Tuesday, December 16, 2014

The Evolution of our Sport

   I have been wanting to write on this for some time and have withheld due to the never ending thoughts I have on the subject.  Bass fishing continues to be a hugely popular sport, but recent trends have it growing at an awkward rate.  The interest level outside the standard demograpic has gained, especially in non-traditional markets.  However, interest in some traditional areas has lagged.  Maybe it's marketing, maybe it's social media, maybe cost, or maybe it's something else.  Whatever it is, make no mistake that people with no interest in fishing now understand what it is and many who fully understand it are losing interest.  Along with this are some alarming trends, some of which I hope we don't lose out on.

Recent Trends
   Social media is largely responsible for much of the gains, with participation increasing in such applications as Facebook and Twitter.  But what is behind it?  Is it the connections, networking, maybe the potential for notoriety?  Maybe, but I'm not buying it.  Participation in most of our circuits seems to lag.  Yes, BASS and FLW continue to have significant participation numbers, but many team circuits have folded.  Others are merging, many are having to re-invent themselves to stay relevant.  So where is the growth?

Youth Infusion
   Interest in College and High School fishing teams is skyrocketing.  States like Illinois and Kentucky are leading the way in high school participation.  These states along with others now have programs as part of their state athletic associations.  They see the value of strong participation in what has long been considered a family sport, as well as a new scholarship path to Universities eager to recruit.  Both organization groups are garnering significant sponsor commitments.  And why is this?  One possible answer?  Parent and mentor involvement.  Our society is one in which we value children's needs, desires and wants over our own.  Notice I didn't say our children, I specifically meant all children.  This can be a good thing, like groups and individuals that target special needs kids.  I am increasingly reading stories about individuals making sacrifices to get kids outdoors, and I never get tired of reading about it.  I also know several people who want to get more involved, not just with kids but also with groups like disabled vets.  Additionally, many parents are forgoing their own aspirations in order to provide a path to participate, and many of our state agencies are taking notice since these are future license holders. 

Negatives
   While participation numbers are increasing, that participation is regional.  Many areas are lacking resources, access to waterways is limited or restricted and some still lack interested mentors and leaders.  Cost is another factor.  Our sport continues to escalate in cost while funding shrinks.  This is most apparent at the highest levels, but fully visible even locally.  It is difficult, if not nearly impossible to participate on a self funded budget when transportation and equipment costs continue to rise.  An Opens angler can expect to spend roughly 8 to 10 thousand dollars to participate in a single three tournament division.  How do we expect recent college grads to afford this, especially when competitors with established careers can't?  Add to this that many high school and college teams are self funded, often relying on family to provide trip expenses, and we can see where it is heading. 

Re-Invention
   Recent successes such as the Lee brothers, Carl Jocumsen and Ken Iyobe qualifying for the Elites are creating new excitement on the collegiate and international stage.  Add to this a new path to the Classic by way of the Team Championship and we have a recipe for new and sustained growth. 

   So what does all this mean?  How does it affect me?  It depends on what you hope to gain or lose.  If you are a casual angler and could care less, you may lose, you may win.  It is easy to set back and let others do the work.  If you do care and want to have influence over how the sport evolves, get involved.  Even if you disapprove of certain aspects, your participation can influence such outcomes as improved angler access, improved fisheries and maybe reduced costs.  It may also mean the difference in a young persons life.  Maybe your child, grandchild or neighbor will one day desire to participate?  Whichever, one thing is for certain.  This sport will evolve and our influence can and will ensure that it remains for not only our future, but also for generations to come.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

2014 Season Wrapup

Thank you to MOMAN Lures, Okuma Fishing and McKinney Custom Tackle.  

     Well, 2014 is in the books.  I'd like to say it was wildly successful, but that would be a stretch.  However, I can say it was still a good year and there are several positives.  Overall, I finished 56th in points in the Bassmaster Central Division this year.  This is out of over 200 anglers that participated, so I was roughly in the 25th percentile.  Absolutely NOT where I wanted (and nothing like 2013), but it's still a good start for my first year in the Pro Division.
Waiting in bag line

     So, what was good about it?  Let me start by listing what was bad.  First, my year started with a boat issue.  Four holes in my gas tank at Amistad left me in a frazzled state.  I won't revisit how that happened, but none the less, it happened.  I was able to get a temp fix, followed by a permanent one after the first event.  However, it haunted me all year.  Couple this with a small tank (32 gallons) and I found myself wondering if I had enough gas at every event.  It definitely affected how I fished, by influencing where I went.  I never felt comfortable making long runs, since the thought of getting back nagged me all day.  Secondly, on the water decision making cost me.  I made good decisions on the water at every event, just always too late in the day.  I was too stubborn trying to make something work, that I didn't give myself enough time.
    Now what was good.  My preparation was spot on and my practices were great.  I quickly found fish at every event and put together a solid game plan.  I carefully managed bites to only catch a few early in practice (to gauge size) and then to shake off in the official practice.  I was even able to change tactics as the event unfolded, just always too late (as mentioned earlier).  Bottom line, my preparation was good, my execution not so.

   How do I adjust next year?  I tweak the plan.  First off, I sold my boat.  I am in the process of getting a new one, a must to eliminate the gas situation.  Secondly, I'm adjusting my practice slightly.  I plan to do a lot more driving next year, planning my daily runs to include my planned strategy as well as (more importantly) new areas that are similar to what I found fish on.  Lastly, I am changing my strategy.  Too often I went after the better than average fish first instead of concentrating on the limit fish.  I have to reverse this as not filling your limit is crushing.  Yes, if I had caught a limit of the fish I targeted, I would have been in a different position.  However, I didn't and that was costly.
   So, what's next?  I want to expand to fish the Southern Division as well as the Central Division.  If you look at the most successful anglers on the circuit you find two common links. 
   * First, they fish multiple divisions.  The more tournaments fished allow an angler the ability to adapt quicker and be successful faster.  As a good friend put it, the first couple of years is like going to college.  There is a learning curve every time you step up a level.  The Bassmaster Opens are nothing like most large regional tournaments.  The competition is stiff with not only the areas best sticks, but also multiple Bassmaster Elite anglers including legends of the sport.  Add to that the intense pressure a fishery gets with that many quality anglers over a week of practice and the bite is tough. 
   * Second, funding is critical.  Most of the truly successful anglers have sponsors that provide entry fee and expense support.  This support may be self generated by owning a business, family support or representative (sponsored by an organization).  Some even have more than one of the types of support.  Bottom line, this level of competition is expensive and the better funded anglers usually outperform the less funded.  Equipment matters and so does the mentality associated with it. 

So that's about it.  A good start and a solid foundation to build on. 


Until the next time, good fishing and God Bless!

Thursday, September 18, 2014

The Value of a Sponsored Angler



                All across the United States, thousands of anglers gear up, prepare boats and spend significant money to pursue their passion.  The fire burns bright, igniting a drive to pursue an elusive creature for a simple chance to reach a goal.  The goal may be small, local or regional; the goal may be large, semi-national or national.  Regardless, the result is the same.  Anglers will spend time and money to fish, especially to compete.  In this quest, competing anglers travel countless miles driving a vehicle, towing a boat.  Gas is bought, food consumed, rooms rented, tackle purchased and entries paid.  Many outside the angling community view this as the circumference of the fishing industry, but this view falls short of reality.

                These same consumers (anglers) also own homes, small business; they support families, have friends and build social networks within their communities and beyond.  Many are very visible in the public domain.  They visit with strangers at gas stations, stores, restaurants and more.  They are often approached, queried about their rigs, the fishing, and especially logo’s if displayed.  Many will influence purchases and even attract others to specific brands.  Regardless, they make their presence known wherever they visit.  This angler, the competing one, is a perfect fit to represent a brand.

                It’s obvious what a sponsor offers an angler, financial support.  This can be anything from paid entry fees or expenses to equipment.  But what does the angler offer a sponsor?  In its simplest form; exposure, brand awareness, advertising.  This isn’t limited to companies in the fishing industry though.  Any company (brand) can benefit from the competing angler.  

                So how does it work?  The most common form is a vehicle and/or boat wrap coupled with additional media such as clothing and logos (graphics) for social media, web sites, business cards and more.  Sound expensive? Not really.  The competing angler can offer significant exposure for a fraction of a medium advertising budget.  Advertising is expensive, newspapers and magazines charge hefty fees, billboards are costly and television is, well, almost cost prohibitive.  All of these offer static brand exposure.  The biggest benefit of a wrap; however, is in the fluid nature of travel.  A billboard that migrates through cities, across states and visits demographics that may not normally see the media has tremendous benefit.  So how is this different than wrapping corporate cars and trucks?  The boat!  If you have ever travelled with a fully rigged tournament bass boat you know the boat elicits looks, people strain to see it.  They walk to it, look at it and ask questions about it.  Now imagine the boat is fully wrapped.   So is that the full extent?  Absolutely not, the best part is the angler has a vested interest and offers something a static ad cannot, a voice.  Every question is an opportunity to explain the brand, product or service.  The value goes beyond traditional advertising.

                So is that it?  Is it simply advertising and money making a partnership?  Of course it’s not.  There are many additional considerations in play.  Not only are added requirements possible, such as event attendance and representation, but serious attention must be paid to the match.  Not every angler is a match for every company.  Careful attention is required to ensure an angler’s values match the company’s values.  A rude, inattentive angler can sabotage just as effectively.  
  
                In summary, what is the value of a sponsored angler?  It’s large market exposure on a relatively small budget.  Whether you are in marketing or an angler looking to add a sponsor to your resume, consider a partnership on the advertising highway.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

2013 Conagra Foods United Way drive Harlan County Trip Winners.

This has been a little time coming, but....
Jordan

CONGRATULATIONS to Jordan Limmer. 

Jordan was the recipient of the 2014 Auction trip benefiting the United Way.  The trip was auctioned in the 2013 United Way drive sponsored through Conagra Foods.  The young men were my guests for a day trip fishing for largemouth on Harlan County Reservoir, including overnight accommodations and a great steak dinner!










It was a bonus to find Jordan is a member of the University of Nebraska Omaha Bass fishing team.  I look forward to following his year as he competes at the college level.

The guys caught several fish and even ended the day on a double.  A special thanks to Moman Lures and McKinney custom tackle for providing samples.  The guys got a crash course in flipping tubes and did an impressive job.

It's always fun to meet new friends and share the boat for a day.  Congratulations fellas!





Friday, May 16, 2014

Mid Season Report

Well, so far this year has been mediocre.  Average finishes at every event (65th of 166, 98th of 182 and a 58th I believe of 160).  The weather has been a killer for me, as I found fish in every event only to get swindled by changing conditions.  The good part is that at every event I made the right decision and adjusted correctly.  The bad is that I didn't recognize and change early enough (trying to grind it out).  Decisions are the difference, especially at the Open level.  These guys (and Gals) are too good.  Someone(s) will always make the right decision and catch a good sack.  You have to match that and get enough just to stay in contention. 

With 2 events remaining, at least, I still have hope.  Although my goals have changed slightly, I still have a lot to fish for.  A top 50 finish is a must in the Opens.  It secures priority entry and makes it easier for next season.  I am currently sitting in 72nd, so a good finish at the Arkansas can salvage the season.  Additionally, I still have two options at making the Classic.  I feel good about my chances at Muskogee since I won the Co-angler title last year.  I learned how to fish the river and what it takes to do well there.  Yes, conditions will be different; however, the type of fishing doesn't change only the places. 

Before that though, is the 2014 B.A.S.S. Nation Central Divisional on Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma.  A qualification at the Divisional will put me in Nationals this October and another chance at the Classic.  So to write off this season is a big mistake.  I am planning even harder, prepping better (I hope) and excited as I am more comfortable fishing the summer conditions we will experience.

On another note, congratulations to Jordan Limmer of the UNO Bass fishing team.  Jordan is the recipient of a guided trip on Harlan County Reservoir via last years United Way auction at Conagra Foods.  I will follow-up on my next post with pictures from the trip.

I also want to say a big "Thank You" to Moman Lures, McKinney Custom Tackle (402-301-5987) and Okuma.  Moman Tubes, Custom jigs and cranks from Chris McKinney and my Okuma gear have been instrumental in salvaging my season so far.

Til next time, good fishing and God Bless.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Set-up on Harlan

Finally got the boat back and nice to be on the water.  Spent a couple of hours fishing with my daughter on Harlan County Reservoir.  First time this year, and things are beginning to get started.  Two bass in two hours, a 3 and this 4 1/2. 

Caught both on a custom football jig from McKinney custom tackle (blue pumpkin).  Water temps hovering near 50 with a slight stain to the water.  Harlan is going to be good this year.  Water levels are down, but that is good (historically) for catch rates.

As for the gear, I am throwing two main setups this year. Okuma C3-40x Concept rods paired with either Okuma Serrano or Shimano Curado casting reels and Cabela's new Tournament ZX rods paired with Cabela's ZX or Okuma Krios casting reels.  This particular rod/reel is an Okuma C3-40x heavy Jig rod paired with a Curado and spooled with Seaguar 15lb InvizX flourocarbon.  This is the ideal jig setup as everything is in sync.  Smooth, light, sensitive and a breeze to set the hook and land quality fish.  I also threw a bladed jig on a Tournament ZX paired with a Krios.  That, my friends, is a pairing where 2 manufacturers couldn't have matched any better.  More on that later as I plan a full review after the upcoming Bassmaster Central #2 on the Red River.

Final thoughts, when gearing up with new rods and reels buy as much as you afford.  Not quantity, but quality.  It doesn't matter what brand you prefer, we all have our own preferences.  However, with every brand, you do get what you pay for.  Higher cost items usually have better materials and last much longer.  Having said that, many manufacturers make very good mid range gear.  Just keep in mind, you will need to maintain this gear more often.  I give all my reels a thorough cleaning once a year (complete diss-assembly) and partial cleaning monthly.  If they get especially dirty, like fishing through heavy rainstorms, I'll completely clean them mid-season.  A little TLC goes a long way.

So til next time, God Bless and Good Fishing!

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Is it spring yet?

The last month has been particularly difficult.  Not from a performance standpoint nor from expectations.  This is simply from a lifestyle standpoint.  Imagine your life revolves around an activity that provides stability, now imagine that activity being placed just out of reach.  That has been my reality since Amistad.  I dropped my boat off shortly after returning home and I am still without (replacing a gas tank in a boat is not as simple as it sounds).  Yes, this winter has been especially difficult with the extreme cold; however, I have not had the opportunity to escape as my friend (my boat) has been missing.  Fishing (Bass fishing) is my sanity!  My life revolves around the pursuit of a not so little green fish.  This is why I pursue the dream, life as a touring professional. 

Now don't accuse me of wallowing in my sorrows.  I am not, repeat NOT, complaining.  Just providing some insight.  This is a sport that anyone can pursue, anyone can excel, but only a few can obtain.  There are countless anglers across this great country capable of catching big bass.  Many of these anglers can repeat that success on foreign waters and many can win tournaments or guide successfully.  But few have the qualities necessary to succeed at the professional level.

How do you know you possess the right traits?  What does it take?  I have found it takes 3 things.  Not 10, not 1, but THREE!

1)  SKILLSET:  This is more than just the ability to cast, select the right lure or the ability to read water.  This is the complete package.  Yes, you need the raw skills and these anyone can learn.  We live in the information age and anyone can read, listen, research and develop (through experience) the ability to successfully find and catch fish.  You need the "attitude".  You live it, you breathe it, you obsess over it.  You're willing to work extreme hours, endure physical and mental pain, desire to go out in the worst weather (notice I said desire, not willing) and operate on a shoe string budget.  You must be resilient, especially after a bad day, and know (not just believe) that you will get there. 

2)  SUPPORT:  NOT Financial, but rather emotional.  This is the kind of support you get from family, friends and colleagues.  Anglers seeking the highest level will experience the highest of highs and lowest of lows.  The highs are great and they are what sustain us through the difficult times.  However, the lows and how we handle them are what separates the great anglers from the good ones.  If you are a negative person or lack the kind of support network that can carry you, the lows may destroy any chance you have of succeeding.  Gerald Swindle said it best when he stated that "before you can learn how to win, you have to learn how to lose".  He elaborated by saying that you aren't judged by how you act when you win, but rather how you act when you lose.  No one wants to experience the lows, but having a strong support network can make or break you.  For me, I am blessed to have strong support from family (especially my wife), friends, colleagues and God. 

3)  OPPORTUNITY:  This is the most difficult of the three to find.  It is rarely in your control and and even more rarely presents itself.  Opportunity is most often the part where most anglers fail.  You can be good, even great but either pass on the chance, miss it or most importantly, not be prepared for it.  You must have 1 and 2 before you get 3.  When it presents itself, you have to seize it.  For some, this may happen more than for others.  If you are blessed to have good connections through work, friends, family or location, you may get more chances.  If not, you may get 1 or 2 chances or maybe none.  That is the inherent risk we all take.

So that is my take.  Do I have what it takes?  Yes!  Will I get there?  I believe so, otherwise why pursue it?  This is why the last 2 months have been difficult.  Have I fished?  Yes, from the bank.  Have I enjoyed it?  Absolutely!  Any fishing is enjoyable, though I prefer to get out in the boat (especially early when the shallow bite is dicey).  I have organized and re-organized my gear countless times, watched everything I can find on TV, DVD, the internet and so on.  So if your like me, get out and re-establish some sanity.
 
Thank goodness, I pick up my boat in a couple of days.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Amistad in Review - Day2


Alright, let's get this wrapped up.  I have had issues getting the video loaded as my internet is pathetic.  I am at .8 Mbps and that's it.  The price for living rural.  I will add the video next week when I'm in the office, no issues there.
Staging for launch on day 1

Now, back to Amistad.  Day one was very challenging, but I felt I still had a punchers chance.  The big fish that I found in practice were still there, and the forecast for Friday was 60 and sunny.  I decided that I would go for the big sack and commit to the run regardless of the outcome.  I don't know if it was gut's or stupidity, but either way I felt I needed 20 pounds to get back in contention.  Cow Creek was the only place I found that gave me that chance.  I put 20 pounds in the boat in less than an hour in practice, and I was only searching! 

After arriving in the creek, I noticed the water temp was still similar to Thursday, hovering at 49.  Within the first hour, I stuck number one on a Picasso bait ball swimming the rig through suspended fish on the side of tapering point.  I could see the fish suspended in 15-25 feet of water near suspended baitfish.  I keyed on them by positioning out and casting to the edge of the drop or ledge, slow rolling the rig off the drop.  I spent the majority of my day moving back and forth between the two arms, keying on drops that had suspended fish.  I did manage to hook up a large Tilapia (foul hooked) and two large Stripers.  Unfortunately, Stripers don't count and the Bass never responded.  I finished the day relocating to a creek channel swing and trying to get bit on a football jig.  One bite on the jig, but I failed to get a hook up.

Cris Bowes is gracious to allow us to thank sponsors

Winner's Patterns:

In retrospect, I had found the same thing the leaders had found.  Creek channel's with baitfish and a defined ledge.  The leader's; however, had a slightly different approach.  I had keyed into the fish relating to the ledge, and positioned my retrieve to fall with the drop.  The leader's keyed on the channel bottom, casting into the channel at the base of the ledge, letting their rigs get to the bottom and then slow rolling the rig along the bottom.  So often, you can get 99% figured out and miss the 1% key detail that closes the deal.

Am I disappointed?  Of course, but I also know that my research was correct, my practice was good, and I had found what I needed.  Execution was the key to my finish.  I am not; however, disappointed in my decision to go for it.  Yes, I could have used the points with a higher finish and a check would have been satisfying.  However, if you don't roll the dice, a win is difficult to obtain.


I want to again mention MoMan Lures, Okuma and McKinney Custom Tackle.




If you are in need of Tubes, jigs, custom painted baits or rods and reels, check out their gear.

Thanks, God bless and good fishing.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Amistad in Review - PreTournament and Day1

First, let me apologize for the tardiness of this post.  I have been swamped since getting back and have had no time to get this out.  I have a ton of content, so this will be post one of several.  I want to start out by thanking everyone for the well wishes.  My phone went nuts on Facebook and texts (that is a good thing), and I appreciate all the comments.  Also, I was unable to get anything posted from Del Rio, but that was more a factor of the poor internet.  The WiFi was unstable and the data (Verizon) was practically non-existent.

Secondly, I want to mention MoMan Lures, Okuma and McKinney Custom Tackle.
Check out the products.  I have been fishing Moman Tubes since the nineties, save the last two years.  I am really excited to have them available going into the next two opens as they will have an impact there.  Chris at McKinney Custom Tackle can put together anything you want.  His jigs are top notch, and he'll build your design with hook choice, head style, skirt material and colors, etc.  If you can think it, he'll build it.

 PRE-TOURNAMENT PERSPECTIVE:


 As for the tournament, this was a mixed bag of emotions.  I prepared well, and my plan worked as expected.  It started out rough as I had a gas tank issue.  I lost the first day and a half getting a temporary fix.  I want to thank Manuel and his son at Amistad Lake Sports.  When everyone told me they couldn't fix it, Manuel said they could get me on the water and keep me there safely through the week.  
PRACTICE:
He was right, although for precautions I half-tanked it.  This did limit me as I stretched 15 gallons a day as far as I could, but it prevented me from going farther or running to much.  I targeted the first deep water adjacent to spawning areas.  My best area was up Cow Creek where I found 2 ditches that transitioned onto a flat.  I caught fish from keepers up to a nine.  I spent the next day trying to duplicate this around the lake, then the remaining days finding main lake backup areas that I could fall back on for a keeper or two.  We caught fish every day, I say we as my son pre-fished with me and fished the tournament on the co-angler side.  I had a solid pattern, had located the right fish and really thought the weather would help.  What I didn't expect was the severity of the cold front. 

DAY ONE:
The water temp dropped 5 degree's by the first morning and I fought ice (like everyone else), having to de-ice my reel and guides every cast until 2 PM.  Who would think the high for the day on the Mexico border would be 32!  Brrrrr!!!!!!  My primary water was shut down, but I tried everything from downsizing to slowing down and going deeper (maybe not deep enough).  I did scramble at the end of the day to manage a 7lb 12oz beauty.  That was good enough for 30th place after day one and a solid position, only 3 - 4 pounds out of the cut.  That fish was caught on a Picasso bait ball with Zoom Swimming Fluke Jr's. on the last channel swing outside a large spawning flat.  
My son had a great first day as he was paired with a pro, Cody Greaney, that had found a spring with stable water temps.  He worked a McKinney Custom football jig for a 3 fish limit that put him in 6th.  I really want to thank Cody as he embodies the ideal professional angler.  We as professional anglers need to remember that our co-anglers are not competing against us, but they are competing.  Cody gave Justin opportunities by positioning the boat in a manner that benefited Justin as well as himself.  Equally, kudo's to Justin for adjusting to the moment and changing tactics to get his fish. 

So that is Pre-tournament and Day 1.  I will expound upon this in future posts.  I also will mention that I was really impressed with the Tournament ZX rods from Cabela's and the Krios reels from Okuma.  I will add a review in the near future.

Note:  I have video available and will edit this post when I can get it loaded.  I am having issues with bandwidth and loading large video files.


God Bless and good fishing!
David


 

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Dawn of a New Season

The time has come.  A new year, a new season and the promise of another day.  Every season starts full of hopes, full of dreams, full of promise.  Mine is no different, but I want to start with a dedication. 

I am dedicating this year, my effort, my preparation to the loving memory of my mother and father.  We lost two precious people to cancer, my father in 2003 and my mother in 2012.  Both were proud supporters of my dream.  A parents love for their child is unending and a child's love remains, perseveres, in memory and reflection.  I miss you both.

The 2014 season begins with a bang.  I have spent countless hours researching, analyzing, planning.  Amistad is the land of giants, a new journey, a new friend.  I have prepared a solid game plan and am ready to start.  This year I will represent Moman Lures, McKinney Custom Tackle and Okuma Fishing.  Additionally, I will be adding video segments to the blog.  These will include on the water action from each event in practice and competition.  I hope to bring a little of the excitement back to share. 


I will provide updates during the next 10 days, hopefully including some video.  I doubt I'll have a lot of time to edit, so the clips will be fairly raw.  After the event I'll include the tournament recap along with my pre-recorded thoughts.  I doubt they'll agree, but as long as the final adjustment is successful, I'll be happy.

So for now, wish me luck, say a prayer and I'll report back soon.

God Bless and Good Fishing!
 

Monday, January 6, 2014

Updates Coming Soon

It's 2014 and the year is starting off with a bang.  I am trying to finalize my agreements for next year and will get the list up soon.  I am looking for a video blog title, so if anyone has suggestions, please respond. 

I am hoping to have the first installment of the video series up by next week.  It will be a season preview of the venues I will be visiting this year.  My plan is to offer something not usually seen, by creating planning entries to be posted after each event.  The planning clips will cover my thoughts about how I prepared for each event.  This will give everyone (including myself) an opportunity to compare my pre-tournament strategies with post-tournament results.  Each post-tournament video will include on the water footage, techniques from the top finishers (from a competitors perspective) and a breakdown of the lake.

Additionally, I will be posting reviews of equipment I am using during practice and the tournament.  First in line is the all new Tournament ZX rods from Cabela's paired with Tournament ZX and Okuma Krios reels.  The rods have a ton of potential and I have had several questions and comments about them already.  I have everything from flipping, jigging, swimbait, drop shot and cranking rods and Amistad should provide plenty of opportunities to get a good feel with each.

So stay tuned and check back soon.

God bless and see you on the water!