I think it is time we all got on together on this

[kb]

Ok it is a rainy day and I was thinking it is about time we all got together on a few issues. It was a pretty good couple of weeks at the shows and a great deal of you have new stuff you can't wait to get on the water with. I know I bought baits that I know I won't fish for 6 months but I had to have them.

The point is the negative talk around bass fishing has to go away....yea I know I would have a better chance eliminating the tulles in the Delta.

Many of our local tackle dealers and boat dealers need our support more than ever. These guys are the ones that are always there to support everything from kids events to bass club events to pro-ams and this is already not shaping up to be a great year for them. Our boat dealers don't have the easy money, low interest rates and money available in real estate they did just a few short months ago. They need the support that when someone tells you they are looking for a new boat, trolling motor, depth finder etc that you send them to that dealer.

We have some awesome events to look forward to in the upcoming months like the NG Series at the Delta, Stren and WON Bass at Clear Lake on back to back weeks, Vanity Cup, Future Pro Tour starting up and so many more fun events.

If every time you get around your fishing buddies you find all you can talk about is negative crap then sell your tackle, boat and guide wear and buy some golf clubs or a mountain bike.....

I know this may start a storm of b.s. on here but understand my point. Lakes and agencies want to ban your boats due to snails, gas is 3.25 a gallon, but fishing is going to be good this year. This weather will have our lakes in great shape in no time and we all will be much happier.

I can't help but wonder how much California State Parks has cost our dealers with their unecessary 5mph speed limit on Folsom. We need to keep our support here with the guys that have always been here for us.

There are many new owners at old boat dealerships so if you are in the market pay them a visit and get to know them.

I have put together an outdoor writers day on Lake Pardee this weekend with 10 writers from around the west to create some positive press for bass fishing and the only thing I keep hearing is "Well the bite is going to suck" Well if Gary Dobyns, Greg Guiterrez, Bub Tosh, John Maes, Randy McAbee Jr, RJ Bennett, Alan Fong and the rest of us can't catch any fish then you may be the right the bite sucks but I am thinking we just might catch a couple and maybe even get some folks excited about going fishing.

There has never been a time that we need to keep positive and support the ones that support our sport like right now!!!!

The BASS Angler of the Year comes down to the ISE show to spend a day hanging out with anglers, show his new rig and tour boat, sit in on a seminar to answer your questions and all we can talk about is how some of you guys wouldn't want his rig, would spend the money somewhere else etc etc etc. I bet if you were driving down I-5 with your non fishing boss and passed Skeet's rig none of you would shut up for 30 minutes telling him about it and the Angler of the Year. Oh and just for your information guys......Skeet did the entire day at the show FREE because he wanted to and wanted to help the industry that he makes his living from. Good example!!!!!! yea I am sure Lucky Craft, Champion and Mercury were glad he was there and that is part of his job but he could have stayed at home that Saturday and played with his kids.

Ok I am going to step down from the soap box now!!!

Go catch a fish you guys!
kb

[Cooch]

Here here! I second that Kent! It's like I said earlier, it's time ta leave the egos on the floor, and git spiritual with the bass! Our cups runeth over, we need ta start actin like it!

I read in a book somewhere, it said, "Everything God made was good." If that's the case, and I personally believe it is, that means that everything that is bad in our world, is all in our minds, it is made up by how we think! Time fer this crowd ta change their thinkin a lil bit!

[Marc]

kb, I agree with your comments and sentiments. Us bass anglers are naturally competitive, and naturally jealous of those who have out-competed us...and it shows in our daily interactions and comments. This is especially true when anglers sit in front of a keyboard instead of talking face to face with someone.

Competition is good; it spurs us all onto greater heights. Negativity is bad; and drags us down, and our sport with it.

Many have fought and died for our freedom of speech, but nobody benefits from using this awesome right in an irresponsible and damaging manner, and we disgrace our forefathers by using our freedom in a negative manner.

Besides, generally speaking our sport is only getting better...the good ole' days are now! Those who disagree should consider getting out of the box and try to adapt to changing conditions.

[NaCl]

Hi,

My name is Dylan. I'm only 8 years old when you are reading this because I sent this message back 20 years through a time travel loop on the ultranet...yeah, the old internet's gone nowadays.

Anyway, I'm 28 now and I just bought my first fishing license since I graduated from college. I can't wait to go fishing! I put my name in the lottery for one of the lake fishing permits...sure hope I win one for this year! They're only issuing 120 for each lake per month. Fortunately, very few people fish anymore so I've got a pretty good chance. While I wait for the lottery results, I'm making monthly payments on my fishing license of $75.12/month...I should have it paid off by November.

Dad passed away recently and left me his 20' bass boat. It's really cool! I just wish I could afford the annual fishing boat habitat restoration permit of $1200. And, his truck is one of those old gas powered vehicles. The government wants another $975 Hilary's Green Fund energy fee so I can register it. I guess the boat and truck will have to stay in the garage for a couple more months.

Dad also left me sixteen extra batteries for the 100hp electric outboard on the back of the boat. He said the boat takes ten batteries and will run over 40 miles per hour for at least two hours before it runs out of electricity. He kept talking about some "good ol days" when boats ran over 70 miles per hour. I'm sure he was just exaggerating.

I watched the Bass Masters weigh-in on the holopad last weekend. Some really old guy named Skeet won it. Everybody said it was nice to see an old timer beat the young guys for a change. It was fun watching all the pictures Skeet got on his underwater camera. He had pictures of the tournament big fish and lots of quality limit fish. They showed all his winning pictures on the pad! He said something about missing the days when you actually used a hook and line to bring the fish into the boat instead of winning with a bunch of calibrated pictures and a calculator. PETA was protesting the event...they said it just wasn't right that fishermen kept interrupting the spawn with video cameras. Were they as wacko back then as they are now?

We don't have to worry about PETA anymore out here in California. When the Department of Fish and Game closed all lakes to fishing during the spawn, summer months and during December-January, PETA turned their attention to the South and Texas where they still fish during most of the year. Heck, Alabama even still lets fishermen use hook and line poles!

Good luck with all the fishing issues in 2008. Maybe you guys can make some different decisions and change the future. I remember fishing with grandpa once...yeah, back in the string and hook days! It was so fun! I'd sure love for things to be different now but dad said you guys blew it while you had the chance. Oh well, there's nothing I can do about it 2028.

Well, I better cut this short. My unit is scheduled for a 2-month deployment in Iraq. It's no big deal but I sure feel sorry for those guys in Iran!

Good luck,

Dylan

[Dave Wilson]

Hey Sodium Chloride- that's a nice piece of writing. I had no idea so many philosophers were at Western Bass.com. And Cooch, God may have made a few pests to keep us thankful when things are good.(like fleas and Bubonic plague, Anopheles mosquitos and Malaria, etc.)

[Gary Dobyns]

It's the weather and most everyone is at least half sick. I agree that it's going to be a rough year on some businesses. I know many people looking for work, many contractors having to tighten their belts, gas is $3.25 a gallon, but things will work out, they always do. I got to see and talk with many anglers at the last two ISE shows. Everyone seemed pretty jolly to me, except a few exhibiters who had the plague, and had to be there. Thanks guys for the plague. I will get even. Anyone with a negitive attitude....... that will change on your next fishing trip, with your first bite. The days are getting longer, pre-spawn will be here before we know it. Also, I'm going to whip Kent and Bub Tosh's as* this weekend. Both at the same time. Fish on, get the net!!!

[MaddMaggs]

NaCl, Thanks!

[plungers]

Kent
Thank you for all your support. You are a great inspiration to our sport of fishing. Being a boat dealer and tackle store I appreciate your encouragement of support for your locale dealers. Its guys like you fighting for us that makes it all worth while, thank you!
Jim C&C Marine

[basstamer]

You said it brother! This right here is why you are where you are in this industry (We all know it aint your fish catching bility! JUST KIDDING!) I went to both San Mateo and Sacramento...I watched Pringle and Dobyns...ATTEMPTED to talk to Dobyns but in vain....was able to shake your hand as you ran thru the building...all in all it was yet another awesome year for the shows.Great job guys cant wait till next year,Tight Lines guys-
Scott

[Jeff Huth]

Good post KB, and I have to agree with most of your statements.As far as the shows went, you and ISE should be commended on outstanding events again, I will agree that there does seem to be more whinning and bickering out there industry and fisherman wise, but as a angler that wears two hats, as a fisherman and a retailer, some of the ill-will could be coming strickly from concerns about a lot of things driving our current economy. I know for me personnally that my fishing days are therapy, and when I don't get my days on the water for what ever reason my attitude gets worse. Throw in a case of the "plague" as BDO put it, (after back to back four day shows), a lot of us weren't at our best. Hell I 'm still pissed off because Sacramento has 5,000 Starbucks and no restaurants that know anything about biscuits and gravy !It's like a ban on "okies' around there ! I almost starved in four days !!
I have faith it will get better,
can't wait to kick your butt fishing,
or even get my butt kicked by you,
just as long as I'm fishing..............

[optichamp]

Cool writing, Sodium Chloride

Spent about $500 at IE San Mateo, bought a new Cabelas Gore Tex Jacket and some swim senkos. Bought two Kongs and two Nest Raiders at Walton's Pond today. Need to buy a new Sonar/GPS for the old Champ - which will probably be a LMS 522c.

I will actually enter my first bass tournament(if you can call anything named a "Nutcase Classic" a tournament) next month at age 48. Will bring ten pounds of ribeye marinated in port wine to feed all the guys who I know are going to beat me, but will enjoy it anyway.

I'm drooling over a Model 71 now on Gunbroker.com, and oogling Nikon D300's on Ebay, but I'll probably spend the money on fishing instead:)

[nipples]

Oh KB.. I'm Home.... Joo got some splainin' to doo .... LOL

I don't know the motivation behind this thread. Perhaps you have been swamped with a recent wave of negativity regarding the timing for Pardee. I personally haven't seen nor experienced it (I must admit I have some awesome friends and we are always laughing and joking and having fun). But you see life from a different perspective than I do, you see it from the eyes of celebrity. I suspect you might just get a lot more negativity thrown your way than the average joe like myself.

Overall, I don't like the feel of what I am reading in this post. Not just from you KB, and in all fairness, I'm going to approach it with kit gloves and give everyone the opportunity to clarify their meanings if they choose to do so. Because I gotta be honest with you, I feel the intention may be good, but not a lot of thought given to what is being said here.

I'm going to start with an illustration as I feel it applies perfectly to this thread.

I buy a ton of technology equipment as a part of my job as an IT Administrator. So I am going to offer the following statement about one of the online retailers I buy certain technology items from, Buy.com.

"Buy.com has some incredible deals and a lot of time they even go so far as to offer extra values like free shipping."


Now if I stop there I am being positive, but I am also doing a huge disservice to anyone who might shop there in the future. What I didn't mention is that buyers should be aware that Buy.com censors all their product reviews and they don't post the negative reviews. If I want to read honest product reviews, I have to go to a site like newegg.com, because newegg.com publishes all the user reviews, both positive and negative. So while I will make purchases from buy.com for their screaming deals, I ignore their product reviews, as they are dishonest.


I come to this Westernbass forum for three reasons.

To learn

To share and teach

And entertainment

(In that exact order)

Now if we censor the negative and are only left with the positive, then we lost the truth. And without the truth, then Westernbass is absolutely worthless to me. An online forum is about sharing opinions, both good and bad. It is a place we bass fishing consumers can look out for each other.

If a boat or truck dealership did someone wrong, I WANT to know about it. If they did someone right, then I WANT to know about it. If a certain rod or lure or line suck, then I WANT to know about it. If a certain rod, reel, lure, boat, truck are great, then I WANT to know about it. What I don't want are warm fuzzy fluffy-butt half-truths with a positive spin because that is not going to do me any good when it comes to an educated decision.

If I want a warm fuzzy fluffy-butt feeling then I'll ask my wife to throw my underwear in the dryer and get em all toasty and snuggly for me. And I'll thank everyone else to stay out of my underwear drawer.

Positive is great and I am positive that positive is great. But positive at the sacrifice of the truth is not great and not a positive thing at all.... you can quote me on that if you like.

I really like what Marc wrote... "Many have fought and died for our freedom of speech, but nobody benefits from using this awesome right in an irresponsible and damaging manner, and we disgrace our forefathers by using our freedom in a negative manner."

I think our forefathers and every soldier who ever sacrificed (both living and dead) would be disgusted at the idea of self censorship at the sacrifice of honesty for the goal of "keepin it positive". No sir, I think they would have a fit at the very idea.

Now if someone is posting on this forum and they are just being negative to damage others or stir some !@$#$%... Then I agree, that it is not a good exercise of freedom. If they are offering honest opinions and providing explanations in the spirit of sharing and learning, then I applaud them regardless of weather or not it was positive or negative.

Because when it all boils down, if they are honest about what they are sharing, then others stand a chance of learning something. And any way you look at it, learning is positive and good.

Now if I was a lure manufacturer, and I saw a thread on WB where everyone was bashing my product, I would value that feedback. If there weren’t enough detail as to why, I would jump on and probe and try to get clarification on why. That information would help me improve my product or perhaps tighten my quality control.

What I have been reading into this thread thus far is the following underlying messages....

*Everybody censor your selves and stop being negative about anything, especially sponsors or any local fishing related business.

Now I don't honestly think anyone meant for these things be interpreted like this. But that is the gist of what I am reading.

I agree with, and love your optimism Kent. I agree that this is going to be an awesome year for fishing in Northern California. I have a ton of events and days on the water that I am seriously excited about. I had an awesome time at the ISE and I personally pumped a little over 500.00 into the cash registers down at the ISE. I'm about to place an online order that is already over a grand in lures. (In a nutshell, I plan on losing a ton of fishing tackle this year... LOL). I feel I am doing my part to support our local fishing industry. I feel others are and will continue to do the same. ( I might have missed a thread that leads you to feel otherwise)


And regarding the Skeet issue.... I believe you comment was, "The BASS Angler of the Year comes down to the ISE show to spend a day hanging out with anglers, show his new rig and tour boat, sit in on a seminar to answer your questions and all we can talk about is how some of you guys wouldn't want his rig, would spend the money somewhere else etc etc etc."

Did you actually read that thread???

Skeet showing up at the ISE to get some brownie points with sponsors, show off his new truck, and hang with friends doesn't mean I should pretend I like his butt ugly truck. Again, I like Skeet, just not his taste in color nor trucks. I don't expect him to like my truck just because I volunteer and take handicapped kids fishing or do volunteer work at places like ride to walk.

It's a bass fishing forum... share opinions.. honesty... etc. Some liked Skeet's rig, others didn't... I could be way off base here, but I don't think Skeet gets his self-esteem from my opinion of his truck... He would be crazy to think everyone was going to love it.

In conclusion... Honesty is by far the most positive aspect of an online fishing forum in my humble opinion. I feel that self-censorship at the cost of honesty is by far more negative than anything anyone could bring to the forum. Granted, I have a sneaky suspicion that you didn't mean to come across that way (hence the kit gloves). Because if anyone did mean it that way I would blast them out of the water and call them out for being a communist Nazi #$%^#$%#... LOL

Oh yeah.. I almost forgot to add one thing for the benefit of cooch. God is love and love is always honest.... At least thats what I think. I LLove you like food brother.

Good Fishing and best of luck at Pardee Kent,

-Paul-

[MIKE TREMONT]

I appreciate what Kent is doing. There's a lot a doom and gloom being predicted. A little shot of optimism never hurt.

In every pack of firecrackers there are some really loud and bright blasts. Then there's a dud.

I'll be the dud this time. It's hard posting behind some of you guys.

I'm very impressed.

[Guy Kelley]

To even attempt to follow up on any of that would be a discredit to what has already been posted.

although, I have learned that it is easier to listen to a child's whisper !

Than a man shouting to the roof tops !

I am not so vain to think, that what I would add, might have any implications at all !

But to some ? Me included, it's best not too debate, an leave well enough alone.

[Hipster]

KB,

Long time no see or Speak!!

I have only one questions about your post.

I have put together an outdoor writers day on Lake Pardee this weekend with 10 writers from around the west to create some positive press for bass fishing

Pardee does not open until January 31st? you know I am a Pardee RAT!! How are you getting access this weekend?

[Lugnut]

If every time you get around your fishing buddies you find all you can talk about is negative crap then sell your tackle, boat and guide wear and buy some golf clubs or a mountain bike.....

KB, I agree with you......well except for the sell all your crap and buy golf clubs. Considering Golf is what I do for a living I would rather not have anymore, negative people to deal with .

[g-man]

Well said Nipples!!

[YZKEN250]

Gary, You said it corectly. Yes the construction has slowed down alot. I am a contractor here in Lodi and havent worked in weeks, and have no work for weeks. My boat just blew up and my wifes suburban is using oil. We just paid her car off last week after making payments for 5 years. I dont have the money to fix my boat right now and am fishing the co-anglers side of the FLW in March. But I will keep my head up high and try and work thru this. So if anyone needs there staircase in there home redone or repaired let me know.

[bassinholic]

You know we had a saying when I was in the military "If the troops arent B!@#$ing, then they are not happy." I think people in a sense are always going to find something to complain about. Think of your wives or girlfriends, they are always on our butts about something, i sometimes feel that no matter what, when how or why there is always going to be someone that is going to complain and just moan about anything and everything.

Heck lets face it, i bet if you were to give a shore angler a semi used boat, not only would he be appreciated, but im sure that he would find something to comlain about, like "there's a rip in the seat or a stain in the carpet."

KB i totally agree with you and see how you feel about these things, but bottom line is people are going to sit on here and complain and complain, and thats how they are! Just too much negativity going on in the sport of Bass fishing and no matter what someone is always going to find a reason to complain.

KB last year I saw you at the Pro Teen event at the Delta and Ill tell you what you are truly a class act and a good example for all of us. The way you made the kid smile, was really just an awesome thing to watch. Take Care and this is just my $.02

[CharleyA]

Like Jeff and many others I live/work on both sides of the fence as well. The truth as I see it is.... when times are tough the best solution is to bring new anglers(customers) into the sport. Especially now that the economy is causing us to lose some of our supporting anglers. Gotta find some new blood to "drink the coolaid!". Without them we all just keep fighting each other for the same customer base.

So take your neighbors fishing! You know they are so jealous when they see you and your "AWESOME cool bassboat" come rolling home after another great day on the water. Just imagine what they might do if you actually stop for a minute to talk to them (and their kids?) about the sport and invite them to go with you next time.

[Joe W.]

Great post Nipples! You have been posting some really well thought out posts lately.

[Barry Watson]

Get organized:

I remember that during all my years in the contracting business, we as a group were constantly walked over by labor unions, ignored by politicians and constantly stressed by infighting among our own group.

When our association finally got it together, acted as a group in bargaining and put aside our petty differences for the good of the whole, amazing things happened. We were listened to, included in discussions by politicians at the Capitol and even able to sponser legislation favorable to our contractors associations.

I am sure there are lobbying groups that have a general interest in fishing as a whole, but I wonder if they actually represent what you and I really want?

We have a man among us that, in my opinion, has the necessary skills to make that determination. What do we want, how do we go about organizing ourselves and how do we get our wants and needs in front of the politicians that could best represent our interests?

The person I am speaking of is Dean Sault. Even an old red neck conservative like me recognizes his talent and his desire to " make something happen that would benefit our interest.."

Anybody have any ideas?

Good job KB.

[kb]

Thanks guys and in my attempt to help some of our dealers out this thread has grown some different wings. There are some really good guys out there that have in the past 12 months put everything out there and bought boat dealerships and they need our support that was my main objective. Guys like Mike Van Wagner, Jim Moulton at C&C, Jim Carius at Galaxie and our loyal supporters that have been around like Mark Blanton at Gone Fishing and Bill Donaleski at Bob's Marine. Our tackle stores need our support as well and you guys know who those guys are and where they are located. Most of them will now ship right to you as well so there is no reason to call Missouri to get your stuff.

Our circuits this season will have a hard time holding the numbers they held last season due to the economy and Charlie is right we need new blood....how do we get them is the question?

Now for the guys like Hippie that have apparantly missed the radio show for the past 3 months EBMUD is letting us on the lake prior to the opening for a media day. These have been done for years on the So. Cal lakes that close. We have invited outdoor writers from throughout the west to participate in an attempt to get Pardee some attention in the outdoor media arena. Jackson Rancheria Casino has stepped up and provided the rooms for everyone and is hosting a dinner so the guys can spend some time with the writers and do some articles, films and pictures. Now all we need is some fish to bite!!!!! We will only have about 12 boats on the lake plus camera boats. The owners of the Pardee Marina wanted to let a few guys join in thru the radio shows (Ultimate Bass and California Sportsman) so we included 4 listeners in the day with a contest. We had nearly 1000 entries into this contest in 6 weeks.

In my original post I left out a couple of the guys that will be fishing with us as well when I was talking about the bite. Those guys were Corey Fenske, RUSS GRAVES, Mark Blanton, Ryan White (Gene couldn't make it ),Dean McDaniel. This was not intentional and we should have a good day with the outdoor writers and hopefully will bring you all some informative articles from the day on the water. It would have been easier to tell you guys we were cutting the lock off the gate though.

[Chad L. Dwyer]

*NM*

[Chad L. Dwyer]

For what it's worth, I don't think Kents post was meant to be a "Make Skeet feel good about his truck" type of post. Neither was it meant to tell someone to stop giving an honest opinion about products used.

If you have been in this sport for more than 10 years and have somehow been involved in Bass fishing other than just an angler, I think one might better understand where he is coming from.

His post, I think, was an attempt to ask everyone who truly cares about the "tomorrow of this sport" would simply be more attentive of the current conditions and overall attitude of this sport and help grab it by the boot straps and put on a positive game face.

Ego's have grown by leaps and bounds in this sport, we're all guilty to one level or another. I believe he was just asking all of us (not excluding himself) to take the high road as this industry faces economic challenge. Simple as that.

I agree with your post Kent...but you've known that for 20 friggin' years!

[fish_food]

The point is the negative talk around bass fishing has to go away....

Yea, I hear ya man..like what is it with all the negative vibes, man? We should, like all hold hands, get a drum circle together and sing Kumbaya!

[SHAFT]

I don't think Kents post was meant to be a "Make Skeet feel good about his truck" type of post.

To hell with the truck , I'm more concerned with the Hair- Doo's he comes up with , I think someone could use a consultation and complete make over .

[davet.]

Is that Cooch in the pic??

[ash]

Bottom line is now is the time to really step up and make our purchases through the brick and mortor local busniesses that support us and the community. As we are all hurting in this economy, we need not send our money outside of our community if our community can and will support our needs.

I agree with you on this one KB. A great freind and long time Club Suporter Barry Poulsen of Poulsen's marine is blowing out his small tackle supply. Reason, product never moved except for a small group of guys. If you never shopped there you missed a great experiance and a great guy.

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

Unfortunately with the current cost of going fishing which includes the cost of gear I do not doubt whatsoever we will see come of the smaller tackle shops and boat dealerships going out of business..This is extremely unfortunate..I will freely admit I have not done business with any of the boat dealerships, primarily because I cannot afford to do so..If I could I would most certainly visit one or more of those that sponsor this site..I try my best to purchase most of my fishing gear from this sites sponsors..In the past 10 years there has only been one time that I walked into a tackle store and walked out without spending at least $20 and most of the time I spent considerably more..It is to our benefit to do our spending in these local establishments in order to have quality places remain in our respective areas..

mac

[YZKEN250]

It looks like my 225 optimax is going to need a new powerhead. Any recomondations? I am in Lodi.

[Jason P]

I agree 100% with Kent, I have been out of the tournament world for a couple years now and I can't even say how much I miss it. All the great people I met and fished with. This economy is scary, I work for White Cap Construction Supply, every single employee in 350 stores today got their hours cut. I always try to support our local dealers. I think we are very lucky for the great dealers we have out here. We need to be positive, there is already way to much negitive stuff out there.

Jason Pardini

[Smitty]

Powerhead? Call Mike Van Wagner at Capitol City Marine or C and C Marine in Modesto. Not sure which one is closer but the guys at Capitol City are great.
Smitty

[Gene Buchholz]

Kent your post was right on and greatly appreciated.
Many things have changed in the past few years some for the better and some for the worse. You however have gotten better and better as a true ambassador to our sport and a person I am proud to know.

[DeltaDan]

You .......... true ambassador to our sport and a person I am proud to know.

AND YOU AS WELL GENE !!

I can not begin to thank and tell you how much i and others admire and more than appreciate Everything that you, Michelle and your staff do for all the Youth Team's, Tourneys, Club's, City ect.. that you and Michele more than support !! You are a true class act ... Thanks again Gene, KB, sTony, Cooch, Gator, Rexford, Dan, The WB Advatizers, Supporters, Fellow Junkies .......





Now Poke da ChoostaH harder in the ribs to get those 1/2oz. Wadda's back in stock !!


...Word on the street is that my family, your family, other's families/people's .... will be getting some free $$$ in pocket to play with ~ pending the Senate approval.....as earty as May.


May "our Govt. gift" greatly stimulate yours~ and everyone elses' pockets for all of our blessing in hte manner in witch we wish to invest it in todays economy.

[DeltaDan]

Good Gawd my typing sucks.......


Sorry for the typo's. -- Someday I will start to use MS Words spell checker.

[Bob Simard]

that's a solid point. Both from an industry perspective and on a personal level. Particularly in these tight-margin times. The occasional rapid-fire keyboard sending out negative vendor/business comments followed by the piling on mentatlity can put someone struggling to keep afloat out of business.

I saw a really simple thought on a bumper stick and it stuck with me. It's now my signature here and on a few email accounts. I don't think you've got to big a dog owner to get it. It's a thought that goes through my head when the negativity starts to flow.

(of course Mcka you'll have to remind me of this the next time someone blows so close by us on pad when we're fishing offshore structure in a tournament that I can just about a loogey on them!)

Good topic Kent!

It's always a pleasure being around you positive Dudes - 'Pope' Jimmy Reese (I won't forget that Jim!), Mr Motivation - Seig Taylor, and you with the rapid fire funnies.

Keep up the positivity - See you this Spring brother!

-Bob Simard

[Marc]

I really like what Marc wrote... "Many have fought and died for our freedom of speech, but nobody benefits from using this awesome right in an irresponsible and damaging manner, and we disgrace our forefathers by using our freedom in a negative manner."

I think our forefathers and every soldier who ever sacrificed (both living and dead) would be disgusted at the idea of self censorship at the sacrifice of honesty for the goal of "keepin it positive". No sir, I think they would have a fit at the very idea.

Nipples, don't worry, I never suggested anything about "self censorship at the sacrifice of honesty..." I was one of those soldiers for 23 years protecting your right to free speech, so why would I censor it? I have been to 3rd world countries where the very thought of free speech was dangerous, so I appreciate what we have.

I was referring to how individuals choose to exercise their right of free speech. Civilized societies get that way by treating others as they would want to be treated. Part of the discussion in this thread is to discourage negativity towards others. If we all trash talk and disrespect each other for the sake of exercising our free speech, then we will not remain a civilized society.

[Guy Kelley]

OK I was going to some what stay out of the conversation. but seeing that most of you do have an opinion of some sort. I guess I can add my 02 cents worth and not get spanked too much !

The Bass fishing Industry & I call it and industry because it represent a lot of types and various organizations, groups, media, manufacturers, companies & indidviduals, even up to our local, State and Federal Government. With all having a thumb of some sort in the pie.

This Bass Pie is worth how much in real Dollars?
What ever amount I would guess would more than likely be low! Probably Billions, on a National level. And I would say Hundreds of Millions in CA alone and probably a lot more. Pretty Healthy if ya ask me.

As the economy has gone south, the industry has no doubt suffered some as well. Just like my job did, I was in my craft for over 30 years. Making a pretty good living, now I have been forced to go to a very low paying job to put ends together.

Will I stop fishing (no) But I can't afford the tournament dollars as I use to spend. The boat will sit a lot more this season and I will have to make some adjustments. I will be much more prudent on how and were I spend. And I will make do with what I have now with out adding to it. The swim bait rod and reel will probably have to wait a while. If at all this season as well as the $75.00 baits.

To some Bass fishing is a luxury. To others its a way of life, as well as a few its a itch that needs to be scratched for the sake of competition or the thrill of the win. And to some its all about business and the bottom line.

As a business owner for 18 years. I learned to operate my company lean and mean, Not fat and sassy. As much as I under stand what KB and the others are saying here. I don't much agree with it.

If you operate as if times are lean and mean all the time and prepare for the down turn as it dose every few years then I feel the business should be healthy enough to ride it out with out going to far into the red. If on the other hand? Then they are in trouble just like the ones who bought homes with sub-prime loans or spend like there is no tomorrow, with out any plan for a future.

I have always believed in supporting my local merchants, and have pretty much stuck with it over the years, But when the Bass Pro store opens up soon, I will buy from them too (sorry Gene) just like most of you will to. But the majority of my dollars will go to the Hook in the long run. Why? not because he is cheaper, but he's the local guy & he's the one who has been operating Lean and Mean all of these years, That why he's still around!!

[Cooch]

Is that Cooch in the pic??

C'mon, wud you been smokin'? That's Conlow! HAR! HAR! HAR!

[Cooch]

Now Poke da ChoostaH harder in the ribs to get those 1/2oz. Wadda's back in stock !!

They is comming BrothA Dan! For those of you who don't know, Troyce's wife Julie, for the past three months, has been fighting her second go around with breast cancer. Julie is a strong woman and a fighter and is comming around slowly. Needless ta say, this has affected our process, after all, these are indeed custom hand tied jigs. Julie has a big hand in the processes, especially the packaging. We've brought another set of hands onboard to help get us caught up and Gene's shipment will be arriving soon!

[TTCal]

yes... wishing you all the best Julie and Troyce for a full recovery.

[bassindon69]

Yes, What TTCal said.
The wife and I wish Julie well.

Don.

[Dom]

*NM*

[Dom]

Perfect example, pay $9000.00 for a power head at the local shops I know I ran a 225 yamaha or call Lyle Gosset in Galt (when I talk to him a few weeks ago he was looking to move to clear lake so hurry ) and save a grip of money and Lyle is a artist when it comes to these outboards and one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.

[YZKEN250]

Thanks Dom. Your not the first person who said Lyles the best. I will call him on mon. Thanks.