Straight Up Fishing Angler Development Program sponsor Jersey has arrived. Looking forward to participating in my first BFL tournament on May 10th.

Mother Nature is really trying to hold on to winter up here. The water temp yesterday was 45. I hope everyone else is out there fishing.

We have heard BLat say a few times that he believes the cold water fish mouth seems harder than when the water is warm. While I’ve been touring the frigid northeast from my home warm waters in South and Central Florida, I have to say I completely agree. Not kissing butt. I’ve noticed it during hookset, especially on a jig and even release. It is an adjustment. BTW: the layers required to keep myself warm is insane!!!

Hello Everyone wanted to get in here and introduce myself, my name is Fred, I’ve been seeing all the comments and lives but haven’t really had the time to lock in but I’m taking time for myself now wanna get on here and meet the SUF community and learn from everyone and get better and gro. I’m really good friends well I’ll just say family with Chris and Destiny some of the best humans on the planet !!! Lastly I love to catch em !!!

I’m at a tournament this week. Anyone else fishing a tournament this weekend?

I went practicing for a club tournament this weekend. We're fishing a clear lake which isn't too common in Texas. Given the time of yr and water temps, my mindset was to fish shallow while looking for beds. I went a few hours with no bites. While scanning a pocket I noticed a lot of bait. Dropped the trolling motor and saw that the fish were on bait and got my 1st clue. I then went to other pockets and ran that pattern.... I've definitely got a game plan going into Saturday.

Alright so I have some questions which may have already been covered if so I’m sorry. However so when going out fishing especially before a tournament. I have went and prefeished for two tournaments. Found one fish the day before and then then next tournament I went out to practice and found four. I feel like im just a bit lost when it comes to launching the boat to locating fish any tips are much appreciated! I feel as if experience just behind the wheel will work this issue out. I have a tournament next Saturday and so far I have held off in these tournaments since I still have that “lost” feeling of when I launch the boat and get that first bite which sometimes just seems like it takes WAY to long to get especially if I’m going to fish tournaments.

So on alot of the lives/round tables i got asked what an above a shot is so here is a picture and a break down

I use a heavy dock skipping rod usually 7ft 7’6

65 pound braid (any decent flipping stick will work)

3/0 straight shank flipping hook tied palomer with the line back through just like a drop shot then I will take and put a bobber stop on the tag line end..

Next I usually use a 3/8 to a 3/4 oz bullet weight (Depending on depth/cover) .. and on the end I use a swivel tied on by a another palomer knot (so the weight will not come off and helps with line twist) then I let the weight rest on the swivel, run the bobber stop to the bottom of the weight to peg it..

I use this In areas where it is extremely heavy cover but I still want some finesse or when the bottom is muddy/gunk..

just a different approach to flipping heavy cover to keep bait suspended.. lure of choice is a Zman fatty z most of the time but experiment.. (works best in muddy to stained water)

The smallies are on bed on South Holston! Water temp was 53