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• George Kramer of Lake Elsinore, CA writes:

  Friday, July 31, 2015

  RE: Mead history revealed – And here's some even more impressive history. They like to call the U.S. Open a "western" tournament, and when I see the "nationals" in the air-conditioned halls of ICAST over the years in Las Vegas, I get it. It's too tough for many of the pros. But not for Clifford Pirch.

  Yes, there are two other three-time Open champs (Aaron Martens and Mike Folkestad), but they pale by comparison. Pirch has titles at Lake Mead in 2007, 2010 and 2014. And he was runner-up in 2009, 2012 and 2013 and 6th in 2006. Pirch is the finest desert angler in the country – and that's not just history – that's a fact.

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• Jason Harrison of Tocoa, GA writes:

  Thursday, July 30, 2015

  RE: Balog on boundaries – Great observations, Joe. However, I think the one glaring omission and the sole reasoning for the boundaries is the live coverage. B.A.S.S. has painted themselves into a corner by selling this live deal to sponsors in advance, as well as promising the fans. Not a chance they could take to have the entire Top 6 out in the middle of Lake Ontario with no signal and unsuitable conditions to provide the live deal. Just my opinion, but that is more than likely the primary reason.

  All of a sudden they are concerned about expense ... really? And safety? If that were true, they wouldn't set up the schedule all over the place, costing the anglers more money than necessary, and they wouldn't let Mike McClelland run across Galveston Bay to Houston. The machine keeps rolling!

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• Max Thompson of Bringhurst, IN writes:

  Thursday, July 30, 2015

  RE: Balog on boundaries – I wholeheartdly disagree. These guys are the best at what they do and unless I have forgotten something, I don't think any of the Elite-level fishermen have been killed, so I don't think it's really a safety issue. For me, it's exciting to read about the occasional long trips through the Gulf or down to Venice, or out from St. Clair into Erie, etc. I would be much less interested in following them if they began limiting the anglers' ability to find what he/she believes to be the winning fish.

  In regard to the host town, I am a believer that if they didn't think hosting the tournament was a good investment, then they wouldn't continue to do so. As a fan I attach the town/venue together and would most likely go to that town ... Sturgeon Bay, Waddington, Thousand Islands. I have actually been to and spent time there because that is where the tournament went out of. I also have plans to go to other venues because I attach the host city/lake.

  Prices, I agree, but there is most definitely a demand for the high end of the market. Do I think it's nuts what they charge for a new vehicle, boat, rods/reels, baits, electronics, etc.? Absolutely. But again, they wouldn't continue if the market didn't support it, although I choose not too. There is no such thing as an $80K boat, $70K truck or $1,500 rod/reel combo for me. I have better places for my money.

  A little about me" I'm 51, used to fish FLW as a co-angler and will likely be a marshal someday (considering St. Clair this year). I bought a 1998 Ranger R73 new from Tood Moore in Ligioneer, Ind. and I still own it today. I have also hired a few guides over the years on these venues (Kevin Long, Mike Auten, etc.) and will likely continue in the future. I have actually considered contacting you about fishing on Erie, even though I don't believe you guide there. I love smallmouth and want to spend time learning about them from the best. I have followed bass fishing my entire life.

  I enjoy your column and read it everytime I see it on BassFan.

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• Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:

  Thursday, July 30, 2015

  RE: Balog on boundaries – Years ago, before the first 150-hp outboards were on the market, we realized that the B.A.S.S. tournament anglers were getting into a horsepower race to outrun everyone else with a larger motor, and we set the limit at 150. We also set tournament boundaries to keep them fishing instead of burning gas to outdistance everyone. A few years later, B.A.S.S. removed the 150-hp limit and the race was on again. Big mistake.

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• Johnny McLean of Little Rock, AR writes:

  Thursday, July 30, 2015

  RE: Balog on boundaries – Joe, I completely agree. However, rather than saying expenses, I would have said envrionmental considerations. You are right, burning all that gas is ridiculous and seems like taboo to talk about in tournament circles.

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• Zach Maisch of Lima, OH writes:

  Thursday, July 30, 2015

  RE: Balog on boundaries – I believe Joe is dead on with this topic and I am even one of those few guys who will make those runs. I have fished against Joe in the Michigan BFLs and other large events on Erie. I have made the run from Harley Ensign in Lake St. Clair down to Pelee Island in Erie. I did so because I knew I had to, not because I wanted to! Being an Ohio guy, it is an obvious advantage to be able to run to the areas I know best, but I would prefer the boundary line.

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• Dennis Pentecost of Milford, IL writes:

  Wednesday, July 29, 2015

  RE: B.A.S.S. Nation/TBF poll – Before the split, the state of Illinois had over 90 bass clubs in the B.A.S.S. Federation, now there are about 38 clubs between the two. Bass fishermen in Illinois will not return to the grassroots after the way B.A.S.S. destroyed the Federation!

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• Bill Skinner of Reedsburg, WI writes:

  Tuesday, July 28, 2015

  RE: Davis' injury – Why would he not just get some left-hand crank baitcasters? To me, switching hands with a bait caster doesn't make sense. I guess I always have wondered why you would not want the rod in your dominant hand all of the time?

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• Ron Shaddix of Spanish Fort, AL writes:

  Tuesday, July 28, 2015

  RE: Wiley's good year – I fished a lot with Scott when he was younger. He's quick to learn and sets his game pattern to his strengths. He's definitely one to watch. Should have gone pro earlier, but still has a lot of good tournaments in him. Best of luck on the Tour, Scott.

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• Dave Middleton of Silverhill, AL writes:

  Monday, July 27, 2015

  RE: Wiley's good year – Way to go, Scottie! I'll be there to root you on.

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• James Charlesworth of Gainesville, VA writes:

  Friday, July 24, 2015

  RE: Balog on Cox – I have fished against Cox and he is truly gifted! He is also very good deep and with a dropshot. He is not a one-trick pony. Look how well he has done on Erie and Kentucky Lake on ledges.

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• Terry Bonsell of Keyser, WV writes:

  Thursday, July 23, 2015

  RE: Balog on Cox – I have a friend fishing FLW (name withheld). He was known for his shallow-water success. He started doing the ledge thing and his finishes and earnings fell. Sticking to what you're good at leads to success.

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• Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:

  Thursday, July 23, 2015

  RE: Balog on Cox – Another great article by Joe Balog that contains something about bass fishing that's worth reading. When I started at B.A.S.S. in 1970, I was fortunate to travel, fish and spend a lot of time on the B.A.S.S. Seminar Trail with John Powell and Roland Martin. John never depended on a depthfinder, as he never fished water over 3 feet deep. Roland had a transducer mounted on the bottom of his trolling motor so he could see under boat docks, etc. This was long before anyone else was using one.

  Both John and Roland were experts at finding bass in shallow water. Both preached at the start of their seminars to launch the boat, put down the trolling motor and fish everything you could see. John always said that he big engine is there only to get you back to the ramp. Fish what you see, find the bass, make it bite and put it in the boat. You can play with it after it's in the boat.

  Very expensive boats, motors and equipment do not make you a better bass angler or catch you more fish. You do that if you concentrate on what you are doing and stop trying to do what someone else is doing.

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• Mike Burke of Breinigsville, PA writes:

  Thursday, July 23, 2015

  RE: Balog on Cox – John Cox definitely had an awesome year. It put my attention and that of a lot of others on the man in a aluminum boat powered by a 150-hp with no transducers. I don't think we will see copy-cat approaches. I believe more shallow power-style anglers like myself will have the confidence to fish our strengths like John Cox did this season. His way of doing things this year kept him on his game and in his confidence zone. That's a check-cashing formula if I ever heard one.

  The biggest aspect to me of his approach this season tis hope! Our sport is entering a dark time I feel, where the ranks are being filled more by those with deep pockets rather than skill. Some of the world's best don't get a shot due to financial burdens that arise in fishing a professional trail. He proved that a sparkling, 22-foot, $70,000 rig isn't truly necessary to be competitive. We will see more serious talent and less anglers who just have the money to give it a try because of his efforts.

  My personal thank you goes out to John Cox. Being a serious, committed co-angler waiting for my opportunity to be at the front of the boat, you made that seem more possible to me and many others. That day, that dream, just got a lot closer and cheaper for us.

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• John Lipe of Anderson, IN writes:

  Sunday, July 19, 2015

  RE: Rose thrown for a loop – Just my opinion, but Mr.Rose is one of the good guys and we all make mistakes once in awhile.

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• Terry Bonsell of Keyser, WV writes:

  Saturday, July 18, 2015

  RE: 2016 FLW Tour schedule – Yawn, same old lakes.

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• Zach Kirby of Shelbyville, TN writes:

  Friday, July 17, 2015

  RE: Rose thrown for a loop – I have always appreciated Mark Rose and his offshore prowess. Sadly, this article sounds like Mark is whining a bit. It is the competitor's responsibility to know and follow the rules. Leaving a boat adrift is a danger to other traffic on the water. Secondarily, he did gain a time advantage by not properly securing the boat as he should for the ride in with a fellow competitor as specified by the rules and common sense.

  In my opinion, this deserves a bass fishing "C'mon, man." Best of luck to Mark in 2016.

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• Ron Kersten of Mesa, AZ writes:

  Friday, July 17, 2015

  RE: Rose thrown for a loop – Mark, to leave your boat adrift is pretty stupid and a serious hazard to others. Yes, you deserved to be DQd. Quit your crying and man up!

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• Steve Lindner of Lake Havasu City, AZ writes:

  Friday, July 17, 2015

  RE: Rose thrown for a loop – I'm not necessarily a big Rose fan. Rules are in place for many reasons, but sometimes there must be exceptions. I believe anything that needs to be governed needs to have a "common sense board." Not every infraction is cut and dried.

  When it is obvious a rule is broken deliberately, we all know what to do. It's very difficult to catch people who break rules. If a mistake does not affect the outcome, those anglers deserve a Mulligan. Too many are being DQd for the dumbest reasons. I am sure there are some who fish in the professional ranks who are always trying to gain an unfair advantage. Go catch them!

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• Peter O'Donnell Sr. of Deale, MD writes:

  Tuesday, July 14, 2015

  RE: Chaconas opinion – In light of the recent article posted by S. Chaconas regarding Bryan Schmitt's final day, I feel it necessary to write a rebuttal statement on the events that took place during the recent FLW tournament on the Potomac River.

  First and foremost, the said reporter appeared to have his own agenda writing this story as the facts and comments that I gave to him were misrepresented repeatedly throughout his article. Since the said reporter seemed to be on a mission to shred my character, I am going to systematically address the allegations one by one.

  First, I was accused of "revealing to the masses" Schmitt's "favorite spot" on the last day of the tournament. I have no social media accounts and called no one to reveal anything, so what does this mean? Next, I was accused of approaching his area quickly and stopped next to him; when in fact I stopped 175 yards south of him when the story states "the unthinkable begins!" Supposedly, I then began blocking and interfering with Schmitt when in fact I was fishing inside of him, straight ahead and to the bank, while he was fishing outside of me "fan -casting."

  After 20 minutes Schmitt left the area and headed north. I stayed and fished. He returned and left the area several times but at no time did I leave and follow him. Schmitt had a camera boat following him all day and coincidentally, none of these accusations made toward me were captured on camera. If my "boat maneuvering" and body language were "clearly trying to rankle" Schmitt, how was any of this not caught on camera?

  Next, I need to address the misrepresented allegation that I was the individual who had Schmitt disqualified in 2011 for cheating. I was only interviewed by the FLW tournament director after the original allegation was made by another angler. It was made clear to me by the director that my answers to his inquiry may impact my participation in future FLW events. I answered his questions honestly.

  The reporter of this article questioned FLW's decision to disqualify Schmitt, who refused the polygraph and then admitted to cheating? Schmitt would like everyone to believe that I was not fishing on the day in question and I was out there to "mess with his head," but what was not mentioned (by the reporter) was during that same day I assisted an inexperienced father and son who were fishing on shore and took out two young brothers for a boat ride. But the reporter didn't want anyone to know any of that because it did not fit his story line.

  You see, I know the person I am. The reporter (S. Chaconas) took a day of fishing on the river and framed it into a conspiracy to satisfy his need to fuel a scandal that didn't exist. The truth always prevails!

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• Mike Burke of Breinigsville, PA writes:

  Monday, July 13, 2015

  RE: James River Northern Open – Hat's off to Dillow. nThe James system is so diverse and to win it fishing the tides in a area instead of running them, with almost a 20-pound lead over 12th place, is a stellar performance. Can't wait to hear more details of his winning weekend .

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• Harold Sharp of Hixson, TN writes:

  Sunday, July 12, 2015

  Balog on Florida-strain bass – Joe, you are beating a dead horse on this one. How many times have you or anyone gone fishing hoping to catch a small one? The reason we fish is to catch a big one to brag about.

  How many anglers can look at a bass and tell if it's a native or cross-breed, and who cares. They are always interested in what it weighs.

  In 1970, the Chattanooga Bass Club and B.A.S.S. sued several companies that were violating the 1899 Federal Refuse Act by dumping pollution in the Tennessee River. This created the EPA, which cracked down on polluters. Soon after, water milfoil began growing in the Tennessee River lakes and fishing started getting much better. Then homeowners went after TVA to clean it up, so TVA came out with herbicide spray boats and soon the milfoil was dying and so was the fishing. So the Chattanooga Bass Association (all the B.A.S.S. clubs around Chattanooga) filed a lawsuit against TVA for spraying and held a boat parade that went past the TVA downtown headquarters. After that, TVA agreed to halt spraying for 2 years and the milfoil came back, plus hydrilla, and bass fishing got good again.

  About that same time the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency began stocking Florida-strain bass. Lake Chickamauga's record today is a bass over 15 pounds, as compaired to 7 pounds a few years ago. Bass anglers do not fish for small bass – even the ones who fish your favorite lakes are always hoping for a big one.

  Come down and fish Chickamauga for a day or two in February or March and see how you like it.

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• Bobby Wilson of Nashville, TN writes:

  Friday, July 10, 2015

  RE: Balog on Florida-strain bass – Great article, Joe. However, since Tennessee and Chickamauga Lake were mentioned in the article, I feel that a response to some of your comments is necessary.

  All the things that you are concerned about in stocking Florida bass have been concerns for us in Tennessee as well. The “fitness” part, the “bigger bass that don’t bite” part. Yes, these and more have been worrying us. One of our concerns was “What if we end up with a lake full of back-crosses that have the northern trait of not growing as well and the Florida trait of not biting?” Well, we tested for that and found out that back-crosses in Chickamauga Lake grew longer and weighed more than the pure northern bass.

  We have been stocking Chickamauga with Florida bass now for 15 years – a mere blink of an eye when it comes to bass evolution. However, one thing to consider when you mentioned “the black bass has uniquely evolved to best fit its environment” and by “introducing others, well before we truly understand this evolution and unique balance, can severely harm native fish stocks in ways we have yet to realize," you need to keep in mind that most “environments” that bass thrive in today are artificial. Of the 32 or so larger impoundments in Tennessee, only one (Reelfoot Lake) is a natural lake. So who is to say what strain is native in these man-made reservoirs? Some geneticists speculate that there are no pure “northerns” in some parts of the Tennessee River and that it may fall into an intergrade zone of back-crosses with all kinds of traits.

  And in your final comment, when you say “Florida bass can wait, at least until we know all the facts," how long do we wait? Thirty years? Fifty years? I agree that Florida bass shouldn’t be stocked all over the country. As Gene Gilliland and Hal Schramm stated, they should only be stocked where “conditions are favorable for growth, including abundant forage and preferred habitat and temperature." We stand by this same philosophy with our Florida bass stocking plan, much to the chagrin of many bass anglers who want us to stock them throughout the state of Tennessee.

  BassFan says: Mr. Wilson is chief of fisheries for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

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• Terry Bonsell of Keyser, WV writes:

  Friday, July 10, 2015

  RE: Balog on Florida-strain bass – Amen! Enough of putting non-native species into waters.

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• Jim Liner of Montgomery, ALabama writes:

  Thursday, July 9, 2015

  RE: Balog on Florida-strain bass – Good job, Joe. The hype over Florida-strain bass has gotten out of hand. When Florida-strains are stocked into a fishery it takes years to notice a dfference in the population dynamics. Most anglers think it happens immediately. Also, the stocking of the so-called "F1" hybrid is misleading. The F1 is an unstable hybrid and their offspring will be a northern strain bass.

  The pure Florida-strain is for sure a tempremental species and somewhat harder to catch. We have a lake in central Alabama stocked with nothing but pure Florida females. Sometimes these girls are just not in the mood.

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• Rob Wilkinson of Fredericksburg, VA writes:

  Wednesday, July 8, 2015

  RE: Chaconas opinion – Living by the Potomac, I get to read Steve Chaconas' opinions on a lot of issues and a lot of times I just find myself rolling my eyes at them; not this time, though. I'm actually surprised that something like this hasn't happened before, or if it did, it wasn't broadcast to the masses. I was happy to see that the individual was actually called out by name to be held accountable for his actions; in this sue-happy world, too many times that information is left out.

  I would absolutely love to see the camera footage of the incident, as well as hear what Mr. O'Donnell has to say for himself. He obviously has an axe to grind for some reason.

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• Bill Williams of Tiffin, OH writes:

  Wednesday, July 8, 2015

  RE: Illinois high school program – I think this is an outstanding effort to get kids involved in school activities without needing to be a large or athletic individual. I just wish Ohio would get behind this creative idea.

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• Donald Joyce of Elon, NC writes:

  Tuesday, July 7, 2015

  RE: Monroe's bounce-back season – Typical Ish, saying other people and their "dumb stuff" were partly responsible for his 2014 performance. Grow up, Ish, and take responsibilty for your performance.

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• Martin D. Lamb of Albia, IA writes:

  Friday, July 3, 2015

  RE: Chaconas opinion – Why did no one call the DNR? I am positive there are harassment laws in place, every state has them. Seemed like an easy set-up to me.

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• Steve Kirby of Coumbus, OH writes:

  Friday, July 3, 2015

  RE: Chaconas opinion – Something is missing in this read. First off, why did FLW even enforce some alleged violation some 3 months past? What happened to the reporting requirements being filed with the tournament director at the tournament? Is this other individual, Pete O'Donnell, a former competitor or what? There’s more to the story than meets the eye and I, for one, would sure like to know what it is.

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• Mike Webb of Orange, TX writes:

  Thursday, July 2, 2015

  RE: Chaconas opinion – Very sad when a grown man spends an entire day hindering another angler on the water. The guilty party should be ashamed and apologize. Hope he is banned from future tournaments. His priorities are all wrong. He is an embarrassment for bass anglers everywhere.

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• Keith Fraser of Annapolis, MD writes:

  Thursday, July 2, 2015

  RE: Chaconas opinion – As one of Bryan Schmitt's many sponsors, I was appalled by the actions of Peter O'Donnell, who not only had Schmitt DQd in 2011 for one year, but also did everything he could to make sure Bryan did not win the FLW Potomac tournament – a tournament that Bryan had a reasonable chance of a Top-3 finish on day 4. I do not know if there is a legal remedy for this situation or not, however, the bass fishing community should rise up and protest against this unsportsmanlike person intent on hurting Bryan Schmitt's professional bass fishing career.

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• Keith Honeycutt of Temple, TX writes:

  Thursday, July 2, 2015

  RE: Balog on FLW finale – Very well written and not one negative. Each one of these guys you mentioned from the FLW Tour I've spent a day in the boat with. Outstanding fishermen as well as great guys off the water.

  I always look forward to reading your articles and even though I'm a veteran co-angler, you seem to share the truth about the sport, good or bad. Keep up the good writing.

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• Bill Taylor of Benton, KY writes:

  Thursday, July 2, 2015

  RE: Balog on FLW finale – Another great story, Joe! If you think it was exciting following online, you should have been there in person! From Clark's victory smile to Scott's family portrait. Then there was Andy Morgan, who is considered the best in the world by all his peers. Pretty exciting day at the Potomac River! Thanks again for the story.

  BassFan says: Bill Taylor is the FLW Tour's tournament director.

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