[Thanks Oprah (Article)]

I just recently had a site in BC devote a section to my stories it's called "According to Wes" seems to be fairly popular. Some of my writtings are funny some are sentimental and some are about fishing tactics it just depends on what comes to me while I'm writting.

[Thanks Oprah (Article)]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I enjoy writting almost as much as I do fishing. I've got about 3 more I am currently working on. I was wondering if anyone out there ever took the time to read my stories, if know one minds I'll post one a month.

[Thanks Oprah (Article)]

I was once married. To a sweet girl, she was smart, pretty and feisty. I gotta tell you I was in looove with this girl. I had it real bad. You know the feeling you can?t wait to see them even if you?ve only been apart for an hour. You just can?t wait to see them again. There was only one problem. If you asked her what she thought of when you said the color blue. Well, her response would be Blue Bloods. Now my response would be Blue plate special.

[page_break]

So as you can imagine we were quite different. But after all they say opposites attract. Now her idea of camping was a motel room on the lake, and roughing it meant, no room service. Cooking out meant we had to go to a restaurant. So as you can imagine, she came from a pretty well off family. You know the type, his and hers matching airplanes, Mercedes, Swimming pools, and Sunday brunch in Reno. But none of that mattered to me, because I was in looove.

Now I had come home from work one day, and evidently she had watched Oprah or some such show as that. And the topic was sharing. The whole jest of the show was to have your mate take you out and do the things that they enjoy, so you can understand each other?s feelings. Are you with me so far? So as she explains this idea to me, I just smile and shake my head and say yes dear. (You see I?ve been around enough to know that agreeing with her will be my best bet) besides that this idea will go away in a week or so, right?

Of course it has already been established that my interests are fishing, fishing, and fishing. So as I sit down on the couch, the barrage of questions begins. Thanks Oprah!

She wants me to think back to all my favorite places that I enjoy fishing at, and what is the one place that stands out in my mind the most... Well that was a no brainer for me. There was this one hike in lake me and my buddies used to go to every year. It was great, a canopy of trees so thick you couldn?t see the sky, ferns with such a dark green color that their hard to describe without seeing them. Birds chirping, squirrels, chipmunks, and a little stream that emptied out of the lake. The type of thing you can only imagine. This is the type of scenery you see in pictures, but you never really believe it exists.

So after further discussion, she decides that this will be the perfect outing for me to share with her. After all she likes to cross country ski, and bike riding. All outdoor sports. Yep, this will be the perfect sharing experience. After all this is my favorite spot, I know she will enjoy the hike in, all the scenic beauty and wildlife. And it?s only about a mile and a half hike. What more could a guy ask for, right? I mean after all if your weekend is going to be pre planned for you, at least it?s doing something you enjoy. Yeah, this sharing thing could work out pretty good. So I let her pick the weekend (like I have a choice) and she decides that the following weekend will be just perfect. Thanks Oprah.

Now we?ve been discussing this for about 4 day?s, I?m telling stories and reliving the moments past. And as each day passed, I started to get more and more excited. I hadn?t been up there for a couple of years and I was really looking forward to it. We?ve got our game plan in place and were ready. One more day to go it?s going to be great. She is going to fall in love with this place and beg me to take her back up there often. What more could a man ask for. Yep, I must have been born under a lucky star. This sharing thing is going to work out perfect. Thanks Oprah.

Well after all the anticipation, reminiscing, and talking about it. The big day is finally here. We wake up about 5am and everything is perfect. She couldn?t be more pleasant. She?s telling me that this is just going to be great. Its honey this and honey that, kiss,kiss, kiss. I?m thinking to myself this is a great start. So we get all of our stuff loaded up in the rig, and were on our way. It?s only a couple hour road trip to the trail head, and were both in high spirits. The day is perfect, the sun is out and the temperature is supposed to be in the mid 70?s. Couldn?t ask for a better day. Yep, this sharing thing is going to work out. Thanks Oprah.

The one thing I liked about this drive was the scenery. It?s just spectacular, and on this particular morning, well I gotta tell you I?ve never seen a more beautiful sunrise. The colors were magnificent, I?m pointing things out to her as we travel on, and she?s just in awe. She was telling me she had traveled this way hundreds of times and never really noticed the things I was pointing out to her. So now you know I?m feeling pretty good about things so far. I?m thinking to myself, you?re a genius. What better way to start our very anticipated trip. The sunrise, the scenery, well its all perfect. Yeah, I was most definitely born under a lucky star. This sharing thing is going to work out perfect. Oprah, you definitely got it together girl.

As we come to our turn off I just keep thinking this is going to be great. I?m here at last. It?s been 2 years. I never thought I?d get a chance to come back. Only 5 more miles down this all to familiar gravel road and we?ll be at the trailhead. As we get there she asking questions about where we camped and I assured her that I would show her what we had set up. At last, were here, we grab our day packs, and I walk her over to our camping site. She?s very impressed with the fallen logs that we carved seats out of and the huge fire pit lined with flat river rock. Even our lean to we had lashed together so we could stretch our tarps over just in case it rained. Yeah, this sharing thing is going pretty well so far. Maybe this wasn?t such a bad idea. Thanks Oprah.

Before we start I head back to the car and grab my fishing rod, after all I might as well make this a great trip. She pulls her camera out and were both ready to start our trip into Gods country. We get about 330 yards up the trail and I stop and tell her to listen. You can here the stream in the background, the birds singing. Looking to our left you can see the golden rays of sunshine glistening on the lush green ferns. She couldn?t resist taking a couple of pictures. Well we push on and about a quarter of a mile up the trail we encounter our first little detour, a fallen cedar tree across the trail. Not a problem, we just go around it. We drive on, birds singing, and a big old ear to ear smile on my face. This sharing is great. Thanks Oprah.

As we get up the trail another ? mile we encounter about 3? of snow. She begins to grumble a little bit, I figure know problem it?s got that sheen of ice on it so we?ll be able to walk on top of it with very little effort. So we continue on about another ? mile and the snow has been getting a little deeper, when all of a sudden we come to a point where it?s about a foot deep. Well needless to say this did not go un-noticed, the grumbling got a little more vocal and the expression on her face was not the same happy face we started out with. But I?m still full of anticipation because I know what?s at the end of the trail, Gods country. But were not going to let a little snow stop us, right? We continue on, but now she has noticed that the trail is no longer distinguishable. Well now she is voicing her opinion a little stronger and much louder. Telling me I?m lost and don?t know where I?m going. And now her eyes are shooting daggers at me. I feel a storm a brewing. Her sense of humor is at the ragged edge. Now she is complaining on a regular basis. In general, making my life hell. This sharing thing is beginning to suck, thanks Oprah.

But we push on, I assure her I know where were at and we are just about there. But now she is beginning to break thru the snow on every step and she is not happy. How this 98lb lady can step thru this layer of ice every step is beyond me. But I can tell you her language is now getting very rough. I didn?t think she new words like that. But we kept going. All the time I?m praying to myself for god to strike me deaf, at least until we get to the lake. But to know avail, he wasn?t listening to me. Then I started trying to think of a plan, like maybe if I just started running up the mountain I could escape this abuse of my character. But then I came to my senses and realized she?d hunt me down until my dieing days. So we push on and there was several time?s I had to turn around and see if my sweet, caring and loving wife had been replaced by a truck driver. The language coming out of this lady was getting quite colorful now. Yeah, this sharing thing really sucks. Thanks Oprah.

Finally we come into the home stretch. I know we have less than a ? mile to go. Of course by now I?m not quite sure what my name is now, as she has changed it quite a few times on the way up. As we trek up the hill and she steps thru the layer of ice on the snow with every step, and at the same time letting me know what she thinks so far. I keep telling myself it will all be worth it once we reach the top. When suddenly I notice a clearing in the skyline, and a last little pile of snow. Are my eyes deceiving me? Could this be it? At last the promised land, something I?ve have dreamt about for the past couple of years. Yes it is, after all of the abuse, were here. We step out of the tree lines and onto the shore around the lake all of the snow is melted around the lake in the background is a snow covered mountain and trees for miles and miles. A breath taking scene, just as I had remembered it. As my wife steps out onto the shore I can see the look of awe and amazement in her eyes. She can?t believe it, here it is just as I described it. And what do you know, she admits the trek up here was all worth it. Once again things are back on a happy note, just as they were before we started the hike. Yes this sharing thing is all right. Thanks Oprah.

[Fishing Photo's]

The top 2 photo's are little coho's and I caught them on spoons that I make and am currently experimenting with in preperation of putting them on the market. The bottom 2 are rainbow's and I caught them using an Uncle Wes's Custom Trout Lure. Black Blade with Green Beads. Didn't mean for this to be a commercial.

[Fishing Photo's]

Thought you folks might enjoy a couple of pics.

[Life is Good (Article)]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[Fishing Tackle Online]

Have you ever bought fishing tackle online?

[Lure Makers Convention Startup Committee]

OK Nathan, Like I said I would give this subject some thought when I was out on the Lake. My first thought would be, why would I want to join? How will it benefit me one way or another? What would the cost be to join such an association? What type of promo's will you have for this association? What would the requirements be to join? What would be required of members to promote this association? Is this for all independent tackle company's? What do you consider independent or small tackle company's? What is the main goal of this association? I'm sure other folk's have more questions to add. But I think these are key point's that need to be addressed before there is going to be to much interest in such an orginazation. These are just my thoughts, I think other concerns will be is this going to cover the whole country or just certain parts. I don't feel that a good ol boy system will work. There has to be structure with rules, requirements, and clear goals before this will take shape. Again these are just my thought's and I don't want to offend anyone. I do think that you folk's are on to something it just needs to be developed.

[Life is Good (Article)]

This all took place about 14 years ago, it?s been sometime so I?ll try and remember it as it happened. One weekday after work, had some buddy?s stop by and we decided to throw some horseshoes and drink a couple of beers. After about 45 minutes... page_break of shooting the bull and complaining about work the conversation shifted to salmon fishing. Scott mentioned that he heard the bite was on at the mouth of the Lewis, and folks working the hog line across from St. Helens were boating quite a few of them. Well as the beer started flowing and the fishing lie?s started getting bigger and bigger, Scott came up with this plan, that we should all just call in sick tomorrow and try our luck. Well after a little discussion (very little) it was decided that was the plan. So we all headed over to the garage to get the boat ready for our fishing adventure.

We started putting in the rods and reels, the guy?s all went over to there house?s and got there gear so everything would be ready for first light. We had sandwiches, snacks, and enough food to feed an army. After everything was loaded and set, we went through our check list and all agreed we had everything we needed for this greatly anticipated adventure. Everyone headed home about 9 o?clock to get some sleep, so we could all meet back there at 4:30 am. The more I thought about this the more excited I got, what an idea blow off a day of work and spend the day on the river with your buddy?s. Life is good.

So the next morning everyone starts showing up around the agreed upon time. Terry say?s he knows of a good place to launch that will only be about a mile run or two from the mouth. So we all load up and get started. About a half hour later we arrive at the launch and the sun is just starting to come up, well it was just beautiful. I kept thinking to myself what a great day. We get the boat launched and everyone climbs in. Scott, Terry, Norm and myself. We start heading down river everyone is getting rigged up for trolling, we all agreed that was how we would start. As we start out we notice a little fog rolling in. I made a comment about this and everyone was telling me not to worry the sun would burn it off in no time. So with confidence high I kept us on course.

Now as minutes pass by the fog is getting thicker and thicker. Getting real hard to see where we are at. I slow down to an idle and what seemed to be an eternity, which I?m sure was just a couple of minutes. The fog just got thicker and thicker. I kept thinking how can this be, this isn?t supposed to happen, it?s supposed to be a great day. After all the planning and preparations this trip is supposed to be perfect. No work, a boat full of your best friends, life is good. I?m listening to guy?s banter back and forth about fishing tactics and the biggest one?s they?ve ever caught, when all of a sudden out of no where here comes this tug pushing a barge at what seemed to be full speed, he?s right on us. I crank the boat hard about and gun the throttle full speed. Man alive, we barely missed getting hit. The voices are getting high pitched, everyone hollering, scrambling around trying to regain their composure. I just put the boat in neutral and grabbed a beer and chugged the first one, and gulped the second one. I?m not much for drinking beer at 6am but it was definitely called for.

After 15-20 minutes of talking and cleaning out our shorts, we decided we would keep on going. We new we were somewhere close to the middle of the Columbia, the barge was a dead give away. So everyone let there lines out and we commenced with the fishing. We weren?t going to let a little fog and a near death experience with a barge interfere with our well planned adventure. We had been trolling for about 2 hours with out even a strike. By now my ship mates are starting to get restless. I?m hearing remarks like ?who ever filed the fishing reports were full of it? and it was just a plot for the tackle stores to sell more gear? or that? the paper just printed out right lies? Well I just kept on working the river, fog is still so thick I can hardly see. But there is nothing going to ruin this trip for me. After all, a bad day of fishing beats a good day at work. And besides that, what could be better than being on the river salmon fishing with your best friends, Right?

Well the guy?s are starting to settle down, back to telling more lies and joking around, When all of a sudden wham, wham. Two fish on. I know you could here Norm scream FISH ON clear into Vancouver. I remember thinking to myself alright a double, and just as I looked back Terry was screaming he hooked up to. Unbelievable 3 at once. Life is goooood. I grab my rod and started bringing it in and felt a little resistance and thought damn, I?m snagged up. When all of a sudden line starts coming off of my reel, I set the hook and now we have 4 on. Life is now looking real good. I look back and it looks like a Chinese fire drill going on back there. I?m fighting my fish and steering the boat with my butt and trying to keep us on course.

Well I know I?m going to have to horse mine in because if one of those guy?s loses there?s it will be all my fault and I won?t here the end of it for a year. Nothing like good friends. So I get mine up to the boat grab the net still trying to maneuver the boat with my butt, my rod in one hand the net in the other, I go to dip it and he spits the hook. I watch helpless as he just lay?s there, so I stick my net down as far as I can and make a sweeping motion and to my surprise I got him. A nice 12lb buck. I flop him into my boat and Terry screaming for the net, he?s got his boat side. So I lean over steering the boat with my foot now and dip his. Alright 2 in the boat, and Norm and Scott are still fighting there?s. I?m glancing back and checking Terry?s out, it?s about the same size as mine. Now you know we are both grinning ear to ear, nothing can ruin our day now.

After about 20 minutes Norm gets his close to the boat and Terry dips his, a real beauty at least 25lbs. Were all high fiving each other and laughing, having a great time. Scott he?s still battling his . Now it?s been sometime about 45 minutes and Scott he?s screaming for the net. High pitched panic and excitement all at once. He?s seen it and he just can?t believe it. He?s telling Norm if you miss netting this one I?ll kill you. Norm reaches down and puts the net on him. He struggles to get the salmon on board, this thing is mammoth. I can?t believe my eye?s. Biggest salmon I?ve ever seen. Terry pulls out the hand scale and this thing weighs in at 47lbs. It?s huge. We all are just staring at it flopping in the bottom of the boat, were speechless. When all of a sudden I here this noise and see this bright light. Oh damn, it?s my alarm clock. It?s time to get up. I put my clothes on ,grab a cup of coffee and head out the door. My first thoughts are, what a great day to go fishing. Should be a good time.

[Lure Makers Convention Startup Committee]

One other question. What are the responseabilitys for each office?

[Lure Makers Convention Startup Committee]

Who are the Seven Members? Just out of curiosity what is your agenda and what are your goals?

[Lake Trolling Tactics, Flat Lining for Trout]

What do I consider flat lining? Trolling without the use of downriggers.

Phase 1: Lake Homework and Preparation

1) Read all current and past fishing reports that I can find including magazine articles, newspaper articles and all literature I can find on that particular lake.

2) I will get a map of the lake and study it so I know the lake. I will look for in-lets, out-lets, small streams, points, ledges, islands, sheer cliffs, coves, and anything with structure.

3) I will call the local tackle shops, campgrounds, resorts and get current conditions of the lake and there fishing report and find out the color combinations of fly's, lures, bait and etc, that seem to be successful. I will also post questions on regional fishing websites requesting information. Check weather forecasts, and moon phases.

4) I will do research on what ever species of trout I'm targeting. Different species have different characteristics. Water temp preferred, oxygen needs and etc.

5) I will put all this information in a folder and start keeping all the information I accumulate in this folder.

Phase 2: Breaking a Lake into Sections

Before you start into this phase of your game plan, there are a couple of things to take into consideration. How long are you going to be fishing this lake? One day, Two days, Seven days? How big is the Lake? My rule of thumb for myself is, that I can cover 1500 acre lake in a day or 8 to 9 hours. If I'm fishing a larger lake, I generally will take the appropriate amount of time off work to make it worth my while.

1) How do I come to a conclusion of where to start. That?s where my research comes into play. I will generally start in the area of the reported hot spot. If that information is not available I will most often start where the streams or creeks come into the lake.

2) Now I will most often break a lake into 5 areas the North, South, East, West, and the Center.

3) Now for the sake of argument let's say I start on the West side. That is most often the side of the lake that will receive the sun first.

Either producing hatches first or warming the water and causing some activity.

4) I use a Bottom Line Sidefinder, which helps me eliminate a lot of water fast. Now I generally will work an "S" pattern from 8' to 20'(The 20' depends on the depth of the lake, sometimes I'll go to 40') I will work it first one way and make my turn and come back down the same troll the opposite way. I'm covering that same stretch of water twice, sometimes it will make a difference which way you are trolling. If I'm not marking fish or getting strikes I'll move on. Now if I'm getting strikes or putting fish in the boat I will keep working that area until it's dead.

Now what ever end of the lake I'm at be it North or South I will repeat that process and work that area. Then I will move to the East side of the lake and repeat the process. Then I will end up at the final end and will repeat the process. Now I've come to one area left the center, I will repeat that process. Again if your getting strikes or putting fish in the boat continue to work that area until it is dead. Ok, so now I've worked the whole lake.

My next move is to work it from shore to shore or East to West then West to East. Effectively covering the whole area in both directions. Then I will repeat the process going from North to South then South to North. Always using the "S" pattern. (What I'm saying, is I'm covering the same stretch of water twice)

5) If I'm not marking fish, I will move on and not waste my time trolling dead water. So sometimes I might only make one pass in my trolling plan.

6) Now like everything, there are some exceptions on the 8'-20' rule. I will work ledges hard especially if it is around a creek in-let. Or maybe a fallen tree in the lake, or brush. Any place that will provide cover for the trout.

7) Always keep your eye's on the lake, take mental notes i.e.. are the fish feeding up top? This will help you judge your depth to troll. Remember fish can look up but not down.

Now always remember the areas you studied on your map and research. In-lets, Out-lets, Coves, Ledges, Sheer Cliffs, Points, Islands, and so on. These area's are always a point of interest, especially when nothing else is working. Now when you come to the areas in your trolling plan don't hesitate to put a little extra work in these area's.

These are generalizations and I'm just sharing how I break a lake up. As you put more time on the water or a certain lake you will find your honey holes that will always produce. This is just a way for you to discover them.

Phase 3: Trolling Techniques and Tactics:

Basic Trolling Techniques:

I will start out with the basics and then go over the how to on trolling the different area's and highlights of the lake. Again these are my personal preferences and generalizations.

1) When working a lake I prefer the "S" pattern, for a couple of reasons. It gives you the action of heading into shore and away from shore. Which is when I generally pick up most of my strikes.

I use a long "S" pattern and not a tight one. I generally have 60-100' of line behind me and usually someone else is with me. You can just imagine the mess that would make if your lines cross up.

The second reason is that it creates erratic movement of your lures. When you turn into the side one lure is on, it slows down, sinks, and flutters. The other one will speed up and rise. Most of the time this is the action you need to draw that strike.

2) Speed is also a factor. I will never stay at the same speed. I will speed up and slow down, I will always, always, alternate my speed. There are times that I have found that I might be to slow or to fast. By using this method it also helps me key in on the ideal speed and then I won't wonder to far from that. But I will increase and decrease my speed, this also creates erratic movement of your lure.

3) I will also employ another little trick that I've picked up along the way. And you will have to experiment with it. Because some day's it works one way and other day's just the opposite. When I get a strike I will turn into the side of the boat that got the strike ie.. If my rod is on the left side and I get a strike I will turn to that side. On other day's it works just the opposite. You will know after a few strikes. I have used this tactic for the past 12 years and it has produced quite well.

Trolling Tactics:

1) Ledges: Now I have 3 way's that I approach this area. I will list these in no particular order. I will generally use all 3 of these tactics.

A. I will find a ledge and work it following the contour, skirting the very edge right where it falls off. First one way, then the other.

B. I will also employ the tactic of trolling in my "S" pattern using the edge of the ledge as the center of my "S" pattern. So I'm actually covering the area before the drop off and the drop off area. First in one direction, and then the other.

C. Another approach to working a ledge, is to use the very edge of the ledge, where it drops off, as the beginning and end of your "S" pattern. Working it first in one direction and then the other. So you are trolling right up to it, then making your turn.

2) Coves: Because coves vary in depth and size you have to adapt these tactics to fit the situation. I will try and cover each situation as I have encountered them. Each lake I have worked seems to have it's own unique situation.

A. If the cove is big enough I will enter it and follow the contour of the cove working my standard "S" pattern, from 8'-20'. First in one direction and then the other. If it's not big enough to employ the "S" pattern, I will follow the contour all the way around. First one way then the other.

B. Splitting the cove. Again depending on size. I will employ the "S" pattern when ever possible. I will enter the cove work it half way and head out thru the center. Then come back thru the opposite way. I will work both halves in this manner. Making sure I have covered it completely.

C. Now let's say the cove is to small to go into. You can still work this area. I will employ the standard "S" pattern right at the opening. First one way then the other.

D. Splitting the small cove that is to small to enter. I will again troll the opening to the center and veer out at the middle. Then turn around and work it the opposite way. I will work both halves this way.

3) Sheer Cliffs or Drop Offs: When I'm talking Sheer Cliff Area's and Drop Offs, I mean where you see that there is a cliff or drop off that just goes straight down from the bank.

A. I will troll in as close as possible and work my "S" pattern first on way and then another. Now the question is how far out do you work it? This is a judgment call on your part, I will generally go out about 150' from the cliff. I break that 150' into 50' intervals always working my "S" pattern first one way then the other. It amounts to about 6 passes.

4) Points: Points are always an interesting area to work, because a lot of times you will find a combination of situations. Sheer drop offs, ledges, and gradual depth changes. You will have to adapt to each situation. But here are the basics.

A. I will start my run at the very beginning of the point working my "S" pattern and go all the way around it. First one direction then the other.

B. Splitting the point. I do this the same way I work the cove. I will start at the beginning of the run and break off at the very tip of the point and come back into it and work it in the opposite direction. I will do this on both sides.

5) Islands: There are a lot of lakes that have islands of some sort in them. Again each one of these seems to have unique situations. You could encounter many different situations from points, sheer cliffs, coves and etc. But for the sake of argument let's just stick to the basics and assume there are no other characteristics in this scenario.

A. I will work an island like I would any other feature. Using my standard "S" pattern trolling my 8"-20" scenario. First in one direction then in the other. Again if I'm not marking fish in one direction or not seeing any feeding action, I will most often just work it one way. Another judgment call on my part.

6) Inlets and Outlets: As I have stated earlier if I can't find any reports or info on a lake I like to start near inlet streams, rivers, creeks. And most often you will encounter ledges in these areas. Usually these areas are rich in oxygen and washes bugs, worms and etc into the lake. And trout will hang out waiting for an easy meal. But let's keep this simple and say there are no other characteristics.

A. As always I will work my standard "S" pattern. I will troll out as far as 60' from these inlets. I will break it up into 3, 20' intervals out from the inlet. My first pass I will not go into water shallower than 8' (Just a personal preference). Then I will work these 3 sections once in each direction.

B. Now if there is a large opening where these stream and etc. empty into the lake I will work them just as I would a cove.

C. Working the outlet is also a great place to pick up a few. Reason being, that this is where the lake empties out and washes feed into these area's. I will work this area basically the same as I do inlets except I will start out about 60' and break it into the same 3 sections and work my way into the outlet. So instead of working my way from the closet point in, I work from the furthest point out, and then in. Now if I can get into the outlet I will also work this as I would a cove.

7) Unforeseen opportunities: I have found that know matter how hard you study a map, there are things that are not on it. Such as fallen trees, brush. Or maybe a rain storm from the night before has washed or knocked a lot of bugs in the water or there are big patches of debris in the water. I want to touch on these lightly and share things I have noticed, and have worked for myself.

A. Downed trees and brush close to shore are always worth investigation. Reasons being that they provide a lot of different things for a trout. One is cover. Two is bugs and etc.

B. I will most often troll in and skirt these objects as closely as I can without getting hung up and losing tackle. I will always use my "S" pattern. More often than not I will get some action.

C. Another thing of interest, are the large patches of floating debris. I will always be watching these to see if there are trout surfacing and feeding on bugs that are in these area's. Now if they are I will skirt these a couple of times and if I get nothing, I will troll right through the center of them. Now use your judgment on this, if you have big logs and anything that will screw your prop up, then just move on. This is something I've done on several occasion?s and have done quite well. But it is something I will use if nothing else seems to work.

D. There's one other thing I want to touch on. When I'm out there, I always have my eye's on the water. I'm watching for feeding fish on top. If I'm seeing a lot of it. And I'm not marking fish or getting strikes I will adjust my trolling depth accordingly. Maybe instead of 2oz or 1oz I will go to 1/2oz and try that for a while. Now this is something I will try if nothing else seems to be working.

Phase 4: Variables

I'm going to attempt to talk about variables, such as time of year, weather, water temp, shaded area's, weed beds, chop on the water, and so on. There are so many I'm sure I will be adding to this as I think back and go thru my journals.

A. Chop on the water:

I consider this a good thing. It offers trout more cover and concealment. There for making them a little more aggressive.

B. Wind:

Wind can be good and bad. It's the matter of how hard is it blowing. Can you fish safely. I often here it's hard to keep my boat on track. Wind will create chop on the water. It will knock bugs in the water. Try trolling with the wind, even if you can only work a run one way it's better than nothing. Also when you troll with the wind, this is the natural way the bait fish and bugs are being pushed on the lake. Increasing your chance of picking up a trout.

Because I only have a 12' Aluminum with an out board my natural instinct is to work with the wind. I might only be able to troll one way, but when I come to the end of the troll I will reel in and make a run to the beginning and start over. To rough to work the center, work the edges with the wind. Try and take advantage of what ever situation is presented to you. Are there times when the wind is to strong to work the edges, yes. You will have to use your judgment.

Also something to keep in mind, and this goes back to doing your home work on the lake. Are there places on the lake I can work that will keep me out of the wind? Chances are there is someplace that will be workable.

Now I've mentioned trolling with the wind, now this is something you have to experiment with. If you feel your moving to fast try slipping your motor in and out of gear. Or if the wind is catching your boat enough, try drifting with the wind. Again this is a judgment thing and you will be able to tell by the action of your lure. This is where time and experience on the water will pay off.

C. Lake is like glass:

How many times have you heard this expression. People will say it was just to calm out, fish were spooky couldn't get them to take anything. Well for me I look at this as another opportunity to maybe boat a couple. Most often in the NW you will find this condition first thing in the morning. And towards evening.

What I do is I'll watch the lake, are they feeding on top? What are they feeding on? What color combination? What is the light condition, has the sun hit the water yet. This best time for this method I'm about to go into is before the sun hits the water. Or if the sun has disappeared over the horizon.

The first thing I will do is drop my pop gear and put a 1/2oz of weight on. I will most often go to a dark colored lure. I will let out 100' of line and begin my troll. I will watch to see where the most activity is happening. Then I will start working that area in my standard "S" pattern. Making that area the center of my "S" pattern. Now I will work that area 2-3 times, if I'm not getting action I will go back to my lake plan. But if I am, I will work that until it die's out.

D. Weed Beds:

Now here is something that doesn't show up on many topo maps, unless a resort adds them in. I just love them. I have probably picked up more trout in these area's than any other. I have found them to be productive pretty much year round.

To work this area is quite simple, I will work the same old "S" pattern. I will troll in as close as I can to the edge of the weeds and work my way out. I never troll thru them, for the very obvious reason of losing my gear or snagging and dragging weeds. Again make a couple of passes, if nothing is happening move on. But always keep that area in the back of your mind. Most often it will pay off in a big way.

E. Weather Changes:

Do sudden weather changes make a difference, yes. I've noticed this over the years. If it's nice out for a week and then all of a sudden you have bad weather it will slow things down or vice versa. Now that doesn't mean they've quit feeding, it just means they've changed area's there feeding in.

Maybe they have gone deeper, or they are feeding in the inlets, or they retreated to the coves. This is why it is so important to work the whole lake. They haven't disappeared, simply moved to a more suitable spot for them. So I cannot express enough to you the importance of working the lake. You will reap the rewards

[Lure Makers Convention Startup Committee]

Nathan I sent you a PM if you want to pass it around thats fine. Get a little discussion and in-put going on.

[Dropping In]

Looks like the photo's at the post office. Nice to meet all of you.

[Lure Makers Convention Startup Committee]

Fellas, Looks like a great start to a good cause. It's been my experience that independent's usually have a higher quality in everything they put out the door. Only wish I could attend. It's a funny thing that I ran across this thread today, I recieved an e-mail from another fella asking me to consider starting up something like this. Keep me posted and let me know how it goes. I have several thoughts on this subject and maybe some ideas in starting an association. Just my thoughts.

[Dropping In]

Hey Nathan, Alway's interested in other boards and ideas. Give me a couple of day's to check out the site and I'll see where I fit in. Here's a photo for you folks, I know I always like to put a face to who I'm conversing with.

[Dropping In]

Just dropping in to check your site out.