Bass Fishing Forum

Well after looking at the 2009 Stren and BASS Opens schedule it's looking like I won't enter the 2009 Clear Lake tournament.  The way it's looking right now I will be doing the Toledo Bend Stren Tournament in Oct 2009 and then the Sept and Nov Central Open tournaments with BASS in the fall of 2009. 

Dean, BASS has also put out the Payout's as well and since FLW has reduced the size of the boat to a 177TR w/90 which is valued at approx: 20,000 they do not have as good a payout as BASS.  For the opens the Co-angler will win a boat valued at 32,000.  I think this year it's a Triton and I am not sure if it will be a Skeeter next year or not.  FLW doesn't' start paying out more until you drop below 13th or 14th place.  Not bashing FLW since I will be soon joining them, as well as staying a BASS member but that drop in boat size definitely affects the payout even if you get the extra 5,000 Ranger Cup bonus.  We will have to see if they keep that same payout for 2010. 

There is no decision to be made here in the west.  BASS doesn't have Opens out here anymore.  They send the Elite Series here every two or three years to cherry pick our two biggest fisheries, and then they don't take co-anglers anymore.

You'll definitely have more options living in Texas.  Unless something big changes, I will still probably fish FLW stuff there but at least you have several options.  The BASS CHAMPS series is great too if you have a team partner.

Any word on when we can start to sign up?

It still wasn't posted when I logged in the other day.  I'll check again since I am stuck at work with the MSET.  Did you join FLW yet?  Once you are a member, you'll be able to register on-line when they do open registration.

Stan, Checkout the FLW website go under Stren tournaments and then click on rules and it should have all the info about who is able to sign up and when.

I checked the registration page yesterday, it is still not open.  The dates posted on the rules page are still the dates for opening '08 registration.  It should be end of Nov or early Dec like the last two years.

Okay I'ma waitin'!  Tom what do you plan on fishing next year before you retire?

You know that's a good question.  After you made the comment about the ABA website schedule I started looking around.  I wouldn't mind fishing a few events next year maybe one event in Jan, Feb, Mar and possibly an April event.  Depends if I can find someone to fish with since I won't be able to fish a whole season or fish any end of year stuff.  I may only be up for 3 to 4 events.  If you aren't locked in with anyone and don't mind cherry picking let me know if any look good to  you.  I wouldn't want to do San Antonio but maybe Naci, in January it could be anyone's tournament. 

The Central Coast has their schedule up , it's all Cachuma, but they don't have any dates yet.

What's the word Dean? :help:

Have you registered to become an FLW member yet?  I did about a week ago, I got my confirmation letter with member card the other day.  I will actually try and get into two Stren events next year, since I will retire on May 4th I will sign up for the May 19th Lake Amistad tournament.  I think its about an 8 hour drive from Tyler.

Yep, I signed up when Dean and I got back from Clear Lake.  Actually that ddrive is about 530 miles so probably closer to 9 hours but you get to drive through San Antonio ;D.  I remember the days of getting up at 0030 to drive to a lake, that was fun.  If you ever take your boat to Amistad you should stop just south of San Antonio at Braunig lake and give it a try, nothing but 4lbers and up in that lake.  It's about 2/3 the size of Lopez.  Powerplant lake though so the summer is out!  When the water is 95 degrees you'll freak out.

Still no stren sign-up dates, but no surprise there.  Looking forward to some big fish in Jan and Mar though ;D 

Hey, Tom I was thinking about doing just March 28 Lopez, maybe April 11 SM (we're leaving probably on the 14th early?) and then the 2 May Cachuma.  I wouldn't mind practicing at Naci in Jan to see what's up, but at least the Lopez and Cachuma events would be cool.  I just don't plan to fish anything for points since I'm doing the Strens and in school too.  A few local events will be plenty for me... anyway let me know if you work something out or if you are still looking to do just a few.

Keep in mind that ABA hasn't posted their Central Coast Schedule yet.  All tournaments will be at Cachuma, just don't know the dates yet.

If fishing the other lakes, it would be best to practice and fish the tournament from one boat and then switch for the next round with the other person's boat already tagged.  The central coast would be better for sake of keeping both boats tagged and practicing whenever you want.  I just will have to see what dates the Cachuma deal is on.  Best case would be if I could just stay on leave through Tuesday following a Stren and go practice for a tournament for that weekend.  Anyway, I hope to do around 3 or 4 events like this year.

From the look of some of the posts on Western Bass even if you have the boat ready, quarented it could take you an hour to get on the lake after it opens at 630 or now 700 am with the clock change.  Still I wish ABA would hurry up and post the schedule dates.  It may conflict with the Stren.  I'm not sure I'll do the Stren as the entry lodging, travel etc will be beyond my fishing budget.  Hope you 3 do well though

Stan and Dean,

Looks like your first tournament in Jan will be at Lake Oroville instead of Clear Lake.  See link below

http://stren.flwoutdoors.com/schedule.cfm?cid=3

Yep saw that, just waiting for registration to begin.

REFRESH MY MEMORY AGAIN.  ENTRY IS $350 FOR STREN?

It is $325. if it didn't go up.

Stan, I'm pretty sure Oroville has a 12-15" slot which means that we are just fishing for over 15" spots.  Sounds like I'll still be able to fish jigs and senkos.  ;D

You had better be patient with that senko, Oroville is deep and steep.

8 oz should get you to the bottom Dean O0

can't divulge secrets on the board, but where there is a problem there is a solution  ;D  Besides prespawn spots are not usually in 60'.  15-30 feet should hold plenty of fish, more than that is for the jigs.

Here it is!  Stren registration dates:

The top 40 pros and co-anglers from each division of the 2008 Stren Series and the top 40 boaters and co-anglers from each division of the 2008 Walmart Bass Fishing League may enter the 2009 Stren Series beginning today. Ranger boat owners may enter beginning Dec. 8. Champion and Stratos owners and TBF members may enter beginning Dec.9. All other entries will be accepted beginning Dec. 10. Fields are limited to 200 boats, and anglers who enter all four tournaments in a division by Jan. 7, 2009 will be given priority.

Pro entry fees are $825 per event and a $250 deposit per tournament is required at the time of entry. Co-angler entry fees are $325 per event and a $100 deposit per tournament is required at the time of entry. Entry may be made online at FLWOutdoors.com or by calling (270) 252-1000. Phones are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time Monday through Friday.

So I can begin 10 Dec for registration?  FLW site I thought said 12 Nov for all others, but then on the same page they don't have registration dates for the first one.  They also have a Roosevelt Lake?  Where is that?

I've joined the FLW for $35, and the web site now just need the reg dates

It's 10 Dec and Roosevelt is in Arizona.

Cal,  The next post up from yours is the FLW news bulletin with the dates. :-\ 

BUT I WANT TO DO IT NOW  ~rant ~rant ~rant ~rant ~rant ~rant ~rant ~rant ~rant ~rant ~rant

Cal,

Just go out and buy a Ranger Boat and you can register two days before me and Stan....................... :-*

Two incomes plus a retirement check, you should be able to swing that Cal, but lets not get started talking about Ranger owners  ::)!

Rangers are over priced and over rated...  ~shhh did I say that out loud?

Wow........Cal, don't hold anything back tell us how you really feel........... lo

Alright Ranger haters >:( 

Ranger is a little pricey, but so are all the good names in boats these days.  When I was looking there was less than 3K difference in any make when rigged the same.

The only boat I would be willing to say may be BETTER from a quality standpoint is BassCat.  Everything else I would say was similar or lower quality than Ranger.

Quote from: Dean on December 03, 2008, 10:27:47 AM
Alright Ranger haters >:( 

The only boat I would be willing to say may be BETTER from a quality  standpoint is BassCat.  Everything else I would say was similar or lower quality than Ranger.

While trying to avoid boat bashing all I can say is that boats are like cars and trucks.  What one person thinks is "Quality" is usually different than someone else's standards.  Each person has their preference and will argue to the end that theirs is better and since there isn't one standard or gauge to judge which boat really is better or who has better quality it's all opinion, we all know what opinions are like and yes everyone has one.

I'm with you that there are lots of preferences.  That is why some guys swear by boats with boxes that get wet inside, storage bins made of plastic that cracks after just 2 or 3 years, screws backing out of fiberglass in 1 or 2 seasons...  A lot of those boats are "good" if you are o.k. with those things, and most are lighter and faster than Rangers.  Maybe creaky decks, wet tackle, and loose screws aren't noticed if you drive fast enough?  I've just seen enough build complaints with some lines, and the only complaint you hear repeated with Ranger is that they are heavy boats.

For what it is worth I would consider Ranger, Skeeter, BassCat, and maybe Legend if I bought again.  Champion's elites are pretty nice too.  Among those, I wouldn't claim any brand is generally better.  That is where I see it being up to preference.  If you notice any I left out, it was either an oversight or I have seen quality issues that would be hard to argue even if you love the brand.

 ~roflmao ~roflmao ~roflmao

Guys look at my boat, I mean come on  ~roflmao ~roflmao  ...kidding aside, someday maybe I'll get something bigger, till then what you have is what you have doesn't matter the brand, if its works for you it works

I hear that.  It is being on the water that lets you catch fish.  With you guys it is just something to harp on and shoot the breeze about.  After some of the boats I saw and rode in this year though, I might choke if someone said their 5 year old Nitro (or a few others for that matter) was as good as any Ranger. 

It ain't the boat that catches the fish!

I agree 100%.  My dad used to say the same thing.  Him and I would fish out of a 12ft john boat and catch more fish than my brother and brother-in-law who were fishing out of expensive Skeeters and Rangers.



On certain lakes though it is the boat that decides whether you can get out there and fish when you have a 3 ft chop.................. ;D

Quote from: Dean on December 03, 2008, 11:12:41 PM
It is being on the water that lets you catch fish. 

I agree too, hence the statement above.  Like Tom says though, part of getting on the water involves the boat you run.  Getting out, fishing comfortably, and getting back safely in rough conditions is kind of important.  If the boat doesn't matter, I would like to provide a 12' jon boat with a 9.9 the next time the wind blows, and we'll fish a tournament.  lo lo lo

YOU'RE ARE CORRECT STAN.  ITS NOT THE BOAT...ITS THE LURES.... WE JUST HANG ON    ~roflmao ~roflmao

So when I retire in 6 months do I have to start using that large font like the other retirees?????........................... lo

YES YOU DO!

I had to break the glasses out for that one.

See it's starting already and you hven't even gone terminal yet! ;D

For the Clear lake tournament you guys need to call the host hotel, I reserved my room and it was only 59.00 a night including tax.

Stan and Cal,

What do you guys plan on for this first event?  I figured on heading to Oroville early Tuesday morning if all goes well.  That way everything is ready to go in the morning if I can catch someone else going out to practice???   or at least visit a tackle shop, and the marina prior to registration.  What are your collective thoughts? 

Then for Clear Lake, Tom is already booked for a single room because he is driving up the day of.  I definitely plan to go up for this on probably Monday and fish Monday afternoon, Tues, and Wed until registration time.  If you are both up for that, we'll work out ways that everyone can fish.  I think one person could just senko or dropshot for a while and probably do fine, and then just tag out so to speak.

I talked to Cal while ago... Probably plan on getting there the night prior to registration so we have registration day to practice or prep, or just check things out.  You o.k. with that, Stan?

Tom, Did you already get your room for Oroville too?  Are you going to drive separately, or just for Clear Lake so you don't need to go early?

I won't be fishing Oroville, IG Inspection instead............... ~rant

Doh!  You told me that, and I totally forgot.  I guess my brain was high on planning fishing trips and not much use for say... remembering what you already told me.  Sorry 'bout the inspection, but we'll try and catch a few for you ;D

Cal and Stan,

Did you guys register today?

Yep, and like a dumby, I called the day before to find out how early I could register.  The lady told me 0800 CST, so I asked what time that would be on the west coast and she told me 0500.  Without thinking I set my alarm for 0445 and when I tried to call at 0500 they were closed.  Then it dawned on me that Texas is CST and only 2 hours ahead of us here, so I made some coffee and waited until 0600.  Got through right away and ony cost me $413.00.  Not a bad Wednesday morning! ???

Registerd for the four events, paid $435 because the site wanted me to pay again for a membership,  already did.  Called the lady and she fixed it on the spot.   Now just the remaining balances when time is right.

Dean,

Did you stay at the comfort suites for the Delta tournament last year?

No I stayed at the Ramada in Antioch.  Got a good deal there, and not too far right off the highway.

So what's up, Cal... are you in?  Stan and I both got our confirmation, but I haven't heard back from you.

Dean,

Both you and Stan got confirmation on the first tournament?  Will all the rest come in the nex few weeks?

No it'll be closer to the tournament.  I think they start notifying like 2 weeks prior to the balance due date.

Sorry Yes I received my confirmation, now they take the other remaining on tne 30th so be tight with that.  Now to repack my tackle so I don't take everything

There is a nice string of post on the northern board of western bass about Oroville, and it looks like they are setting up a launch facilit at the spillway and it's going to be a go, FYI.

A post on westernbass today said FLW will postpone the Oroville trny.  More news to come as well as official message, according to the forum. 

All I know is if they do postpone or reschedule to another lake and I am able to attend the event I will not be doing the Arizona tournament. 

Hopefully the y reschedule for May, if they reschedule for early Feb I probably won't be going.  The wife and I have worked our schedules out around each other and an early Feb date would put a kink in those plans.

What! no Arizona, why not!?!

Why no Arizona, are you kidding.  If I can fish instate and don't have to sleep in a hotel 45 minutes from the launch ramp then yes I will canx the Arizona tournament.  I just don't like the logistics of that one.  Hopefully they will reschedule for after May 1st then I will be on terminal.................. ;D

Well some good news in the midst of bad, I recieved my confirmations for the rest of the series this year.  Looks like I'm in for the Delta, Clear and Roosevelt.

.

Moral of the story:  Never get the 14 day advanced rate or you will Pay! :o

Yeah, I pretty much got that part.  So much for trying to save money.  Next time I'll pay the "change whatever you want for any reason rate."

Yeah, and it usually only about $4.00 more per night and at least you know you can cancel within 24 or 48 hours.  I never like locking down and not being able to cancel just because you never know. 

I wonder when they will decide what they will do about rescheduling and if they will stick with Oroville or change lakes completely.

It is NOT $4. a night difference unless you are AAA.  It is $15 a night which is $60.  With less than 2 weeks to a tournament, and a confirmation of 3 people that will be in the tournament I made the (hindsight) stupid decision to use that "certainty" to save us all some money.  But, NO, I did not make that call for $16. 

Apparently I made that call for $277.  ^-^ it. 

Dean your request is under review  ;D.  What does that come out to be $92 per person?  Cal and I have decided to go ahead and pay you for our part of this non-hotel stay, but you'll have to sleep on your stomach for the rest of the year lo.

So whats the story on lodging for Clear lake and the Delta?

No prepayment.  End of story.


I can go ahead and reserve the place we stayed in October if that is o.k.  We still just need one room right, since Tom has a room?  I have an air matress to take so we don't need to pay for an additional bed from them.

For the Delta, I just need to know if Tom is going, and if he will get his own room or not.  Even if we drove 2 vehicles (if not everyone wanted to go early) we can still split rooms 3 ways the first day, and 4 ways the rest.

Don't forget, you can only sleep on your stomach, that way Cal and I can get our money's worth out of the deal  lo  ~roflmao.

Dean,

Okay I got the amount wrong.  Point is still the same.  Maybe you should take your frustrations out on FLW and not me, they waited until the last minute to cancel.  Needless to say I was pretty pissed off to your response or should I say your tone in your response.  My post had no motive behind it just writing what came to mind.   

Count me out with future travel arrangements and accommodations!

Sorry, Tom.  This was only one of a few things that didn't go well for me yesterday, and I did not intend to take it out on you.  You did not say this, but in the moment I was reading "Gee, Dean, that was dumb."  You have my sincerest apology for sounding so rude.  I do hope that my misunderstanding, and comment has not encroached on several years of friendship.

Cal and Stan,
I already explained, but in hindsight it was still a dumb decision.  If I had been a little less sure of things going as planned, no one would have lost money.  My apology for making the situation worse than it needed to be.  I don't think I will ever use that option again in my lifetime even for a savings of $50. a night.


Sorry though... not a stomach sleeper. 

Boys, Boys!  Let's go out to Cachuma and settle this like real Fishermen!!!!!!! ~gf

This came off westernbass northern:

Bass tournament postponed
By MARY WESTON - Staff Writer
Posted: 01/12/2009 09:57:12 PM PST

OROVILLE — The FLW Outdoors Stren Bass Fishing Tournament planned for Jan. 21-24 will be postponed until mid-May because of low water at Lake Oroville.

Don Lee, National Sales Director for FLW, said the tournament was postponed because of the low lake levels, but Lake Oroville will definitely be on their tournament circuit for the next five years.

"Lake Oroville is on our loop now, and we will be there in May," Lee said.

Monday, the lake elevation was 659 feet — the lowest level for Jan. 12 since 1978. This left all the ramps out of water, except for a dirt road at the base of the dam.

Lee said 125 boats had registered for the tournament so far, and it could take up to eight hours for all the boats to launch with the current lake levels.

However, he said the city of Oroville had been excellent to work with, and Lake Oroville is a great lake, so Oroville will be on their venue for Northern California events.

The Collegiate Tournament that was part of this event will also be held at a later date.

The Department of Water Resources has been working on the Bidwell Canyon ramp extension. Bill Cochran, of DWR Oroville division, said the new ramp will add a third launch area in Bidwell Canyon that runs down to 670 feet for low-water launching. This includes a new parking area above the low-water boat ramp.

"The whole project will be finished in mid-February, Cochran said. "We just need to get a little water in the lake."

Cochran said low lake levels are unusual for mid-winter.

DWR is also improving the dirt road launch area at the dam, graveling the road and parking area.

"Both of these improvements, when completed, will provide better and safer access to the lake during low-water level times," said Bob Marciniak of the city.

Marciniak said the city had been notified about the postponement about 3 p.m. Monday, and he immediately sent out a press release.

Chris Jones, a spokesman for FLW, said, "This was a difficult decision to postpone the event. However, the safety of those participating is of major concern as well as the extended times to launch the expected 150-plus boats."

Jones also said postponing the event would allow time for improvements to lake access to be finished.

City and Greater Oroville Chamber of Commerce sponsors of the tournament expressed disappointment, but they said it was in the best interest of the participants.

"We're all disappointed but we're looking forward to when they have it in the spring," said Chris Robbins, of the chamber.

Staff writer Mary Weston can be reached at 533-3135, or .

Do you think the hotel would complain if we all took hammocks and drilled holes in thier walls to accomondate the bolts...doh!   :shocking:

I hope the reschedule for May dosen't come close to the end of the Roosevelt Lake dates.  Could make for very expensive  month.  Still when we all finish in the top 10 the return will help defray most of the cost.

Speaking of the reschedule, anyone up for a mini-trny at Cachuma this month or get in with one of the other trnys on the central coast circuits., ABA, Tri-Valley, etc.  We could make it a partner draw event, all names in a hat and draw for partners for Jan and Feb trnys.  I know I can't sit still not doing some trny until March at Clear Lake, besides need some $$$ to go to Basspro in RanchoC.,

They are saying mid-May so that will be about a month after Roosevelt, but only a couple weeks before the Delta.  We have a launch in May, but I should be o.k. since I have this forecasted and will have a tech in the shop to fill in for me.  Hope we see specific dates soon. 

Think mid-May will work o.k. for you Stan?

Dean,

Apology accepted, lets just move on.   

I did withdraw from the Lake Roosevelt tournament before getting confirmed and losing my deposit, I just did not like the logistics of the whole event.  But I will register for the rescheduled Oroville tournament in May that way I still get 3 in.  So I am up for splitting expenses for the Delta and Oroville as I already have my room for clear lake and will keep that one since it's at the host hotel.

I am up for a small tournament at Margarita this weekend, none of us have been to the lake to pre-fish so it should be fair.

I'm up for it if we can weigh in by like 3:00 at the latest.  I have something at 5 (or 5:30?) in Santa Maria.  It is supposed to be $8 and 8 this year, and $5 for an inspection/wash if you don't have a cable from Lopez or Margarita.  Still think it is the best for big fish short of going to Casitas.

Actually I went to Lopez about 2 weeks ago and they took my Cachuma tag.  Lopez and Margarita last I heard will both accept a Cachuma tag.  Yea fees did go up that's why I had to purchase my annual pass prior to 1 Jan or I would of had to pay like $30.00 more I think.

So you have an annual for both lakes, or just Cachuma?  All lakes should take a Cachuma inspection since they are so picky.  Naci has a new advantage since the county fee went away, and they don't inspect at all.  The downside is after a few trips, when you want to go somewhere else, then you need an inspection again.

I purchased another Lopez/Margarita pass this year.  It's $210.00 for the truck and boat combined.  But after the 1st of Jan I think it went up to $230 or $240 but keep in mind it gets you into both lakes that's why it's more than the Cachuma pass and my Cachuma pass will expire in June or July.  After like 13 trips it pays for itself and I had that many last year between Margarita and Lopez and now that I will be living in Santa Maria and about 30-35 minutes from Lopez I will use it even more.

Well Stan and Cal, you guys up for Margarita on Saturday??

Okay I'm in!  We'll see ya out there at around 0630.  I hear the bite is not great unless your throwing buzzbaits all day.  Cal is a no-go.

Well how was the fishing?  Who own, what did you all use, water depth, water temp, air, skies, more ~gf more  ~gf more  ~gf

Got this from Westernbass today:

STREN SERIES LAKE OROVILLE EVENT RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 14-16

National Guard FLW College Fishing event slated for May 16

WHAT: The Stren Series and National Guard FLW College Fishing events scheduled for Jan. 22-24 and Jan. 24 respectively at Lake Oroville have been rescheduled for May 14-16 and May 16 because of delays in ramp construction at the Bidwell Canyon Marina in Oroville, Calif. According to officials, ramp construction is now slated for completion around the end of February.

WHO: Stren Series and National Guard FLW College Fishing anglers.

WHEN: Events have been rescheduled for May 14-16 (Stren Series) and May 16 (FLW College Fishing).

WHERE: Lake Oroville, Bidwell Canyon Marina, Oroville, Calif.

NOTES: College teams are encouraged to register early to ensure their spot in the event. College teams may register at collegefishing.com.

Looks like I will be calling FLW in the morning to register.

Well,
I called this morning and signed up for Oroville.  I asked about confirmation on Clear Lake and she said because of the ice storm they had last week it slowed things down and those should go out in the next week.

Got my re-confirmation for Orroville yesterday with the new dates, how 'bout you guys?  I just hope they don't try and pull another $225 since it has already been paid.  I'll be keeping my eye out for that!

I haven't received confirmation for anything yet.  Dean, how many weeks out did you get confirmation last year when you only signed up for 2 events?

I think it was about 3 weeks before Clear Lake, but I got both confirmations at the same time so the Delta's was early.

I got my Oroville and Roosevelt today,   have a calendar reminder to pay the Clear Lake on the 11th.  Delta confirmation got a couple of weeks ago.

Have paid the balance on Oroville already so just have the clear lake to go this month

I just called and had them move my Oroville payment over to Clear Lake since they had already billed it before the postponement.  Then they will will bill the Oroville balance by the new deadline.

Why did you do that Dean?

Just so they don't have my money in the bank from January to May for free.  Hope it doesn't mess them up too bad, but I didn't want to leave my money tied up for something I won't get until May.  They still have my deposit. 

Oh!  I thought that maybe you knew something that we didn't.  I just figured I would leave it alone that way I'm not getting hit back to back for Orroville and the Delta, within a few weeks of each other.

Did you hear?  No sten in the west next year.

yep, no STREN, you could do FLW NG but clear lake isn't on the list