Lake Toho, Southern Open

I have an extremely long 1200 mile drive to Orlando, FL. I'm going to leave in early January, after the 20+ hour trip I hope to get 10 days to learn the area and the connecting lakes. The upper part of Lake Kissimmee is about 36mi from the launch. I don't get very good gas mileage on my 2004 Yamaha Vmax 225, I get around 40-50miles on one tank, so with gasoline back to $3 it will cost almost $60 one way, I'm hoping I can find enough big fish close by. It's expensive to fish, I have already estimated it will take a 40th place finish to get my entry fee back and 19th-20th place to cover my expenses. I need a top ten or better. I'm going to try to win, the reality is fishing is always tough and if it isn't the competition always is. I'm going to work harder than I ever have to locate where the bass are before game day. I hope this is the event that I stumble onto something special. I always expect something to happen on the water, I just haven't had that magic day yet. I've worked hard this past four years to be prepared for this opportunity and I know I'm ready.

I've been preparing my gear for big florida bass. I'm really looking forward to my first visit Toho the location Dean Rojas set the big bag record of 45.2 lbs, I was at Lake Falcon when Terry Scroggins was 1/2lb shy of the record. There was a six day warming trend prior to the start of the tournament, the afternoon before Dean saw an 11lb, 10lb, 9's, 8's move up to the beds. He caught a 9lber on his 4th cast of the event ending w/ 108lbs after four days. I talked to Ben Matsubu a little about the lake and he gave me a couple pointers, he also has won on Toho. I'm hoping we time the lake perfectly again this year. I'd really like to be able to sight fish some big girls. I'm prepared to do it all, I love flipping grass and reeds.

I have almost finished sorting my lures so I will know exactly where everything I plan to fish with is. I have been running the potential patterns through my head and should have a good idea what I need to look for and do when I hit the water to pre-fish.

Lake Texoma- Central Open

I can't believe I haven't made any posts since the Open. I really can't update much when I'm out on the water and that's when I want to do it. most of the time I don't have internet connections.

Here is a picture of Luke, he made it in the Bassmaster photo gallery after he was noticed cheering me during the weigh-in on day1. I was staying at their home. My first real fan came out both days and left after I was done.

Here is my picture from the gallery on Day2 pre launch.

I had a little figured out but didn't get the bites I needed during the tournament. I finished 83rd besting half of the field but thought I could have done better. I had one area that I thought would have paid off during the tournament but never did. I boated every fish that bit even in practice. It was tough but I was confident and fished hard I just didn't get the break of running into any schools. They were liking the buzzbait in practice. I pulled a nice fish off an isolated tree but couldn't find any more brush piles. I found a good dock at the end of day2 but it wasn't enough to get a limit. One fish went a long way in this tournament. I was really expecting to get lucky even though conditions were tough

I pulled a nice bass out of a tree after this video, see the buoy in the back of this pocket. Unfortunately, there was just the one.

Great news today: I'm in the southern Open on Lake Toho. I am so excited about this opportunity to share water with the legend Roland martin.

Lake Toho, FL.

I'm behind in updating my blog a lot has happen since my last post so, I will work my way backwards.

I registered for Lake Toho, Southern Open yesterday as a single event. I didn't have the money to commit to them all. My chances of getting in are not great but if I get the opportunity I will try to come up with the money to fish them all. Roland martin is fishing the Southern Opens this year, its obvious he has another Classic birth in his eyes. You win an Open this year and you get a ticket to the Classic.

I registered for all of the Central Opens and am fairly confident I will get a spot this year? I am doing some map study and trying to get some support from sponsors for 2011 season.

I have a new relationship with Wright & McGill/ Eagle Tackle/ Trokar. Their Bassmaster pro staff is full for 2011 so I am starting on their Capt./Guide pro staff. I love

fishing with my Skeet Reese series rods, they really are awesome. I have been an early adopter of their products and what can you say about Trokar hooks, I can't wait to get my first Trokar Buzzbait. I'm proud to be on their team.

I'll update this post if I get confirmation of entry, you never know?

Great news: I got confirmation I'm in the tournament. I'm so excited.