Backwoods Bound Bullet

ARTICLE: WINNING TOURNAMENT TACTICS By Steve and Kurt VonBrandt

 There; are certain tactics that give a tournament fisherman an edge over the other competitors, and produce a win. Sometimes just doing a little extra homework and preparation is all it takes. Planning, practice, and confidence are the key factors that helped us win local, state, club, and regional tournaments consistently while working our way up the ranks of competitive bass fishing. Here are some of the most important things to do to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the challenge.

 MENTAL AND PHYSICAL PREPARATION

 Before; you even can consider embarking on a tournament trail, or even local, and club events, you must be in good physical condition. This involves being able to lift, bend, twist, and move in a variety of positions, without getting injured. Many people think that fishing is a leisurely sport, but in order to be in top shape for winning tournaments, you must prepare ahead of time. We not only try to eat and sleep properly, but do regular physical workouts, to get in good shape to lift equipment, jump from the front and back of boats, maintain good balance, have quick reflexes, and be able to go long periods of time, without wasting time eating and drinking. Being able to jump down to your knees quickly, and maneuvering many directions efficiently can mean the difference in winning or losing. One lost fish can mean the difference in first place and last place many times. Not only do we work out physically to prepare, but we practice our techniques in the off season as well as on.

  In the winter, and all times of the year in between tournaments, we practice our flipping, pitching, and casting techniques. In the colder months we set up boxes, simulate docks to practice pitching and flipping, and cast to targets in the yard. Knowing your equipment like the back of your hand, and being able to quickly execute a maneuver is critical in a tournament. Practicing all techniques constantly is vital in giving you the confidence that you can win when you get to the tournament. Being able to control your emotions, and relax in the prior days and nights can give you an edge over the more inexperienced anglers. Most tournament pros even at intermediate levels are at the top of their game, and take it very seriously, so a slight edge can mean a great deal. The people who can maintain their composure and confidence, and can stick to their game plans under pressure, are the ones that consistently place in the rankings.

 STUDYING THE COMPETITION SITE

 Before; we even start to prefish the lakes or rivers, we obtain all the information we can in the way of lake maps, topographical maps, baitfish, and lake conditions from a variety of sources. Talking to anglers at the lake and local tackle shops can sometimes reveal some interesting information. By no means, do what they say dictate what our plans will be, but it is another tool to use in planning a strategy for the lake. Knowing the lake age, composition of the bottom, structure, both natural and manmade, along with water quality, fertility, and oxygen levels, all come into play when deciding how to start pre-fishing the lake. Contacting local guides, and having some experience on the body of water all help, although sometimes this isn't always possible. If you are plannong to win, or even place in the top 10, I can't stress how important it is to spend at least 3 days, prefishing the lake or river. We like to spend a week or more prefishing if possible. Many times anglers show up on the day before the tournament to prefish, and wonder why they didn't place in the money.

 When; we start to prefish the lake before a tournament, we break the lake down into sections. We eliminate the unproductive water for that time of year, and then section it off on maps. We pick the most likely locations where the fish should be holding for the water temperature and lake conditions, and then make a complete run around the lake to view it physically before fishing. What we are looking for is sandbars, points, humps, structure, laydowns, grass beds, etc, all the time watching the shoreline in the area for contours to indicate dropooffs and bottom changes. After surveying the lake, we then section off several of the best possible locations, and start fishing there. First starting with a search bait, such as a spinnerbait and buzzbait, and a crankbait, for active fish. We mark the locations of where the active fish are on the GPS, and move on to the next spot. We never stick more than two fish in an area. Sometimes we fish the baits without any hooks in them, and when they hit you just pull it away from them.

 Try; to find three good sections of the lake with decent fish first, before exploring further for the kicker fish. You can go back to these areas later the next day, and slow down to find the fish that you need to win. Sometimes early in the year bass will stage on a single piece of cover as small as a stick or blade of grass. It doesn't even have to be real structure sometimes, they just hold next to it. Most of the time, the larger bass, five pounds and up, are alone. they occupy the structure in the area by themselves, rarely schooling with fish of the same size.

 UNCONVENTIONAL BAITS

 Most; pro's won't reveal what they really catch the larger fish on. Most of the fish in lakes that are highly pressured by recreational and tournament anglers for years and years, become conditioned to certain baits. There are always fish that can be caught on conventional baits such as spinnerbaits and worms, and jerkbaits, but these generally are the fish that don't win tournaments. You can come in with a decent bag of five fish weighing ten to twelve pounds, but it generally doesn't get you a check except in some local and club tournaments. The larger fish, the four, five, six pounds and up, are usually caught on baits such as frogs, prop baits, walking baits, buzzbaits, and other types of new freak baits. Jigs will always take some of the better fish, but will not always win. Old style topwaters, such as the "Devils Horse", "Dying Flutters", "Creek Chubs", "Zara Spooks", "Jitterbugs", and others, take more quality fish than you can imagine, due to the fact that the bass are fooled by the baits they just don't see.

 Of; course, there are specific ways to work these baits, that will produce the better fish, even if you are using the same baits as another angler, and that is the trick. When casting to structure with a topwater bait like this, dead sticking, and casting directly to the target, and not past it, can be critical. Patience and steady nerves are required to do this properly. "Deadsticking" a bait is an extremely effective way to win a tournament on highly pressured waters such as Table Rock Lake. In colder water, this is extremely important also. You should let a "Senko" or other bait such as a fluke or "Bass Assassin", fall weightless for a long time by the structure, without giving it any movement at all. Suspending jerk baits worked in this manner also produce the bigger bass in pressured waters. Don't give the bait to much action, and let it sit for a long time inbetween movements. This is the key.

 TIME MANAGEMENT

 You; must learn how to manage your time properly also. You have to be thorough with the baits, but know when to switch and when to move. Plan this out in advance and be able to adjust to the water conditions and mood of the fish that day. Things can change rapidly from one day to the next on a body of water, especially when a cold front moves through. Practice at all times of the year, when the weather is bad, and cold, odds are, that many tournament days will be in the rain and wind. You need to know how to catch these fish under adverse conditions, not just fair weather. Plan your trips when the weather is poor. It's the only way the learn what to do. You must get practice in real tournament conditions. Make sure you time your run to the spots, and spend your time wisely there. Make as many casts as you can until the very last minute, and then open it up and get back as quickly as you can. You need to practice driving your boat in bad weather, under rough conditions, and at high speeds, if you really want to win.

 PRACTICE LANDING BIG FISH

 You; should try to join a private lake, or make trips to Mexico, Texas, Florida, and wherever else you can experience fighting and landing a lot of larger fish. Confidence is the key to success in this business. You must have the confidence in your ability to land big fish without getting overly excited. This is hard to do, so as much practice as you can get doing this before entering major tournaments is a definite plus! A big part of this game is mental. You must learn how to maintain a high level of concentration also. Don't pay attention to other things other than your line, the lure, and the fish. Ignore other anglers and spectators that are close by. Keep your focus, and stick to your game plan. Don't try to show off. That comes later at the weigh in with a twenty-five pound bag!

 Maintain; and use the best quality equipment that you can get. This plays a big part in confidence also. It doesn't always have to be the very highest quality equipment, but you must have confidence in it, and in your own ability to use it properly. Sometimes I go through twenty or thirty crankbaits and jerkbaits, before I find the best ones. Don't neglect the basics either. Learn how to tie all the proper knots for the baits you are using, and use the highest quality hooks available. I can't stress this enough. Follow these guidelines, and get out and practice as much as you can, and your recreational fishing as well as tournament fishing will improve drastically.

 Steve; and Kurt vonBrandt are tournament anglers as well as guides and video producers, and have their own radio and TV shows on the Internet and Comcast cable in the area. They are also Redman/BFL regional qualifiers, and the 1998, 1999 and 2001 Big Bass World Champs/Deleware.

 You; can book a trip or order a videotape from S&K; Guide Service that will help you learn new techniques to catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass by simply dropping them an email at [email protected] or by visiting the website at www.skguideservice.com.

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ARTICLE: HOW TO IMPROVE GARDEN SOIL by Valerie Palmer

 It; is important to add organic matter to your soil every year - whether you're using chemical fertilizers or gardening organically. Healthy soil is alive, actually teeming with earthworms and micro-organisms by the millions that have each got particular functions in making the soil fertile. If your garden soil is going to continue to produce for you, it needs to be fed plenty of organic material.

 Earthworms; and microbes (the life in soil) eat and decompose the organic material, which leads to a release of nutrients and minerals in a form that is useable for plants. Beyond this beneficial fertilizing, the presence of the organic waste improves any soil texture: sandy, loose soil is bound; hard clay soil is loosened. The humus provides a spongy quality that allows the soil to retain moisture and circulate air so roots can breathe.

 For; these natural processes to occur, the soil life needs fresh supplies of food. Without this fuel, earthworms go away and the minerals and nutrients get 'locked' in soil particles, not available for plant growth. Insect pests and diseases take over the weakened plants. Pouring on the chemical fertilizers won't help because they don't contribute to soil texture and flourishing soil life.

 This; is a simplification of a very complex natural process of soil chemistry that justifies in-depth study in its own. But the intention here is to give a basic idea of the absolute necessity of a generous annual addition of organic matter to all continuously used garden soil. Now, here are some suggestions about how to feed the soil.

  One method, of course, is to chop garden residues and weeds into the soil after a crop is harvested. Also, there's the option to haul in compost, in packages or in bulk when available. If there are processors in your area, (such as canneries or cider mills), often they will have waste organic material for the taking. Nearby farms usually welcome removal of animal manures: cattle, horses, chicken and rabbit. Any hay or straw used as mulch can be chopped in, along with leaves and lawn clippings.

  The fastest and easiest way to turn almost any bit of soil into superior loam is to use cover-crops, also known as green manures, and till them in. Over time, this practice will add to the topsoil rather than taking it away with harvested crops. This is especially necessary for the gardener who is growing food in the long-term on the same patch of ground.

 Some; Notes:

 1;) Green manures can be grown in rotation: follow an early cover-crop with a late season planting of produce, or a plant a late green manure following an early vegetable crop like peas and lettuce). That way even small gardens can have a harvest crop and a cover-crop each year.

 2;) Green manuring can be accomplished by any gardener regardless of powered machinery. However, a rotary tiller is definitely easiest. They can be rented.

 Here; are some suggestions for home garden cover-crops.

 A;) Use legumes such as soybeans, peas, vetch, and alfalfa. They will 'fix' nitrogen from the atmosphere when you use inoculated' seeds that are attractive to a certain kind of microbe. Also, some legumes are vegetables, providing both a food and a green manure with the same crop.

 B;) Plant ryegrass for a bulky, hardy crop that grows quickly. An annual variety is best, so that a late-summer crop will die back during winter allowing easy tillage in spring.

 C;) For extremely poor soil, buckwheat is recommended. It will grow quickly and choke out weeds as well. Sow buckwheat for a main summer crop, after harvesting lettuce, etc.

 In; addition to its benefits to soil, there are many good reasons to grow green manure. They help with weed control, bee attraction, and provide a beautiful green cover that keeps the garden looking nice right up to the time snow flies.

 As; a master gardener, Valerie Palmer has made a study of topics related to gardens. She is contributing writer of articles for The News About Gardening , your premier resource on-line for information on gardening. Find the archive of articles at: WWW.TLCGARDENING.COM.

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In this issue:

~ Recipe: "Ginger Ale Duck"

BACKWOODS TRIVIA: Who was the first African-American guest to dine at the White House?

Find the answer at the end of this newsletter.

Send your trivia questions to [email protected] .

** ANY TIME IS CHILI TIME **

Spring maybe on the way, but any time is chili time! Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix is a unique blend of spices makes a perfect pot of chili every time. Besides making a hearty pot of chili, give it a try for delicious tasting fajitas, enchiladas, jambalaya and now tostadas! Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix, it's simple to use and great tasting too! What else could you want? Use our secure on-line ordering system at www.backwoodsbound.com/chili.html. Or pick some up today at Columbia Mini Mart in Columbia, Illinois or Evansville Food Mart in Evansville, Illinois.

• Backwoods Bound Chili Seasoning Mix - "Not To Mild... Not To Hot. Treat Yourself And Make A Pot!"

RECIPE: THAI CURRY DUCK

* Remove the duck meat from bone. Cut into bite size pieces. Remove as much fat and skin as possible. If the skin is crispy and adhered to meat with a little fat, try to keep it intact. Keep the fat and fatty skin. It will be used for flaming the curry. Place in refrigerator.

* Boil the potatoes to 80 % done. Drain and set aside.

* In a skillet, saute the mushrooms, shallots and garlic. Add pepper to taste. Set aside.

* In a skillet, add the duck fat and fatty skin to create oil. Remove the skin.

* Add the curry paste and fry at medium heat, add additional oil if required.

* Before the curry starts to burn add a few ounces of the coconut milk. Let it thicken a bit. Keep stirring.

* After a few minutes you will see the red oils slowly separating. Stir in the coconut sugar/honey.

* Stir in the the fish sauce. Once it starts to thicken again, add the remaining milk. Reserve an ounce or two.

* Add the mushrooms, shallots and potatoes. Bring it to a low simmer for 10 minutes with the lid off.

* Five minutes before serving add the sweet basil, duck and the rest of the milk. Mix well and cover.

* Served on rice accompanied by a cold beer,

Thanks to Bill Edwards of Bangkok, Thailand for sending in this recipe. For more great recipes visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/recipe.html

** IS YOUR DOG'S BEHAVIOR DRIVING YOU CRAZY? **

Do you need fast reliable help?

Warning! Do not attempt to train your dog, or even think about hiring a dog trainer until you read this page!

"This is hands-down the most powerful dog training information I've ever seen!"

Go to: WWW.DOGOWNERS.INFO/CAM3.HTM

RECOMMEND THE BACKWOODS BOUND BULLET TO A FRIEND!

Know a friend who enjoys the outdoors as much as you do? Recommend The Bullet to them. It's easy to do, just follow this link or copy and paste the url into your browser! http://www.cumuli.com/ezines/backwo.ezine Thank you!

FISHIN' TIPS: One of the most important things to have with you while fishing in the spring is a thermometer to take the temperature of the water. The water in the northern part of a lake warms first in the spring. Look for the warmest water in these areas. Stumps, standing timber, brush piles, etc. all hold heat and that helps to warm the water around them. Concentrate your efforts in these areas. To get your own thermometer go to www.backwoodsbound.com/homefishing.html and click on the Bass Pro Shops banner. They have several to choose from.

Send your tips to [email protected] and we will post them on the site or use them in an upcoming issue of The Bullet

** STATE SHAPED TROPHY PLAQUES **

• Backwoods Bound State Shaped Trophy Plaques will add a special touch to your trophies. Our plaques are made from real hardwood not that imitation wood? you get in other plaques from the discount chains. They are handcrafted right here in the heartland of America not overseas. Americans working for Americans. Mount your trophy on something unique this year and have it stand out from the rest.

Don't forget about that trophy fish you caught this summer or that trophy trout you caught this fall. Tell your taxidermist that you'll supply your own plaque and order a Backwoods Bound State Shaped Trophy Plaque. ALL states and Canadian provinces are available. ORDER TODAY!! You'll be glad you did! For more information and photos or to place your order go to www.backwoodsbound.com/catalog.html .

WHAT'S NEW

• As always there are lots of new recipes on the site. We also have some new photos to post and will get them on the site soon. We thought we would pass along a few of your notes that have came in lately.

"Keep up the good work ,love your photos and your articles, local pride." Bill Stumpf

"Hey guys, thanks for you tips!!!! I like the chatter noice using the quarters." Alex

"Loved the Spicy Deer Meatballs recipe. They were a hit at my Super Bowl party. Thanks!"Steve S.

"Love the newsletter! Keep up the good work!" Henry Nelson

Thanks to everyone for your kind words. If it wasn't for all of you sharing your tips, recipes, photos and stories, we wouldn't have the great content that we do. So, "Keep up the good work!"

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** ADVERTISE HERE! **

Place your ad here for only $6.00 an issue. Be seen by over 1400 potential buyers! Reduced rates for multiple issues. For more details go to www.backwoodsbound.com/advertise.html or e-mail us [email protected].

See this month's Crazy Captions photo at: www.backwoodsbound.com/funphotos.html and send us your Crazy Caption. Have a photo that would make a great Crazy Caption? Send it to [email protected].

BACKWOODS BOREDOM BUSTER: LEPRECHAUN TRAP

Saint Patrick's Day is in a couple of weeks so here is a quick little craft you can do with your kids to make the day extra special. It's a very simple idea with very few materials needed

You will need the following items.

Tape the foil over the outside of the box and decorate it with shamrocks anyway you want with the materials you have available.

The night before St. Patrick's Day place box next to the front door and prop it up with the stick, setting the trap for the Leprechaun. If a Leprechaun comes by he might leave a surprise for you! (Place some new pennies or some gold chocolate coins for the kiddies to find on St Patty's morning.) Guaranteed to bring a smile to any little one's face!

INTERESTING QUOTE:"We have to build up wins now for when things get thin later. We've got to be like squirrels. You've got to harvest your nuts right now." - Eddie Jordan, coach of the NBA Washington Wizards.

Thanks to Elgin Fontaine of Laurel, Maryland for sending in this quote.

Seen or heard an interesting or humorous quote? Send it in and we'll post them next month. Send them to: [email protected]

RECIPE: - TROUT SUPREME

* Cover the bottom of a roasting pan olive oil. Place the fillets in the bottom.

* Top with 2 cloves of garlic and salt and pepper to taste.

* Layer on the vegetables in this order: onions, celery, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, green pepper, lemon.

* Sprinkle on the rest of the garlic. Salt and pepper to taste.

* Bake at 300 degrees until the vegetables are tender.

For more recipes visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/recipe.html

HUNTIN' TIPS: - This in from Anthony. "When hunting for deer in areas with a high density of pine trees, I will gather a bunch of pine needles and branches a week prior to the hunt and put them in a plastic bag with all of my camo." Great tip. Thanks Anthony.

March is the perfect time to start planning your food plots for deer and turkeys. Planting the right mixture in the spring gives bucks a good protein source they need during the months of antler growth. Does also benefit from the food source while nursing their fawns. Planting in the spring also allows your plot to develope with plenty of moisture so it can grow a strong root system before the heat and drought of summer arrives.

Visit www.backwoodsbound.com/homehunting.html and click on the Bass Pro Shops banner. They have a large selection of seeds and supplements for deer and turkeys. Remember that when you make a purchase at Bass Pro Shops through our site we earn a small commission on your purchase. It's doesn't cost you any more money and it helps us pay the bills. We thank you for your support.

For more tips visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/tipshunting.html. Send your tips to: [email protected].

** ADVERTISE HERE **

Place your ad here for only $6.00 an issue. Be seen by 1400 potential buyers! Reduced rates for multiple issues. Contact us at [email protected] for details.

FUN FACTS: • From Shiela, "'Almost' is the longest word in the English dictionary which is written in the alphabetical form." And from Monica, "All the presidents have worn glasses. Some probably just didn't like to be seen in them." Thanks guys.

For more Fun Facts visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/funfacts.html.

RECIPE: GINGER ALE DUCK

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

* Place ducks in a roaster that has a lid.

* Pour gingerale over the top. Cover and cook for 1 hour.

* Pour off all of the juices and gingerale. Pour fresh gingerale over duck.

* Do this about 5 times during a 4 hour period.

* If the duck doesn't brown, drain the gingerale, add fresh. Cook the last 30 minutes with lid removed. Makes a sweet crispy coating.

Thanks to Cherish Williams for sharing this recipe. For more recipes visit our site at www.backwoodsbound.com/recipe.html