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Launched the boat for the last time in 2014. Can't say we didn't go out swinging this year. Wasn't sure what to expect, what with the lake about 30% ice covered, but it turned out to be a better trip than I expected. Only 34 degrees when I launched, and 31 when I came off the water less than 3 hours later, but I managed to land 35 bass before calling it a day, all on a custom hair jig. Now we wait for ice-out this coming spring. Here are a couple pictures from the day...
I just wanted to again extend a 20% off offer to all your Big Indiana Bass followers for this holiday season (see attached flyer). Solar Bat has updated their website and is offering new signature models (Aaron Martens, Bill Dance, Realtree) this year.
I also wanted to send a photo from this past weekend at Geist. Father-in-law (Chris Poore) and I went for crappie. Ended up catching a nice mess of crappie along with 20+ bass, including this nice one.
Fish came out of 6-8ft of water on a large flat next to 20 ft.+ drop. Small grubs swimming just clear of weeds on 6lb test Berkley Fluorocarbon line.
Thank you,
Shane Rees
Tips for Wintertime Fishing
Avid bass fishermen don’t let snow, freezing weather, and chill factor keep them from pursuing their favorite fish. These winter warriors don’t watch TV as they sit by a warm fireplace. They dress properly for the weather, and gear up with light tackle for clear winter waters as well as heavy tackle for bass in brush or timber.
As for lures, they take everything they’ve got, and they stay with them for at least a dozen casts before switching.
Best baits should be ¼ to 2 ounce bucktail and soft-bodied jigs, weighted spinners, spoons, heavy weight floating/diving lures, and pork frog chunks on 5 aught hooks. Fish all of them deep and slow.
Try points, shallow coves bordering deep water, inflowing streams, deepwater timber, creek channels, and mid-lake structure.
Enjoy winter out in a bass boat.
Stay Warm This Winter With These Tips
Whether you’re fishing, hunting, hiking, camping or just walking around the neighborhood, knowing how to keep warm and dry can help you enjoy the outdoors during the beautiful winter season instead of sitting inside listening to the weatherman talk about the wind chill index.
Layer yourself with loose fitting clothing. This creates air spaces that trap heat, plus the layers can be quickly adapted to changing conditions and activities.
Choose clothing that wicks moisture away from you. It’s also a good idea to invest in GORE-TEX™ rainwear. Use mittens instead of gloves and use a thin liner sock under a thick wool sock.
Most importantly, wear something on your head. Most body heat is lost through the head, neck, and shoulders. Keep your head and trunk warm and your body will circulate blood to your feet and hands.
By Larry Whiteley, Host of the award-winning Outdoor World Radio
For more tips, go to basspro.com and click on Bass Pro Shops 1Source™ News & Tips
Hello, my name is Dwight Clunie and I am excited to announce that I have been selected to be the Indiana Bass FederationInvitational Trail Tournament Director for 2015. Kenny Swint, the previous director, has decided he wants to be on the fishing side of the tournaments. Under Kenny’s direction with generous sponsors, and with you the dedicated anglers and co-anglers, we have seen the IBF tournament trail grow over the years.
Here are the dates for 2015:
I recently ordered several jerkbaits since my current stash of newer baits was getting a little slim. One set of Lucky Craft Pointers made it in the mail Saturday, which was just in time to go fishing with them on Sunday. I pulled a brand new bait out of the package after lunch, and before tying it on, I had to make one quick change. What was that?
I pulled out some sandpaper and went to work on my brand new $16.00 bait. Why would you do such a thing to a new bait you just paid good money for? Take a look at the picture and you'll probably see pretty quickly. The new bait has a glaring orange belly, a bit too bright for my liking. The bait next to it is the finished product after going at that belly for about 5 minutes with a piece of 150 grit. Still a hint of orange flash here and there, but considerably toned down. Once the belly paint was gone, that part was semi-transparent, and you could see into the bait from below. Now it was ready to be tied on.
Does sanding the bright belly really make that much of a difference? I honestly can't say for sure, but I can tell you that based on the lake and water clarity I was fishing, and for my own confidence (which after all is one of the biggest keys to catching fish), it did. First fish I put in the boat only 10 minutes in was the 5 pound bass below, followed closely by a 3.5 pounder a few casts later. Modification a success in my book.
Origins of both marine craft brands inspired by the founders’ love of fishing
SPRINGFIELD, MO – Bass Pro Group announced today an agreement to acquire Fishing Holdings, LLC, a manufacturer of fishing boats that include Ranger Boats and the Stratos and Triton boat brands from Platinum Equity.
The agreement combines popular fishing boat brands that are recognized internationally. It also creates another connection between two industry leaders, Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris and Ranger Boats founder Forrest Wood, who are dedicated fishermen, conservationists and entrepreneurs. Years ago the iconic outdoorsmen both began fishing on the White River and White River Chain of Lakes in the Ozarks and even fished together in the first National BASS Tournaments.
“This partnership brings added long-term stability for both companies and for the dealer networks that provide customers with quality boats at exceptional values,” said Morris, who also is founder/CEO of Tracker Marine Group. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Forrest Wood many years, and I deeply respect him and his family that founded and built a solid performing business with excellent products.”
Morris added that: “It’s also important that our companies share comparable cultures and values and are dedicated to manufacturing quality products in the USA.”
Following the closing of the transaction, Fishing Holdings will continue operating independently under its existing management at its headquarters in Flippin, Ark., located a two-hour drive from Bass Pro Shops headquarters in Springfield.
“We are impressed with the company’s leadership team and performance and look forward to welcoming them to the Bass Pro Shops family,” said Morris.
“We are fortunate to partner with Bass Pro Group, which understands the industry and our brands,” said Fishing Holdings President Randy Hopper. “This new alliance will provide synergies that will strengthen our independent dealer base and ensure our continued focus on fishing.”
Having grown the business since its origins, Wood also praised the transaction. “I’m excited for Ranger and the team at Fishing Holdings,” he said. “Johnny’s organization is deeply rooted in fishing and dedicated to conservation. He’s made a huge contribution to our sport, and I believe this is a real opportunity to better serve so many dealers and loyal customers around the country.”
Both Morris and Wood have for many years generously donated their time and financial resources to support conservation efforts that help ensure a future for fishing by future generations.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial terms of the transaction were not publicly disclosed.
About Bass Pro Shops® Bass Pro Shops®, which specializes in outdoor fun, operates 90 retail stores and Tracker Marine Centers across America and Canada that are visited by more than 120 million people every year. Bass Pro Shops stores, many of which feature restaurants, offer hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear while their catalogs and website serve shoppers throughout the world. The company’s Tracker Marine Group® (http://www.trackermarine.com/), a leading brand of fishing boats for more than 36 years, manufactures and sells a variety of boats for fishing and cruising. Family fun is on tap at Bass Pro Shops resort Big Cedar Lodge® (http://www.bigcedar.com/) voted number six by Travel + Leisure Magazine as World's Best Hotels for Families. For more information, visit http://www.basspro.com/. To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO. Follow us on Facebook at .
About Fishing Holdings, LLC Fishing Holdings LLC, headquartered in Flippin, Ark., is a leading manufacturer of fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, including the legendary Ranger Boats brand, as well as the Stratos and Triton boat brands. More details, product information and specific offerings can be found by visiting www.rangerboats.com, www.stratosboats.com and www.tritonboats.com.
2014 Year in Review - Big Indiana Bass
Hard to believe, but it's already the last day of the year, again. Most years I like to go back and pull all the stats/data for the site to see what's been going on, and I did that last night. Below are some of the highlights from 2014, along with a few comments. As usual, thanks to everyone that has dropped by over the year, and especially to all the people who visit the site regularly.
2014 Site Statistics
As always, if you have any suggestions or comments on what you'd like to see covered here on the site, you can always send me an e-mail or post something on our Facebook Page. I also reserve the right to stop posting and shut down the site should I ever get tired, bored or otherwise have no more fun doing it - LOL. I have no idea specifically what I'll be working on this coming year, so we'll just have to see what develops. For newer readers, or to see if we've written something on a topic of interest before over these 8 years, simply paste "site:bigindianabass.com" into your Google search engine along with whatever keyword you want to search for (for example, turnover, thermocline, fluorocarbon, Geist, etc.) and you'll quickly get a listing of most all posts where that subject is mentioned.
Lots of fishing shows and open houses coming up these next two months, so look for me hanging out at most of them at some time, and feel free to stop me and say "Hi" or introduce yourself.
Everybody have a fun, but safe, New Years!
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