Learning to stay positive

Its funny how things go hand and hand. You seem to learn a lot of things about yourself thru others actions or what someone says. I saw this first hand the other day as I loaded up my gear, and hit the water. I arrived to a cold afternoon with snow still on the ground and a water temp of 40. I know that I'm going to have to slow way down. My game plan was throwing suspending jerkbaits, big jigs, and even a grub on spinning gear. As the day progressed, I became rather negative, fighting wind, rough water in a small boat and what the fish were telling me, what seemed to be nothing. I got discouraged, frustrated with all that was going on and lost focus on the task at hand. Then after calling it a day, still feeling frustrated, I ran across some positive words that Gerald Swindle told students at a recent Bass University clinic. He simply put it as to stay positive, don't let the negative override what your doing. Then I caught an episode of FLW Outdoors, a replay from Lake Ouachita, where Ish Monroe made the final cut and he talked quite a bit about his performance last year and how he was 80 percent negative throughout the year. Coming into this year, he has turned himself around mentally for the better. All in all, this turned me around, made me realize why I love to fish, and can't wait for the next outing. Til next time, stay positive, learn from the bad and never give up!

By: CaleMilam

Peppergrass Tips

Peppergrass is similar to hydrilla in that your lures will get wrapped. My favorite all time lure for peppergrass is the spinnerbait in chartreuse and white (willow gold/Colorado silver). Use a good trailer to bulk up the bait.This is a deadly method for Florida bass.

I start by casting to the outside of the peppergrass line and work it right inot the peppergrass. You can also throw the spinnerbait into pockets and use a steady retrieve. Most of the hits will come as you 1st enter the peppergrass line with the spinnerbait or as you work it over a pocket.

Another method I have been successful with is flippin or pitching the stalks with a worm. I don't use a heavy weight, usually just a 1/4 ounce. Work the worm into pockets and in the heavier stalks. See my technique on flippin to get a better understanding of what the bite will feel like.

BY: Gordon Holman