Co-angler: The boater is not a guide. He’s fishing his tournament and you are fishing yours. Try not to complain about where you’re fishing or your not catching any fish. As a co. We have to learn to fish in any situation, but I think it’ll make you a better fisherman! Also you paid your money to fish so don’t let him bully you! 1: when you get the text the night before you’ll get your boaters name and number, and your take off number. When you call him don’t chit chat to much. I ask when where, if we are fishing deep or shallow. Also find out what color his rig is so you can find him the next morning. 2: if you don’t feel comfortable backing the boat in the water let your boater know, if he has a problem with that it’s his problem. If you are good backing it in then do it. 3: when you are getting things ready there’s not really a rule of how many rods you bring but from experience if you bring over five rods it gets to be a pain in the rear keeping them untangled and in order, and you get one compartment in there boat don’t bring a bunch of tackle bags and lunchboxes. Try to bring everything you need in one bag and if it’s to big to go in his compartment then you’ll be holding it while your flying down the lake jumping wake’s. Most tackle bags will fit in them just be careful about bringing a duffel bag. 4: respect his boat. Do your best to clean your shoes. And try to keep your equipment organized. 5: Don’t get discouraged when fishing in the back of the boat. You can’t make your cast in front of the console all your casting needs to be the back half of the boat. And the boater is going to position the boat best for him. I have some more I’ll add. I had a emergency and had to drive back to Arkansas. I’ll add what we talked about in the round table. BRING YOUR OWN LIFE JACKET

This is something new I’m trying. A lot of you are already on it!!! Keep it up!

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)

I would like to nominate Ricky Taylor. First off if you serve this country then you deserve everything this country can give you back. Secondly i would like to see a kayak guy get to go in a boat lol.

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

Good evening SUF Family.

I’d like to nominate my fellow Straight Up Fishing School classmate and friend, Mack Toon, for the fishing trip with Brian Latimer.

Mack has been a true asset to this community from day one. Whether it’s answering questions, giving honest feedback, or sharing tips that actually work, he’s always showing up and helping others. You’ll find him in every live class, fully engaged and contributing to the conversation.

What really sets Mack apart is his willingness to give back. He drove over two hours just to help me out at my very first fishing tournament, no questions asked. That speaks volumes about the kind of person he is. And let’s not forget that legendary junk fishing class he led. If you were there, you know exactly what I mean. It was packed with knowledge and straight-up fire.

Mack doesn’t do it for attention, he does it because he genuinely wants to see others win. That’s the kind of energy this community thrives on, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this opportunity.

Let’s get Mack on that boat with B-Lat!

I know we all want to get to our fishing spots and get to catching them, but one of the things that seems to be less talked about is water/boat safety. Keep your head on a swivel and always pay attention to your surroundings.

Level rods have arrived and will be ready for the fishing retreat. Can’t wait!!😀🎣😀

It’s only 5 inches of snow so far. Cleaning the truck off, who is in for fishing? 🎣🤔