Lake of the Ozarks...a cold rainy mess!

Day one of practice for the American Fishing Series event at Lake of the Ozarks is in the books, and man was it terrbible!  The weather didn't make the day very enjoyable, it was 44 and rainy most of the day, what a crummy day.  I think what bothered me the most, was the fact that there was a tournament on the lake today, and they caught them pretty good.  Nothing like having your competition whack the heck out of 'em on a day where you struggled.  I had one bite today, a two pound fish that barely measured big enough to be a keeper.  Things are going to have to change in a hurry,or I am going to get clobbered in this event. 
Its, early in practice though, and I have several days to try and figure out how to catch 'em.  Lord willing it will all come together.
God Bless,
D

It's finally warming up...

It's finally warming up here in Southern IL, its 64 degrees today.  I shot a little video while driving the boat other day, as you can see, it was not warm that day!  I can't tell ya how glad I am it's warming up!
God Bless,
D

4 hours and counting...

I'm up to 4 hours on the new motor, and so far so good!  I made it through the portion of the break-in that allowed me to open it up for no longer than a minute...all I can say is wow!  I didn't expect the hole shot to be as good as it is, there is definitely a night and day difference between the Series 2 motor and the 2.6 liter HPDI 200 hp motor that I had.  Top end so far has been a GPS speed of 68.4, that too is better than my previous motor.  I truly am surpirsed at the difference in the motors. 
I'll be spending the week getting tackle ready for the American Fishing Series event at Lake of the Ozarks.
God Bless,
Duke

Fired up the Yamaha for it's maiden run...

I spent a few hours on the lake today, breaking in my new Yamaha HPDI Series 2 motor.  I'm very pleased to say it ran like a top!  What a blessing and comfort that is.  Maybe it's just me, but anytime I break in a motor, or fire one up after the winter hiatus, I'm always a little anxious about the initial run.  Well, I'm anxious no more, this new motor sure does seem like it's going to be a nice one!  After a couple of hours of running around the lake, I'm ready to go fishing! 
Stay tuned, I plan on doing just that this week, I'll keep you posted on the progress.
God Bless,
Duke

Phoenix Boats

The PAA booth was located directly across fromt the Phoenix boats display, and after several hours of watching people flock into their display, I coupldn't take it, I had to go see fromyself, what everyone else apparently already knew.  Phoenix had brought 5 boats to the show, two 721's a 719 and a 619, all of these boats were currently listed on Phoenix's list of boat models they manufacture.  The fifth and final boat they brought was a new model introduced at this very show, it was the 618.  Phoenix CEO Gary Clouse mentioned that we wanted a smaller boat with all of the big boat options.  They definitely got it. The 618 is nothing short of a "mini-me" when compared to the flagship of the Phoenix fleet, the 721.  It comes in at 18' and 10" I believe.  It is rated for a 150 hp motor and apparently achieves some excellent speeds, it has the exact same hull design as the 721.  I managed to get a few pictures of the 618, when there wasn't a throng of people gathered around it.  When I asked Gary Clouse what he thought it would retail for, he said under $30k...that's impressive.  Here are the pics:

Fishoflage...What?

I ran into a pretty interesting group of guys at the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors show. THey had an even more interesting product, Fishoflage, that's right Fishoflage. It's pretty cool stuff. Here's a shot of the guys at their booth and another picture of their product. I gotta tell ya, I had to have one, couldn't stop myself. Here are the pics.

The rest of their products can be found at http://www.fishoflage.com/

God Bless,

D

Back from the classic...

Got back from the classic last night and man that was a good trip. Several things stood out . One was the sheer size of the outdoor show, or I should say the bass fishing show. Secondly was the Phoenix Boats display, and last but not least was the fishoflage guys and their products. I'll post individual information about each one. All in all if you have never been to the classic, you should go, it's a good time, That is, if you're a fishing nut!

Going to the classic...

I'm headed to Birmingham, AL on Thursday morning to go to the Bassmaster Classic. Actually to to go to the Outdoor show associated with the classic. I'm going to spend a little time in the Professional Anglers Association (PAA) Booth and a little more time down at the Phoenix Boats Booth, I am also going to spend a fair amount of my time checking out the rest of the vendors at the show. There are a TON of exhibitors at this show, it is a great opportunity to check out products and meet the people responsible for creating them, as well as see the newest products available in the fishing world. I'll post some pictures when I get back!
God Bless,
D

Spent the day on the pond.....

I spent the day on the lake today, never got a bite! I went with a friend to Cedar Lake in Southern Illinois. Thanks to a calm night and overnight lows of 16 degrees, we had to break ice for a little over an hour to get to open water. I think we needed our heads examined! By afternoon it had warmed up nicely and a light breeze was blowing. This allowed the lake to thaw considerably. The ride back to the ramp was a lot quicker in the afternoon, it took about ten minutes. I shot a little video as we were leaving the ramp, actually it was about twenty five minutes into the trip...I think my comment at the end of the video says a lot! lol. Until it warms up some, I think I will stay at the house.
God Bless,
D

A little classroom session with the Rotary Club...

I had the pleasure of being invited to speak at the Cape Girardeau, MO Rotary Club today. What great group of people, it was a good time. I guess if you call listening to me talk about professional fishing a good time? I do! No, all kidding aside, I had a good time and got to meet some really fine folks. Again, thanks to the Cape Girardeau Rotary Club, and Mike Radake for inviting me to speak.
God Bless,
D