[hi steel basser]

ary
Take a look at Don Iovino's book: http;//www.iovino.com/donbook.htm
I keep a copy in my boat to help remember all the little tricks with GPS/sonar.
Merry Christmas or holidays to you and have a great new year fishing.
Tom
Got the book in the mail today. Don signed it. ;D

 

[imonembad]

What a christmas gift! Merry Christmas!

 

[georgemro]

Back to the pre-spawn topic; Do you recommend larger baits or smaller baits this time of year? It would seem to me that most available prey would be mature since it has been a while since any baitfish spawn has occurred. Although downsizing my lures seems to be the thing to do when spring cold fronts pass thru. Also can you tell me why my catch rate is much better right after ice out ( 39-40 deg.) than it is at 42 to 46deg. ?There seems to be a flurry of activity right after ice out and then a lull period until the water approaches 50 deg. At 50 deg. it is like a switch is turned on and a mass migration to the shallows ocurrs in my home lakes.

 

[oldschool]

Ice out is a big event for lakes that freeze, the ecosystems alarm bell to wake up. Wind is usually the force that causes ice to break up along with prolonged warming periods. Remember the water colder than 39.4 makes up the surface or upper layers, with the warmer water being compressed deeper. The wind tends to mix the heavy and cold water layers quickly and sink down through the warmer deep layers causing a condition known as early turnover. The oxygen poor layers that were very deep mix with the more oxygen rich water and the lake becomes colder with less DO for the bass following the turn over. It takes time to reestablish layers and the fish a in a neutral mood until they acclimate. Thats may be what happens where you fish, however I have no idea where that is? If largemouth are the bass you are targeting, then use slow moving large lures like swim baits that represent the forage fish in your area. Jigs are good because you can fish them slowly and cover the whole water column depth. Twin spins and single blade spinner baits work well helicoptered down through the water column. If you see surface activity, then try a dog walking lure or slowed down jerk bait. Big wide wobbling deep diving crank baits and slow falling senko's all do well during pre-spawn. However you are really in the late winter cold water period during ice out.
Tom

 

[joe]

Hey Tom, here's one for you on the pre-spawn. I live in west Houston. The water temps here rarely get below 50 - 55. Last year I was watching for the fish to be moving up and somehow missed the first part of the spawn. I have adequate glasses for seeing but in some of the waters I fish here, these bass will start spawning here probably in about 2 - 3 weeks and go into Feb. if the weather remains cool. I read your posts on the seasons but when you are talking about fall and those weather principles I am in the dead of winter. I say dead, Tues. it was 35 in the morning today it's 71. What gives? Anyway, I read everything that you and Jim post. I always thought I was a better fisherman than what I really was until you guys showed me how much I didn't know. The reason there aren't that many posts are because after you and Jim post, it takes awhile for us knuckleheads to absorb all of that new knowledge because for us it is new. You guys have known this stuff for awhile. Our light bulbs are just starting to come on. Let me tell you what I do.... I print everything I feel I need off of this boad and others. I have a three-ring binder with all this info in it. It goes with me to all of my big water. When I get there if I am in doubt, I pull these notes and use them to assess the situation and try to find the fish. I have definitely become a much better fisherman since I started reading you guys posts on the Bassmaster board and then here. I am on this baord 3-5 times a day looking for new info that I can use. So before you start feeling like there is no participation, just remember, there is alot of guys like me that say ohhhh, that's how or ohhhhh that's why. There's participation, it's just in another form. Thanks for your posts and Jim as well. Once I feel a little more confident in my style of fishing and presentations I will be adding my two cents every chance I get but until them, I have to learn. Therefore it's simple...You guys teach, we learn, then when new board members arrive, maybe we can beat you guys to some of the questions that are asked.
Thanks for your time. It is very much appreciated.
-Joe

 

[oldschool]

Everyone has days on the water that nothing comes together, so don't get frustrated. Where I fish is very similar to your Texas climate, not as cold as it freezes more often there. I would look for the first full moon in January as the earliest bass should be moving away from their pre spawn staging sites and start to cruise the spawning flats. The buck bass are usually a little easier to see along the shallower shore line zones, the big girls will be out on the first break line and occasionally move along the bank if a deeper break is close by. Bass generally will not spawn in water that has very poor light penetration and will seek water that you should be able to see the bottom down to 2 feet or so. LMB eggs need both light and 60+ degree water to hatch. Check the water temperature when you launch your boat and in the back of protected coves, it is everything this time year if the water level is stationary. If the water level is fluctuating up and down sereval feet, the bass tend to hold off spawning as long as possible.
Tom

 

[Guest]

Perhaps other people who are new to this site as I am might benefit if some who are "experts" would post a little biography about themselves so that people will listen more to what is said.

I know Jim from another site and know he has some good info to share. I do not know Old School from Adam so I have no idea who he is or how long he has been fishing or anything. He could be Bill Dance for all I know?

I always appreciate information that is shared. I do my best to share what information I have learned over the years also. I do want to make this point if I may. I see things on forums that bother me as I have been around allot of forums over the years going back to 1998. I see people chimming in about subjects with their opinions and when someone chimes in on a subject with a differeing opinion that might not be "mainstream" this person sometimes gets looked down upon. Let me say that there are no hard and fast "rules" to fishing. This is not a video game that can be mastered after playing it a dozen times. Proper equipment arguments get really old to me because what it all boils down to is an opinion. If someone says a fiberglass rod is the only rod to use for crankbaits and they reference a
"pro" who uses them does this make this true? No not at all. It makes this a true statement for the angler who believes this.

So keep in mind you good folks of this site. If something works for me I am going to say so. If something works for you then say so. If you like fiberglass rods for instance, then by all means use them. But let's allow each person the space to grow within their own rules and standards. I used that as an example. I could have used the mind numbing arguments about Lucky Craft lures, GYCG, or any other high priced lures are the only way to go, just as easily. So keep in mind that most knowledge that is shared whether it be from a newbie or an old timer is opinion. There are not many facts in this hobby we call fishing. This isn't mathematics with one absolute right answer and millions of wrong ones.

 

[oldschool]

Perhaps other people who are new to this site as I am might benefit if some who are "experts" would post a little biography about themselves so that people will listen more to what is said.

I know Jim from another site and know he has some good info to share. I do not know Old School from Adam so I have no idea who he is or how long he has been fishing or anything. He could be Bill Dance for all I know?

I always appreciate information that is shared. I do my best to share what information I have learned over the years also. I do want to make this point if I may. I see things on forums that bother me as I have been around allot of forums over the years going back to 1998. I see people chimming in about subjects with their opinions and when someone chimes in on a subject with a differeing opinion that might not be "mainstream" this person sometimes gets looked down upon. Let me say that there are no hard and fast "rules" to fishing. This is not a video game that can be mastered after playing it a dozen times. Proper equipment arguments get really old to me because what it all boils down to is an opinion. If someone says a fiberglass rod is the only rod to use for crankbaits and they reference a
"pro" who uses them does this make this true? No not at all. It makes this a true statement for the angler who believes this.

So keep in mind you good folks of this site. If something works for me I am going to say so. If something works for you then say so. If you like fiberglass rods for instance, then by all means use them. But let's allow each person the space to grow within their own rules and standards. I used that as an example. I could have used the mind numbing arguments about Lucky Craft lures, GYCG, or any other high priced lures are the only way to go, just as easily. So keep in mind that most knowledge that is shared whether it be from a newbie or an old timer is opinion. There are not many facts in this hobby we call fishing. This isn't mathematics with one absolute right answer and millions of wrong ones.

Look at the new member post for my basic bio. Bill Dance is about the same age. I agree, no one has all the answers. All you need to remember is returning to the boat dock after a long day on the water, thinking it was really tough out there and the boat next to you is all smiles with a boat load of bass. Sometimes lady luck smiles on you. Time on the water is the best teacher and you should learn something each trip.
Tom

 

[OTTER]

I apperciate the majority of the posts on this site.  I have picked up a lot of ideas and have learned a lot in the electronics section.  This is why I am a Basshole!!  For me, I fish the rods and reels I have confidence in and believe me, they are not the upper end of the price range.  But it is the technique that this site has been so good at presenting.  All of you guys and gals have added to things that I am definately going to try and you have given me new ideas for huntin' down the bass so I can boat them.  When I have some success, whether it is related to ideas you gave me or some I have used on my own, I will share it. So all you folks with more experience or at least different experiences, keep up the posts and continue to be the valuable assets you are.  Thanks to all of you.

Gary ;D

 

[denneyjames]

Tom,
i recently just left the insider board because of the fact that its just like any old forum where they are just talking about anything and everything i am here to learn about bass fishing and thank you for your knowledge it is more than what i could ask for.
James

 

[imonembad]

Welcome and enjoy we're glad to have you.

 

[oldschool]

Tom,
i recently just left the insider board because of the fact that its just like any old forum where they are just talking about anything and everything i am here to learn about bass fishing and thank you for your knowledge it is more than what i could ask for.
James

Welcome, Once you get past the name it's a great board. I'm still trying to learn all the levels they have here and Jim aka "arkieforster' is known as "Ouachita" on this board, a great resource and very knowledgable fisherman. I have a problem remembering what I've posted where, so reposted the seasonal periods and one In Fisherman article. Good luck.
Tom

 

[Guest]

There appears to be very little interest in this type of information on this board. This takes lots of time to post all the calendar periods and with no interest, why continue the effort.
Tom

Did some one ask for this info? I am curious. Sometimes passing info on that is not requested may yield less favorable results then passing on info that someone requested.

Jesus had a parable for this. He said Do not cast your pearls before Swine. This doesn't attack the hearer as "Swine" or insult them but is a parable that means do not cast valuable things (Things that are precious to you) at the feet of people who do not appreciate, ask for, or even understand what you are saying. They will trample all over it.

Thought that might offer some insight

 

[hi steel basser]

There appears to be very little interest in this type of information on this board. This takes lots of time to post all the calendar periods and with no interest, why continue the effort.
Tom

Did some one ask for this info? I am curious. Sometimes passing info on that is not requested may yield less favorable results then passing on info that someone requested.

Jesus had a parable for this. He said Do not cast your pearls before Swine. This doesn't attack the hearer as "Swine" or insult them but is a parable that means do not cast valuable things (Things that are precious to you) at the feet of people who do not appreciate, ask for, or even understand what you are saying. They will trample all over it.

Thought that might offer some insight

As I wrote before, Tom, PLEASE feel free to post as you please. Youve been fishing longer than I've been breathing, and I am glad to read some real fishing knowledge instead of hot lure posts. Keith, you are one blunt dude- borderline ---hole blunt.

 

[Jared]

Once you get past the name it's a great board.

Awww whats wrong with the name The Bassholes?

Sure you could define it as a deragatory name, as I am sure many do. But it's a fun and light hearted with a positive meaning. It's definitely nothing vulgar or negative. However I also define it another way as well.

Everyone has heard the term a "fishing hole" I am sure. Well, when I was a kid, my buddy and I had several "holes" where we would regularly fish at and catch bass. We called them bassholes. Yet another positive meaning.

The name has stuck with me for more than 25 years and I love it. To me it has personality and stands out amongst the crowd of so many other bass fishing bases websites which is exactly what I want the site to do, and trust me it will. What people see of the site now is only the tip of the iceberg, as far as what I have planned for The Bassholes. In the end when all is said and done, The Bassholes will, without question, be in a league of it's own. Here's to everyone of you being here till the end. :cheers:

 

[Jared]

There appears to be very little interest in this type of information on this board. This takes lots of time to post all the calendar periods and with no interest, why continue the effort.
Tom

Trust me Tom, many of us are interested and as the site grows there will be even more who are interested. Lately the site is growing in leaps and bounds, so please hang in there Tom. I'm sure i am not the only who appreciates what you share with us.

 

[Guest]

There appears to be very little interest in this type of information on this board. This takes lots of time to post all the calendar periods and with no interest, why continue the effort.
Tom

Did some one ask for this info? I am curious. Sometimes passing info on that is not requested may yield less favorable results then passing on info that someone requested.

Jesus had a parable for this. He said Do not cast your pearls before Swine. This doesn't attack the hearer as "Swine" or insult them but is a parable that means do not cast valuable things (Things that are precious to you) at the feet of people who do not appreciate, ask for, or even understand what you are saying. They will trample all over it.

Thought that might offer some insight

As I wrote before, Tom, PLEASE feel free to post as you please. Youve been fishing longer than I've been breathing, and I am glad to read some real fishing knowledge instead of hot lure posts. Keith, you are one blunt dude- borderline ---hole blunt.

Thanks HSB. But what did I say that is not so? What I shared was not an attack on Tom. It is a lesson that is a hard one to learn. In fact, I feel Tom and I are similar in some respects. We both love to share knowledge that we have learned in our lives. Whether that is in fishing or life in general. Sometimes however, when sharing info with people we cast our pearls before swine. I have done this countless times in my life. Sometimes God reveals something to me that is special to me and was intended for my benefit. Yet, I go running to friends and spill my guts. I have done this so many times and afterwards asked the very same question that Tom asked. Why bother? Maybe my friends already knew what I shared with them? Maybe it sailed right over their heads as God had not revealed it to them yet? In any case, it might have been the right info but delivered in the wrong time.

My above comments do not suggest that knowledge not to be shared. I just understand the question Tom posed Why bother? I ask myself this question allot believe me.

 

[Ouachita]

Why bother? I've asked the same thing on many boards. I'm looking at leaving yet two more boards because of outright disrespect, senseless challenging of working techniques, ignoring such important base knowledge concepts like Tom posted (calendar), and many other reasons for giving up here and there. I'm practically down to two now, my life membership at NAFC, BBC, and this place. It was 15 last year at this time. When the boards go social club style and fishing tip sections are dead, I move on.

Clearly, not one member asked for information about bass seasons. If, however, that's what it takes to generate a well presented article on something every angler needs, then we're already doomed. I'd say the fact nobody had asked indicates a total lack of knowledge or interest in that area among all but Tom, the evidence being no discussion about it. Ignorance in that area is a sure guarantee none will succeed on a tournament trail. So, the knowledge is offered before an asking. It's an essential, one of many not discussed here yet. If while attending elementary school we only learned about what we asked about, we'd have not been educated. We at least need to respect input from guys like Tom. He's proven. I respect him greatly. I'm thankful he takes time to do what he does. If a member here reads something he didn't already know, some reply ought to be offered. A "No Response" is taken as disinterest. Given sufficient disinterest the serious technical posters move on quietly, not much noticed for their absense. The board degrades into the morasse of most, a mainly social club of old friends that stayed.

As for the name of our place here, the only problem I've had with it is the site filtering issue. I can't get on at the Community College library, at work, or anywhere else with a content blocker. The "***holes" part isn't accepted. So, I have to wait till I get home. That's OK. It just limits my time here.

Jim

 

[imonembad]

Once again well said Jim, I like the info that I steal here, now that I no longer subscribe to any of the super catalog magizines. I learn something every day here, and I'm a basshole junkie.

 

[OTTER]

Well stated Jim. At times I find myself so "undereducated" about some techniques or so confused, I do not even know what questions to ask. I enjoy the social aspects of this board very much, but the meat and potatoes is in the knowledge and advice given to me freely by all those bassholes who are more experienced than I or have tried things that I have not even considered. If someone has something relivant, with or without a question being asked, I appreciate the information and from what others have said, they do too. So to all who share---THANK YOU!

Gary