Warmer weather and rain has finally opened up quite a bit of water here in Indiana. To the south, reports I'm getting are that about everything is free and clear. Here in central Indiana, it seems to be hit or miss. Many of the waters that are open are running muddy, which isn't a good thing either. Still, open water means the local reports can begin, and we can all wean ourselves off of the Newton stuff :)
The first big "Indiana" bass pic I've received came in from Sam Lentz who stated, "The ice finally moved off one of our favorite farm ponds last night and we headed out to see if we could connect with any fish. Apparently this winter pig wanted some of that red trap. It’s the first 5 lbs.+ farm pond bass of this year and hopefully a sign of what’s to come. There’s nothing like going out after a day of school and setting the hook on a big Indiana bass."
Jacob and I made it out, braving the cold weather and freezing guides for a crack at some bass on the local reservoir, 75% of which is ice free. Water temps were running right at 39 degrees, with clear water towards the dam and more stained water as we moved up lake. We didn't catch anything like Sam's fish above, but we still managed 3 largemouth from the icy waters. One came on a SPRO McStick jerkbait, one off a LC Pointer jerkbait, and the third on a small jig.
It was also the maiden voyage for the tin machine, and I'm happy to report that everything went well. Trailer lights still work, the tires weren't flat, the "big" engine started without tto much difficulty, all the depth finders powered up and ran fine, and I didn't forget to launch without putting in the drain plug - a pretty damn successful trip, I'd say.
More crappy weather in tonight and for the next few days, but things should only get better as we get closer to March. If you get out and want to share any reports with the readers, feel free to e-mail the site and give us the scoop. And if you catch any big fish, be sure to send along a pic so we can share it with everyone.
18 Pounds - Take it or leave it?
What happens when you get three really good sticks sitting around bored on a slow night at the Boat, Sport & Travel Show? You get "what if" games like the following.
So, as it was explained to me, these guys got on the subject of fishing team tournaments, when someone made the comment that they thought they'd be able to catch 18 pounds or so in a given event. That prompted some querying about 18 pounds not being much weight. One thing lead to another, and the final question became, "if the tourney director spotted you 18 pounds in any Indiana team tournament to keep your boat on the trailer and just take your chances, do you accept the offer or refuse?" I answered without hesitation when I was told the question over the phone - hell ya'. Turns out of the other 3 guys, one would accept and two wouldn't. Interesting, and something easily tested.
So I ran the numbers in this "what if" scenario using 2010 statistics for every Got2LoveIt team and open tourney, plus all Hoosier Open events, both team and seniors divisions, plus all respective Classics. The answer is in the chart to the left (click for larger image).
If you chose not to fish all year and just accept a weight of 18 pounds even on any given tourney day in any major team tournament, you would have cleared over $33,000 in winnings. You'd have won half the events, finished in the top 3 in almost 90% of them, and cashed a check in every single event entered. This also includes 2 Classic wins and one 2nd place finish.
So, the numbers are what they are. Do what you want. But if you're ever given the opportunity to sit on 18 pounds without catching or weighing a fish here in Indiana, the smart money says you better grab that deal and just help the tourney director out for the rest of the day :)
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