Merry Christmas From Some Pro's - Washington Style

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Marc Marcantonio on December 3, 2010 at 5:01pm

Since you asked, in the current issue is an article about how various experts fish for suspended bass, and one (don't have my article in front of me so I don't remember which one) revealed he "swims a dropshot rig." As far as I know, both Ron Hobbs Jr. and I were the first to develop this technique (we used to be Team Partners) and I developed 1/16 oz QuickDrops specifically for this purpose, as well as various other sizes so you could dropswim at different speeds and different depths. I know I am the first to write articles about this technique revealing it, and in my copyrighted articles (many articles including and after the first) I coined the name "Dropswimmin". I don't think there are any shortage of people who can verify this for you, Pat.

There is also a feature article in the current issue "revealing" the use of ice fishing jigs for bass (where there is no ice). This article supposedly is revealing a secret technique that the two individuals have been using for almost 10 years. Sorry, but I first discovered this technique and logged in my fishing journal my success with the Rapala Ice Jig in 1980 on Irvine Lake, CA. I moved my paper graph to the bow of my 1976 MonArk bassboat and could spot bass in 35 feet of water, lower my ice jig which would be recorded on my chart paper, and you can see the bass marks on my graph paper move up and intersect my jig mark, and see me reel the jig with fish attached to the surface. I still have the graph paper attached to my log journal. Nobody else at that time was using a graph on the front of their boat, or was using an ice fishing jig. The next year I won a ProAm tournament in California on Vail Lake on this ice jig (the general area where the two individuals reside that are quoted in BASSMASTER with revealing this technique now, in 2010).

I kept that technique secret and won more tournaments in the winter until Western Outdoor News in 1986 (still years before the BASSMASTER article) wrote an article (without revealing it was me) about the success of using the ice jig, and quoted an unnamed individual had been secretly winning tournaments with it (I was the individual). If you need proof, I would be happy to show you my original handwritten and dated log journals in person; or you can call Bob Taylor owner of TaySys FishNLog software and confirm this. He was my one of my team partners back then.

Which brings up another point you made in your other thread insinuating that California produces lots of hot techniques like doodlin, split shotting, etc. I fished tournaments in Southern CA from 1979 until 1993 when I moved to Washington. I was in on the ground floor on all those techniques first hand, and was fortunate enough to have learned some of those techniques like Doodlin with Don Iovino first hand, and split shotting with Dick Trask. I won a bass tournament in 1983 on Cachuma Lake with an 8' fly rod, so the next year they outlawed rods longer than 7.5 feet just like they had done the year before in northern CA because of Dee Thomas and Flipping.

And FYI, I still have a few more technique secrets which a couple of the guys on this web site are close to figuring out, but not yet (including Jordan). I usually reveal these techniques in seminars and in articles with subtle but truthful and accurate tips, and 99% of the people either think they misheard me or simply don't believe they would work. Some eventually figure it out and come back and tell me now they know what I was talking about.

So my point is, as a Charter and Life member of BASS I have read every single magazine they ever published, and from cover to cover even when stationed out of the country. Believe me, BASSMASTER is a regurgitation of many peoples techniques; some of which are mine and my friends.

So if I seemed offended by your comment that the Sportsman's Show Speakers are a regurgitation of BASSMASTER, you know where I am coming from.

Marc Marcantonio





Pat said:

you have made good points, and i guess in this statement pro and expert is interchangeable. i guess i will rethink my own definition of what a pro is.

as for claiming that someone else has invented the techniques described in bassmaster, some sort of proof should be offered prior to making these claims



Marc Marcantonio said:

This horse has been kicked to death in many internet forums, and in the end there is no right or wrong answer. "Pro" is in the eyes of the beholder

Permalink Reply by Tag Watson on December 3, 2010 at 7:24pm

Great reply and information, Marc.

Yes, I did see you slip in a dropshotting frogs reference in a recent post. To that I say, "Ssssshhhhh!"

Permalink Reply by Aaron Christel on December 3, 2010 at 9:55pm

Pat, as annoying as your recent comments have been, I have to say thanks. You have raised the bar on the conversation level that last week or so.

Pat said:

i would agree with all that you have said John G except with regards to me, i'm not down on evryone i just want people to think a little



John G said:

Pro or no pro I could care less To me every person has something to offer I have had people on my boat that had no clue how to catch a bass but at the end of the day I found I learned something new fishing related or other. Proverbs states ( a wise man has many counselors) I don't need to take the advise just listen to many & make your own conclusion. Since Pat seems to be down on everyone & everything I would question his success & knowledge but mostly his motives.

Permalink Reply by Jordan Doucet on December 3, 2010 at 10:13pm

That's next on the list Mr Watson....

Tag Watson said:

Great reply and information, Marc.

Yes, I did see you slip in a dropshotting frogs reference in a recent post. To that I say, "Ssssshhhhh!"

Permalink Reply by Gene Batey Jr on December 4, 2010 at 8:23am

Wow, just joined the site a few minutes ago and can see that spring needs to get here soon.I have been fishin tournaments for a long time 25years Plus,and have fished with Denny Brauer,Skeet Reese,Robert Lee and a few other notable (PRO,S)And have taken there money as well they have taken mine.To be a pro is to simply pay the PRO entry and fish.And quess what?Now you playing with the big boys. You are a PRO.Its that easy.And when you win $$$$$ Uncle Sam see,s you as a PRO?And by the way Pat. Washington has put out its fair share! Specialy one that makes the final cut at the Forrest Wood Cup.Yes Ron you are a PRO.And a Dam good one.

Permalink Reply by Marc Marcantonio on December 4, 2010 at 9:51am

Welcome to WAFish Gene! Hope you keep coming back and offering your professional experience.

Having lived all over the country and having fished tournaments for forty years now has allowed me to fish with many top name tour pros, including KVD, , Reese, Grigsby, Nixon, Moorehead, and many others. I used to fish in the same club as Iovino and Tauber. The point is that they are technically proficient anglers who know how to make good decisions. They don't have superhuman fishing powers (well, except maybe KVD) and they all are constantly learning new techniques, tools, equipment, tactics, etc. just like all of us. In fact, some are good with one or two techniques and are seriously lacking in many others. Most on the tour are great shallow water fishermen, but are handicapped on deep clear water, or tidal water, etc. These guys learn a lot of their fishing from guys like Gene Batey and Ron Hobbs.

The West Coast simply doesn't have the tour opportunities of the east and south. Consequently many top anglers in the West don't fish national tournaments because it doesn't present an attractive business model for financial success. That is why BASS failed in the west. The quality anglers exist here, and the desire is here, but what good is it to invest in the bucks to fish invitationals and opens so you can qualify for a tour 2,000 miles away?

Bottom line is that there are a lot of top quality anglers in the West, especially in CA and WA. I have some friends like Ed Peletski in Oregon that are better bass anglers than many of the touring pros, but I bet nobody on this site even knows who he is.

ciao,
Marc


Gene Batey Jr said:

Wow, just joined the site a few minutes ago and can see that spring needs to get here soon.I have been fishin tournaments for a long time 25years Plus,and have fished with Denny Brauer,Skeet Reese,Robert Lee and a few other notable (PRO,S)And have taken there money as well they have taken mine.To be a pro is to simply pay the PRO entry and fish.And quess what?Now you playing with the big boys. You are a PRO.Its that easy.And when you win $$$$$ Uncle Sam see,s you as a PRO?And by the way Pat. Washington has put out its fair share! Specialy one that makes the final cut at the Forrest Wood Cup.Yes Ron you are a PRO.And a Dam good one.

Permalink Reply by Dan Johnson on December 4, 2010 at 10:00am

hey Geno what the hell are you doing up so damn early ? go back to bed it's December !

good point on the pro thing. what is a pro ? who is a pro ? Ronald is a pro !

ask the guy that has been disqualified from a pro tournament for conversing with a '' local pro '' during tournament hours that isn't entered in the tourney and he'll tell you what a pro is. Who is a local pro ? there is a butt load of local pro's in this state. Me, i am a master at my craft, i am a bait maker. I fish NW BASS so does this mean i am a pro in the industry ? Yes it does. Well at least now it does because now bait making is my profession. As far as tournament fishing goes i do not consider my self a pro that would be ludicrous. But i guarranty you one thing some one would be disqualified for seeking me out for info during a tourney if the tour came to town. This would include the Columbia River. Before the tourney not a problem, during a tourney a problem.

Some would call me a Master Bait maker. Some would call me a pro !

dj



Gene Batey Jr said:

Wow, just joined the site a few minutes ago and can see that spring needs to get here soon.I have been fishin tournaments for a long time 25years Plus,and have fished with Denny Brauer,Skeet Reese,Robert Lee and a few other notable (PRO,S)And have taken there money as well they have taken mine.To be a pro is to simply pay the PRO entry and fish.And quess what?Now you playing with the big boys. You are a PRO.Its that easy.And when you win $$$$$ Uncle Sam see,s you as a PRO?And by the way Pat. Washington has put out its fair share! Specialy one that makes the final cut at the Forrest Wood Cup.Yes Ron you are a PRO.And a Dam good one.

Permalink Reply by Ronald Hobbs, Jr. on December 4, 2010 at 10:36am

HA HA Dan Johnson just admitted he is a Master Baiter......that is funny at least you are a good one and now have more time to concentrate on your trade! Some exciting things should be coming out of the Sniper kitchen soon correct?

Dan Johnson said:

hey Geno what the hell are you doing up so damn early ? go back to bed it's December !

good point on the pro thing. what is a pro ? who is a pro ? Ronald is a pro !

ask the guy that has been disqualified from a pro tournament for conversing with a '' local pro '' during tournament hours that isn't entered in the tourney and he'll tell you what a pro is. Who is a local pro ? there is a butt load of local pro's in this state. Me, i am a master at my craft, i am a bait maker. I fish NW BASS so does this mean i am a pro in the industry ? Yes it does. Well at least now it does because now bait making is my profession. As far as tournament fishing goes i do not consider my self a pro that would be ludicrous. But i guarranty you one thing some one would be disqualified for seeking me out for info during a tourney if the tour came to town. This would include the Columbia River. Before the tourney not a problem, during a tourney a problem.

Some would call me a Master Bait maker. Some would call me a pro !

dj



Gene Batey Jr said:

Wow, just joined the site a few minutes ago and can see that spring needs to get here soon.I have been fishin tournaments for a long time 25years Plus,and have fished with Denny Brauer,Skeet Reese,Robert Lee and a few other notable (PRO,S)And have taken there money as well they have taken mine.To be a pro is to simply pay the PRO entry and fish.And quess what?Now you playing with the big boys. You are a PRO.Its that easy.And when you win $$$$$ Uncle Sam see,s you as a PRO?And by the way Pat. Washington has put out its fair share! Specialy one that makes the final cut at the Forrest Wood Cup.Yes Ron you are a PRO.And a Dam good one.

Permalink Reply by Andy Smith on December 4, 2010 at 11:02am

Roni told me im a pro. At being an A## hole. What the hell does she Know right my brother.
Dan Johnson said:

hey Geno what the hell are you doing up so damn early ? go back to bed it's December !

good point on the pro thing. what is a pro ? who is a pro ? Ronald is a pro !

ask the guy that has been disqualified from a pro tournament for conversing with a '' local pro '' during tournament hours that isn't entered in the tourney and he'll tell you what a pro is. Who is a local pro ? there is a butt load of local pro's in this state. Me, i am a master at my craft, i am a bait maker. I fish NW BASS so does this mean i am a pro in the industry ? Yes it does. Well at least now it does because now bait making is my profession. As far as tournament fishing goes i do not consider my self a pro that would be ludicrous. But i guarranty you one thing some one would be disqualified for seeking me out for info during a tourney if the tour came to town. This would include the Columbia River. Before the tourney not a problem, during a tourney a problem.

Some would call me a Master Bait maker. Some would call me a pro !

dj



Gene Batey Jr said:

Wow, just joined the site a few minutes ago and can see that spring needs to get here soon.I have been fishin tournaments for a long time 25years Plus,and have fished with Denny Brauer,Skeet Reese,Robert Lee and a few other notable (PRO,S)And have taken there money as well they have taken mine.To be a pro is to simply pay the PRO entry and fish.And quess what?Now you playing with the big boys. You are a PRO.Its that easy.And when you win $$$$$ Uncle Sam see,s you as a PRO?And by the way Pat. Washington has put out its fair share! Specialy one that makes the final cut at the Forrest Wood Cup.Yes Ron you are a PRO.And a Dam good one.

Permalink Reply by Ronald Hobbs, Jr. on December 4, 2010 at 11:13am

She should Know what the back of your hand feels like!!! If not maybe you should familiarize her with it!!! LOL

Andy Smith said:

Roni told me im a pro. At being an A## hole. What the hell does she Know right my brother.
Dan Johnson said:

hey Geno what the hell are you doing up so damn early ? go back to bed it's December !

good point on the pro thing. what is a pro ? who is a pro ? Ronald is a pro !

ask the guy that has been disqualified from a pro tournament for conversing with a '' local pro '' during tournament hours that isn't entered in the tourney and he'll tell you what a pro is. Who is a local pro ? there is a butt load of local pro's in this state. Me, i am a master at my craft, i am a bait maker. I fish NW BASS so does this mean i am a pro in the industry ? Yes it does. Well at least now it does because now bait making is my profession. As far as tournament fishing goes i do not consider my self a pro that would be ludicrous. But i guarranty you one thing some one would be disqualified for seeking me out for info during a tourney if the tour came to town. This would include the Columbia River. Before the tourney not a problem, during a tourney a problem.

Some would call me a Master Bait maker. Some would call me a pro !

dj



Gene Batey Jr said:

Wow, just joined the site a few minutes ago and can see that spring needs to get here soon.I have been fishin tournaments for a long time 25years Plus,and have fished with Denny Brauer,Skeet Reese,Robert Lee and a few other notable (PRO,S)And have taken there money as well they have taken mine.To be a pro is to simply pay the PRO entry and fish.And quess what?Now you playing with the big boys. You are a PRO.Its that easy.And when you win $$$$$ Uncle Sam see,s you as a PRO?And by the way Pat. Washington has put out its fair share! Specialy one that makes the final cut at the Forrest Wood Cup.Yes Ron you are a PRO.And a Dam good one.

Permalink Reply by Gene Batey Jr on December 4, 2010 at 11:22am

Going to Potholes to slay some wally gators,fill the freezer,and save a pirch.
Dan Johnson said:

hey Geno what the hell are you doing up so damn early ? go back to bed it's December !

good point on the pro thing. what is a pro ? who is a pro ? Ronald is a pro !

ask the guy that has been disqualified from a pro tournament for conversing with a '' local pro '' during tournament hours that isn't entered in the tourney and he'll tell you what a pro is. Who is a local pro ? there is a butt load of local pro's in this state. Me, i am a master at my craft, i am a bait maker. I fish NW BASS so does this mean i am a pro in the industry ? Yes it does. Well at least now it does because now bait making is my profession. As far as tournament fishing goes i do not consider my self a pro that would be ludicrous. But i guarranty you one thing some one would be disqualified for seeking me out for info during a tourney if the tour came to town. This would include the Columbia River. Before the tourney not a problem, during a tourney a problem.

Some would call me a Master Bait maker. Some would call me a pro !

dj



Gene Batey Jr said:

Wow, just joined the site a few minutes ago and can see that spring needs to get here soon.I have been fishin tournaments for a long time 25years Plus,and have fished with Denny Brauer,Skeet Reese,Robert Lee and a few other notable (PRO,S)And have taken there money as well they have taken mine.To be a pro is to simply pay the PRO entry and fish.And quess what?Now you playing with the big boys. You are a PRO.Its that easy.And when you win $$$$$ Uncle Sam see,s you as a PRO?And by the way Pat. Washington has put out its fair share! Specialy one that makes the final cut at the Forrest Wood Cup.Yes Ron you are a PRO.And a Dam good one.

Permalink Reply by Dan Johnson on December 4, 2010 at 12:13pm

Sniper kitchen firing on all cylinders. good stuff coming soon ! stay tuned ..........



Ronald Hobbs, Jr. said:

HA HA Dan Johnson just admitted he is a Master Baiter......that is funny at least you are a good one and now have more time to concentrate on your trade! Some exciting things should be coming out of the Sniper kitchen soon correct?

Dan Johnson said:

hey Geno what the hell are you doing up so damn early ? go back to bed it's December !

good point on the pro thing. what is a pro ? who is a pro ? Ronald is a pro !

ask the guy that has been disqualified from a pro tournament for conversing with a '' local pro '' during tournament hours that isn't entered in the tourney and he'll tell you what a pro is. Who is a local pro ? there is a butt load of local pro's in this state. Me, i am a master at my craft, i am a bait maker. I fish NW BASS so does this mean i am a pro in the industry ? Yes it does. Well at least now it does because now bait making is my profession. As far as tournament fishing goes i do not consider my self a pro that would be ludicrous. But i guarranty you one thing some one would be disqualified for seeking me out for info during a tourney if the tour came to town. This would include the Columbia River. Before the tourney not a problem, during a tourney a problem.

Some would call me a Master Bait maker. Some would call me a pro !

dj



Gene Batey Jr said:

Wow, just joined the site a few minutes ago and can see that spring needs to get here soon.I have been fishin tournaments for a long time 25years Plus,and have fished with Denny Brauer,Skeet Reese,Robert Lee and a few other notable (PRO,S)And have taken there money as well they have taken mine.To be a pro is to simply pay the PRO entry and fish.And quess what?Now you playing with the big boys. You are a PRO.Its that easy.And when you win $$$$$ Uncle Sam see,s you as a PRO?And by the way Pat. Washington has put out its fair share! Specialy one that makes the final cut at the Forrest Wood Cup.Yes Ron you are a PRO.And a Dam good one.

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