Snell Knot, Time to learn if you don't already know!

I am very excited to report that my findings on hooks is going to blossom into an article that will be submitted to In-Fisherman Magazine. (Not certain it will hit the news stand but will be submitted to them) I have tested many different models of hooks for flipping grass and other techniques that involve the more traditional casting of a plastic worm. During my testing I begin to report my findings to several In-Fisherman staff members and to my total surprise they told me to start writing.

I contacted Tim Norman of Youvella and he put in contact with his prostaff so that I could get detailed information about hooks and why the pros were picking the shapes they were. The main focus of my article will be on the shape of the hook and not the brand. Brand gets into personal preference and into a very controversial topic of brand loyalty and hook points. I decided to focus on shape.

If you are not aware the prostaff for Youvella is Peter T, Ish Monroe, Mike Iaconnelli, and Greg Hackney. I am excited to report that I have heard from several of them and the information is pouring in. The shape of choice will come later but one over riding thing keeps coming up. The knot! That is right the knot being used is very important to the touring pros. I was surprised to hear the excitement in Greg Hackney's voice when he discussed the snell knot. It was excitement not because he was jumping up and down but rather because he was adamant that you must use the snell knot when using heavy weights and braid.

Ish Monroe didn't allow the discussion to go any further when the topic of knots came up. "I use the snell knot for everything now!" (Everything is in regard to sliding or pegged weights in a texas style rig) This mainly to be used in the straight shank hook and the offset. None the less the snell knot is being used when ever the pro's are using a sliding weight.

Interesting stuff! I spent a day experimenting with the knot and to say the least I was very impressed. I would have never believed that a knot could be such a huge difference in my hook up ratio. I used it on all shapes of hooks while using a sliding weight and found that for what ever reason my hook ups started to come in the roof of the mouth rather then the sides or the bottom.

I have included a detailed showing of how to tie the knot. Please try it and see the difference! I was amazed at my results and feel you will be also, enjoy!

Ross

The Snell Fishing Knot
The Snell Knot provides a strong connection when fishing with bait and using a separate length of leader. You can only use a Snell Knot with a leader.

SNELL KNOT
	1. Insert one end of the leader through the hook's eye, extending 1 to 2 inches past the eye. Insert the other end of the leader through the eye in the opposite direction pointing toward the barb of the hook. Hold the hook and leader ends between your thumb and forefinger of left hand. Leader will hang below the hook in a large loop.
	2. Take the part of the large lower loop that is closest to the eye and wrap it over the hook shank and both ends of the leader toward the hook's barb.
	3. Continue to wrap for 7 or 8 turns and hold wraps with left hand. Grip the end of the leader that is through the eyelet with your right hand and pull it slowly and steadily. Hold the turns with your left hand or the knot will unravel. When knot is almost tight, slide it up against the eye of the hook. Grip the short end lying along the shank of the hook with a pair of pliers. Pull this end and the standing line at the same time to completely tighten the knot.

Western Anglers

Upon reading a piece today on Basszone.com I was reminded how much of an east coast bias there is in the world of fishing. It amazes me that the rest of the country gives almost no credit to what happens in the west. The US Open is credited by Rick Clunn as being the toughest tournament in the world to win. Still 9 out of 10 bass heads couldn't tell you who if anyone has ever won the event.

The article in question is regarding Byron Velvick and his 2008 season. So many find his season to be a surprise, WHY????? The man has won the US Open not once but TWICE!!!!!!!!! The man can flat out fish. Sure he may wear to much hair products for your taste but why the hell does that give you the right to assume he can't fish. Yes he is the "Bachelor" so what!!!!! So are you telling me that if you were single and ABC wanted to put you on a show with over a dozen beautiful talented woman and you get to date them all and pick one you wouldn't? LIAR!!!!!!!

http://www.basszone.com/2008zlines/velvick1.htm

The western anglers have been forgotten and dismissed as guys who haven't "proven" themselves. Well folks Byron has done more before he left the west then I will ever do in my life in the world of bassfishing. He doesn't need to prove a thing to me. He qualified for the BassMasters Classic and oh by the way won the US Open TWICE!!!!

On a side note, do you know who else has won the US Open, Aaron Martens, he won in 2004 and 2005! Those that read this and think the west is just a bunch of sand with a few anglers that haven't "proven" themselves, think again! The west is perhaps the toughest proving ground there is. The lakes are large, small, clear, dirty, tidal, weedy, barrian, deep, and did I mention at times clear. The west if for real and should be taken seriously.

The names of Skeet Reese, Luke Clausen, Ish Monroe, Dean Rojas, Aaron Martens, Micheal Bennett, Brent Ehrler, Jared Lintner, John Murray, Brett Hite, and oh by the way Bryon Velvick should be respected as great anglers. Sure Skeet and Byron could use a little less hair products but that doesn't take away from the fact that they can fish. Take a look at the next big time tournament and notice the amount of CA guys or Western anglers are on the list and see how well they finished.

There is a ton of Western websites and magazines that bass fishermen should take a look at. Their ideas out west are cutting edge and if you get on them early you might just win a tournament or two and have to see that Byron Velvick can fish!

Have to share my fish story!

I have waited my whole life (I am only 33 so take it in stride! LOL) for this to happen and now it has been done three times in a year. The third time was this evening and it was a charm! I am speaking of having a Muskie or a Large Northern Pike eat the fish that I am reeling in. I have two things that I have always wanted to do.

1. Catch two fish with the same crankbait.
2. Have a Pike or Muskie eat the fish that I am reeling in.

Well number two has now happened three times in the same summer. The first was a Pike on Big Marine, the second was a Muskie on White Bear Lake, and the third was a MONSTER Muskie on White Bear Lake.

The third is always a charm. I was fishing a 7" Berkley Power Worm on a deep weed line on White Bear Lake when I felt the common tap tap of a small bass or sunfish. I was reluctant to set the hook as I felt it was nothing more then a sunfish. I finally set the hook and found a small fish to show for my snap of the rod. I reeled the small fish in for about 10 cranks of the reel when suddenly the fish stopped and smoked drag in another direction. I knew right away what had happened. This time I was rewarded by being able to fight the fish for an extended period of time and also seeing the massive fish. I have seen several large Muskies over the years and this one was by far and away the biggest. I would guess her in the 50" class. Perhaps 48 but far and away a monster.

The reason I am able to say the size is I fought the fish for approximately 15 to 20 seconds. The fish was very relaxed and not under stress at all as my hook was never in her mouth. I was able to bring her to the boat twice and got a good look at her a third time. It was a very interesting experience and a real eye opener. The Muskie is a beautiful fish and amazing when it has your fish in it's mouth. I swear it was almost like she knew what was going on and was having as much fun as I was!

I share this story to say, if you have the little fun goals in fishing like this, just stay on the water and they will come true! It was amazing and I am so happy to share my story!

Ross

Drop Shot Hooks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Late last week I said I would report on my findings of which hook and why. I bought several packs and also opened my eyes and mind up to new ideas. First the 4 hooks that are in question. I settled on these hooks as three of them are the major brands and the other is specifically called a Drop Shot hook.

1. Owner Mosquito Hook Size 4 - $2.29 per 10 pack for $.23 a hook
2. Gamakatsu Drop Shot Hook Size 2 - $1.99 per 6 pack for $.33 a hook
3. Mustad Wide Gap Drop Shot Hook Size 2 - $1.59 per 6 pack for $.26 a hook
4. Skinny Bear Extra Wide Gap Drop Shot Hook Size 2 - $1.99 per 6 pack for $.33 a hook

First Impressions:
1. The Owner has a slight offset from the shank to the hook point. Something you see in a circle hook but something I've never thought was that big of a deal. Surprised that Owner came in as the lowest priced hook. Premium brand and low price.
2. Gamakatsu seemed to be the best looking hook and also the one that I has always used and felt was the best. Great hook point and I expect it to be the winner at the end.
3. The Mustad has the largest bend in the eye and I was excited to see how the rigging was going to go. Not impressed at all with the hook point! It didn't even scratch my finger nail when I ran it across.
4. The Skinny Bear is only slightly wider gaped then the Gamakatsu and appears to be a solid hook but not impressed by the high price per hook for an "off brand." So close to the Gamakatsu I can't help but wonder if they are buying the hook from the same factory?????

Rigging Thoughts:
I rigged all hooks standard, 6lb Sunline Sniper with a Palomar knot and the tag end run back through the eye of the hook to make it stand up better. For testing reasons I used a 1/4oz weight so that when I looked at in the water I saw the same weight. I also used a 4.5" Robo Worm in New Ayu so that I was looking at the same rigging each time.

The Skinny Bear and the Gamakatsu are almost identical and I had to check them twice to make sure I had each hook on the rod that I thought I did. The hooks have the same bend on the eye that allows for good rigging but not great. The Mustad is not impressive and tends to not stand at the required 90 degree to the line. The Owner was the clear winner on rigging. 90 Degree from the line! Stood up great and was clearly the best looking hook of the bunch. I always had thought that a slight bend in eye was required. Once I rigged them all that idea went out the window! The bend that the Skinny Bear and the Gamakatsu has allows for a nice angle from the line but not the true 90 degree that drop shotters are looking for. The Owner was exactly 90 degrees each of the three times I tied it.

Fishing:
I know that this isn't an exact science since I was fishing over a couple of days and tried to give each hook equal time. Also a fisherman never really knows whether each bite is equal. If by luck the fish tends to eat one better then the other it will effect the results. That being said I was amazed by what I found!

I started out by NOT setting the hook and just reeling the reel fast and lifting such as a lot of CA guys do. When you do not set the hook at all the Gamakatsu was the clear winner but for what ever reason I have always done better when setting the hook. So for what I considered the real test I set the hook with a light snap like I always do. For those of you that may read this that are new to 6lb Sunline, this is NOT a solid hook set but rather a quick lift of the rod with a rather loose drag. Don't set the hook like a mad man or you will BREAK the line!!!!!

To my amazement the Owner was so clearly the winner it wasn't even close. I have not lost a single fish that I have fought with the Owner, not one! I will repeat that, not one! I was amazed!!!!!!!!! I have had several times both in the test and also using the Gamakatsu in "real world" use that I have lost fish. Nothing major but it just seemed like the Gamakatsu is a great hook that doesn't seem to always hook up. I wonder about two important things working together, 1-the offset point, 2-NOT having a 90 degree from the line. The Skinny Bear was just to close to the Gamakatsu and didn't separate itself. The Mustad was the clear looser! Bad angle from the line and bad hook up ratio. I lost several fish and missed several others. Several that I got into the boat came right off by taking the pressure off the hook. If the fish would have turned different it would have come off.

Ranking:
1. OWNER!!!!!! I am amazed to say but I have a new drop shot hook!!!!!! (Any body want to buy a bunch of Gamakatsu's???? LOL)
2. Gamakatsu, great hook point but clearly a looser to the Owner when you fish them side by side.
3. Skinny Bear, just way to close to the Gamakatsu. Same price so why?
4. Mustad, was not impressed and would not buy or even use if you gave them to me.

Ross

Let the Hook Battles Begin!!!!!

Over the coming weeks I will be judging a number of different hooks from a number of different companies. I intend on reporting my findings and giving a detailed list of each hook and how I felt it preformed.

I have three different areas that I intend on concentrating. 1. Drop Shot hooks, 2. Flipping Hooks, and 3. Casting Hooks (Texas Rigged).

Having spent the past 6 years working in the fishing industry and selling a line of hooks I am the first to admit that I have not fished with very many different brands. Well that is about to change!!!! I have the drop shot hooks coming from Tackle Warehouse and they should arrive today. I have the purchased a number of different hooks for the casting option as well. The Flipping Hooks will be coming from all over the map.

Please check back and I'll give you my findings.

Thank you!
Ross

The "System" that is Drop Shotting!

I joke that it is a "System" because I feel that you can't drop shot without a great depth finder! So they go hand in hand and thus are a "System."

My "System" is fairly simple, I use my Humminbird 997 Side Imaging to find deep water spots of potential and I drop shot them to death! The secret is using your Side Imaging to find the true "spot on the spot." A person can catch the day lights out of bass on a deep weedline on a drop shot. If you really want to catch good fish you need to find just the right turn in the weeds or the biggest rock in the rock pile or the sharpest part of a drop off. What ever your lake offers for the best spot you need to find the "spot on the spot." The Side Imaging is key in me finding these spots quickly and effectively. You can find these areas with conventional electronics but it just takes a lot longer.

The equipment is also a part of the "System." I use very specific drop shot rods and very specific line, hooks, and baits. My rod choice is still a little open but the idea remains the same. The best production drop shot rod on the market today is a G Loomis DSR820S!!!! Hands down the best production rod on the market. You can also build yourself a great rod for drop shotting but that is a Post all by itself. I have built several over the past winter and all of them have their own little things I love. I will do a post soon on rod building and discuss in further detail which blanks I feel best fit the bill.

The rest of the drop shot set up is fairly straight forward but in my opinion very specific. I use only Sunline fluorocarbon, why you ask. Well simple, take a look at the package of line you use and notice the line diameter. This in my opinion is WAY more important to drop shotting then the LB test rating. Line companies have cheated the system for years, chances are the line you use breaks far heavier then the actual line rating on the box. That is fine and it doesn't make a whole lot of difference. What makes a difference is the line diameter. The thinner you can make your line the more natural and less likely the fish is to detect it. Fish can't see fluorocarbon but they can feel it. I know that seems crazy but there is lots of studies out there that show that fish can feel the slightest movement under water and why would line be any different. So I use the thinnest line I can buy. I prefer a very high end fluorocarbon from Sunline called Metan Invisible. The line comes in 4, 4.5, and 5lb ratings. Take a good look at the diameter and it is surprisingly thinner then most of the competitors on the market. Over the past three seasons I have become convinced that by using a thinner fluorocarbon I can catch fish that others can not.

The hook has been influenced by my past job in that I sold Gamakatsu hooks. So as you can imagine I use a number 2 or 4 Drop Shot hook from Gamakatsu. Since leaving my old job I have started to play around a lot with other brands and will report my finding at some point in a future post. The weight is simple, any old drop shot weight will do just fine! 1/8, 3/16, and 1/4 oz is all I carry in my boat and I use a weight depending on the depth and wind conditions. Smaller is better just like the line discussion.

Baits, Oh boy do we love baits! I hate to burst your bubble but I have all but taken everything out of my boat except two baits -

1. 4.5" Roboworm Straight Tail, I carry four colors the most and use the color that best matches the water clarity. New Ayu, Aaron's Magic, Green Weenie and Purple Weenie.

2. 5" Wacky Crawler from Gulp. Greens and browns is all you need!

Dropper length is the question I get asked the most about when people talk to me about drop shotting. I answer very directly and honestly. Never in the history of the world has there been so much discussion about NOTHING! My dropper length is anywhere from 9" to 18". Some days a little longer and others a little shorter. The length is almost never adjusted by me so I can't speak on the subject. If I loose a weight I clip a new one on and generally find that my dropper length is slightly shorter. I keep doing this until it is time to retie. With the exception of having a very short or very long dropper I have never once seen a day where it seemed to matter whether my dropper was 12" or 15". In my humble opinion it just doesn't make all the much difference.

The dropper length discussion is much like the bait discussion. I feel that the baits and the length of your dropper matter far less then the finding the spot on the spot and getting that drop shot to dance on that spot. There are days when I have found the fish wanted it nose hooked and days they wanted it wacky rigged, but if I am fishing the "spot on the spot" most days it doesn't matter.

Take my "System" and you will find some personal adjustments you want to make but over all I feel that anyone that uses my "System" will catch more and bigger fish then ever before.

Ross

Muskie Lakes! Good or Bad?

As I tend to spend a fair amount of my summer time in the Hayward, WI area I have been really working on this question in my mind. Does having Muskies in a lake effect the way Bass eat or behave? I am a huge believer after 4 summers in Hayward, WI that the Muskie has a profound and direct effect on the population of Bass. Is it for the good or the bad? Does the Muskie just make the bass population "different" for a lack of a better term and I am not a good enough fisherman to react to the difference? I honestly don't know the answers to these questions. I am on a fact finding mission!

I use the Chippewa Flowage as a prime example. The lake has all the makings for a great bass lake. Plenty of shallow cover, deep water close by and in areas a good mix of grass. So why does the population seem to be so small and so concentrated? Also why does it seem that the population will not chase a bait? These are questions that I am not smart enough to answer on my own. I will be doing some investigation on the internet over the coming weeks and months and try to answer this question.

I am a firm believer that I am a good fisherman (ok not great but good) so why does the lakes that have Muskies effect me so much? Please email me your thoughts or post them on line.

shimanonut@yahoo.com

Please label the tag line "Muskie Lakes"

Ross

More Talk on the NO Co's

I am posting an article that was on the website of www.bassfan.com under their docktalk section. I feel that most guys just look at the major articles and move on. Here in another interesting case that discusses the no-co's. I of course wrote my take on this on an earlier post. Please read and if interested you can go to the article and post your feedback for Bassfan.

Ross

No-Co Decision: BASS's Best Move

Thursday, July 24, 2008
by Steve Chaconas

(Steve Chaconas has been covering pro bass fishing for 20 years. Currently he writes for BoatUS Trailering, Woods & Waters USA, The Sportsman's Magazine and other titles. He provides radio coverage of pro events and is also the BoatUS.com "fishing expert.")

Just as a fan reaches over the wall to keep an outfielder from catching a home-run ball, bass fishing's co-angler has been affecting outcomes of top-level tournaments for too long.

Last week, this one element within the control of tournament organizers was been taken out of play by BASS. The ESPN organization has stressed that co-anglers still have the opportunity to compete in the Open series, but may now only ride as observers with Elite Series pros.

Historically, tournaments relied on "draw" formats to police events. This pro-on-pro in the same boat format wasn't very popular and caused friction between anglers. The advent of the observer/co-angler thus came about and the pros were able to sink or swim on their own merits – until the co-anglers got good, that is.

The cos scooped up fish the pros missed and needed. They exposed patterns and gave unfair advantage to pro partners. And in some cases, they inadvertently shared information, which lent an unfair advantage.

Bottom line: Co-anglers affected the outcome of pro bass events. Co-anglers also take their economic toll. Cos and pros look the same to fans with the sea of sponsored shirts. Shares of sponsor support split, which makes it more difficult for pros to stay in the game.

Elite pro Kurt Dove thinks this change was overdue, and it comes at a great time. "BASS has done a great job elevating the sport in various ways – payouts, the level of competition – and is now taking out the final variable that can alter the outcome of an event or anglers' success," Dove said. He also stressed that the sport isn't just a couple of guys trying to make a few bucks. "Pro fishermen are making a living and compete at the highest level."

While Dove admits the purification of the sport might not cause casual fans to take note, he believes: "The avid bass angler will understand the importance of putting pro against pro and eliminating a controllable variable, the co-angler, from competition."

The new rule takes the rod out of the co-angler's hands, but doesn't take them out of the pro's boat. Pro Kelly Jordon reflected on great relationships he's had with cos in our conversation, but added: "I'm not a fishing guide, I'm a professional bass fishermen trying to make a living out there, and co-angler is not an entitlement."

He also identified top-level bass events that exclude cos, like the Bassmaster Classic and the old E50 events. "It's going be much more a pure fishing competition without the distraction of worrying about a guy casting over you, or picking off a fish that might have helped you," he said. "Ninety-five percent of the cos are great, but it's the 5% who aren't, and there are some nightmare stories out there."

The co-angler skill level also varies, from average to those with fishing abilities that rival their pro.

Jordon says this ruling turns over control to pros, which results in less pressure on spots and the fishery itself. ("It's hard to run a pattern with the extra pressure," he told me.) But cos still have the opportunity to ride and see how pros fish.

Bottom line, Jordon says it's more of a level playing field and it's going to eliminate excuses. "It's all you. Co-anglers can't help or hurt you. It makes it more pure – pro on pro with less distractions."

As for the policing effect, Jordon says with cameras, fans and so much at stake, pros at the highest level won't risk cheating and have been known to turn themselves in for rules infractions costing them valuable position in the standings.

Not all co-anglers are created equal, either. Frank Scalish says the co-angler is an unequal variable and each co's idea of why he or she is in that boat differs.

Some cos won't get in the way – some won't even fish. "Or then you get a guy who feels he should be fishing cast-for-cast and never gives the (pro) a break," Scalish said.

The co-angler skill level also varies, from average to those with fishing abilities that rival their pro, and Scalish contends that if fishing is a pro sport, it's about time it behaved like one. "We're the only pro sport in the world where the weekender can get on the playing field and affect the outcome of the game."

This is certainly a divided subject. Co-anglers want to fish with/against the pros, and most pros don't want them. Many a pro has described a good co-angler as one who can't fish. The pros don't want someone in the boat catching their fish, and taking away sponsor dollars and media attention. The pro is a full-time angler with a career on the line. A full-time co-angler affects the outcome and the career.

There'll be plenty of time and opportunity for up-and-comers to fish other trails as co-anglers and learn the ropes from very good anglers.

I feel this move by BASS will turn out to be the best move made in the history of the sport to date.

Youvella, learn the Name! It will be coming to a store near you!

Having once worked for Tim Norman I say, WAY TO GO TIM!!!!!!!

I have spoken to several different industry contacts and all of them have said the same thing, Youvella is going to sell some product. The new flipping hook took one industry friend by surprise and he is flat out excited to use it. I will be in contact with Tim this week and will try to get my hands on some of these exciting new flipping hooks.

This is an article about the President of Youvella. I had the pleasure of working for Tim Norman when he was Sales Manager of SPRO. I was a sales rep for SPRO for several years before leaving the fishing industry.

Ross

Taken from www.bassmaster.com

LAS VEGAS — Tim Norman worked as a cop for 17 years and retired a sergeant in the Atlanta Police Department when he started a new career, at age 40. This year's ICAST show marked an anniversary for him.

"It was at ICAST 2000 when Mustad said 'We want you to put down your gunbelt and come to work for us full-time,'" Norman said.

With a daughter who was 3 at the time, thinking he'd need to work at least another 20 years to support a family, the Chattanooga, Tenn., native said, "I didn't think I had another 20 years in me as an Atlanta police sergeant."

Norman was a good-enough bass fisherman to fish BASS and FLW events. It was during those years, when bass fishing was a hobby, that Norman began promoting products for various sportfishing manufacturers.

But Norman knew he didn't have the specific knowledge and practical experience necessary to design new products. That's where his experience as a cop led to a new business philosophy.

"As a policeman, I realized my limitations," said Norman, now 48. "A lot of times as a cop, you have to act as a lawyer, a preacher, a counselor — and I wasn't any of those things. When it came down to it, all I could do was recommend a solution to people's problems.

"It taught me not to overstep my boundaries, to know my limitations."

Norman was successful helping Mustad introduce the new Ultrapoint hooks. But it was while working for lure manufacturer SPRO over the last 3 1/2 years Norman really demonstrated how to put his new "Most Wanted" list into action: Instead of hunting down criminals, Norman began contracting with fishing pros, like Dean Rojas to design the Bronzeye Frog, Bill Siemantel for a signature swimbait series and Gary Klein for a new jig design.

"It's not complicated at all," Norman said. "If you just set your ego aside for a few minutes and get the best experts available in the world for the goals you're trying to accomplish, you're going to be successful."

Norman came to ICAST 2008 with a different company; he is now the president of Youvella, a European hook manufacturer that is now part of the Fish Harder companies, which include Tru-Tungsten and Picasso.

However, Norman's business philosophy remains the same. That's the main reason he was able to assemble a staff of Bassmaster Elite Series pros that includes Mike Iaconelli, Ish Monroe, Greg Hackney and Peter Thliveros.

"We're going to use that same philosophy 100 percent — pro-designed, pro-tested, pro-approved," Norman said. "The pros won't settle for having their names slapped on a product anymore now that they know what it's like to design and produce one from start to finish."

If you want to hear a bunch of pro bass anglers start bellyaching, just bring up the subject of fishing hooks available specifically for their needs.

"You won't find any fishermen out there that don't complain about the hook market," said Hackney, a six-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier from Gonzales, La. "I've used every brand of hook out there for certain techniques, trying to find the one that's just right."

Hackney is known for being a shallow-water specialist — flipping, in particular.

"Nobody has made a good flipping hook," Hackney said. "A sure-enough-designed, big-rod, big-line, heavy-cover flipping hook."

Monroe, a five-time Classic qualifier from Hughson, Calif., has grown increasingly frustrated with a hook he had to tweak with a pair of pliers to ensure consistent hook-sets.

"We are basically designing our own hooks now (with Youvella), where we're not going to have that problem anymore," Monroe said.

With Monroe, Hackney, Iaconelli and Thliveros, Youvella has four pro bass anglers with different strengths in fishing techniques. Hackney, for example, is a flipping specialist. But the other three pros rely on flipping for particular tournaments, too. And whether it's flipping or finesse, treble hooks or single points, Norman has sold them on the idea that all four men will have to agree on a new design before it goes to market under the Youvella brand.

"Three out of four won't do," Monroe said. "We've got four of the best fishermen in the world, and if we all agree, it ought to be the best product on the market. If only three agree, then there's something wrong somewhere, and we need to figure out how to change it."

Youvella's new hook designs are currently undergoing a second series of field testing by the pros. While some designs should be available this fall, it will be 2009 before Norman's full influence on a new set a bass fishing hooks will be widely available.

You have to look back to the SPRO Dean Rojas Signature Series Bronzeye Frog to get a full picture of how Norman's "Most Wanted" list works.

"I'm not patronizing you," said Norman, who knew the employer of this writer. "But the whole world for a fisherman revolves around ESPN(2) on Saturday mornings.

"And I watch every episode. If I'm out, I tape it. And I've paid attention to what the pros (on the Bassmaster Elite Series tour) were getting excited about.

"I learned from ESPN on Saturday mornings about (topwater) frogs becoming a hot item. That's where I learned about swimbaits becoming a hot item. That's where I noticed jerkbaits were turning into a real craze — just from watching the Bassmaster shows on ESPN Outdoors.

"That's the truth. It's not complicated."

But it can get complicated when you tell a pro bass fisherman you're going to make a lure to his specifications. And make it so well that he can win money using that lure in a tournament, not just get an endorsement check for allowing the use of his name.

Although Norman is no longer with SPRO, which is headquartered in Kennesaw, Ga., and affiliated with the hook-maker, Gamakatsu, his fingerprints continue to appear throughout its lure catalog for the coming year. A triple-jointed, hard-plastic Bill Siemantel BBZ-1 Shad in a blueback herring color pattern is certain to be a popular lure.

It was Norman who contacted Arkansas pro Mike McClelland almost two years ago about designing a jerkbait. And his signature Mc Stick lure, featuring a ball-bearing weight-transfer system, will be available this fall.

Elite Series pro John Crews of Virginia has added a deeper-running design to his SPRO "Little John" crankbait series this year.

Syd Rives is now the sales manager at SPRO. He trained under Norman's philosophy, and there's no reason to argue with the success it has produced.

"It seems to have worked beautifully, so we'll keep doing it," Rives said. "It sometimes seems like we go through 18 million prototypes, between action, color samples, hook sizes and everything else. But the pros are doing the little nit-picky things to make these baits perfect.

"They're making the baits they want to win tournaments with."

Said Norman, "Syd's one of the finest young men I've ever known. I couldn't have turned the company over to a better person."

Norman's still somewhat in shock about how the opportunities keep getting more exciting each year for an ex-cop who turned his hobby into a second career.

"I haven't been sued, shot, stabbed or spit-on since I got in the fishing industry," Norman said.

And if Youvella can quell the hook complaints from today's bass pros, Norman will be able to put another notch of accomplishment on his "Most Wanted" list.

Sometimes Bigger is Better!

For years and years I only carried bullets weights up to 1/2oz and almost never had a weight rigged over 1/4oz. I never saw the need. Well my eyes have been opened and I am here to share the wealth.

Almost by accident I discovered fishing with the big weights. When I refer to big weights I am discussing weights over and including 3/4oz. I have in my box several in the 3/4, 1, and 1 1/2oz sizes. I prefer the Tru-Tungsten brand but admit that I have never really played with the others. The biggest thing that drew me to the Tru-Tungsten brand was the fact that they are black. The Bass Pro private label is almost chrome and I feel that might scare a fish or two away.

The big weight deal requires, and I do mean requires a heavy rod and heavy line. I personally fish with a Falcon CC-7-176H and use 65lb Sunline Braid. I have settled on these brands because at one time I was the sales person for them both and grew closely attached to these brands. As far as the rod goes it is fantastic for my use but you can sub your favorite brand as long as it is heavy. The same goes for the line.

The question that I get asked most from buddies about the use of this technique is where and why. That is what I hope to answer here today. The best answer to the where, is to say, almost everywhere. I started like most working the big weights in super heavy cover that required a "punching" style. Milfoil is the easiest to give as an example. What I quickly discovered is that the big weight gives your plastics a totally different look when it hits the bottom. Watch a plastic craw hit the bottom with a 1/4oz then watch it hit with a 1 oz. On the big weight the claws JUMP up into the fish's face. Requiring aggressive hits from bass. The 1/4 oz (which I still use a lot) falls even and flat. There is a place for both in your tackle box.

By using a big weight in normal cover you can trigger a bite that might otherwise leave a 1/4oz weight alone. This came into perfect focus last fall during a tournament that a friend and I fished on Pool 4 of the Mississippi River. On day two of the tournament I switched to the big weight to try to punch through a small patch of slop close to some wood. While working the weight out towards the end of the tree I was met with a VICIOUS strike that turned out to be a nice healthy 3lb fish. Quickly my partner also put on a big weight and two trees later he was met with the same aggressive type of hit. We had worked through the same area with lighter weights and no luck. On our second pass we took three fish. Two that went 3lbs a piece and one what turned out to be the big fish of the tournament weighting 4.25lbs. Not the biggest fish in the world but certainly the biggest fish of the day. That fish answered the "why" question!

The bites tend to be hard and vicious. Be prepared for quick bites on the fall and the second it hits the bottom. The biggest adjustment that you need to make is make sure you don't drop your rod tip!!!!! I'll say that again, don't drop your rod tip! Reason is simple, if you let that fish fell that heavy weight in his mouth he will spit it out very quickly. Lift up and if their is weight set the hook!

The plastics choice is simple, what ever you prefer. I have caught fish using the YUM Vibra King Mega Tube and also the Gander Mountain Yomama in their private label brand. Other favorites are the Lake Fork Craw Tube and the Net Bait Paca Craw.

Use this technique in the heavy cover along with the light cover. It can work either way!

Ross

Elites drop the Co's

Last week during the excitement of ICAST the Bassmaster's Elite Tour dropped some pretty serious news of there own. They dropped the Co-Anglers from the tour. During the past week I have read a lot from the pro's and co-anglers on various websites:

www.bassfan.com - lots of views on this
www.basszone.com - views of the pros

I will throw out my two cents on this deal. Simple, it must be done! The tour is called the "Elites" for a reason. They should have total control over their day and total control over their destiny. Some of these co-anglers are down right mad. They have a right to be disappointed but lets get real, they are amateurs in the back of the boat that don't need to be there. The anger is a little over the top in my opinion. The industry is driven by average fisherman buying product that the pros use. These Co's make is sound like they are the only ones buying tackle. The average fisherman, I call them "Joe Lunch Bucket" has never signed up to be a co and frankly doesn't have the income to burn money running across the US to ride in the back of the boat.

Yes these guys are our hero's and we were given a unique chance to ride along with them to view it first hand. Well that has changed. As I have said to people before, I don't get to suit up the Seahawks on Sunday, Golf a round with Tiger or ride in the car with Jr. So why is it my god given right to ride with KVD for the day? This anger is directed at BASS and that is fine. But these guys saying this will effect sales of product, GET REAL!!!! Are you telling me that since you don't get to ride with KVD you are not going to buy a Sexy Shad Series 5 from Strike King. Get over yourself! I own a couple just like you do. I wish I could be buddies with KVD but I'm NOT!

In less then a couple of weeks this will blow over and it will have ZERO effect on anything other then the standings at the 2009 Elite Tour. No one will really see the standings change but there is tons of stories of guys being tipped off by their Co on which color to use or what depth to fish. Well that is over. Now we get to see who is the best. No help in anyway. NONE! I'm am not stupid, no one is on the Elite tour because of something a co did or didn't do but day in and day out guys are seeing something or picking up something and that changes the playing field for the rest. Now the playing field is level. So lets see what happens.

Ross

Fishing on a budget

With any luck, this will be a weekly tip that I will post. Gas is $3.90 a gallon here in Woodbury, MN. You have to cut corners when ever you can. So my first cost saving tip involves one of my favorites, good old water or beverages in the boat.

The first mistake I see a lot of guys make is buying bottled water. A bottle of water at the local gas station will usually go around $.99 to $1.99 depending on size and brand. So for conversation lets say that you buy three bottle at $1.50 per fishing trip. That equals $4.50 a trip. If you fish an average amount, lets say 2 days a week for 4 months out of the year. That equals an amazing $144 dollars of water a year!

Here is what I do, I buy 5 water bottles and a water purification unit for my house. Grand total is $39.95. You can buy a simple system for your kitchen sink for around $25 and 5 water bottles at $2.99 a piece. By the way this is pretty much a one time investment unless you tend to loose the water bottles! I just saved you $104.00 or around that a year. A lot more if you go without the purification unit.

Seems kind of dumb until you run the numbers. Pop is expensive and only drains you because of the sugar in the boat anyway. You should never mix beer and running a bass boat any way so I'll leave that one alone. Lets say you want some flavor in your water. Buy powder! I buy Gatorade in the powder form for around $3.79 a unit. It can mix up 2 gallons per unit. If you bought Gatorade in the bottled form it would cost you about $1.50 for a 20 oz bottle. Well after you buy 3 bottles that equals 60 ounces I'll still have 196 ounces to go!

Like I said, run the numbers and it will surprise you on how much you spend on the simple stuff we can control in the boat.

Ross