.: Latest Tournament News

I just fished the #2 BASS OPEN at The Red River in Shreveport. I spent about 3-5 hours a day for 4 days practicing. I didn't get much time during the official practice because of travel issues. It took me a while to figure out what was going on with the fish and find the right bait. I caught some very good fish in practice, one was at least a 6 and I have the pic to prove it. I was on an easy 12-15 pounds in practice and was pretty confident going into the tournament day.

I was a pretty late boat which actually wasnt bad because no one was on my spot when I rolled in. Caught a few small ones right away and had some bites that I didn't commit too because I thought I was on better fish. My Co-Angler fired to the front and stuck 6 pounds pretty fast. I was a little disappointed but I still figured I had the fish. I knew they were dropping the river but the mud started to move in. That confused me, but it turned out they were dumping water in and releasing so it really ruined the fishing. Either way I was getting the fish I was just an idiot and didn't keep after those fish. At about 1:00 I broke my trolling motor cable. I had a 3:45 check-in so I ran back to get it fixed. There was some miscommunications with the guy onsite for repairs. So I lost the rest of the day.

Next day I went to Mcdades and caught a 3 pretty fast. Had a few more bites and ended up losing a 4.5 at the boat. I reached down to grab him and bam I dont know if the hook broke or what. What I learned this Tournament was you stick any fish you can then worry about culling. I made HUGE Mistakes. I screwed up boat positioning, I didn't keep after keepers, I bought a stowmaster net. I broke 2 nets before they ever saw a fish. I have No idea what happened I opened them up and snap. Total Trash Do NOT Buy a Stowmaster they are junk. Either way this tournament was a huge learning event for me. I had the fish to make the top 30 again. This time I frittered it away. So if you are reading this learn from me. I know it seems simple to catch all the fish you see, but I was thinking I was on 2+, I never caught a fish smaller than 2.5 in practice. I didn't think keepers would do it. I was 1000% wrong. I saw 5-6 fish that if I had put in the boat I would have made the top 30. Again, I had NO chance to win but I had a shot and it seems I just cannot connect. Yeah I had some mechanical issues again which had plagued me all year. That is NO excuse I just blew it.

I need to Thank:Stay-N-Charge and The BASS Support crews and staff. Dan at Shimano, thanks a million, your ideas were spot on and if I had just excuted I would have made you proud.

.: Thank you!