Conference wahoo::fishing

    Ken, I don't have the time at the moment to share much info, but for
    a start, check out our keyword directory (topic 555) for pointers to 
    lots of info.
    
    See note 555.71 - this lists a bunch of topics associated with the
    GETTING-STARTED keyword.
    
    Also, check out note 555.50 - this is the LURES keyword list, there is
    a pointer there to topic 500 which covers plastic worm techniques.
    
    There is a ton of good info here.  Additionally, BASSmasters - the
    folks who ran the tournament you saw, offer a magazine that is worth
    checking out.
    
    Good luck and welcome aboard, -donmac

    Ken,
    
    If you are serious about getting back into fishing - I mean really
    serious - you need to go to Kmart, or better yet Zyla's, Spag's or
    Northern Bass Supply, and buy at least one of every kind of lure they
    have, and in as many colors as you can stand. 
    
    Then get a Plano BassMonster 9000 tackle box (the one that doubles as 
    a cartop carrier and emergency wilderness shelter), and load it up, 
    carefully arranging the lures by size, class, weight and color.
    
    After that, get a selection of dohickies, gizmos, gadgets, scents,
    and spares of essential items, and put them in the tackle box, too.
    An equipment dolly with wheels is optional, but helpful 'til your
    muscles get built up enough to carry the tackle box by hand.
    
    THEN, you shall be ready to experience fishing the same way that those
    of us who got the bug earlier do...
    
    Good luck!
    
    Ed
    

    Well folks I think I got it!
    
    I went fishin at Thompson lake Sat in Maine. Thompson lake is 2 miles wide
    and 7 miles long. At the southern end there is a public boat launching.
    The chap that sells gas tells the out of towners that he owns it and
    charges $5.00.. He doesn't own it but out of towners pay.
    
    Well I set up me gear with a graphite pole(over 6') and a garcia reel,
    using 14lb line and reel set at 10lb drag. I used a bright BRIGHT green
    grub, set the depth at 3 feet and started fishin 30-40 ft off shore in
    the shade. I cast my line and had a few jabs. 
    
    I then brought the line in and recast it. BAM!! My bobber took off like
    I have never seen it before. I snapped my pole back over my head and I
    knew I set the hook good. Before I could start to reel my drag was
    going crazy. Maybe I should have set the drag for greater than 10lbs.
    
    Well my friend told me I got a turtle. I laughed and said this ain't no
    turtle but I don't know what it is either. As I was reeling him in
    Something came flying out of the water like a rocket. Then I knew it
    was a BIG bass..
    
    Once I got it to shore it was over 16 inches and BIG..  I didn't have a
    scale to weigh it, I don't think I could calculate weight with length
    but this sucker was the BIGGEST fish I had ever caught in my life. I
    took pictures of it for memories and then showed my children and then
    we all went to the water and let it go back on harms way. 
    
    Well, I guess bright green grubs work after all. It was an exciting
    time and I will be back there this weekend.
    
    Ken

    
    
    Ken-
    
         Nice fish! Did I read this correctly- bright green grub with a
    bobber?? Never heard of that combo before. Anyways it worked.
    
    Tight Lines!
    
    Wildman
    

    Yup! Bright green grup, texas style hook. I used a bobber to tell me
    when i was getting a twitch. The grup was set at a depth of 1 1/2'
    below the bobber. I got sick and tired of hitting bottom and peeling of
    all the crap so I rigged up a bobber(float) like you would fish with a
    worm with you kids and everytime a fish hit the grup you see an instant
    ring around the bobber. Don't worry, when the fish take the grub, the
    bobber does not hold them back as I have experienced.
    
    I am going to look at a boat tonight! Its 14' alum, with a 15hp motor
    and trailer for $550. If it starts within 2 pulls I will buy it on the
    spot. This shoreline fishing is o.k. for about three times. I'm sure my
    kids will like it. Now off to finding life vests for the kids and other
    boat accessories.
    
    Ken (reel them in)

      Re .2
      HEY!! I GOT ONE OF THOSE!!! If I spread all of my stuff out, it'd
    look a lot like the Fishing Section in the average Wall-Mart!!
    
      Then when I get ready to go challenge Mr. Bass, I put a bag of 8"
    "Producto" worms and half a dozen Chartreuse 'n Black spinnerbaits in
    my fishing vest, grab my 5' Basskiller spinning rod, and leave all of
    the other stuff home....
    
      Funny how the first five years I couldn't even drive past a place
    with a sporting goods store in it woithout dropping at least a $10.00
    on the newest gimmick....now abuot all I buy now and then is fresh line
    and some additional bullet sinkers and worms.....
    
    JM

     Ahhh yes, the "Producto." Have you tried black/grape ?
    
    --Bandito