    
    Right Joe?

    aw c'mon, Don....I've never done anything like this before...
    
    and if I set up the rules (heh...heh)...then you guys can only fish
    with drop-lines, bobbers and flounder rigs...
    
    If someone who has had some experience doing this, then I'd be happy
    to help...perhaps Ron or Bob might care to provide some insight...
    and then maybe we'll just abide by the rules that the guys from
    MA use to be fair.
    
    -Holeshot Joe- (seein_as_thats_what_Don_Mac_calls_me)
    

    Count me in -- I'm a glutton for punishment.  (By the way, Nashua
    is considered part of NH, isn't it?)
    
    Rig: either Canoe or 12' cartopper with 5 horse ourboard.
    
    My usual fishing partner is non-DEC -- any problem?
    
    I'd like more information on the lake -- map's, etc.  Any suggestions?
    
    Side issue -- I've been finding lean fishing this year; is it just
    me or is there a lot of this going around?  (Actually, the fishing
    is great but the catching leaves something to be desired!)
    
    Regards,
    Russ

    re.-1
    no problem on the non dec partner Russ, my partner's non-dec also.
    are you planning on fishing BOTH tournaments? there tentatively
    scheduled for the same day...            
                                             
    everyone:                                
    we're starting to look good here folks, maybe 5 teams so far? 
               come one now nh bassers, keep `em coming!
           
    don mac	_who'll_have_to_start_scouting_the_hotspots_at_pawtuckaway!_
        
         

    re.-1
    
    I'd certainly like to fish both tournaments -- looks like fun
    and a good opportunity to meet other DEC fishing types.  Would it
    be possible to schedule the tournaments at least two weeks apart?
    
    Anyone else feel the same way?
    
    Regards,
    Russ

    Yes, we would be interested in fishing both tournaments, provided
    that the lake is a reasonable distance from Mass., e.g. Pawtuckaway
    is acceptable, and that both tournaments are later than August.

    That sounds fine with me.  It would allow anyone to fish either
    or both tournaments - and may also boost the current NH slow start.
    
    How's that sounds to the rest of you???
    
    don mac
    
    ps: it was stated earlier that MA boats must be re-registered in
    NH for NH waters, does the same go for NH boats in MA waters?????

    Re.:-1
    
    POWER boats must be registered in New Hampshire -- canoes, rowboats,
    and anything without a motor do not need to be registered.  New
    Hampshire does not recognize out-of-state registrations for power
    boats (don't ask me why -- I just live here!).
    
    Mass., on the other hand, recognizes N.H. boat registrations.
    
    Maybe we should call the New Hampshire tournament "The Great
    Equalizer!"
    
    Russ
    

    THE GREAT NEW HAMPSHIRE BASS TOURNEY IS ON!
    
    PLACE:  PAWTUCKAWAY LAKE, NOTTINGHAM, NH
    DATE :  SUNDAY, SEPT. 21st
    
    I'm planning to fish there tonite, so I will follow up this note
    with EXACT details on how to get to the launch ramp at the north
    end of the lake.  I will also make copies of a map of the lake
    available to all who request it.
    
    Please follow this reply with your formal registration, type of
    boat/motor, and partner's name (if any).  If you have a boat and have 
    room for a non-boater, please indicate as such.  
    
    Registration fee will probably be $5 like the MA tourney.  More
    details to follow.
    
    -Joe-

    
    Don Mac, Bill Kirby
    
    14ft flat bottom with 4.5hp (and electric)
    
    

    Joe Tomas ("elected" coordinator) and Chris Fletcher 
    
    using a 14' canoe w/electric
    

                        DIRECTIONS TO PAWTUCKAWAY LAKE
                              Nottingham, NH


From Rte 95 (Maine & Eastern Mass)

Take Rte 101 West (Exit 2?) off Rte 95 in Hampton, NH.

	Take Exit 5 off Rte 101 (Raymond-Nottingham exit)


From Central NH

	Take Rte 101 East (Exit 7) off Rte 93

	Take Exit 5 off Rte 101 (Raymond-Nottingham exit)


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

At Exit 5....

	Go past MacDonald's Burgers, at next traffic lights,
	  left, then an immediate right onto Rte 156 towards
	  Pawtuckaway State Park.

	Stay on Rte 156 for EXACTLY 5.25 miles (do not enter
	the state park).

	At a small 4-corner intersection (some old white
     colonial homes at intersection), go LEFT.

	Go EXACTLY 1.8 miles and turn LEFT onto a small dirt
	road (unmarked!) and continue on dirt road to launch ramp.

Note: Pay attention to mileage after turning at the 4-corners
      as there are several dirt roads on the left.

                              
    START TIME : 7:00 AM  
    ENDING TIME: 3:00 PM
                          
    
    Try to be there early (6:00-6:30AM).  Once the last person has left
    (me, I guess...) the launch site, no late entries will be allowed.
    
    I have maps of the lake if anyone would like one in advance.  
    SEND ME MAIL...DO NOT REPLY HERE.  Be sure to give me a mailstop
    to send it too.
    
    -HoleShot Joe-
     

    Somebody mention BASS tournament??  You just got my attention!!
    
    My name is Keith Momberger.  I happen to be a transplanted basser
    out of southwestern Pa. now resident in New Hampshire.  I have been
    somewhat displaced from the NOTES file over the past couple of months
    and have just recently rejoined the rest of the NOTERS world.  Could
    you please update me with the information on the WHO, WHAT, WHERE,
    WHEN, AND HOW MUCH.  I would love to get in on the New Hampshire
    tourney.  I do have a 14' canoe, people powered.  At the moment,
    I would be a single unless there was somebody that wanted to join
    me.  Keep me posted.  I'm on Enet at node AURVAX::MOMBERGER.
    
    Let's keep pluggin'

    Registration:
    
    Keith Momberger and (TBD)
    14' canoe, no motor

    Registration:
    
    Keith Dilsworth and (TBD)
    14' boat with 30 hp

    Here's the current list of people that are planning to attend the
    GREAT NH BASS BUSTIN BASH...(as of today)
                                            
    
    Joe Tomas		Chris Fletcher
    Don MacIntyre	Bill Kirby
    Jack Hagerty	Rick King
    Keith Momberger	-guest-
    Buzz Shepard	-guest-
    Keith Disworth	??
    Ray Desrosiers	-guest-
    Tony Waitkevich	Adam Waitkevich
    Tom Coots		??
    
    
    KEEP 'EM COMING!
    
    -Joe-

		THE GREAT NEW HAMPSHIRE BASS BUSTIN BASH

DATE :	Sunday, September 21, 1986
WHERE:	Pawtuckaway Lake, Nottingham, NH
	(directions to launch ramp in note 147.23)
TIME :  7:00 AM - 3:00PM
WHO  :	Any DEC employee (non-DECies must be accompanied by a DECie)
FEES :  $5 per person
	$3 per person for largest fish pool (optional)


RULES:

	The whole idea is to have fun! Unfortunately, some ground rules
	must be set.  Here's my first go-around, however, they may be
	subject to change.  If you have any objections or additional
	input, please send mail to ASGMKA::TOMAS and not clutter this
	note with replies...it's getting big as it is.


1.	All NH Fish & Game and Boating Safety rules must be followed.
	In addition, common courtesy and common sense should used.

2.	Canoes/boats without gas powered motors (not including electrics)
	will be given an additional 15 minutes for fishing.  Check-in
	time for them will be 3:15.

3.	ONLY artificial lures are allowed.  No live or prepared baits
	are allowed (excepting pork rind type baits). Only rods and
	reels (i.e. no handlines, yo-yo's etc).

4.	Fishing nets are allowed.

5.	Only bass are allowed, minimum length of 12", maximum catch
	of FIVE fish.

6.	No penalty for dead fish, HOWEVER, every attempt must be made to
	keep the fish alive.  

	According to NH Fish & Game rules, culling is only allowed PROVIDING 
	the bass are kept in a "live well".  They specifically state that
	culling is not allowed from a stringer.

	NOTE: If you do not have a live well, it is suggested that you use
	      a large cooler and replenish the water periodically.  Many
	      tackle shops sell oxygen tablets/relaxers that will help
	      keep the bass in good condition. Cheap (under $5) aerators(sp?)
	      are also available.

7.	Launch time is promptly at 7AM.  BE ON TIME as the "officials"
	will be fishing as well and cannot register late-comers. Plan
	to be there about 6AM to launch and discuss the lake, etc.
	Maps of the lake will be available.

8. 	Check-in time is 3PM (3:15 for non-powered craft).  There will
	not be anyone available at the launch point to weigh you in if
	you decide to leave early...so you need to hang around until
	weigh-in time to qualify for prize money.

9.	I'm hoping that this rule isn't necessary (and it's open for
	discussion).  Late check-in penalty: 1 pound for each 5 min.
	of being late. 



PAYOFFS:

So far, the general concensus is that the NH tourney be an individual effort
as opposed to a team competition.  This makes sense, especially for those
that either don't have or want a partner.  It would also make it difficult
if we ended up with an odd person.  So, unless there's any REAL objections,
it's  individual competition.  

TOTAL COMBINED WEIGHT:

	First Place  - 50% of the pot
	Second Place - 30% of the pot
	Third Place  - 20% of the pot

LARGEST FISH:  WINNER TAKES ALL!!


SEND SUGGESTIONS/COMMENTS/OBJECTIONS TO ... ASGMKA::TOMAS	
  
    
    BTW...The mileage measurements I gave in the directions note (.23)
    were exact for my car and may be slightly different for yours. 
    The only place you might foul up is after you've made the left turn
    at the 4-corners (distance to the 4-corners isn't too important
    as it's the only one).  I think there are only two dirt roads on the 
    left BEFORE the dirt road to the launch site, so be alert.
         

    Well...just got back from vacation on the Outer Banks, No. Carolina
    (and just missed Hurrican Charlie).  Had a GREAT time sailing the
    sound...but no time to fish (sigh).
    
    Here's the current list of people that are planning to attend the
    GREAT NH BASS BUSTIN BASH...(as of 8/18).
                                            
    
    Joe Tomas		Chris Fletcher
    Don MacIntyre	Bill Kirby
    Jack Hagerty	Rick King
    Keith Momberger	-guest-
    Buzz Shepard	-guest-
    Keith Dilsworth	-guest-
    Ray Desrosiers	-guest-
    Tony Waitkevich	Adam Waitkevich
    Tom Coots		??
    Ray Dodier          -guest-
    Kathy Schubert      Barry Schubert 
    

    ...and the list keeps growing!
    
    
    A couple of comments...
    
    First, Pawtuckaway is VERY weedy in many of the shallow parts so
    I would suggest weed guards for those of you planning to use electric
    motors.
    
    Second...because there is an entry fee and prizes in excess of $10,
    by law, we are supposed to obtain a $25 permit.  I spoke with a
    Fish & Game officer and he said that the rules pertaining to
    tournamnents weren't really intended to apply to small clubs and
    the like, but...the rules is the rules.  If we forked over $25 for
    the permit then that would make a substantial dent to the pot...so...
    we will keep things on the "HUSH-HUSH" side.  
    
    I will "quietly" collect the fees at the beginning of the contest
    and at weigh-in time, things should appear to be as a "friendly",
    no-award type of competition.  If the ole game warden appears, then
    no prizes will be distributed at that time.  I don't think we'll
    have a problem, but it's better that EVERYONE know in advance what
    the situation is.
    
    
    Send me mail if you have any comments.
    
    -Joe-
    

    Hi guys,
    
    I'm a novice at the sport (but my fiance isn't).  I want to register
    for the tournament.
    
    Robin Nowell, Mike Nikitas
    
    14' V-hull, 15hp (no electric)
    
    Where do I send registration fee?
    
    Also, I think it has been a "lean" year.  You're not alone out
    there.  We thought it was the boat that wouldn't catch fish.
    

    re.-1 
    
    Joe will be collecting the fee that morning.
    
    don mac

    
    I have entered the Mass tournament for the 28th and right now I
    am
    not sure about the 21st.  I am moving up to NH tomorrow and may
    still be setttling into the new house by then.  I have a 350 Ranger
    with a 150hp.  If I can make it I will see you at the ramp.  By
    the
    way how is the ramp (dirt, pavement, easy or hard to load/unload)??
    If I attend I will look for a partner here in one of our NIO groups.
    
    Tight Lines.....................John
    
    

    We'll look forward to seeing you there, John.  I think you'll be
    the only one with a large Ranger-type boat, so we'll make sure you 
    take off first so as not to swamp the canoes.
    
    The ramp is paved but has deteriated somewhat such that there's a
    drop-off (2-3") as you enter the water.  There's room next to the
    pavement to launch on dirt but I don't think you'll have much problem.
                    
    Hope to see you...
    
    -Joe-
             
    

    RE:147.32
    	John, in regards to fishing Pawtuckaway with a Ranger, I would
    suggest that if you don't know the lake that you find someone that
    does to fish with you. Pawtuckaway can be treacherous as it has
    some decent sized rocks and other obstructions just below the surface.
    You'll probably get 10 times more use out of your elec. trolling
    motor than out of your outboard. As far as getting in and out, that
    should be no problem. If it is, I'll be there in a 4X4 truck with
    a trailer hitch on it.
    
    See_ya_all_there..................RAYJ

    RE.  ROCKS AT PAWTUCKAWAY...
    
    I'll have maps of the lake with me depth soundings and those of
    us familiar with the lake will point out rocky areas.  Like Ray
    said, though, most of your time will be spent using the electric
    so make sure your battery is up to snuff!
    
    -Joe-

    Just got back from a few hours at Pawtuckaway (11:30-3:30, not exactly
    prime fishing time).  I spent more time moving than fishing, checking
    out the perimeter for the first time.             
                                                       
    All I got was one small bass, I didn't measure it, but it probably
    would have squeaked past the 12in mark.            
                                                       
    Hope the lake's a little nicer to me on the 21st...
                                          
    Don Mac

    Just two comments....
    
    1)  The tourney is on ... RAIN OR SHINE!  
        (I hope you people aren't "fair-weather" fishermen!)
    
    2)  WE STILL NEED A FAIRLY ACCURATE SCALE FOR WEIGH-IN!!!!
    
    	A deliar really won't be accurate enough if we have some 
        "close" calls.  Otherwise, it will have to be a judgement call
        and/or a concensus of opinions.
    
    	If anyone knows where they might beg, borrow or .... a hanging
        scale similar to the type used in the produce sections of a 
        supermarket, please let me know.  In fact, some markets might
        have some scales kicking around that can no longer be certified
        but are accurate enough for our needs.
    
    -Joe-
     

    Any more of you DEC basser's interested in joining us????
    
    The entry list still could be a little longer!
    
    Joe, how about posting an up-to-date list?
    
    Don Mac 	(hoping his trolling motor will be repaird by Sunday...)
                
    

    
    
    Registration:
    
    Rick Plamer and (TBD)
    16' bass boat 50hp

    Joe, chou know ol Coonass wud lak to go wit chou an try dat new
    bateau wit chou.. but me, my ol piroque wudnt mak it op dere in
    time.. 
    
    All de rast ob de persons in de tourniquit, watch out!! Ole Joe
    jes get his fas boat jes before de tourniquit so he run off wit
    de money.. Don let him hold on to it, OK?? By de wey, ole Joe, he
    kno dat pleece fur fishin so me, I tink mebbe he aught to "spot"
    eich ones at leest one bass, HUH?? Dats only rat!!!
    
    		Gud lock too all,
    			Coonass(sittin home makin gogo)
    

    
    Here's the current list of people that are planning to attend the
    GREAT NH BASS BUSTIN BASH...(as of 9/17).
                                            
    
    Joe Tomas		Chris Fletcher
    Don MacIntyre	Bill Kirby
    Jack Hagerty	Rick King
    Keith Momberger	-guest-
    Keith Dilsworth	-guest-
    Ray Desrosiers	-guest-
    Tony Waitkevich	Adam Waitkevich
    Tom Coots		TBD
    Ray Dodier          -guest-
    Kathy Schubert      Barry Schubert 
    Robin Nowell        Mike Nikitas
    Rick Palmer         TBD
    John Errico         TBD
    Ron Scholz          TBD  (if his prop is fixed!  Use OARS, Ron!)
    
    COONASS BOB  (in spirit only!)
    

    ...and the list keeps growing!
    
    One last comment...
    
    The ORIGINAL game plan was for individual competition.  It appears
    that everyone will have a partner, so perhaps TEAM competition might
    be in order like the Mass. tourney.  Give it some thought, reply
    here or we can take a vote at the launch site.
    
    Remember...it's RAIN or SHINE.  
    
    See ya'll there.
    
    -Joe-
    
    

    I could go for the team effort.
    
    That would save me the trouble of trying to rig up a divider in
    the livewell... (or having to mark the fish, etc.)
    
    Don Mac
    
    

    
    
    I won't have a partiner so if it is team I will back out.
    
    Rick Palmer

    I really didn't mean to throw a monkey wrench into the works to
    screw things up....so, as ORIGINALLY PLANNED...
    
    
    
                 *** IT'S INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION ***
    
    Joe

     
    Hmmmm...
                       
    As I said a second ago, the team even would be fine with me, BUT...
    
    If switching over will keep *anyone* from joining us, I say we keep 
    it open to individual event.  The more the merrier!         
                                                       
    Don Mac  (seperating fish in a livewell can't be THAT bad...)
    
                                                                         

    
    Here is a solution to keeping your fish seperate if there is only
    one livewell in the boat. Get your self five plastic wire ties and
    mark one persons fish in the boat with them by sliping them through
    the front of the gills or bring five safety pins (I like them better)
    and pin one persons fish in the front lip.
    
    Hope this helps
    
    Rick Palmer
    

    Hey Don...WHAT ARE YOU WORRYING ABOUT!!
    
    YOU AIN'T GONNA CATCH NO FISH...SO NO NEED TO WORRY!
    

    Rick beat me to the punch!!
    
    	Big safety pins work fine.  Some advice, Don't put it on the
    dorsal, it will fall off in the play in the well.  Just pick a little
    big of skin on the lower jaw always works fine.
    
    Keep them in to weightin all five might give you an ounce  :^)
    
    
    Bassin Bob
    

    Yea, I had thought of that while wrapping up the garbage!
    Along the same lines, taking one of those long tie-wraps and placing
    it through the lip.  Besides, our livewell's only a 55 QUART cooler, 
    if I put in a divider, and cut it in 1/2, how's all my 30" HAWGS gonna 
    fit in there!!!!                  
                                      
    Have you guy's seen Joe's livewell?  He's got a an old "water pic"
    swishing around water in the bottom of his tackle box.  Try not
    to make fun of it when you see it, after all, it works just fine
    for the size of the fish HE catch's.... 8^)
                                      
    Don Mac                                  
                                      
                                      

    Hey Don...one question....
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
                      *** HOW LONG CAN YOU TREAD WATER?? ***

    WHO'S GOT A SCALE WE CAN USE FOR WEIGH-IN??
    
    

Associated Press Thu 18-SEP-1986 06:40                              Extendeds

                            Extended Outlooks
                         Saturday through Monday
   Mass., Conn. and R.I. - Fair through the period. Highs 65 to 75.
Lows 45 to 55.
   Maine and New Hampshire - Chance of rain Saturday. Fair north and
cloudy south Sunday. Fair Monday. Highs near 60 north and in the
upper 50s and 60s south. Lows 35 to 45 north and 40 to 50 south.
   Vermont - Chance of showers Saturday and Sunday. Dry Monday.
Highs each day in the 60s. Lows Saturday and Sunday 45 to 55. Lows
Monday in the 40s.

    There is a real easy way to mark fish that doesn't require anything
    more than a fingernail clipper. Just notch the tail of the fish
    with the clippers. It doesn't hurt the fish and you don't have to
    worry about anything coming off.
    
    Try it, you'll like it.
    
    Tightlines, Ron

    Yeah...but Ron...that .000003 oz. that gets clipped off might make
    a difference (...at least that's what DonMac is worried about!)
    

    [you'll have to ignore Joe's hostility, he's still upset about my
    telling everyone about his tacklebox livewell! 8^)]
                                                      
    Anyway, that comment about the possibility of the wraps falling
    off was a valid one.  I have it all figured out now.  Since this
    is an individual event, I'll have my partner use the tags.  AND,
    I'll even be kind enough to put the tags on for him....;^)
                
    Don Mac	see ya sunday!

    Gee...I hope I don't forget to put Don down on the registration
    form...I mean...afterall...ONLY "registered" fisherman can win.
    (...course I'll take his money to sweeten the pot...)

    re .38
    
    I'd love to be there. But alas we have just closed on a new home.
    We'll be moving that weekend. Oh well.....maybe the 1st annual spring
    tourney.
    
    Good luck....
    
    Guy

    
    
    Hmm, a spring tourney... sounds good to me!  *assuming we're still
    here!
    
    Anyway, it's pretty slow in here for the last workday before the
    1st DEC Bassmaster's Classic or is it the Great Bass Bustin Bash???
    
    Is anyone gonna be there at Pawtuckaway Sunday am besides me and
    Joe?????
    
    Don Mac 

    Alright, so who won, or did you have to give all the money back
    because no one caught any ;^) ????
    
    Tight lines, Ron

Well, Sunday's weather wasn't very cooperative, but 9 true-blue fisherman
showed up in 4 boats plus whatever that thing was that DonMac was fishing
from with an egg-beater on the stern.

The Hawg pool and first place went to Mike Haywood, Keith Dilsworthy's
partner, with a 4.25lb, 20" bass.  Mike also latched onto a 1.5lber early
in the AM to register a total of 5.75lbs. Keith, unfortunately, batted
    zero.

Second place went to Rick Palmer who weighed-in two keepers totalling
3.25lbs.  Rick, fishing alone from a real neat looking bass boat, says he
caught and released at least 5-6 other bass under 12", but then, he's a 
"real" fisherman, so we all took it with a grain of salt!

Bass-Bustin Fletcher, our third place winner, was a late bloomer.  Chris
didn't have anything to weigh-in at our noon-time check, but then managed
to find a hole where he pulled 2 keepers from the same hole for a total of
2.25lbs.

Holeshot Joe (me), started out fast 'n furious with a 1.5lber within 5 mins.
and 30 yards from the launch site.  In fact, it was the same spot I landed 
my 6+lber to win another tourney.  I even TOLD everyone where the place was
cause you could see it from the boat ramp...but everyone just sailed on by
it when we headed out.  I managed to catch a couple more under the 12" size
limit, including one 4" bass that took a spinner bait with a hook much larger
than it's mouth!

DonMac and his partner, Bill Kirby, well...their hearts were in it, but they
managed to register a great BIG GOOSE-EGG!  Nothing...ZILCH...NADA!!  But I
will say that Don's Basspirator worked GREAT!!  It's too bad all he had to
look at was a bunch o' bubbles in his livewell!  

Jack "Ho-Hum" Hagerty, and his partner, Rick King, also got skunked!  I think
they took a long nap in that big boat of Rick's.  Nice try, guys.  You better
stick to flying those choppers, Rick.  Maybe you ought to scout out the lake
ahead of time from the air!

All in all...despite the weather, we had a great time!  Of course the weather
broke and the sun started to come out at the end...but what the hell!  I'm sure
that this will be the first of many tourneys yet to come.

To those that registered fish...NICE JOB!  

And to those that didn't...I'd be glad to give lessons!

-HoleShot Joe-
    

    Just for the record, since Joe mentioned everyone else's under 12"'s, 
    and FORGOT mine and Bil's... We DID get a couple under 12"...  But
    that didn't help the big goose eggs on the winner list that Joe so 
    delightfully spoke of... 8^)                                   
                                                                   
    It was a real good time!  Hopefully I'll do better NEXT Sunday! 
                                                    
    Don Mac
    
    Hey wait a minute, I just remembered that EGGBEATER remark!  You
    can cut down a man's fishing, but don't mess with his boat!  
    

    I thought I also responded - operator problem - "Ole Joe"
    has a real short memory. Seems like Rick and I weighed
    one at noon too. Never mentioned the two we threw back
    bacause of lenght. Gee we thought we did pretty good in
    HIS lake. Can hardly wait for the next one. Thank goodness
    for Rainsuits and Goretex. 

    Oops...sorry Jack.  You're right...one bass for an even pound.
    
    And I guess I should apologize to Don for not mentioning all the
    little ones that he threw back that we never saw!  
    
    Yeah...a great time had by all!  I'm looking forward to the next
    one already.  As a matter of fact....anyone up for an ice fishing
    derby sometime in January??  It'll give us all a chance to "wet
    some lines" and dream about ice-out!
    
    -Joe-

    That's ok Joe, your forgiven...                                
    That's right, I didn't bother tossing the 10-11 inchers in the 
    livewell, REAL fishermen don't keep 4" fish!  8^)              
                                                                       
    I can't say for sure if I'd be up for an ice fishing tourney, I've
    never tried it.                                                
                                                                   
    I would definitely be up for a spring/early summer tourney (of course
    that's assuming we GET a summer here in New England next year).
                                                                   
    Don Mac
                                                                   

    OK!!!! NOW I FIGURED IT OUT!
    Last winter Joe talked me into going ice fishing with him. Well,
    we went twice. We got all prepared and I was looking forward to
    a great experience(just like the BASS BASH...). 
    The big day came and GUESS WHAT. RAIN. Not to be "fairweather wimps"
    we went. 9 inches of slush. rain. A leaky tarp. 34 degrees. perch.
    perch. perch. perch. pickerel. 
    Well, I forgave Joe and we planned the next trip. 
    
    RAIN. 34 DEGREES. slush. perch.perch.perch,pickerel.
    
    SO,the NH BASS BASH comes around and I expected good weather. BUT
    NO. 
    My mother always said I was such a nice boy (but a little slow).
    
    Anyone want a slightly[8-)] overweight fishing partner who is a
    blast to fish with rain or shine? (Lots more rain than shine...)
    Icefishing especially.

    Ny the way you NH folks what did you use for a scale�???
    

    Chris brought a "baby" scale to weigh Don's "baby" fish.
    
    Ya..ya...I know....I got a 4" one!
    
    Actually, it worked out great.  It provided fairly accurate weights
    up to 10 pounds or so in 1/10 of a pound increments so we actually
    could tell the difference between a 1 lber and 1.5 lber.  I KNOW
    a deLiar couldn't distinguish the difference!
   
    We used a small cooler to put the fish in and placed the cooler
    on top of the scale (after zeroing the scale with the cooler on
    it first).  
    
    It's a good thing nobody noticed the 8oz. lead weight I put in the
    bottom when I weighed my fish (for all the good it did)!
                                                           
    -Joe-
     
    

    The scale was one of those baby scales,as Joe mentioned.
    
    Real cute. Pink lamb picture on one side, rattle picture on the
    other. I got a broken cooler,as Joe said,to use as the holding tank
    for the fish. Worked OK. I wouldn't call it true BASSMASTERS quality
    but what the hey.
    Rick Palmer (the optimist) suggested we have a noon weigh-in out
    on the water so someone had to take the baby scale in their boat.
    I didn't have the heart to ask Rick (Glasstream Bass boat) Palmer
    to carry it in his 'cause it would have sat there all pink and
    cute right smack in the middle of his metal flake blue boat.
    Jack and Rick had a boat that could conceal it pretty well so they
    graciously volunteered. When I got it home after,Christine donated
    it most ungraciously to future Bass weigh-ins. It did smell a bit
    like fish. 8-)

    After not finishing in the money, Rick and I deceided to try our
    hand at salt water. We put in about the Merrimack at the 495/110
    junction last friday - one of us was sick so fishing was the only
    cure - and went out in the *BIG* bass boat off Plum island. We 
    had to leave at noon. No more room in the boat. We couldnt do
    a thing to slow down the catch. Deep to shallow water, changing
    plugs. It was so good, we may never go again - it will never be
    better. (Dont ask me about the 2 previous outing off Rye.)
    And we have pictures of the catch..

    By the way - did any of you other NH tourney folks notice the
    difference in the catch between NH/Mass. I really didnt count,
    but it seemed to me our 9 or 11 folks sure had a lot more fish.
    Maybe its just my imagination...

    My goodness. I forgot to mention they were blues. largest 18
    the rest over 10.
    Thanks Don.

    
    
    re -2
    
    just look at the size of the fish we caught.  The smallest was almost
    2lbs.  We did not mess with the dinks(small fish) you folks caught up in NH
    Hell my fish could have eaten the entire NH catch, Burp and be ready
    for more!!!   :^)
    
    Wait till the spring fish off your best against ours.....
    
    Hell Ken and I throw back fish the size you guys keep!!!
    
    
    :^)  Bassin' Bob

    Once we ALL get on the same lake at the same time, THEN we can start
    busting the -other- sate's anglers.  Different lakes at different
    times will produce different numbers.                          
                                                                   
    However, being the *only* DEC basser to fish both tournies, I can
    shed some light here.  As far as fish per person, NH did do better,
    but MA's bass were bigger.  In NH all I managed to do was get one
    fish under 12" and my partner did the same.  But, in MA I managed
    to get 2 bass under, and my partner had a 3lber jump his worm a
    foot from the boat and break his line.                         
                                                                   
    Take my word for, I speak from experience, it was just as easy 
    getting SKUNKED IN BOTH STATES!!!!!!!!! 8^) 
                   
    Don Mac 
            

    whoooooooo...this is startin' to get VICIOUS!  MA vs NH!  Well...I'll
    tell ya, I lived in MA 'till I moved up to NH about 12 years ago...and
    I never caught as many LARGE bass (i.e. 5lbs PLUS) in MA as I have up
    here. 
    
    I really don't see how MA bass can be bigger...they get taxed more
    (pun)!
    
    I can see that this conversation might lead to an outright WAR that
    might need settling in the spring!
    
    -HOLESHOT-

    8^)
    Come on now boys, WAR? This is the FISHING notes, we're supposed to be
    mellow!  You know "Fishing the LEISURE sport"!!  If you want war,
    go check out CYCLE notes and state your opinion on Harley vs. Japs!
    8^)                                                          
       
    If we have a Spring Tournament at Lake Mononomac, the lake that lies 
    on the borders of both sates.  We could ALL fish together!
       
    Don Mac
       

    Hey,guys, being one of those who squashed the Monomonac idea for
    the BIG DEC tourney,let me comment that Monomonac could be a neat
    idea for some spring fishin'. I bet that it could be good fairly
    early in the season...early being after iceout but before the lake
    gets busy with all the warm weather boaters,swimmers. The only thing
    to figure is when the lake will warm up enough to give some reasonable
    action but not warm enough for all the hoards. I think there are
    a couple of tourneys there in the spring so we might have to check
    with the powers that be to see we don't get upstaged on the big
    day...
    
    Any comments from all you fiesty fishers?
    
    Cris (sure-wish-it-was-spring)

    	I like the idea of Monomonac....I live right down the street
    from it and I haven't even tried it yet. There's not supposed to
    a lot of real big ones in there but the word is that 2-3 lb'rs 
    are very common. I think the spring would provide some real good
    fishin there.
    
    Denny

    I'll go with that, for now. Spring is a long way away (damn) and
    we may have other ideas come up between now and then. As for the
    time, late April would "probably" fit the bill of "no boaters" and
    reasonable weather. There is one thing that I do know, or have come
    to know, and that is the weather in New England can only be counted
    on for one thing, and that is to be unpredictable. The Farmers Almanac
    saids, the Easter Bunny is going to ride a sleigh this year, so
    who knows. We may not have 'good' ice-out till May and spring spawn
    may come in July. Now wouldn't that be 'fun'??
    
    Later, tight lines, Ron

    The current mass champ.  has no problems with mon I suggested it
    in the first place!!!!.
    Bassin' Bob