Heavyweight Bass Classic Angler Field

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 9:08 am

Good to see you on here...

See you at Clear Lake...

Good Luck with the house...

Dave Roberson

S. Bailey · Post by **S. Bailey** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 9:14 am

I agree with Rick G. on this one for a change

I will personally pay a big portion of the fee to close the water to the public, and will find some other people to pay the rest. Because I can see it now, a few people who could have fished the derby but didnt showing up saying I caught this many big ones or whatever... we already know two guys who will be saying that

at least if i dont catch a fish I will be happy with myself for at least trying... im not scared

anyway I hope you two dont show up on deby day slingin your sweet swimbaits all over the lake while people are trying to compete... cause lord knows if i see you on a spot I want you better believe im gonna take it ... at least from you two. And YOU KNOW WHO YOU TWO ARE

Shaun Bailey

littlebailey · Post by **littlebailey** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 9:22 am

you da man, Mike L!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

. See ya at Clearlake If i catch one at Casitas.

Bill, you know i love you too! Just stay oiff my spot on the 25th.

littlebailey · Post by **littlebailey** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 9:42 am

geeeez!!!!!!!! Great minds do think alike! Two different parts of the country and we still have the same thoughts. Lets close her down to the public. Ill open up my change box for a donation. Its got all silver. No pennies. Any pennies put in the box will be thrown back at you with fastball speed. You can find me in front of Erics Tackle in Ventura! Word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 9:43 am

great idea....

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 10:11 am

Now we just have to wait for Ron to get back from his vacation...maybe he will be able to dial in a price...

See you on the water...

D.

Dan P · Post by **Dan P** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 12:33 pm

$200 + 50 anglers + 1 Donkey = $10,000.00

Get in where you fit in

palmdale-shane · Post by **palmdale-shane** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 12:51 pm

The $10,000 check will spend the same whether itâ€™s won on a 4â€

Ron T. · Post by **Ron T.** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 12:57 pm

It takes more than one hack at a tree to bring it down . Keep swinging .This tourney will be won with one LUCKY hack . So sharpen your axes boys , this sawyer is comming to town .

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 1:05 pm

I dont get it. Why would one consider it luck for somebody to stick a big fish? Seems quite the opposite to me.

CN · Post by CN » Tue Nov 27, 2007 1:16 pm

Rick G wrote:is a corporate sponcer to buy the lake gate for the day so only the PAID CONTESTANTS get on the water. In San Diego it's only $750.00 a day. Keeps the traffic down and makes for more suspence at the weigh-in. Rick G.

You can actually do this

Ron T. · Post by **Ron T.** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 1:16 pm

Its not luck to stick" A " big fish but to stick" THE" big fish on one paticular day ? You have to admit, there is some luck involved here . I dont care who you are .

Oldschool · Post by **Oldschool** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 1:35 pm

Everyone seems to have an opinion who should or shouldn't be fishing this tournament. Keep in mind this is a tournament with 50 boats running around and if any big bass are caught with all the traffic it will depend on the weather. Time of year is great; pre spawn with the big bass staging and trout are being planted.
Big bass fisherman don't normally fish during high boat traffic days or blue bird weather for a good reason. Tournament fisherman don't have a choice to pick the best times to fish or what the weather will be on that day and must contend with boat traffic.
Dana Rosen is in this field and he may still hold the record for a tournament weight on Casitas; 62+ lbs for 5 fish. Jay and Ed are not in the tournament, IMO should be, that team has at least one 60+ tournament day on Casitas. Haven't followed bass tournaments in a long and can only guess it's been a few years since a bass over 15 lbs has been caught at Casitas during a day time tournament.
Don Iovino's name hasn'r been brought up and Don has caught more big bass over the years for his clients (over 400 at El Salto the past 5 years alone), his personal best bass is over 18 lbs and he is a hall of fame bass fisherman. Thanks Dan for mentioning me, I was over looked along with others. It will be an interesting turnament regardless how it turns out. Good luck to all who fish.
Tom

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 1:38 pm

You cant pick and choose the actual fish you catch (unless bed fishing), but what you can do is put yourself in a position to catch a big fish (not random). The idea is to minimimize the luck factor by applying knowledge, technique and persistence. When one does this, and consistently catches "big" fish, at what point does the end result become skill and not luck? The only luck involved is that the end product weighs 13 pounds instead of 11 pounds.

So in a way, I can kinda understand what you are saying. Another way of saying this is that there was no luck involved with who places in the top ten; however, the order of the top ten was pure luck. I might be able to buy that argument a little better than "its all luck".

Rick G · Post by **Rick G** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 1:48 pm

Sure, you just "Rent" the lake for the day. I have no idea what Casitas would charge and Ron and Ken need to look into it. But it just makes sure only the true contestants get on the water. Even if the fee was 2k it would be worth it. Just get a sponcer or divide it up among the entrants. People can still get in the gate to watch the weigh-in, just no other boats can launch. Rick G.

MJNEMEC · Post by **MJNEMEC** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 4:12 pm

All it takes is for somebody to say their going to be at Casitas on the day of the tournament and everybody gets their panties in a knot. How gullible can you be? Bill is one of my closest friends and if you really knew him, and know what he's all about. He's in your head and he wins.
How many of you remember the Big Bass World Champinships put on by Bob Pope from "Bassin" Magazine. This tournament format was a "no entry fee" "one fish" "$50,000.00 winner take all" tournament. You competed against all qualifiers from the 50 states. Bill has qualified 3 times for this event. I believe Mike Long and Bob Crupi also participated in that event. So to say this is a unique tournament and the particants should be honored or feel priviliged to fish this upcoming event. I think not, been there done that.

Rob Cummings · Post by **Rob Cummings** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 5:18 pm

Ron T, I still don't see where you've made a point?? Apparently you are a friend and supporter of Bill? That's great. And apparently some of us DO get it and aren't concerned about kissing azz to Bill Siemental.

I understand what he has done with the BBZ bait. That is not a route we want to take with our own endeavour. I'm sure he would talk all night about giving us pointers and tips to get ours going?? We would have asked him already if that's what we felt we needed to do. Not happenin

As for this whole barking up a tree garbage and Bill getting into everyone's head?!?!? Seriously, get over it already. I guaran-damn-tee you that no one in that tournament is intimidated by Bill saying he's going to be on the water that day and it's not a distraction. It's comical, a disappointment and in all honesty should be embarassing for a grown man and "pro" to act in a such a way. Why attempt to play head games when you're "the best"??? LAME!!!

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 5:24 pm

Well, I have to admit he is in my head and will be on tournament day...

<img border="0" src="http://m1.ecomments.com/07/7/1/11832967656f.gif" alt="myspace comments">

Still love ya Bill...

D.

jack65274 · Post by **jack65274** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 5:33 pm

Since Casitas, as far as I know, is already open 7 days to the public I would be surprised if a private party could actually rent it and close it to everyone else. Most of the San Diego lakes are only open 3 days a week and I would assume if you rent the lake you would rent it on one of the "closed" days? Just guessing but it makes sense to me.....

bassindon69 · Post by **bassindon69** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 5:34 pm

I have not been there or done that. So I am VERY priviliged and honored to do this event with who ever is in it. THANK YOU Ken, Ron C. and Orso boys for the chance. Because of this tournament I have met a bunch of new people and friends. It is already a plus in my book

. BTW how close is the nearest Starbucks LOL! Man..... Those Burgers at the lake are GOOD they were the best bites I had LOL!!

See you guys.

Don.

Ron T. · Post by **Ron T.** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 5:36 pm

Rob , first off I do not kiss *** to anybody . Second , yes I do respect Bill and what he stands for , which is standing behind what he believes regardless how much crap you continue to write . Respect is somthing a person earns by their actions not by their words .
You continue to call me out on the issue and like I posted earlier I said what I needed to and am done .
Rob its too bad you insist on draging this threw the dirt . I figured you had more class .

Rob Cummings · Post by **Rob Cummings** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 6:03 pm

Did I say you kiss his ***?? That's how you read it and twisted my words, the same you accused me of doing. I said it was great that you are a friend and supporter of Bill. There are butt kissers out there, some of us aren't. I'm also not the only person writing or talking about the same thing Ron. You started by calling me out by name, then not explaining what you were talking about. I've called a few people out by name, but I've stood by what I said and laid it out plainly for them to understand.

I was just trying to figure out why you kept saying we are barking up the wrong tree?? What is that all about??...Is it bad for my "image"...don't care. Is it bad for business..doubt it. Will it get me beat up on the dock...not likely.

Apparently it's Sensitive Tueday on Westernbass.com. As for my lack of class, I'm not losing any sleep over it. I'm used to myself by now and I'm not in SoCal to win any popularity contests. Two more years and I'll be stationed elsewhere, then WB southern board can go back to egos and talk of the coolest new dropshot knot.

Topwater Terry · Post by **Topwater Terry** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 6:05 pm

it is "sponsor" or "corporate Sponsor" not "sponcer." Sorry Rick, just the teacher in me, I am usually on the Rae L. watch

You guys are all going crazy with all this yapping about why or why people are not in this event, I can't wait to see who wins this event and then have all the rumors start flying about how that fish was caught...

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 6:13 pm

I see a good pair to be matched up in the tournament...Ron up front and Rob in the back...Classic...

No stress Ron...

THe tournament is going to blast....

D.

DougH · Post by **DougH** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 6:20 pm

2 months to go and it's already way too ugly.

Makees for some funny reading though...

Pete Marino · Post by **Pete Marino** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 6:49 pm

Hey bro good to see you on here but with all due respect ...Let me be the first to tell you that you dont need to come on to this forum to defend yourself or tell people your reason for not attending this tournament. ITS NOBODIES FRICKIN BUSINESS....
You were invited to the tournament, you gracefully declined the invitation for your own reasons...maybe next time...END OF STORY!! I was wondering how long it was gonna take for you to feel like enough is enough and have to come on here and defend your decision. I personally think that its rediculous that ANYBODY would bad mouth or question YOU, Bill or anyone else for not attending this event. What alot of people are not understanding is that this is JUST a tournament. ITS A TOURNAMENT PEOPLE!! It will NOT and I repeat WILL NOT decide who the best BIG BASS guy on the west coast...that is completely absurd!! It will only prove who is the best at that tournament , THAT DAY!!
It seems like some people want ALL of the best big bass guys to be there so if they happen to win, they can rub it in the faces of all of the best, so they can "Claim" to be the best because they won this particular tournament. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WILL HAPPEN....In my opinion. As I said in a much earlier post.... Mike AND Bill dont need to win this tournament to solidify their resumes. You do NOT need to win this tournament to be known as two of the best. Also as I've said before...in my opinion it would probably actually be a lose lose situation for you guys if you were to fish the event because if either of you won the thing people would say.."Yeah they won,but, they are the best..they are supposed to win"...and if you didnt win people would say..."see maybe they arent the best because when up against other big bass guys..they got beat." I guarantee people would say that. Thats just my opinion. Hell look at the flack you guys are getting for declining the invitation. Sheeesh!!
The drama is thick right now....can you imagine the drama that would be brewing if you guys went out and did this thing but blanked...

I think Shawn has his hands full with this tournament because there WILL be people that talk crap if he doesnt go out there and win...and I personally dont think he deserves that bs...nor does he need that added presure when hes competing for $10,000.
I think the event is a fun idea and a refreshing break from normal tournaments. But..It will never prove who is the best of the best. ..and if anybody thinks it will then they have no clue.
Mike, Bill, Shawn and a few other guys have spent years and years fine tuning their skills and catching big bass....and through all of their hardwork, time on the water, heartbreaks, joys, rewards, blood shed, sweat and tears...they have reached a level in Bass fishing that most people only dream about. No single tournament can or will change that!!! PERIOD!!!

People need to just chill out and enjoy this tournament for what its worth...and that is a new, exciting, refreshing format that will no doubt be fun and competitive for those who are entered.
I dont think that this kind of drama is what John, Ron and Ken had in mind when the idea was brought to fruition.
I personally think that this drama has taken away from the tournament....
Why dont we just root for the guys that are in the tournament and stop the drama about who isnt in it......

Pete

Rob Cummings · Post by **Rob Cummings** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:00 pm

Amazing, simply amazing.

Now I've seen it all. Back to your regularly scheduled program, I'll be in the garage huffin sawdust

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:00 pm

The Lake can be rented. I ran a night event a few years back and rented the lake for the night. We only had 50 boats and had a blast. Many lakes down this way can be rented you just have to pay the price.

tunaman · Post by **tunaman** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:16 pm

Ray L. wrote:The Lake can be rented. I ran a night event a few years back and rented the lake for the night. We only had 50 boats and had a blast. Many lakes down this way can be rented you just have to pay the price.

I imagine that may be true, but not sure how they'll keep any of the campers' boats off the lake... have to close the Coyote ramp and police the main (now the lower temporary) ramp all day. Could be done, I'm sure, but there will be many unhappy campers asking for launch refunds.

Roger

2@low8 · Post by **2@low8** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 8:30 pm

the idea of closing the lake to tourney boats only sounds great but I think it will be very tough. Let's have the 1st HBC and maybe take to the next step in one of the future tourneys. I think Ron has his hands full enough. Pete Marino were'nt you just complaining about not being picked for the thing. It seemed to be a big deal then.

swim-bait com · Post by **swim-bait com** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 8:39 pm

damn you Orso boys............... no more tall boys until after the tourney!

Tim

swim-bait com · Post by **swim-bait com** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 8:42 pm

damn you Orso boys............... no more tall boys until after the tourney!

Tim

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 8:45 pm

Tim,

No tall boys needed...just shooting the sh@t with everyone

See you on the water...

D.

Pete Marino · Post by **Pete Marino** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 10:25 pm

Next time you try to make a point just stop before you make a fool of yourself. The comments I made had NOTHING to do with who WAS NOT showing up at the tournament. My comments were about me not being invited. AND EINSTEIN...I came on here shortly after making those statements and apologized for them. Not that I give a rats A S S what YOU think, but, because what I said seemed to shine a negative light on Johns and Rons invite list. As I said...I was man enough to come back on here and make it right because I knew some of what I said was out of line.

You are probably one of those guys that has nothing but negative bs to say about Mike and Bill. AND you are probably going to be one of the guys that talks crap if Shawn Bailey doesnt go out and win this thing.
Another rediculous thing you said was "Bill, sorry the competition scared you off". Geeezzzzz you just dont get it!!
People like you should just do everyone a favor and just throw your computer out the window so you cant post here anymore.
Like Jim Rome says..."have a take, dont suck!"...and your take flat out sucked!!

Oh and lose the kooky screen name ...

Pete

Darkman · Post by **Darkman** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 11:37 pm

I like Potatoes, mashed, baked, fried....I like potatoes.....With butter, chives, ketchup.....i like potatoes....I do like butter on my potatoes....mmmm...a little salt and pepper...I LOVE POTATOES.

NOW that I got that off my chest...I feel better!!!!!

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 6:35 am

Potatoes do kick*ss...if it wasn't for a 10lb bag I would be starving...

Thank you for sharing...

D.

John Barron · Post by **John Barron** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 6:50 am

Oldschool wrote:Amazing, simply amazing!

2@low8 · Post by **2@low8** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 7:36 am

A little upset Pete?

Nunyo Bizness · Post by **Nunyo Bizness** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 8:06 am

More Potatos, less drama.......

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 8:19 am

i think a really big fish is going to win....that would be rad.

you silly guys.

Pete Marino · Post by **Pete Marino** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 8:52 am

I just dont like seeing people get bashed on here that dont deserve it! Its just not right...

Pete

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 8:58 am

theres nothing you can do to combat a few beers and keyboard courage...its gonna happen..just let it roll off.

Oldschool · Post by **Oldschool** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 9:13 am

John Barron wrote:
Oldschool wrote:Amazing, simply amazing!

My reply to Ron's answer to everything.
It appears that some of the big bass fisherman realize catching something over 12 lbs will be very difficult if the lake is open to the public and there is a high sky. When I made the suggestion to pay the $500 to open the closed area and divide the lake into 3 areas, divide the 50 boats into 3 groups and rotate the groups evey 3 hours or so, the response was " amazing, simply amazing".
You may not be able to rent lake Casitas, however you can rent the closed area for special events. That was the reasoning behind the suggestion. I'm not one of the choosen few, so it makes no difference to me what happens in this tournament.
If this is truely a big bass tournament, there should be a minimum size to qualify for a big bass. FLMB over 15 lbs is a good place to start IMO, however that would eliminate over half the contestants. 10 to 12 lbs FLMB are common, so it should take at least a 12 lb bass to qualify to win this event or carry it over to the next tournament and double the pot. It would be a shame if a 7 lb bass wins this event and 90% of the contestants blank.
Tom

John Barron · Post by **John Barron** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 12:45 pm

Tom:
You misunderstood my post. Had I trade marked "amazing, simply amazing!" a little over a month ago I would be rich by now.
I know you can't trade mark that but if I could! Many times I will read some of the posts and simply shake my head and log off. Nothing to do with your post just the fact that you used the exact same phrase. I think it's funny but appropo.
jb

JKitz · Post by **JKitz** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 3:18 pm

I just got paid $50 for reading all that (if I were to be paid hourly). Thanks Fellas!!

Good "Luck" to all of those who fish this tourney. I have a hunch I will get another $50 here or there reading posts leading up and after the tourney!!

Rob Cummings · Post by **Rob Cummings** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 5:43 pm

some guy wrote:theres nothing you can do to combat a few beers and keyboard courage...its gonna happen..just let it roll off.

For the record, I didn't have a single beer when I've been on this thing. I talk here the same I talk in person. I can't speak for anyone else on this matter though.

basshunter4u · Post by **basshunter4u** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 6:17 pm

Man you guys this is crazy. All the bickereing needs to stop. Here is what I think about this. I think everyone is missing the point to the tournament. Isnt it just about going fishing? I love the sport and I do it for the love of getting out of the hustle bustle of work and such. I dont care if I catch a fish at all. I am going to meet guys like Dana Rosen, Mike Brakebill and others. Do I have a shot not knowing the lake? Of Course a 1/50 shot even if I dont even know how to get there. I am going down to Casitas to look for one bite. If I am blessed with more than one, then the lord was good to me on that day. I know not everyone will be throwing swimbaits but thats what I love to do and whos to say I throw all day or not never know. Just getting a follow is good. Personally I cant wait to fish this. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me and I am dam glad to be a part of it. Hope everyone has a safe and merry christmas. See ya on the water I am clearlake bound. Over n out

Don Osborne

www.swimbaitcity.com

oakview · Post by **oakview** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 7:35 pm

I have to admit, even with all the drama on here...this is going to be a great tournament...All the big names, plus all the sleepers...Ron and Ken have a great idea here...no stress, no pressure, don't have to worry about 5 fish...just one good bite...I really don't think the lake wil be closed but who cares...it just another day on the water with a lot of great sticks fishing the tournament...just to do what we like the most...fish...Hopefully, its the beginning of bigger and better things...I don't think anyone that is fishing the tournament has anything to lose no matter where we finish...Its the first of its type...at least in my eyes...

JKitz...I need your job...

Darkman...don't forget the red potatoes if you make it up the lake

As for all the guys fishing the tournament or back seating...Man this sh#t is going to be a blast...

Now that we got all the drama out of our system...does anyone want to go out on a limb and guess how many fish over 10lbs will come to the scales?

If not no biggie...

I'm thinking 5 over 10lbs will come the scales and one around 12lbs wins it...

With that...I want to thank Ken, ROn, Eric @ Eric's Tackle...for the chance to fish it...and I want to wish everyone fishing the tournament a huge donkey!!!!!!!!!!!SOmebody is on the list is due!!!!

See you on the water

D.