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• Ed Riley of Woodbine, MD writes:

  Thursday, July 30, 2009

  RE: Forrest Wood Cup prediction – I like Ike, but I think Shin Fukae or Takahiro Omori may have a better shot due to their finesse abilities and fishing heavily pressured waters in japan. They may be the upset victors. Just a thought.

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• Chris Mahfouz of Houston, TX writes:

  Wednesday, July 29, 2009

  RE: Harold Sharp on fish care – Mr. Sharp, I am appalled. Your comments on fish care pointed out that all tournament anglers purchase a fishing license and could kill every bass weighed in, if they chose to do so. So what? Your comment could be taken to mean it's okay to lose fish in a tournament so long as the number of lost fish is less than what could have been retained, under the law. Tournaments quit willingly killing fish many years ago. And I'll guarnatee you that if fish kills like the one in Maryland continue to happen, there will be fewer municipalities/lakes welcoming bass tournaments. Then everyone loses. I understand your point but think it is misplaced in this day and time.
  

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• Mike Ellrott of Schenectady, New York writes:

  Wednesday, July 29, 2009

  I have been fishing club tournaments for more than 25 years and have been a club president for more than 10 of those years. I have always preached professionalism and courtesy on the water, urging our anglers to do nothing that would reflect poorly on anglers fishing out of bass boats. A handful of our members were pre-fishing Lake Champlain in the Ticonderoga area on the FLW Tour opening day. We have an offlimits period and this was our last opportunity to pre-fish. The behavior of a few of the "pros" in wrapped boats was despicable. The worst was a pro in a wrapped boat who drove in on one of our anglers on plane and closely circled him four times before speeding off with hist fist and finger clearly demonstrating that this pro was a No. 1 idiot!

  To a couple other "pros" who thought fishing within a cast of an angler already in the area was okay, we don't really care how much money you are fishing for. The guy fishing for fun or a club trophy has every bit as much right to the water as you do. If these guys represent the FLW touring Pros, they are far from "elite."

  If we could have identified the first offender he would have been turned in to both the tour organizers and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
  

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• Richard Lane Sr. of Pittsburgh, PA writes:

  Wednesday, July 29, 2009

  Forrest Wood Cup – The off-limits area makes sense if you know our river system. In the Mon they made the area with grass off-limits where the pros piled on in 2005, but they replaced it with the Allegheny River, which had a 15-inch size limit above Lock 3 in 2005. Now it's 12-inch. It's opened up a lot of water.

  All three rivers are producing fish now. In 2005 it was all about the Mon. These changes made a fairer tournament for all. In all they have 60 miles of rivers to fish. Like all river tournaments, how far are you willing to run and how many locks do you go through? These are big locks with lots of commercial traffic. A big tow that uses both locks can tie a lock for an hour and half – that's the gamble they take to win.

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• Richard Lane Sr of Pittsburgh, PA writes:

  Wednesday, July 29, 2009

  RE: Forrest Wood Cup – I've spent the last 4 days watching the pros power fish these rivers. That doesn't work here – the angler who can slow down and read current will win. I fished a little to see how bad it is and had no trouble boating keepers. In my opinion, the winning angler will have to find fresh water, most likely the Allegheny. It's water that been free of tournaments for years due a 15-inch size limit that was just changed back to 12-inch.

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• Garry L. Rife of Clyde, OH writes:

  Wednesday, July 29, 2009

  RE: Forrest Wood Cup – I want to commend FLW for holding a tournament here. Tough fishing (such as what is found here) will bring out the true talents of these pros. I dislike fishing in areas known for low bass populations just like everyone else, but love the challenge.

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• Todd Beaty of Cookeville, TN writes:

  Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  RE: Forrest Wood Cup – Adam Wagner, the BFL All-American champ, is the underdog here, but the big boys better watch him. He is a real warrior on the water – that's why I'm picking him to make a major upset in the big city.

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• Butch Bonner of Charlotte, NC writes:

  Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  Will Mike Iaconelli be Ranger Cup qualified for the Forest Wood Cup? I know his sponsor is Bass Cat but I can't believe he would pass on the $500,000 Ranger bonus.

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• Lewis Denney of Indian Mound, TN writes:

  Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  RE: Potomac Stren fish kill – Before we all lay blame, let me make one thing perfectly clear. Mr. Ron Lappen, who is the tournament director for all Stren events in the United States, is probably the best at what he does and any tournament organization should be lucky to have him. He runs a very tight ship and I assure you, fish mortality is priority for him.

  Remember, these events are scheduled a year in advance, so if a problem were to arise based on a date or location of a tournemant, any local, state or other jurisdiction can contact Ron and express their concerns and help in any way possible. Don't wait until after the fact.

  This is not an excuse or plug for FLW by any means, but just an indication that there is an individual who runs this trail to the best of his ability and does a great job.

  I fished the Potomac Stren and had a fish die on me the first day. This particular fish started dying in the morning. I did everything possible to save the fish that both livewell and technology had to offer. I even weighed in an hour early to try and save the fish. I did notice two release boats and countless people doing everything they could to make sure the fish were released alive. But I did not see anyone helping who is blaming Stren for the mortality.

  Saving a fish starts with us – the anglers who compete. It seems everyone has their own opinion on what to do.vBefore next year, I suggest anyone who has an idea pass it along to Ron Lappen. He will listen and take note. That's his job, and he is good at it.
  

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• Scott Worley of Dawsonville, GA writes:

  Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  RE: Forrest Wood Cup prediction – Mark Hardin.

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• James Wade of Bloomington Springs, TN writes:

  Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  The real sleeper in the FLW Cup is angler Adam Wagner (the 2009 All American winner). He's awesome with a flipping stick and a great river fisherman. He is the ONE to watch!

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• Butch Bonner of Charlotte, NC writes:

  Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  Mike Iaconelli has to be a favorite to win this Cup. He's had a lot of practice time and this is the type of fishery he learned to fish on and feels the most comfortable fishing.

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• Donna Bosley of Benton, AR writes:

  Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  Of course I'm pulling for Brennan Bosley – he's my son – but I feel this is Brennan's time to shine. Go BOZ!!!
  

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• Trent Peterson of Murfreesboro, TN writes:

  Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  I don't know that he'll win, but Adam Wagner from Cookeville, TN will certainly be one to watch. He won two BFLs this year and he smoked the field at the 2009 All-American (by almost 10 pounds on a tough bite). He may not be a "pro" per-se, but I wouldn't count him out. He also has a previous 2nd in the All-American and has won a BFL regional. He's a great fisherman and he's on a roll!

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• Jon Brown of Las Vegas, NV writes:

  Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  I too am wondering about the FLW Cup off-limits. Every angler interview has them mentioning time and time again the Classic in 2005 and how most of the prime waters from that even are off-limits. I can understand the off-limits for idling, but what is the point of making so much water off-limits? I mean, the anglers themselves are doing the comparing to the Classic. Is that FLW's point in closing off so much water? FLW should be on the water seeing what and where, then decide why. It kind of stinks that so many strides were made this year in making it a wide-open series/tour and now the Cup is going to be the finesse, boat on top of boat of the past few years. I was really looking forward to the Three Rivers redeeming itself.

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• Jackie Parker of Crossett, AR writes:

  Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  Do you think there'll ever be a championship between BASS and the FLW tours? I think it would be very interesting. BASS is full of fishermen who are full of themselves. The FLW is more family oriented. I personally think the FLW bunch would do just fine in a fish-off. What do you think?

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• Chad Keogh of Black Creek, BC (Canada) writes:

  Tuesday, July 28, 2009

  Re: Cup pick – I think it's Shin's turn to be a million-dollar man.

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• Jim Campbell of Maryville, TN writes:

  Monday, July 27, 2009

  That's the truth and to the point. I was CP's practice partner for the event. The first day we figured some things out. After that, Koby was awesome and helped. I learned a lot being around those guy's. Craig and Koby are awesome for the sport. Thanks for good people and greater friends, like those guys. They are truly what the sport should be! It's real easy to say something bad about people and push them down, but I think when good things happen they should be pointed out.

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• Chris Johnson of Appleton, WI writes:

  Monday, July 27, 2009

  TThe FLW/Stren Series needs to halt all tournaments and re-evaluate its handling of fish immediately. This is the second time I'm aware of that this organization has caused a state department of natural resources to enact new regulations. These new regulations as a result of this tournament trail harm every bass angler in the state and make it much more difficult for the local bass-fishing community to overcome the bad press and stereotypes regarding bass fishermen and their shiny boats. Even though there's almost certainly mitigating circumstances regarding this event, those items cannot and do not relieve the FLW from their responsibility to care for the resource and to not exit the state after putting local bass anglers in a bad situation to fend for themselves.

  In Lacrosse, Wisc. in July of 2006 there was no effort to keep the boats in the water, no ice to help keep the livewells cool, and no sense of urgency to return the fish to the water while they put on the show. The extended weigh-in lasted from 2:00 until around 5:00 that evening. This was not the FLW's first rodeo and they should have known better then. Yes the DNR's extra handling of the fish and their decision to pen them in a relatively low-flow portion of the river also took its toll. The FLW should have at the least learned from this and vowed to never let it happen again!

  Let's hope FLW can get its act together before it puts another state of bass fishermen on their heels for the next 2 or 3 years defending our sport against the state DNR, local anglers and anti-tournament folks – not to mention unfriendly media.

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• Roger Mezenen of Clinton, UT writes:

  Monday, July 27, 2009

  Dave Lefebre is a class act. I met Dave and his family back in Birmingham, Ala. 4 years ago at the FLW Cup. Dave was actually one of the boat captains that took the youth around and Sonny Hawk (son of Utah Pro Roy hawk) got to fish with him. I just merely want to wish Dave well and say that if he won it all, there wouldn't be a more deserving young man than him. Go get 'em Dave.

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• Phillip Sexton of Clarksville, AR writes:

  Monday, July 27, 2009

  Since 2005 I've wondered why any bass tour would want to fish this area. BASS and FLW must get a big chunk of change from Pittsburgh to come. With all the good places to fish in this country and Detroit coming up on top means the cards are some how stacked. Pittsburgh is not a bass destination.

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• Pam Bolton of Jonesboro, AR writes:

  Monday, July 27, 2009

  You should come to a WBT event – the attendance is quite impressive! And I promise you, this is not the place to start if BASS is trying to save a few bucks. I have no knowledge of the dollars spent to run these events, but I assure you, they wouldn't be saving enough to add one more "Elite" tournament back to the schedule. I'd assume that Academy has an opinion on that since they are the WBT's sponsor and probably footing most of the bill for these events. (Everything about Academy and their interest in the WBT had been phenomenal - from the pre-tourney meetings to the weigh-in.)

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• Archie Wilson. Jr. of Maynardville TN writes:

  Monday, July 27, 2009

  Re: Maryland cracks down – Want to keep fish alive for release? Check this site out. http://www.koolwell.com.

  I have nothing to do with this company and don't even own one, but several of my friends in the Knoxville area are sponsored by them and many others have purchased them. It's all they can talk about. Maybe they'll give me one if you publish this. Ha ha!
  

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• Al Cox of Trussville, AL writes:

  Monday, July 27, 2009

  Since TVA bailed on Guntersville grass control, the homeowners hired a company to kill the grass, and based on what I saw this past weekend, it worked. What will be the impact on one of the greatest fisheries in the country? And also, since TVA couldn't afford it, how do a bunch of home owners afford it in this economy?

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• Tim Cook of McQueeney, TX writes:

  Saturday, July 25, 2009

  I'm tired of FLW/STREN causing problems as a result of their fish care. They had problems at Amistad this year. They've had high mortality rates from the Delta to the Potomac. I have pictures and copies of citations their release-boat drivers received on Kentucky Lake, which political pressure swept under the rug. Ineffective release of fish caught with over-inflated air bladders and low dissolved oxygen levels in their release boat are just some of their problems.

  They need to hire some professionals who haul and keep fish alive for a living to give them some help. Charlie Evans can talk about good fish care all day long, but if you're going to claim a 99% live release rate, they need to deliver. Quit threatening our sport and put the fish above your own arrogance Charlie!

  BassFan says: Tim Cook is the Texas BASS Federation Nation state conservation director.

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• Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:

  Friday, July 24, 2009

  I read the Steve Chaconas opinion concerning this fish kill. I also read Dick Brown's article that states more than dead bass were involved. I also read Gene Muller's article, whom I've known for many years. And today I read Gene Mueller's article in the Washington Post and see some things that all anglers should pay attention to.

  Many years ago BASS started catch-and-release bass tournaments. Ray Scott took a look at how trout anglers did it and decided that BASS should make an effort to save as many bass as possible after each tournament. BASS was getting some complaints about the number of dead fish at BASS events when all the bass were given to local charity for someone to eat, so we developed a system to keep them alive and release the live ones. We've always been very concerned with any dead bass.

  Having said that, before anyone goes off the deep end placing restrictions on bass anglers and bass tournaments, we should all remember that bass anglers were the first ones to be concerned with dead bass at tournaments and we took steps to prevent dead bass.

  Now, having said that, everyone should remember that all bass anglers fishing tournaments are required by the promoters to have a valid bass-fishing license for that state, and all promoters are aware of the state creel limits and set rules to stay within those limits. Having said that, everyone should remember that bass anglers fishing a bass tournament could, if they chose to, kill every bass that was weighed in and be within the law.

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• Chad Keogh of Black Creek, BC (Canada) writes:

  Friday, July 24, 2009

  Re: Maryland crackdown – I know my opinion isn't necessarily a popular one, but I still feel that with today's technology, we don't really need to retain bass all day for end-of-day weigh-in. We do it that way because we've always done it that way and don't want to change.

  In an article I co-wrote for BassClubDigest a few years ago, I pointed out that if a tournament organization actually cared about their impact on the fishery, they'd find a way to use sealed digital cameras, certified hand-held digital scales, official measuring boards, and a jumbotron-like TV screen in place of dragging bass around for up to 8 hours in a livewell.

  The crowd would still get to see your five biggest bass on the huge screen, so the fans would have something to watch other than just the weights of the catch.

  Just like when Ray Scott introduced keeping your catch alive (livewells) back in the '70s to mixed reception, some bass anglers resist change at first, but then go full bore if it's the right thing to do. Nobody can argue immediate catch-weigh-and-release isn't the right thing to do for the bass.

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• Michael Thomas of High Point, NC writes:

  Thursday, July 23, 2009

  In regard to the FLW Championship off-limits locations, I don't think that the fault lies with the information given to FLW. If Bill Taylor is the tournament director he should act like one and research the area properly to determine what pools should be fished rather than accept information from whatever source is giving info at the time. If you don't know the area, as was the case with Taylor, why not ask for help rather than make a decision and penalize the entire field that would like to fish somewhere that has fish?

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• Jim Harris of Lenoir City, TN writes:

  Thursday, July 23, 2009

  Tackle, rods and reels are expensive enough. Make it where the average guy can afford some of this stuff. Too many pro anglers forget how expensive everything is when they get tackle and boats for free. You can fish just as good on an 18-foot boat as you can a 20-footer. If we're trying to grow the sport, then make it where more people can afford it.

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• Michael Whitten of Germantown, TN writes:

  Thursday, July 23, 2009

  Chris Armstrong is a persoanl friend, and one of the truly good guys in this industry. I'm excited for him – he's doing what he truly loves to do. Good luck, Chris!!!

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• Terry Banks of Lexington, SC writes:

  Tuesday, July 21, 2009

  Did I miss PAA taking the Weekend Series champion?

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• Jon Brown of Las Vegas, NV writes:

  Tuesday, July 21, 2009

  Again I have to ask why are we still on this 200-hp thing? My 250 gives me the best mpg at a faster speed than any motor out there.

  Again, let's put this into perspective. You can't swing with the big boys? Okay, the PGA will now allow handicaps and guys that frittered their money away to use generic clubs can take a handicap and hit from the ladies' tees.

  Got to make everything fair, right? Let's punish everyone else who did it right so everyone who, for whatever reason, didn't buy a bigger motor can feel good about their purchase.

  Seems to me the thought process is, "Oh man, I bought a 200 and can't catch those 250s. Let's change the rules to slow them down."

  You want to go fast with your 200, get a Bass Cat. Most will run close to 71 with a 200 and to be honest, that is what a lot of the 250 Rangers and such are topping out at.

  Quit whining about your purchase of a 200 and trying to handicap the field to make you feel better.
  You think a 250 is good for speed only? In big water the 250 has the torque and low-end grunt to move the boat with the waves that can end your day and perhaps your life. The list can go on and on.

  Next: That super bowl of fishing is a cool idea. If anyone would PAY ATTENTION to the PAA! they would notice that the PAA is actually moving in a direction that we all want. There is an Allstar tournament. Also if ANYONE can pull off a Superbowl the PAA can. So please stop acting like we don't have a body that cares about fishing and is in a somewhat of an overseeing role.
  If the respected people in the sport would acknowledge the PAA and work with them perhaps that Superbowl Idea could get off the ground. Instead of trying to build a whole new governing body completely overlooking the ONE WE HAVE!!! THE Professional Anglers Association

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• Perry Matherne of Galliano, LA writes:

  Monday, July 20, 2009

  Ken Cook, it's been an honor and a privilege to listen to your advice on spinnerbaits over the years, because it worked for me.

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• Mark Kulik of Innisfil, Ontario, Canada writes:

  Monday, July 20, 2009

  RE: James Niggemeyer – James is an awesome guy and a great angler. Go get 'em, James – we're cheering for you in Canada.

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• Scott Battle of Bristol, NY writes:

  Sunday, July 19, 2009

  RE: 2010 Elite Series schedule – I read with disappointment the cancelation of the Champlain and Erie events. Can someone please explain to me how BASS can attribute a "29% increase in per-event attendance" to a shortened season? Event attendance is affected by many variables – weather, location etc. And isn't it total attendance that counts?

  Lets face it, this is about money. which is fine. I am not against turning a profit. I am getting tired of reading about the WBT tour. Wonder what their attendence looks like? If you're going to cut back, that's the place to start. Maybe I just need to follow FLW events instead.

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• Gene Mueller of Washington, DC writes:

  Saturday, July 18, 2009

  RE: Chaconas opinion – Mr. Chaconas is taking the coward's way out regarding the 600-plus dead bass that the Maryland DNR admitted might even have been more numerous (many more might have been flushed downstream by the tides) after the recent FLW debacle out of Smallwood State Park. Mr. Chaconas wants to chastise local media and fishing guides for hanging out the "unwelcome" sign while various organizations want to increase recreational fishing opportunities. For shame. If it takes professional bass tournaments to help increase the number of recreational fishing newcomers, then may God help us all.

  Why don't we hold up commercial fish-netters as icons in hopes of increasing fishing participation? Quite a few of us here on the tidal Potomac River do not see much of a difference, judging by the cavalier way the fish are handled in some of these cast-for-cash events. Even a grade-schooler must realize that the secret to holding down delayed mortality of tournament-caught and subsequently released bass is water temperature. If the water is too hot, do not conduct bass tournaments. You cannot expect successful live releases if the fish are kept in crowded, 80-degree-plus water for hours on end, handled extensively, and then are released. Even if the fish are cooled down in the livewell, the eventual shock, going from cool water to again being in hot water, will surely kill it a few days later. It's known as delayed mortality and you can't possibly argue that there is no such thing.

  Instead of worrying whether the U.S. fishing industry can sell more rods and reels to newcomers, as Mr. Chaconas is so anxious to do, let's worry about the survival of our natural resources. The newcomers to the sport of fishing will come along automatically – as long as there's a good supply of live bass for them to fish for.

  BassFan says: Gene Mueller is an outdoors columnist for the Washington Times. To read more of his take on the Potomac incident, click here.

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• Jeff Francis of Follansbee, WV writes:

  Friday, July 17, 2009

  I really don't think that it's all about downsizing the motors, I think the the motor and boat companies should lower the price of their products. I realize all of the R & D that goes into building their products, but you still have a lot of people who can't afford even the modest-priced outfit You go and price some of the top lines and you will pay more for them than some people paid for their house, which there is something really wrong with this. I have always purchased new boats in the past, but they are now beyond my and others' price range. I think that most companies have forgotten who brought their companies to the level they are at now.

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• Bryan Greenup of McKinney, TX writes:

  Friday, July 17, 2009

  RE: Giant Japanese bass – What did this fish actually weigh? I hope they kept it alive.

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• Chad Keogh of Black Creek, BC, Canada writes:

  Friday, July 17, 2009

  RE: 2010 Elite Series schedule – Some have complained that the Elite schedule is boring because they are hitting the same or similar water bodies on or around a similar time of year. I think what it boils down to is money (big surprise here with BASS) and laziness.

  In BASS' defense, the host cities pay BASS to hold the tournament in their city/town/county and I'm sure finding new locations that see the value in hosting such an event is tough during the current downturn in the economy. However, BASS owes it to their fans to keep it interesting, or risk losing fan base.

  The other thing I'd like to add is that though BASS axed most of the northern events, at least they will be coming west again.

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• Harold Sharp of Hixson,TN. writes:

  Friday, July 17, 2009

  RE; Ken Cook retirement – Ken I wish you the best in your retired years. I highly recommend retirement while you are still able to enjoy life. I'm also happy to know that the BASS Super Bass win launched your pro career for good. When we came up with the idea for Super Bass it was designed to get people to take a look at pro bass fishing as it was the highest payout to the winner of a Bass tournament at that time, and it was designed to do just what it did for you, that was to make pro fishing a job you could live on.
  The only sad part is your retirement leaves only Rick Clunn, Shaw Grigsby, Denny Brauer, Gary Klein, Paul Elias, Guy Eaker, Zell Rowland, Tommy Biffle and Mark Davis who were on the BASS trail when I retired.

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• Mark Richards of Houston, TX writes:

  Friday, July 17, 2009

  I have this to say about the 2010 Elite schedule: bor-ing. I realize that a lot of places are better than others logistics-wise and fishing-wise, but if the Elite Series is serious about finding the best anglers in the world, why put the competitors on the same venues at or near the same times of the year? How many times do we have to watch KVD or Horton crank a ledge at Kentucky Lake in June? Or watch guys fish points at Clarks in May? Or watch a post-spawn crankfest at Guntersville? It's really not that hard, even if you are committed to the same venues - if Kentucky Lake was in June last year, make it February the next. Rotate the venues and dates so that they can catch the different phases of fishing at the various lakes over time.

  Everyone has an opinion, but to me, the Pittsburgh Classic was one of the most interesting fishing events I have ever seen to date and I was skeptical about it at first. I'd rather watch that any day than the run of the mill toad-slinging that goes on at Guntersville and such. Additionally, I would like to see and learn about new fisheries that have not been exposed.

  To me, it looks like BASS is just trying to keep the status quo in place and limp through the current economy. With the current schedule, the aspiring pros can mail it in because KVD, Skeet and the gang have them behind the 8-ball already.

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• David Gregg of Haslet, TX writes:

  Thursday, July 16, 2009

  RE: Ken Cook retirement – Ken and Tammy, we love you. You have been a great asset to this great sport. Wishing you the best in your new ventures.

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• Larry W. Crouch of Fort Worth, TX writes:

  Thursday, July 16, 2009

  I think it would be great to see a Super Bowl of fishing between BASS and FLW. It would be like football's Super Bowl and who knows how far this could go for fishermen and the sport.

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• Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:

  Thursday, July 16, 2009

  RE: Chaconas Opinion – Just another reason to look at new ways to do things, like "Cash-In, Weigh-In" tournaments that reduce the number of bass removed from the water from five to two, but still promote fishing skill over boat racing.

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• Dick Brown of Frederick, MD writes:

  Thursday, July 16, 2009

  On the Sunday in question the Maryland BASS Federation Nation hosted a small Md. Federation Youth Jr. State Qualifying tournament out of Smallwood State Park. Maryland BASS. Federation Nation president Roger Trageser and I went out on the river for a little fun fishing and to take photos of some of the close-by contestants. While fishing and traveling in Mattawoman Creek and out into the Potomac River, we noticed significant numbers of dead or dying fish. These fish were not confined to one area in Mattawoman and were not just bass! There were lots of catfish, perch and shad, among other species of fish, that were dead or dying.

  All this is to say that if this fish-kill were caused by catch, weigh and release tournament fishing, it would be much more prevelant, as in practically every weekend, and it would only be the bass that were dead or dying.

  How does that account for the large numbers of catfish, perch, shad and other species we saw included in this fish-kill? There must be some other explaination because it wasn't just bass that were floating belly-up. There almost certainly had to be some kind of chemical spill, virus or algae bloom into the river to affect all species of fish swimming in the ecosystem.

  The vast majority of the men and women who tournament-fish and the fishing guide services that derive their income from fishing our waters all over the country are the stewards of conservation and the watchdogs of the ecosystem that inherently want to protect the fish and the fisheries from harm. All of the tournament-fishing circuits, from local clubs up to and including the professional BASS and FLW tournaments, do an excellent job in the care of our fish and the fishery resources, as do the guides who utilize these natural resources to earn a living from taking people fishing by practicing catch and release fishing.

  The bottom line is something happened to kill a large number of all kinds of fish in Mattawoman Creek. The DNR will do it's best to determine the cause. We, the benefactors of this wonderfully restored but fragile ecosystem, need to be reminded to do all we can to protect the fish and the fishery we all enjoy.

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• Archie Wilson Jr. of Maynardville, TN writes:

  Thursday, July 16, 2009

  Re: Ken Cook retirement – I think Ken Cook is going out on top. He is leaving with grace on his own terms. Very nice interview!

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• Tom Baldwin of Springfield, TN writes:

  Thursday, July 16, 2009

  RE: Chaconas Opinion – Seems that something else was happening in Mattawoman Creek, since bass and catfish were found dead. Maybe we should start looking at the times of the year in which events are being held, to mitigate fish kills?

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• Chris Aswegan of Lisbon, IA writes:

  Thursday, July 16, 2009

  RE: Chaconas Opinion – Hopefully it doesn't turn out like the '05 and '06 Strens in La Crosse, WI. In the end, I think regardless of the data collected, it just comes down to the predominant political stance of the area. In short, anyone percieved of making money on a resource in Wisconsin is demonized. Hopefully that is a rare stance elsewhere in the country.

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• Damon Wooley of Live Oak, FL writes:

  Wednesday, July 15, 2009

  RE: Lazer TroKar hooks – I got to take a gander at these today at ICAST and I have to agree they are very sharp. Here's a question, though: I've been a fan of the Reaction Innovations BMF since it came out and I haven't been able to find them anyhwere lately, and when I saw the flipping TroKar I thought it was a BMF with a re-barb. Did they buy the patent from Andre Moore or what? This industry always tickles me.

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• James Pygott of Kempner, TX writes:

  Wednesday, July 15, 2009

  I recently went to Dick's Sporting Goods to purchase a fishing reel. They did not have what I wanted and the comparable reels were outrageously priced. I walked around looking for a sales associate and could not find one. I left Dick's and went across the street to Walmart. I found exatly what I needed at a price I was willing to pay. The sales associate in sporting goods let me look at two different reels to compare products and make my selection hands-on.

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• Ed Walker of Pinson, AL writes:

  Wednesday, July 15, 2009

  RE: Chaconas Opinion – Steve is right on the money. One thing that must be pointed out to the local "mob" must be the shear number of dollars that an FLW Tour event brings to a community. The statistics show that outdoorsmen and license fees provide countless millions to our economy. So if the local "anti-tourney mob" wants tournaments to stay out of their state, they will have to suffer the consequences. I would say the local business owners would have a different opinion.

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• Michael Thomas of High Point, NC writes:

  Tuesday, July 14, 2009

  If it wasn't for the jackpotters, then there wouldn't be anyone in the BFL tourneys. They don't care where the entries come frome as long as they get their money. Every time someone enters a tournament, the cash register rings and the management starts to howl. You will never get FLW to keep the pros out of their grassroots- level events because without them the numbers would be lower than the record low they are at now. The FLW will keep cutting out divisions until they are all gone if the numbers keep going down, it's a fact. Compare '08 numbers to '09 and see how bad it has gotten. Better pay attention before it's too late.

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• Tim Brown of Ridgetop, TN writes:

  Tuesday, July 14, 2009

  Who cares about Boyd Duckett and E-21 (Carrot Stix) anyway. Too much for a rod, and Duckett rode that wagon for all it's worth. He probably had them on the front of his boat for show anyway. Boyd needs to retire – he cries too much.

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• Robert Allen of Calhoun, GA writes:

  Monday, July 13, 2009

  RE: Sharp Opinion – Mr. Sharp, you continue to cut down trees in the wrong forest. The sport is not dying – it's not even sick. When the economy recovers, so will BASS and FLW, and that's a fact.

  The problems with competition and safety could be eliminated if BASS and FLW would abandon the "good ol' boy" politics in their decision-making and simply create, review and enforce rules of conduct that have real consequences and are based on fact, not speculation.

  When money is on the line, good manners and sound discretion go out the window with some. That's our society. We'll always have to continue to legislate for the 5% that are knuckleheads. If we make the penalties hurt, then those who don't act like adults find themselves doing something else for a living. Just ask Kevin Langill.

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• David Gregg of Haslet, TX writes:

  Monday, July 13, 2009

  RE: Wendlandt's third AOY – Thank you, Clark, for being a Godly man. You are an incredible friend and example to what it really takes to be successful in this sport we all love. Keep up the good work and congratulations on a fantastic year. We are proud of you.

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• Paul T. Macalester of Tampa, FL writes:

  Saturday, July 11, 2009

  Its funny how things can haunt your m emory. Jerry McKinnis on his Fishin' Hole program prepared some shrimp by cooking them in thousand island salad dressing.I have searched for years for his recipe with no success. Is there anyway to contact him, or do any fellow bass aficionados have the recipe?

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• Robert Kafka of Orlando, FL writes:

  Friday, July 10, 2009

  How come FLW fishes the same lakes year after year? How about Lake Toho or the Harris Chain of Lakes? Florida has bass, too.

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• Keith Amerson of Bethel Springs, TN writes:

  Friday, July 10, 2009

  Just wanted to pass along that Hugh Harville, former owner/founder of Harville Lures, passed away earlier this week. Harville Lures was the maker of the Baby Huey, Chicken Foot worm and the Craw Pop, along with many other soft plastic baits. I believe he sold out to Luck E Strike at some point. Hugh was from Henderson, TN.

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• Jimmy Wayne Lancaster of Keller, TX writes:

  Thursday, July 9, 2009

  Ranger Boats have priced themselves out of the reach of most fisherman. However, they're only as good as the product they build and customers demand. Ranger Boats were built on a tradition that was founded by Forrest Wood. They have moved in another direction and I'm sad to say fishermen I know are moving away as well. This is mostly due to cost and today's economy. I own a Z-boat and have no plans on moving to another line of boats. As a loyal Ranger owner, I'm telling you this because I see it happening. As for Genmar, they can take a leap of faith if they dare.

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• Alexander Voog of Chicago, IL writes:

  Thursday, July 9, 2009

  RE: California Delta peripheral canal – Call it what it is – a water-diversion canal. Until California gets its collective act together, it will continue to have woes that a diversion canal won't even begin to dent. I hope these fools are checked hard, fast and strong before they ruin another economy and destroy the natural habitat that the Delta provides, and the local economies that thrive upon it. The money would be much better spent on desalinization plants down where the water is needed, and improving, as well as truly enforcing, the water usage regulations. If you insist on living in the desert and overpopulating an area, and you run out of water, whose fault is that? But then again, we're talking California.

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• Chad Keogh of Black Creek, BC, Canada writes:

  Wednesday, July 8, 2009

  RE: Champlain Scouting Report – Is Scott Martin not in the Top 10 To Watch on purpose, or is that an oversight? Just curious.

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• Robin Clark of Mobile, AL writes:

  Wednesday, July 8, 2009

  A reminder to Charlie Evans at FLW: The unified Super Bowl of bass fishing already exists. It is the Bassmaster Classic and has been since 1971. The Forrest Wood Cup has only been around since 1996 and it was even cancelled once in 2001. Yeah,the Cup can make an angler rich if he is lucky/good enough to win it, but it will never be the Classic as far as fame, name, competition, media coverage and sponsorships go.

  When the NFL and AFL in pro football merged, the name of the league was and still is the NFL. Only the conference names changed to NFC and AFC. BASS will continue to be the leader as a fishing organization reguardless of what Jacobs and Evans preach to their FLW membership simply because of all that BASS offers to its membership as well as the invaluable ESPN media backing it up.

  Five men have won both the Cup and the Classic (Fritts, Hite, D.Hibdon, Clausen and Cochran), so both tours definitely have some awesome individual fishermen, but I venture to guess the average angler on the FLW Tour would have it somewhat easier cutting a check than the average angler in the BASS Elite Series. You had better be a stud big to be a consistent winner and make a living on the Elite Series these days.

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• Tom Brouillette of Garland, TX writes:

  Wednesday, July 8, 2009

  Super Bowl? More like the old game where the college all-stars played the NFL champion. FLW may pay more, but let's face it – their guys are not on the same level with the BASS Elite Series guys. When Elite Series anglers enter FLW/Stren tournaments, they do very well. I don't think the circuits are ready for a Super Bowl just yet.

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• Michael Thomas of High Point, NC writes:

  Wednesday, July 8, 2009

  In regard to the Bass vs. FLW World Series or whatever, only Evans could come up with an idea like that. He has had to cut the Tour back to 150 entries to keep them full, now the Stren Series is next on the chopping block – look for it to go to 150 also. The BFL has been totaly forgotten and now it is rumored to be cut back for 2010 also. A good way to hide all your bad decisions( like firing Chris Jones) would be to ride BASS' coat tails. It will never fly.

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• Bill Hunter of Murfreesboro, TN writes:

  Tuesday, July 7, 2009

  RE: Horsepower – If you have never been on Lake Champlain or Sam Rayburn when the wind gets up, well, it is no place to be with an under-powered bass boat. I have been there more than once. Major tournaments see anglers fishing many miles from blast-off, sometimes bad weather moves in. The professional anglers need that 225- or 250-horsepower motor as much for safety as anything else. Please don't put these guys at risk for a few dollars of gas.

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• Brian Hopwood of Cumberland, MD writes:

  Tuesday, July 7, 2009

  RE: Bass fishing Super Bowl – I emailed with this idea before any one had said anything - (Loudmouth Bass) Jay and Zona both played it off. Funny how it's almost word for word - using the AFL and NFL (BASS and FLW) just like I emailed it.

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• Tom Thompson of Arlington, VA writes:

  Tuesday, July 7, 2009

  RE: Horsepower – Going down to 200 is a great idea. It keeps safety in mind, better fuel economy (generally speaking) and overall costs lower for the angler. We all know the spending is unlimited when it comes to angler's passions, but do we really need it is the question. And FLW and BASS should be looking out for the best interests of their anglers - so this accomplishes that objective. The only caveat is that any existing outboard 250 and under will need to be grandfathered in.

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• Chad Keogh of Black Creek, BC, Canada writes:

  Monday, July 6, 2009

  RE: Giant Japanese bass – It's great to see a potential new world record come from somewhere other than North America, since that gives more validity to it being a "world" record. However, it would have been nice to come from a country that isn't trying to eradicate bass as an invasive, non-native species.

  Maybe South Africa will produce the next record-breaker.

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• Jarrett Broy of West Frankfort, IL writes:

  Monday, July 6, 2009

  RE: Giant Japanese bass – i hope this guy is a real man and did not kill the fish. I hope he let it go.

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• Jeff Gagnow of Greenville, WI writes:

  Monday, July 6, 2009

  RE: Ranger bankruptcy – This is what happens when one company is allowed to run, dictate and organize a public tournament series – it's a catch 22. Without Ranger, the money would not have gotten to where it is today. With ranger all those monies could get taken away – at least as far FLW is concerned. Any solutions?

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• Eric Thomas of Lanham, MD writes:

  Monday, July 6, 2009

  RE: Giant Japanese bass – If it is the record, does it matter if it was caught on live bait?

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• Mark Lundgren of Port Saint Lucie, FL writes:

  Saturday, July 4, 2009

  RE: The Bass University – I think this is great. I used to attend these in Virginia before I moved to Florida. It definitely provided much more detail than available elsewhere. I actually met Mike, KVD and a few others at my first – definitely made a big impact and opened my eyes. Let me know if they are coming to Florida.

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• Steve Mras of Fullerton, CA writes:

  Friday, July 3, 2009

  RE: Giant Japanese bass – The IGFA rules are very clear: to replace a record fish less than 25 pounds, it must exceed it by 2 ounces. Otherwise, it's a tie.

  IGFA stands for International Game Fishing Assocition. They don't care where a record is caught, so long as you join.

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• Bill Baab of Augusta, GA writes:

  Friday, July 3, 2009

  As the authority on George Perry and his bass, I do so hope there isn't any controversy surrounding this fish, if indeed it's the real deal. One story reported that the fish was weighed on certified scales. Certified by whom?

  It was reported that the fish weighed 22 pounds, 5 ounces. OK, let's not have any re-weighing showing the bass to be even heavier.

  The IGFA has representatives in Japan and probably has asked their help in tracking down the true story.

  The photos I've seen posted are astounding and look just like Perry's fish in the black-and-white snapshot that surfaced a couple of years ago.

  If the fish is a legitimate record, I will be among the first to congratulate the fisherman, but in English. I don't speak Japanese.

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• Marshall Thompson of Paducah, KY writes:

  Friday, July 3, 2009

  RE: Giant Japanese bass – Is the fish still alive? I wonder just how this will change the landscape of bass fishing in Japan. The stance of the government on largemouth bass as an invasive species would certainly change if this indeed is the new record.

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• Martin Danny Lamb of Lumberton, NC writes:

  Friday, July 3, 2009

  RE: Giant Japanese bass – If the IGFA doesn't want the record in Japan, they will find some reason to disqualify it. That is the sole reason for most of the disqualifications to this point – the right person didn't catch the fish. The IGFA is the most hypocritical orginazation in operation. If they held Perry's fish to the same standard, it would have to be disqualified, no questions asked.

  It has been one thing after another – not enough photos, not likely she could catch it. He didn't know enough. I call bull. Perry's fish came from the most unlikely place of all to give up a 20-plus-pound fish. Not to mention the lack of documentation of this so-called record. Not everyone walks around with a camera and yardstick in their pocket, some people still just fish for fun and, like it or not, one of these individuals will problably be who breaks the record if they have not already, if the truth be known.

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• Rich Zanzalari of West Hills, NY writes:

  Thursday, July 2, 2009

  Great news! Thanks to Ike and Pete for putting together The Bass University. No doubt these seminars will be a success. I'm looking forward to the Philadelpia seminar in December.

  For those of you who never had a chance to attend the Bassmaster University classes before BASS cancelled the program, this is a must-attend. This is not a plug because I know these guys personally, I don't. I had the opportunity several years back to be at a seminar when both of these gentlemen spoke, and it was well worth the time and money.

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• Jeffrey L. Arnold of Lewisville, TX writes:

  Thursday, July 2, 2009

  RE: The Bass University – Sounds great. It is unfortunate that Dallas was scheduled last. The local bass circuits will already be kicked off and many will not be able to attend.

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• Tim Brown of Ridgetop, TN writes:

  Thursday, July 2, 2009

  KVD's new $299.99 reel – guess they still don't get it. They will keep producing these high-dollar reels until they sit on the shelves. You've got to catch/hook a fish before you can reel it in. And that's all a reel is – a method for cranking in the fish. A $50 reel can crank 'em in as well as this high-dollar one.

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• Jason Law of Mobile, AL writes:

  Thursday, July 2, 2009

  Great, just what we need – another reel priced at $300. Who in the world is buying these things? The fishing industry is setting a very poor example to anyone who wants to get into fishing. I would be more impressed with these pros if they came out and developed a reel that they would use and it cost around $100 for the average consumer.

  Next your gonna hear on TV is it has a 7.3 to 1 ratio and you really need this reel because it pulls in 34 inches of line per turn of the handle...blah, blah, blah... $300 for a reel, $300 for a rod and $40 for braid and you too can be just like any of these pros. Oh, and dont forget, you must throw those sexy shad colors also or you won't catch a thing.

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• David Gregg of Haslet, TX writes:

  Wednesday, July 1, 2009

  The job of a professional tournament director is a most difficult job. The director becomes very close to the fishermen and cares deeply about each one of them. His job is more than just hearing a protest and quickly making a decision. He understands his decision can be make-or-break for the fishermen involved and also the sponsors, friends and family.

  BASS and FLW have the very best tournament directors ever in the business today and we need to understand the pressure these guys are faced with every tournament, which includes a whole lot more than what most would believe. My hat's off to them.

  Having said all that, however, time demands that all jobs and positions and responsibilites be reviewed. Most of the time a bad error is made, then it is too late and someone really gets done wrong, which could be the fisherman or the tournament director.

  Having had Trip Weldon as a tournment director for several years, I know he is one of the very best at what he does. But again, time is demanding a new way of doing business. I certainly do not have all the answers of what needs to be done, but would sincerely request consideration of going back to an advisory committee and getting more professional help in this process. BASS had that for several years, but I am not sure if it is still in place to assist when these protest are presented.

  Based on the story of Tommy and Alton, there is no way these men or any of the professional fishermen would not stop and assist if there was an emergency. What in the world could they have done that was not already being done? Was the protester waving them down, asking for help, or did he really even know what they were seeing?

  Having been around this business for many years, there needs to be a better way to not damage the outcome of a tournament when there are so many loose and unanswered questions. I know the tournament director has a limited amount of time now to make his call, but I know if they will involve the fishermen and see it from all the different angle,s the outcome will be most improved. I am not throwing dirt on anyone as I deeply care for all these guys involved and want to see our sport go over the top for everyone's sake. There might even be a possibility of putting together an emergency committee of three or so people outside the tournament for the director to call should he have a protest, just to hear good counsel.

  I think it is apparant that we all care for the sport we have all worked so hard for. We learn from our mistakes, but sometimes mistakes cost us unnecessary pain because we did not stop and reconsider other options.

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• Martin Danny Lamb of Lumberton, NC writes:

  Wednesday, July 1, 2009

  Another $300 reel is just what everyone needed in these tough economic times. Way to go, Quantam/KVD.

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