Lake Norman, Norman'd me again. Couldn't find a decent morning bite but found a great afternoon deep bite on scope. Then came home to a new dog #sharpei dad

Had a nice day on Lanier today, while it was windy most of the day I was able to catch a few nice ones using the techniques we have been talking about. The Brian Ned Rig kit, and Carolina Rig were successful. Caught a nice one on a brush pile with the good ole drop shot. Unfortunately while practicing to use the Ketch board for measurement and picture, he decided to take a leap back in the water - I had a good laugh. The wake boat passing did not help, juz sayn. I guess putting the board in your lap on the kayak is not a good idea 😀. Lesson learned!

(Blog post)

'32nd of 37 and Proud of It!

Most of you know I work here for SUF, but I am also here to learn with you all.

Yesterday I fished a tournament here in Ohio and placed 32nd of 37. Believe it or not, I walked away so HAPPY. Some of you might think that sounds crazy, but this tournament was different. I actually set out to compete. Not with anyone else but myself.

Admittedly, summer fishing has never been my favorite. Fishing in Ohio is already hard, but summertime? Big oof. That's a whole different level of hard. This is what I've told myself for the last 10 years I've been bass fishing, but this time I wanted it to be different.

 So, I took the following steps:

1) Watch all the videos I could about summer fishing and tournaments here on SUF. I literally watched them any free time I got.

2) Downloaded the apps recommended during the roundtable and studied the lake. I went with Navionics and Deep Dive.

3) I decided not to let the pressure of the tournament get to me like it usually does and went out to have fun like you all said I should.

The day of the tournament, I woke up, had a cup of coffee, and Chris and I headed to the lake. The only expectation I set for myself was to use what I learned, and I held on to Brian latimer 's words that every time you compete, it adds to your knowledge and experience.

The day started off great despite the fact that I was nervous, but I decided to trust myself and everything I've learned here.

1 hour in, I caught my first fish. She was strong, and fought hard. I was so excited! I thought to myself, "This was a good one!" reeled her in, and of course—a big ol' catfish.

All good! Skunk off the boat. 

2 hours in, I caught my first bass. 13.5, and I've never been so proud to hit 'submit catch.' A few minutes later, fish number 2 was reeled to the boat and came off. Fish 3 same thing. 🫠

Around 6 hours in I brought fish number 4 in, and of course, she flopped off the board before I could snap the photo.

The next several hours flew, and not a single bite until 20 minutes before lines in, an 11-incher picked up my shakey head, and I got it on the board and submitted it.

For the next hour I watched everyone's place number change as they updated their submissions. Most fish averaged 12-13 inches and the winnner brought in 75.75 inches. The tournament ended, and there I was. Number 32 and smiling the whole time.

Why? Because I figured out what I needed to do, and I could've had a limit. Which was more than I thought I would! I learned so much about myself, and like B said, the experience will add up. I realized I could do it. One day I might really place in the top 20% and maybe even win something. I mean, why not me? Also, why not YOU?!

Such a gift to be out there, and I always say, we only get so many casts in this lifetime and we have to make them count. I had so much fun out there, and I can't wait until the next one!

If you haven’t tried the Zman Willow vibe yet I recommend you try it. I used it today with a craw style trailer and caught a limit around lay downs. Slow rolling near the bottom.

Picked up my replica mount yesterday and she looks great!

Had the chance to meet up with Mack Toon in North Carolina yesterday for a kayak fishing trip, and I’ve got to say, the guy’s the real deal.

Mack doesn’t just catch big fish (and yeah, he landed another six-pounder like it was nothing), he makes the whole day better. Always teaching, always sharing, always making sure whoever he’s with is having a good time.

I walked away with new techniques, great memories, and a real appreciation for what Mack brings to the water. He’s the kind of angler the Straight Up Fishing community should know about, and honestly, one worth considering for future sponsorships.

Well finished 4th in our club tournament. I wish I would've taken pics, but it was hot!! Due to the heat they changed the bag limit to 3 fish. Finished with 8.95! Not bad for 1 day of practice a week ago lol.

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Lol didn’t we just have a round table on this.. then the guy who was hosting posted this fish today…. It is all okay we all make mistakes and overlook things.. I even had a 21 1/4 fish flop off the board into the water with Ricky Taylor watching me to see if I would freak out..

A couple of lake Erie smallies. One on a chatter bait and the other on a wacky rig. Both 1st for me. I've never caught a smallie on either of those bates before. SMH