Bass fishermen are an inventive breed. From jury rigging boats to finish a day on the water to modifying baits, they always seem to be working on a new idea to give them that extra competitive edge. To hear some of these innovative ideas, all you have to do is get a group of them talking at the weigh-in. Here’s a few of the most unusual items discussed at last week’s Bassmaster Open at the Red River.

Fish Care

Bassmaster Open Pro and owner of Ultimate Bucketmouth...

2010 has been one of the most frustrating years of my fishing career and last week’s Bassmaster Open at Smith Lake certainly fits that pattern. For the third Open this year, I’ve been on a bite that should have produced good strings and results at least high enough to get a check in each event. But once again, I’ve headed home with a mediocre finish after a week of high hopes.

This week’s problem was weather related, but that’s certainly no excuse. I was on a great swimbait bite,...

“That exactly the type of dock that we’re looking for”, I told my partner as I pitched my finesse worm about 3 feet under the front corner. “And that’s the kind of fish we’re looking for”, I said as I set the hook on our 15th fish of the day. We’re fishing Ross Barnett and it’s mid April in Mississippi so the spawn is mostly over and the fish are out guarding fry. It’s the kind of day that’s perfect for teaching an aspiring fisherman and that’s exactly the game plan for today.

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It’s time to start my prep work for the first Bassmaster Open on Lake Amistad. Up until last weekend, I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to go since the new boat won’t be ready in time, but thanks to a friend’s generosity, I have a boat to use, so I paid my balance and now it’s time to start thinking about how I plan on catching them.

Some folks think that all that’s necessary for one of these events is to load up your stuff and go out there and find them. And for guys like...

Even though it’s only February, it feels a lot like Christmas at my house. I’ve just ordered the new boat, so I’m getting all sorts of new stuff from UPS. Right now I’m sitting here, waiting on the big brown truck to bring the box from Lowrance, singing a song that goes something like “all I want for Christmas are my two new HDS units”. Fortunately for everyone around me, I’m only singing in my head.

While I’m waiting, I’m decided to spend a little time looking over the manuals...