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Professional Angler Association memebers were asked to promote the partnership between WFN, World Fishing Network, and the PAA Tour. The WFN is a television station devoted to the sport of fishing. The PAA is an organization I've recently joined. The organization is crearly becoming one of the top circuits in the professional bass world. Although I did not fish the Inaugural Corporate Cup Event, I was there working as a member of the Reel Grip Pro Staff.
TEAM TRAILS A PAA AFFILIATE
PAA PAYDAY - Tournament bonus program for all anglers.
Benton, Ky. – The Professional Anglers Association (PAA) is proud to announce their all new PAA Payday Program for 2009. The program is a tournament bonus program for all anglers at all levels. Potential bonuses range from $250 to $100,000! Bonuses are paid to winners of a long list of sanctioned bass tournaments when the anglers are PAA members.
PAA Secretary, John Crews of Salem, VA, said that the organization is proud to release a cash bonus program for anglers of all levels with no discrimination. “We conceived this idea to give benefits to all competitive bass anglers. This will definitely give the PAA a chance to show the whole bass fishing community that we have a lot to offer.” He went on to say, “It is great because there is no tournament bonus plan now that hits ALL anglers regardless of boat brand, engine brand, rod, reel, bait, or even if they don’t have a boat. We are including ABA, BFL, Bassmaster Weekend Series, Superbass, BASS Opens, WBT, WON Bass, Team Trails, and many more!”
Crews also said that the PAA Payday program should increase total PAA membership, “a ton.” He went on to say, “it will allow the organization to bring bigger and better benefits to all of our members. We are very excited about having an incentive for all anglers to join the PAA.”
PAA President, Tim Horton, echoed Crews’ enthusiasm. “We are very excited to be able to offer a program for all anglers from the grass roots tournaments and other pro level events. The PAA Payday will give those types of anglers a chance to see what the PAA is all about.”
The PAA Payday has many levels. The Weekend Winners program includes Team Trails, BASS Weekend Series, ABA and many more events. Those events pay $250 to the winner of a regular season event as long as they are a PAA member before the event. The Advantage Winners program pays a $750 bonus to the winners of certain regular sanctioned events, which include WBT, BASS Opens, FLW Stren, and others. Advantage winners must be Advantage level members or Tour members.
Current dues are $50 for General, $150 for Advantage, and $400 for the Tour level programs. The list of sanctioned events will be continually updated on our website. For more information on the PAA Payday Program or for general information about the Professional Anglers Association, visit our website at www.fishpaa.com, or contact the PAA office at 270-527-2030.
*A Tournament Bonus Program for All Anglers* .
$100,000.00 Classic Bonus – A one hundred thousand dollar bonus will be paid to any General or Advantage Member that qualifies for and wins (first place) the 2010 Bassmasters Classic that qualifies through the Bassmaster Weekend Series or Federation Nation. The bonus also is available for anglers qualifying and winning the boater side of the 2010 FLW Forrest Wood Cup who qualify though the BFL (Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League) or TBF (The Bass Federation). The bonus will be paid out over 10 years.
$1,000.00 Classic and Cup Qualifier Bonus – A one thousand dollar ($1000) bonus will be paid to any General or higher level Member of the PAA that qualifies and fishes the 2010 Bassmasters Classic that qualifies through the Bassmaster Weekend Series or Federation Nation. The bonus also is available for anglers qualifying and fishing the boater side of the 2010 FLW Forest Wood Cup who qualify through the BFL (Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League) or TBF (The Bass Federation).
Weekend Winners Bonus – Two hundred and fifty dollar ($250) bonuses will be paid to General and higher level Members of the PAA for winning (first place) regular season sanctioned events. Five hundred dollar ($500) bonuses will be paid to winners of the events listed in the Tournament List. All winners of the bonus will have name listed on www.fishpaa.com. Minimum number of boats to qualify for bonus is 30. Complete list of Sanctioned Tournaments, rules, and payouts will be on www.fishpaa.com .
Advantage Winners Bonus – Seven hundred and fifty dollar ($750) bonuses will be paid to Advantage Members of the PAA for winning (first place) regular season sanctioned events. One thousand, five hundred dollar ($1,500) bonuses will be paid to the winners of select championship events (listed in events). No minimum boat number. Complete list of Sanctioned Tournaments, rules, and payouts will be on www.fishpaa.com . ALL BONUSES ARE FOR BOATERS AND NON-BOATERS! (where applicable) Rules for PAA Payday Program are below: Program dates are from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009. .
For the Weekend Winner Bonus, angler must be a paid General Member or higher level Member of the PAA the day before the sanctioned Weekend Winner Tournament takes place.
For the Hundred Thousand Dollar Bonus and the Classic and Cup Qualifier Bonuses, angler must be a paid General or higher level Member of the PAA before April 1, 2009.
For the Advantage Winners Bonus, angler must be a paid Advantage Member or higher level Member of the PAA the day before the sanctioned Advantage Winner Tournament begins.
Angler must display or wear at least one of the following PAA logos during the entire tournament day(s) including weigh-in: PAA approved hat, PAA distributed sticker on the windshield of their competing boat and tow vehicle, any PAA distributed shirt, and/or PAA logo on the front of the angler’s tournament jersey.
Anglers must be the first-place and single overall winner of the sanctioned event. Big fish awards, ties, and winners decided by chance are not eligible for bonuses.
In the event of a team sanctioned event, each team member will receive half of the eligible bonus if each member meets all guidelines set forth in the rules. If only one team member qualifies for the bonus, that member will receive half of the eligible bonus. Each member must submit their own claim form to the PAA in order to collect bonus.
Concurrent sanctioned events, where two or more events take place at the same time and allow entrants in each event to use the same fish for both weigh-ins, are NOT eligible.
All PAA Tournament Bonus claim forms must be submitted within 30-days of tournament win and can be obtained through www.fishpaa.com or contacting the PAA office at (270) 527-2030. Claim form must come complete with some form of official tournament results verification (ex. newsletter/magazine listing, website results printout, or original hard-copy) depicting PAA member’s first place finish and a participating field of 30 or more boats. Please allow 6-8 weeks for approval and processing.
Winning PAA member is solely responsible for submitting the completed claim form and accompanying tournament results verification to: PAA Tournament Bonus Program P.O. Box 655 Benton, KY 42025 . The complete list of sanctioned events will be updated by the PAA on www.fishpaa.com. Tournaments may be added or deleted at any time at the discretion of the PAA.
-The Tournament List-
. $100,000 Bonus for Bassmasters Classic or FLW Cup winner * $1000 Bonus for General Members that qualify for the Bassmasters Classic or FLW Cup* Weekend Winners Program - $250 bonuses paid to the winners of the following events: Boater or teams in Bassmaster Weekend Series, American Bass Anglers, Fishers of Men, Superbass, Future Pro Tour, Team Trails (of Mississippi), U.S. Anglers Choice, Bass Anglers Invitational Trail (B.A.I.T.), FLW Outdoors BFL, and FLW Outdoors College Fishing Trail. Also for non boaters in Bassmaster Weekend Series, ABA Draw Trail, BASS Opens, BASS WBT, ABA Grand Slam Series, FLW Outdoors BFL, FLW Stren, FLW Series, FLW Tour, WON Bass Tour, WON Bass US Open, 2 of Us Couples Tournaments, Mc Donald’s Big Bass Splash, and U.S. Anglers Choice. $500 bonuses paid to the winners of the following events as boaters, non boaters, and /or teams: Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship, AFT National Championship, Fishers of Men Championships, Team Trails Championships, Superbass Classic, 2 of Us Couples Championship, Sealy Outdoors McDonald’s Big Bass Splash tournaments, BASS Federation Nation Divisionals, and BASS Federation Nation Championship.
Advantage Winners Program - $750 bonuses paid to the winners of the following events: Boaters in ABA Grand Slam Series, FLW Outdoors Stren Series, BASS Women’s Bass Tour, and BASS Opens. $1500 bonuses paid to the winners of the following events: FLW Outdoors Stren Series Championship, BASS WBT Championship, and ABA Grand Slam Series National Championship. *that meets certain guidelines listed above.
The swirl fisherman like to see on tournament day. This fish was caught during my pre-fish
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Pre-Fishing
BASS JOURNAL 2008:
"Fishing never disappoints me."
Jan 30th was my last day on the lake. I shared the water with Jada. I've made it to a lake 3 times this month, not nearly enough but considering the flood, I did ok. Tom Groves from Texas and I traded some lures this month. I got 5 Vixens and 1 Barely Legal Vixens and he received Bo's Jigs in return. The Vixens came from www.curcial tackle.com. Vixens are a hard plastic, top water. They are made by Reaction Innovations, a Kim Bain co-woned company. I'm going to the Classic to watch Kim. It's the first year I don't have obligations. I can just be a tourist/fan of BASS. I talked with Steve Rubin who oversees the Lifetime Lounge. I will stop by the lounge daily to sign Autographs.
I'll come home and hit the Coosa hard.
LOVE the life you lead and lead the lifw you Locw.
Jan 20th. I kicked the fishing season off right. Not fishing - but working for the PAA. Entry fees for the WBT are due. Having the Neely tour stop on close to home helped.
Dec. 18th: Today would have been a good day on the water. The temp hit 70. There was an ABA Tourney on Logan the 13th. The temp was 26 degrees. It took 18 lbs to win. Jeff Shotz won the tx. Congratulations Jeff. I showed the guys the new Bo's Jig. One fisherman offered to rent the jig from me. I just oculdn't do it. I had hot chili waiting on the crew wehn they came off the water. They said it was good. No one called to say they got sick. That is a good thing. So, this weekend I'll be on Neely, fishing it up.
I looked at the last entry to my journal and thought WHAT? I thought I had updated the journal, and then I think about the things I'm working on for next season. I'm now the Director of Central Alabama Team Trails... yeah. I'm working with the PAA for all 4 tournament events. I'm gathering lake information on the WBT tour stops. The season starts on Toho mid-January. I'm fishing and I work at Victoria's Secret 6 days a week.
Nov. 16th. Thanks to Michelle and the other women I met, tonight, I'll be attending friends/family tonight for the opening of Basss Pro Shops in Leeds Alabama! I think I'll do a little Christmas shopping for my son-in-law Rick. Prior to the opening I have a Christmas Marketing Meeting at Victoria's Secret. The contract to be a Director of their Trail on Neely Henry and Logan Martin is in the mail. I hope you will consider joining the trail.
Look for the latest on Bo's Jigs at The Tackle Box in downtown Oxford, Alabama. If you look to all the local fishermen who win, they have Bo''s Jigs in their boats. My favorite go to color is Coosa Craw. It has caught fish from Dallas, Texas to Augusta, Georgia. Nice fish at that. The new skirts are unlike any on the market. The colors blend from darkest at the head, lightest and then dark agian. They don't pull apart like most do at a color change.
Congratulations to Shannon and Rick on their finish in the Coosa River Trail Championship.
Oct. 26th. Sunday. Well, I've been busy working on Sponsors for next year. I've teamed up with Donnie Lester of the FLW tour... hiis picture is below. We are running a winter tournament trail together. Maybe running several trials, between our tours. It's an income, and as fishermen, we can use every dollar that we make following our dreams. It isn't ever easy to follow ones dreams. I've learned the only doors that open are the right doors.
Oct. 14th: Well, the PAA event was great. I expected to be writing about the announcement of their upcoming Corporate Tour. However, I lost my phone today. 323 contacts just gone. I have mobile back-up but hadn't loaded all my contacts to the satelite. I'm gonna regret that decision. There are photo's and text on the phone that I can't replace. The text from a close friend with words of encouragement the night before day one on Lewisville, I can't replace Photo's from Clark's Hill, the sunset on Logan Martin, a pic of katrina and me in a tackle store. These are the things I'm gonna miss.
In 3 years time, I've only lost 2 phones. Both phones within this year. So, I've been cancelled from the lost and stolen plan. Never mind those two years I kept a close watch on the phone. I'm considering changing to another provider. Probably because I've been given so much grief with the Sony Ericcson w580i. I absolutly would nver recommend the phone even to my worst enemy.
Oct. 6th. Dan called on Monday. Reel Grip will be selling their latest products at the PAA event. Hope to see you guys there. It's an exciting event based on fishing teams that work together. A very different format from the FLW and BASS events. Many of the FLW Tour and BASS Elite Series Pro's will compete for a heafty payout.
Oct. 4th. I can't seem to shake the 4:30 am internal fishing call. I'm up every day at this time. I'm packing the suitcase this morning. Need to groom the car as well. There is a layer of pollen and bugs left over from Clark's Hill. My biggest challenge will be in finding gas for the SUV. The gas crunch still lives in the south. I'm headed to TN for a road trip with Katrina and hopefully will end our travels at the PAA event to see Dan of Reel Grip on Pickwick. We have many stops inbetween... Triton and Pheonix Boats, Nashville, Memphis, and St. Judes Hospital. I'd like to stop by Froggy D's and see Delow along the way and maybe catch Susan on her day off.
Oct. 2nd: A fellow artist and friend, a guy with a smile to melt the hardest of hearts and a laughter that rivaled the lighest of hearts, died in a car accident this week. He wasn't without his own struggles, as we all struggle, a bit of the artist temperment and lifestyle, but he took with him much creativity and a love for life. I asked myself, why, as we so often do when someone dies, and I turned to my Bible. It opened to 2 Corinthians 4. The last verse. "For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal". It was an answer I could live with.
Sept. 23: The day I turned 40 something. This is my birthday wish for you and me... - Rascal Flatts sings it best: "MY WISH" You know the tune? It's #402 on the pink IPod.
I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow, and each road leads you where you want to go and if your faced with a choice and you have to choose I hope you chose the one that means the most to you. And if one door opens to another door closed I hope you keep on walking till you find the window If its cold outside show the world the warmth of youir smile... my wish for you is that this life becomes all that you want it to your dreams stay big your worries stay small you nerver have to carry more than you can hold...And when your out there gettin where your gettin to...I hope you know somebody loves you and wants the same things too... I hope you never look back you forget the ones who love you and the place you left I hope you always forgive and you help somebody every chance you get oh you find God's Grace in every mistake and always give more than you take..
Just in case you're wondering # 403 on the IPod is Little Big Town: Never Felt Love the next tune: smile: Nickleback Rockstar.
Sept 21st. I arrived home late Saturday evening having finished the tournament at Clarks Hill in 57th place. BASS reported in an article that Clark's Hill can break or make an angler emotionally. I'm not broken, I did my best. Jada and I found fish on our trip during the Labor Day visit. We found fish prior to the official practice and during the official practice. Tournament days, they would not bite. I threw everything trying to get those bass stirred up enough to bite and was able to pick up one bass that weighted 1.7 lbs. It only took 8 lbs to make the cut for the final day. Cindy Hill won the event. Congratulations Cindy.
Looking back on the three years I've fished, in 13 tournaments I've had 7 top 50 finishes and 1 top 20. Next season is only 5 months away, and I can't wait! In the following days I'll be posting notes of thisngs I've learned during the season. So check the website for articles.
Sept. 8th. and the days wind down until the Clark's Hill event. I'm settling in to the camper. The boat ramp is closed, as most are on Clark's Hill. The lake is 15ft. below normal pool. Augusta is a beautiful town surrounded by beautiful country. Much like home...
The lake reminds me of Guntersville grass and Lake Martin points. Like Lake Hartwell, the water is so clear.
August 25th: This afternoon we fished in the rain storms. The river wasn't actually that turbulant. It had a bite to it for sure, just not the kind that will send one to the banks to fish. Sometimes we must all go through storms in our life. Life is sometimes like launching in bad weather. The storm doesn’t control your destiny, God does. He’s still in charge. “In all these things we are more than conquerors.” Remember this when you find yourself in the middle of a storm.
August 24th: It took a woman (FAY) to send me to the banks this week. I did get the boat on the lake Thrusday. I used shallow crankbaits in the shallows of a creek near the channels edge. I knew the bass would bite a jig or a worm, but I was there to practice with a crankbait and several varieties swimbaits. I've been collecting swimbaits since Texas for the CH event. I picked up my final swimbait at the FLW Classic. The swimbait was from HPP, Hand Poured Plastics. I purchased the xcitebait swimbait and the PAA event. It too, is hand poured. I purchased the Sebile hard swimbait recently at Mark's Outdoors. And finally, I have the Reaction Innovations swimbaits. The lake was already chruning from the storm blowing in. I knew the fish were on the main lake, near small area's of grass. I chose the creek because it was most like the habitat at CH. When Fay leaves us, I'll return to a lake. Next time to just hopefully...catch fish
August 18th. I hope you noticed a couple of new sponsors added to my website. JJ's Magic and F&F Fishing Guide Service. I haven't had an opportunity to log much in my Fishing Journal lately because I've been fishing every day. I've had other journals to record. I fished a tournament on Neely Henry last weekend, the 11th. I'm fishing another tournament this week and this weekend. I spent the past weekend on Lake Murry, SC at the FLW Classic. I'd like to say thank you to all the men, women, and children that bought Reel Grip products this weekend. I worked the booth and was for the first time exposed to an FLW Classic on the vendor side. Two years ago, Jesse and I took my father to the Classic in Birmingham. We had a great time.I had a great time this round as well. I met 2 of Dan Broadbents' children, Shelby and Noah. I met Eric, one of the FLW Tour Por's from Arkansas. I watched the Pro's from the lake home we were staying in. It was a learning experience that I wouldn't take a million dollars for...Which is what those guys were fishing for this weekend.
July 24th. OK, so don't expect to many changes to the website between Friday and Monday. I'm leaving town for a few days of fishing. Priorities in order. I did get my reel grip pro staff shirt. YEAH. It is beautiful! A photo op at some point will be in order. I'll hit the webiste next week, for now, time to hit the lake. Safe boating to all and keep it between the red and green. Caught a beautiful sunset on Neely today. I watched the sun sink into the clouds. Todays Bible verse was especially important to me. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 (NIV)
July 22nd. Tuesday evening: I fished a two day tournament with my cousin Jada this past weekend. I have lots to say about the tournament, but first I must address the changes to my website. I'm currently working on some new features. First you'll notice the video feed. It is a test. I recorded from my little sony erricson walkman phone. It works perfect. I shoot the video to my email address and then download it to the website. So, please bear with the changes and the jumbled mess right now.
Jada and I registered for the 1st annual Gadsden City Tournament. I think I enjoyed the tournament as much as fishing the WBT. There were 186 boats and we were the only female/female team. We didn't cash a check, but we performed well.
July 6th. I have a video and photographs to upload this week. The video is a clip from the farm party for friends and family at Cousin Jada's farm. All the cousins, Aunts, and Uncles that could attend were there. I counted 16 of us. There were maybe 50 adults. There were a ton of kids wanting to boat on Jada and Johnny's Pond. Which probably contributed to the low fish count by the 5 ofr 6 anglers wanting the big bite. The food was too much and the fireworks a great end to a fun party
I fished July 3rd and July 6th. Logan Martin first Neely on the 6th. Both days were just learning days for me. I'm much better at pitching under docks after two days of practice. I caught one small fish on a dock at Logan. The sun was shining and the weather clear. It rained around 5pm but the skies cleared quickly.I fished the familiar docks, known to prduce fish. Neely, I missed 4 fish that were way under the docks.They would hit it on the fall. I could stick them but not bring them to the boat. The weather was fog early and morning clouds. It rained for a minute or two around 1 pm. I broke my line once, suprisingly the fish was still on my jig. the line was setting on top of the water so I wanted my jig back. Jason accuded me of sticking rocks. Jason reached down to pull the line in. The fish was on the other end for only a moment. Jason said it pulled hard.
Monday 30th of June. The end of June, already. Jason should return from Iraq soon. We hope to hit Guntersville. He's fishing a tournament with his father. I'm getting fishing reports from Jada. She tries to sneak off and fish every chance she gets.
She and her husband Johnny are preparing for their 4th of July party. It's a cajun 4th with lots of food from the gulf and pork in the pit. The evening ends with firworks prepared by friends. It takes half a day to put the fuses in the cylanders. It's as good as any large fireworks gathering I've been to. The fireworks explode and the lights reflect in the fishing pond. Last year I caught 4 bass in the pond. Gonna break that record this year. I caught them all on the ribbit frog in the heat of the day. People try and tell you you can't fish topwater in the middle of the day, but I think they are wrong. This year, I'm going to give the Strike King Rage Tail a try. If you haven't tried this plastic, you should. Beautiful in the water. Crank it fast and stop. It rolls and sinks like a wounded shad.
I fished a Weekend Series Tournament, my first, on Saturday. I caught 3 short fish and no keeper fish. I fished with a fella named Tony from Guntersville.
"June 24th? Wednesday night. I spent today on the lake again. I was determined to never give up. Today was payday. Caught 9, 6 keepers including the beg one at the top of the page. Then I read the bible verse for the day. God is in control. ....The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." So it was a day of abundency. I live for those days. It's what hooked me on fishing in the first place. Wish I had dressed better, but it was hot.
June 21st: The verse for the day hit home. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
Dicipline is a key factor in fishing. I fished Logan Martin Lake today. I've watched KVD and Timmy Horton pull them in using a crankbait. Crankbaits are new water for me. Cranking all day seems crazy, but I'm learning to like them. Shannon V. talked me into using a Lucky Craft on Neely Henry and I actually enjoyed throwing it. Shannon said "don't sissy throw it with an arch." The cast has to be straight. So I practiced casting most of the day. He also taught me something about lure retreivers. He has his tied to an old abu garcia reel. It works like a charm.
Water patrol busted several anglers arond me. There was a ticket for no fire extingusher and one for a expired fishing license. It just goes to show you that women have it all on the lakes. I didn't get a ticket.
I met a fellow angler on the lake. A guy by the name of Andy Cobb. He was fishing a pretty crank on the ledges and wackin them. We exchanged lures. I gave him a Karen's Jig and he gave me a crankbait. Thank you Jesus I didn't lose it and thank you Andy for the lure.
June 23rd: Well I made a decision to talke care of business and not fish the Ol Hickory Tour Stop. I spoke with my sponsors and they were ok with the decison. I notified them a couple of weeks ago. But God has a way of blessing me anyway. My Reel Grip Pro Staff Shirt is in the printing process. I can't wait to take it to the lake and fish. And, I heard from Randy Bobo that Jeremy Starks was fishing with the #56 Karen's Jig Skirt when he finished in 1st place on Wheeler. He used teh skirt on a football head jig. I'd be lying if I said I din't want to be on Ol Hickory, but the blessings I got these couple of weeks made me feel pretty good. Sometimes we must take time away from fishing to do the necessary things in life. I didn't plan on not fishing. I'll pick up the tour on Clark's Hill just for the expereince. I've got some help lined up in my boat for the event.
Jada did well, finishing 24th. She was in 17th overall before the Ol Hickory event.
May 30th: Well we know which tournament I'm going to drop! I didn't plan on ending on the bottom of the pack. Friends and fishermen tried to tell me about the home lake curse. I didn't want to listen because I was on fish. I believe a number of factors came into play. First, the weather hadn't warmed up the week prior to the tournament. The mornings were very cool, 48=52. A warm front with rain threated to pass Thursday, but the rain nevewr broke through. Second, would be the fluxuation in the water level. The week prior to the tournament, the water was dropping. The week of the tournament the water was rising. Third, was 4 tournaments on the lake the Saturday prior to our tournament. I think my fish were shy and they didn't know where to go. I couldn't get a bite in the grass or in the deeper water.
I'm going to post rules for observers next week. I had an observer that was a nightmare. He kept trying to tell me where to fish. That was a no-no. He insisted that I pick him up on the way to the launch. I told him I would not take him back to his car after the tournament, but he insisted I pick him up in a dark parking lot. It will never happen again. He left trash from breakfast in my car and in my boat. I'm not his momma. Oh, and he thinks he's a rival to Bo's Jigs, but he can't begin to create what Randy Bobo produces. Nor does he have the poise and character of Randy. There was a solution I was unaware of. I could have had him replaced. If I had known that he would have been gone. I had a wonderful observer in Texas. His name is Tom Groves. We had a great day together. So the good observers are out there. The others can be replaced. Live an learn, Karen.
I had terrific support from friends and family. They encouraged me and told me and said kind words. I love them all.
May 16th: Mother's Day was great. Rick and Brandi gave me luggage and a necklace. I took the luggage as a sign that I'm going to pack for Nashville, location of Tour Stop 3. I believe I'll be inside the top 20 after teh Neely Stop. Prefishing is going well. I went out with Jada. I've got lots of help this weekend. Randy Bobo made me some special jigs for Neely. I went to the Tackle Box yesterday for plastics. Part of the fun of fishing is prefishing. I hung into a big fish with Jada in the boat. I asked her to lip the fish. When it came to the top, it was a catfish. She replied, "You are on your own girlfriend." 8lb P-line and a 35= lb. catfish.
May 4th. I'll be back in bama to do some training soon enough. I miss my parents and my kids. I miss the women at work. Nothing really to keep me in Alabama except a love for the lakes. I have my plan for Neely, so I think I'll do some catching on other Alabama Lakes for a week or so. There are so many good lakes to train on in the State of Alabama. There is Martin, Logan Martin, Smith, Guntersville, Weiss, Wedowee, Lay, Mitchell, Wilson, Pickwick, Wheeler and of course Neely Henry.
I like rural Texas. Dallas isn't my kind of town, but Amistad is beautiful and Lake Fork is my kind of fishing. I believe I would like Falcon lake as well. Record bags there, so I've heard. I don't know how I'd handle the Texas summer heat. I've heard you must fish at night in the summer. I don't like fishing in the boat after dark at all, so the summer training in Texas is out of the question. I've heard the fall season is fantastic.
Sunday the 30th of March: Leaving eve. Everything is packed - ready for arrangment in the SUV. I'll take on that task in the morning before I leave.
Tuesday the 25th of March: I opened the revisions to our schedule for Lewisville on Saturday. On the schedule is Photo Shoot session, a pre-tournament host dinner and a meet and greet at Academy Sports and Outdoors. Bet you thought we just fished. I programed the schedule into the phone along with the Marina Headquarters and the take off location.
About the family. Laura Elkins will be fishing as a Pro this year. I drew Laura on the Red River. Sorry about that Laura. I hope to draw Jada on tour this year. Jada fishing as a non-boater. I look forward to the elkins ruling on stage. All three of us. How cool would it be if we all made the Classic on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs. We have family there too, the Gilam's. They were missionaries, and now have children who teach at Pepperdine U.
Sunday the 16th of March.There isn't a day gone by since the Classic that I haven't said, "Five Fish a day!" A special person at the Classic told me, "don't wait for your year. let this year be your year." I can't tell you how many times last I would be trailing the boat to a tournament and ask myself over and over, "What are you doing?" By the time I would arrive at the lake, I'd think, oh yeah I fish. There is nothing easy about tournament fishing but here is nothing more rewarding than fishing. It's a tight-rope and a glass of fragrant wine.
I had that same feeling for art. A fellow artist, Brett, use to tell me bad things happen to artist who don't paint. You can't give up on art. I took his thoughts to heart. I took the nikon on tour to document my Rookie Year. I began my career life as a photographer and ventured into graphic art. Art strenthened my phototography and visa versa. All this and all I want to do is fish the firt stand alone Women's Classic. This weekend I was listening to ESPN2 while I cooked. It was mostly for the noise until this athlete described something I've felt fishing. He said, you know yu are an athlete when yo've had a slow motion moment. I can still feel that feeling when I focus on that moment.
There was a mist in the air, still very early morning. I drove to the long point and shut the motor down. When I dropped the trolling motor I'm already in slow motion. Two cast over the point, in the same place. Nothing. Third cast and the fish broke water. She was over 4lbs and hungry. I let her eat the frog and reeled her in.
Thursday the 27th, I took Jesse son to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital yesterday so I'm running a little behind on the photographs from the Classic. Gail from Dr. Hunley's office coordinated the event. Jesse was able to see Dr. Ben Russell, Endocrinologist and Dr. Hunley, Nephrologist. Gail fishes! Thank you Gail for all your help. I drove in the snow. Southern raised women don't do well under these conditions, but I managed to make the trip without incident. I didn't pack the camera, so the only evidence that I can drive in the snow is on my cell phone camera.
Tuesday the 19th, 10 days ago, I met the Founders of the MAGIC Foundation. I attended the 3rd Annual Convention for Adults with Endocrine Disorders. The theme was "Living with Hormone Therapy; Mind, Body and Spirit. Dinner Saturday evening was a taste of Italy theme. The faculty of speakers included, David L. Keefe, MD Reproductive Endocrinology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, Dorothy I Shulman, MD Professor of Pediatrics All Children's Hospital St. Petersburg, Florida, David L. Kleinberg, MD Professor Director, Neuroendocrine Unit New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York. Tammy J. Lindberg, Lt. Col, USAF, BSC Registerd Dietitian Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX and Susan A. Lassetter, MA, CHT Certified Life Coach from San Jose, CA.
I didn't know what to expect as I drove south toward Tampa. I tried to photograph and absorb as much information as possible for my children. Dr. Keefe gave me his cell number for my daughter. The dietitian gave an excellent presentation. I knew I was on the right track for my son. Diet plays an important role in how Jesse feels. I had dinner with Susan and her husband Friday evening. Before leaving the conference I spoke to Susan, one on one. I'm intersted in a life coach for fishing.
Saturday, Feb. 9th Tampa Florida: I made the trip no problems, well almost no problems. I took a wrong turn from 231 and went to Mobile instead of Tallahassee! I'm learning so very much. Meetings all day long. Dinner tonight and drinks at the bar to plan a strategy for promotion of the MAGIC Foundation after dinner. Having a great time, learning so very much. I'm grateful for the Foundation for the information they have supplied me with. Start the 10 hour drive home tomorrow afternoon when the conference closes.
Tuesday Feb 5th: They don't call it Super Tuesday in Alabama for no reason. The Calhoun Bass Association held their first meeting to kick off the 08 fishing season. 25 teams were there for the call including the Mother/Daughter team of Brandi Vincent and Karen Elkins. The season consist of seven tournaments and a classic. The meeting came to order and first on the adgenda, a vote to join FLW or BASS. Earl Andrews spoke to the club on behalf of the FLW. The club voted instead to affiliate with BASS!
Monthly meetings are held to vote for the launch site and draw for blast-off order. We are boat 14, The date Feb. 23rd, the location, Guntersville State Park. Brandi and her husband Rick Vincent will fish the first tournament while I fulfill obligations at the Bassmaster Classic in Greenville, SC.
There are many strong angles that are familiar with local waters. I've seen some of the men fishing this club on stage many times. Some of the other teams are Snider and Maddox, Bragg and Bragg, Burroughs and Oliver, Campbell and Shealy, Stewart and Jones
I think it will take about 18lbs to win and about 14 to get a check at the big"G" says Gary Snider. Other waters on the trail include Wedowee, Weiss, 2 tournaments on Logan Martin, and 2 tournamnts scheduled on Neely Henry.
Sunday, Febuary 3, 2008 - Alabama has recieved enough rain to bring the lake levels to almost near normal winter levels. I look for larger catches in the next few years. I read an interesting 3 part article posted on bassmaster.com concerning drought effects on our waterways. I travelled to Neely Henry,Logan Martin, and Wheeler for fishing and photography. I fished with Jason Hass, my son in law Rick, cousin Jada and Tony. One thing I'm most proud of is not launching my boat on Neely past the WBT announcement that the Women's Tour would be re-visiting Neely Henry for the 08 tour. Thank you guys! I'm most grateful for those who have helped me build a give and take of information.
Check the new photo's added. I'm most pleased with the snow scene on the creek. The medium looks more like it was produced by pastels than through the lense of the camera. My most recent event had me on the road by 5am - a short distance to the ABA blast-off Feb. 2nd on Logan Martin. The weather was cold. A thick sheet of frost laid on the docks.
Monday the 21st of January
HHMM. I went to Poorhouse on Sunday afternoon for the usual weigh-in @3pm. There wasn't a truck or trailer in sight. I think the cold had the fish running for cover. I tried to find just a bite, and nothing happened.
Good news. I found a fishing partner for a local club. I'll be fishing with Haley Lash of Alexandria. She is very interested in fishing the WBT as well. Haley gave me the Zoom Lizards ( see the posted photo of Christmas). Haley and I work together. The club fishes the last Sat. of every month. The lakes included are Guntersville, Neely Henry, Wedowee, Logan Martin, Lay and Weiss.
We are going to LM on Sunday. So look for updates!
The snow has started. It's 2 am Saturday the 19th. Brandi, my daughter, made the comment that "Rick, my son-in-law and I need to go ahead and plan to fish Sunday, "like we do every other weekend." She knew what she was doing. The low Sunday morning is 18. She called Rick and said, "Momma wants to fish Sunday, give her a call."
Tuesday the 15th of January
Fished Logan Martin three times thus far. Caught one nice fish, forgot the camera but captured the bass on the cell phone camera.
I've spent the last few weeks at Poorhouse Marina, sometimes fishing sometimes just to view a weigh-in and take photo's. Rick, my son-in-law fishes the tournaments. I will usually pre-fish with him or talk to him while he is pre-fishing.
Monday I was invited to photograph some habitat sites on Logan Martin. The photo's have been downloaded and edited. It will take a couple of days to prepare the photo's for upload to karenslake.
I'm meeting with Haley Lash tomorrow. I'm hoping she will fish the Calhoun Bass Association with me. I can't make the first tournament on Guntersville. It is scheduled for the same time as the Classic. The Team Trail includes Wedowee, Logan Martin, Weiss Neely, Logan Martin, and ends on Neely.
Watch the Live Weigh In
2009 WBT Tour Stops
March 26 - 28
Quachita River - West Monroe, LA
April 23 - 25
Lake Neely Henry - Gadsden, AL
June 4 - 6
Arkansas River - Little Rock, AK
September 10 - 12
Old Hickory - Hendersonville, TN
"Fishing creeks in the fall is a shallow water exercise. I take my boat up into the creek until it gets stuck — with the trolling motor up! Then I throw my baits as far as possible into ankle deep water. You'd be surprised at how many good ones you'll catch doing that."
Look for wood.
"I always look for wood — a stump, laydown or tree limb is perfect. The best wood is almost always located near the channel or deeper water. Deep water is important. The bass always need a way in and out."
Rig two rods and reels.
"To catch shallow water bass back in the creeks you'll need two outfits. I use a 7 foot Mossy Back rod for both. On one I mount a Revo STX (high speed) reel. On the other mount a lower gear ratio Ambassador.
"Some days they want it fast, bouncing and careening off everything in sight. But on other days they want it crawling through the wood. You never know so it's best to be prepared with two identical outfits except for the gear ratio of your reel."
Cast repeatedly to the same target.
"If you haven't thrown at least eight times — 12 is better — to the same target, you haven't fished it properly. Bring your bait over every angle and every spot from every direction. It's amazing how many fish you can catch doing this. They may ignore your lure until it's at the precise angle that lets them ambush it. Your job is to find that angle and spot. You can't do that with one cast."
Be quiet, but don't let the fear of making noise consume you.
"I try to be quiet when I'm fishing skinny water. You can spook the bass with too much noise. But don't let noise play head games with you. I think the bite might come when I'm singing a Miranda Lambert tune. I've even had a bite or two while signing the blues.
Bo's Jigs. Positively the top jig on any water. These jigs are handmade in Alabama by Randy Bobo. Special attention is given to every jig. The fall this jig makes is just right for the big bite. If you are looking for that special jig to give you leverage over other anglers, Bo's Jig is a must in your boat. The jigs consistently catch fish anywhere. I caught all of the fish above on a Bo's Jigs. Of course, Karen's Jig is a favorite for any water. Combine it with the Sweet Beaver in a Watermelon red tip looks like dinner in Choccolocco Creek, on Logan Martin Lake, Alabama. (Photo of the bass in the middle.) I caught the fish to the far right on Lewisville Lake, TX. She bit the Coosa Craw with a Small Zoom Chunk in green pumpkin. The fish to the far left came from Lake Fork, TX. Sweet fish. I found this bass in habitat I'm use to seeing on many Alabama Lakes. She took a Black and Blue Holligram Bo's Jig with the Junebug Sweet Beaver smallie and didn't let go. If you'd like to order jigs, leave me a message on my Guestbook. The link can be found under My Pages at the top of the page. I won money on the Holligram jig on Bull Shoals. I hooked the bass in 47ft. of water. The jig produces amazing fish on any water. Randy can help you with the colors.
Bo's Jig, #56 "Karen's Jig"
If you watched the ESPN Wheeler Event, Jeremy Starks used Karen's Jig Skirt on his favorite jig-head to win the event. The guys at ESPN featured the jig skirt on the re-cap of his win. That just tickled me. The purse was $100,000.00. Not a bad day at the office. Randy tells me that Karen's Jig is the #1 selling jig. Blake at Mark's Outdoors told me it is the #1 selling jig at the store.
Neely Henry, Coosa River chain
Early morning on the bend
Latest product developed by the Ohio Reel Grip guys at www.reelgrip.com. A reel grip for your G Loomis handle. I was hooked by this product the moment I caught that first fish on Hartwell.
This is my first season as a member of the Reel Grip Pro Staff. Every time I look at the shirt, I think, I was meant to wear this shirt. Because my former career was art related, there are times when miss using my creative side. The shirt is like taking art on the boat with me. Sentiments aside, the reel grip and the most recent release, the grip for your rod, are essential tools of the trade.
Get a group of fishermen together and the conversation will often drift to line and line weight. We all have very strong preferences when it comes to line strength. Before using the grips to identify line weights, I'd pick up a reel and think, did I load this with 10 lb? Today, 10 always means the blue grips.
Today, it was a mere 100 humid degrees on the lake. In terms used by the weathermen here in Alabama... normal for August. The grips supply me with a hook-set, regardless. Nothing compares to having a rod/reel slip at the point of hooking a largemouth. No worries. If I don't hook the bass, I can't say, the rod slipped. The value in rainy conditions is total control and comfort.
You can purchase Reel Grip at most major fishing retail stores or contact them on-line at www.reelgrip.com. The cost is about $6.00 per pair, but the pay-off, priceless.
There is an art to fishing. Again, I get to use my artistic ability, painting the tails and claws of plastics!
Back in 2000 Dad and I won 2 bottles of JJ's Magic at a tournament on Eufaula Lake in South Alabama. Prior to the complimentary bottles of chartreuse and clear we had always used the spray scent and the another dippin dye. I gave JJ's a shot at the next tournament, and it was fantastic. Every year, afterward, we would look to win JJ's Magic on the couples trail. When we would get low, I'd ask the director if we could have some more of the dippin dye. I treated it like gold, because it meant more bites, more money.
In 05, i quit the couples trail. My father had a stroke. This was the year of the WBT debuted. I noticed JJ's Magic on Crystal Langston's Pro Shirt. I told her I was missing JJ's Magic and could she help another fisherman out. She did. Crystal is like that.
Then it happened.... I was outside the convention center talking to a couple of fella's at the 08 Classic at Lake Hartwell. One of the guys had the JJ's logo on his shirt. I asked them how to get in touch with the company. I Told them I had been using the Magic for years. To my delight, I was talking to the owner of the company and didn't know it. Now, I'm never without the JJ's Magic.
There is nothing on the market that compares to JJ's Magic. Yes, I'm a fisherman, and fishermen sometimes lie, but I don't lie about the products - the good and the bad I've experienced first hand. JJ's Magic wouldn't be on my website or in my boat if I didn't believe in it and use it.. Now, when you buy the Magic you've got to store it in a shady area. Never expose it to direct sunlight. So, I'm sharing the secret with you. Try JJ's Magic, you won't go for the other stuff ever again. I use the entire bottle and then store the empty bottle in my plastics compartment. My boat smells like an Italian feast and the bass come for dinner.Visit their website at jjsmagic.com.
An excerpt from the Jj's Magic website.
JJ's Magic is a dippin' dye solution that is design for you to customize your soft plastic bait. JJ's magic penetrates your soft plastic bait with color and a garlic scent.
JJ's Magic comes in three colors: Chartreuse, Methylate, and Blue.
Chartreuse is your most versatile. This color may be used in most water conditions. Methylate is basically used in the same manner to give you a red or orange hue on your soft plastic baits. Methylate comes in extra hand when fishing in muddy waters.
Blue is made mainly for crystal clear water, and also as an overall dye.
If you double dip your soft plastic bait in any two of the color dyes; you can create different hues of green, orange, and purple dependent on the color of the soft plastic bait used. This will give you a tactical advantage over your competition.
You can also use all three colors to design soft plastic bait that look like real bait fish.
JJ's Magic also comes in a clear garlic oil dip fish attractant. You can either use as a dip or pour a little in the bag of soft plastic baits.
Dippin' dyes are not a science, but an art. The more you try, the more combinations you will find that will work for you. It works in all water conditions. Water conditions vary by lake, season, and weather.
If you are going to use a dippin' dye, then use JJ's Magic. Remember more bites, more fish.
LETTER FROM MATT
Dear Mr. JJ,
On the 26th of September 2008 five divisions of South Africa competed in the nationals with each boy fishing to make the Protea team
The first day was a practice day and I was skippered by Richard Watson. During the day we used "JJ's Magic" chartreuse dip and I found that the bass seemed to hold on to the bait a lot longer .
On the first day of the nationals I started fishing with a fast action bait and then slowed down to a fluke with the tail dipped in "JJ's Magic" and I started getting more bites than before! The bass just didn't want to let the bait go, I managed to catch a fish of about 2.5 kg on the fluke !
During the nationals my opposition on the boat kept re-dipping his bait to help it keep the scent but throughout the day "JJ's Magics"' strong Garlic scent stayed on and stayed just as strong throughout the day.
After the first day I weighed in a limit of 9.18kgs(about 20 pounds)The fishing was very hard and slow and I was lying second at the end of the first day.
On the second day I just rotated my spots and I started off fishing with a senko, again dipped in "JJ's Magic the fishing was even harder on the second day and it was much, much slower than the first day.
I managed to pick up a fish in the morning and then changed to a fluke, again dipping the tail and I managed to pick up a small mouth of 2.87 kgs which won me the biggest fish of the tournament,
The final result was that I won the nationals overall and am now the National Champion, I also won the big fish prize and our division won the Divisional prize!
There were lots of things that impacted on my nationals but one of my secrets that definitely helped was using "JJ's magic" dip.
Matthew Khoury
Congratulations to South African angler Matthew Khoury. Matthew uses JJ's Magic to clinch First Place in the National Championship!
Tampa, FL Feb 10th MAGIC Foundation Goodwill Ambassador Karen Elkins attended the Adult Growth Hormone Convention."I pledge to raise awareness of the difficulties and the triumphs of those with rare endocrine disorders".
Karen Elkins be attending the MAGIC Foundation Adult Conference in Tampa Florida Feb. 8-10, MAGIC is short for Major Aspects of Growth In Children. Children have a short time to grow and a lifetime to live with the consequences of that growth. MAGIC is the largest world organization of information and support for children and adults who have been diagnosed with a rare endocrine disorders. These disorders are often the result of a brain tumor but can be the result of tramau to the head or sometimes, as in the case of her adult daughter and her teenage son, the cause it thought to be genetic.
MAGIC provides a way for parents to network with one another about their concerns, treatment and the overall well being of a child who is faced with a health challenge. For me," just having someone out there who has been through it is valuable resource." While in Tampa, Karen will speak with Pharmaceutical Reps, top Endocrinologist in the field, and make plans to kick off an Ad Campaign for MAGIC during the 08 fishing season.
Ashland Skate Park, the last day of school, 2007. lt. 2 rt. Danny, AKA Brian, Jesse O., Me, and Cole. Dear Cole, haven't forgotten I owe you an old fashioned soap mouth washing after the text I got while in TX.
Congratulations to my son-in-law, Rick (pictured above) and Shannon V. They finished in the money during the Coosa River Team Trail Championship. I took my mom and dad to watch the weigh-in at City Park. Barbara Weitzel, the Director, created a place accessible for dad. Thank you Barbara.
Car-in and Christie
(spoken in a dutch accent by only Christie)
Brandi, Trish,Megan,& Brittany C.
Christie and I at a Diner near Springfield, MO. While on tour we get to share lots of meals together. Sometimes we cook, then there is Trish Levitt. She always shares a sandwich with me and has taught me to create the ultimate fishing sandwich, sure to satisfy and quick. Once in awhile we have a nice cultural dinner. Regardless of the atmosphere it is about sharing time together. While at the Kentucky Pre-Fish I shared dinner at Patty's Settlement with pro's, Tammy Muse, Penny Berryman and Christie. The desert was delicious and the spinach salad was too good for words. Yum, good friends, good food, and good water to fish. What else could a woman ask for? Life is good. Christie has returned to South Africa for a season. I'm gonna miss her. We stay in touch through text messages and email.
Almighty and all-loving Father, we fishermen thank Thee for blessings of Thy great outdoors... And we especially thank Thee for Thy Son, Christ, who so loved fishermen. He chose four or more among His 12 apostles. And in the years to come, dear Lord, as each bassin' man comes to Thee, please remember these are a special breed. Their spirits would not be content to walk alabaster streets. Grant them instead clean waters with a quiet chop... with enough honey holes to last an eternity... and a bassin' buddy to share it with. In Christ's name, Amen.
Homer Cline, author
re-print from Bassmaster Magazine,
Sept/Oct. 2007 p.12
I call her sam-i-am (all one word). Jesse named her sammie. She also answers to Sam. Mom calls her the prize. She is a hunting dog, but doesn't have a clue.
Christie Thomas - far away in South Africa but close in my heart.
Sunrise at the mouth of Choccolocco Creek, Logan Martin Lake 10/8/07
It was a curious question that crossed my mind.How many times could I find a reference to trees in the Holy Bible? What types of trees are mentioned and why?
I spend time studying the river banks and the trees living by the water. I look for the largest tree and the tree with the most beautiful shape. I scan the tree tops looking for wildlife nest. For someone who spends a great deal of time on the water, I really like the mountains and the trees that they house.
Mark 8:23-25 (Wycliffe New Testament)
Wycliffe New Testament (WYC)
23 And when he had taken the blind man's hand, he led him out of the street, and he spat into his eyes, and set [put] his hands on him; and he asked him [he asked him], if he saw any thing.
24 And he beheld, and said, I see men as trees walking.
25 Afterward again he set his hands on his eyes [Afterward again he put hands on his eyes], and he began to see, and he was restored, so that he saw clearly all things.
Who His own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree,
that we,
being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness,
and
by whose stripes we were healed.
1 Peter 2: 23-25
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that bringeth forth his fruit in his season:
his leaf also shall not wither,
and
whatsoever he doeth, shall prosper.
Psalms 1: 2-4
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and
he that winneth souls is wise.
Proverbs 11: 29-31
1 Chronicles 16:30 (The Message)
The Message (MSG)
30-33 God is serious business, take him seriously;
he's put the earth in place and it's not moving.
So let Heaven rejoice, let Earth be jubilant,
and pass the word among the nations, "God reigns!"
Let Ocean, all teeming with life, bellow,
let Field and all its creatures shake the rafters;
Then the trees in the forest will add their applause
to all who are pleased and present before God
—he's on his way to set things right!
Tree at the 78 Bridge
Because of the LORD'S great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
I carry my kids on the boat wherever I go through little reminders. My sons first Bible lays next to mine in the dash. We're not sure where the Bible came from, just sure that Jesse carried it with him everywhere when he was 4-5 years old. The coffee cup with the hearts came from my daughter. The cup is girlie like my daughter. She's given me a camo coffee cup a well! So with the cup and the Bible, I start the season in 2 weeks on Lewisville.
RE-THINK, RE-TIE, RE-LINE AND RE-LIVE DAY 2, My First ESPN payday Sept. 15, 2006.
"So teach us to number our days, that we may get us a heart of wisdom."
Psalms 90:12
When the Holy Temple stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, it was the center of mankind's relationship with G-d. The Bible teaches that this will become a reality again, and that all the nations will ascend to the Holy Temple to worship G-d together. Indeed, the prophets if Israel all foresaw that the day will come when the Holy Temple will be rebuilt. and will once again be the spiritual focus of the entire world. As Isaiah states, "For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations."
The Hebrew calendar is a Divinely-calculated life experience. The Bible states, "These are the special times of the L-rd, which you shall proclaim to be holy gatherings." (Leviticus 23:4) The occurrence of the particular festivals in their appointed seasons is meant to offer nothing less than an illumination in time, an opportunity to come closer to the Divine. The luach ivri - the Hebrew calendar - is not a calibration of the passing of time. It is, in fact, a key and a map to unlocking and discovering the spiritual potential hidden in each and every hour of each and every day. The sacred holidays enjoin in far more than mere "observation" or "commemoration." These holidays issue a challenge for man to rise to his own highest potential; they beckon him not only to recall, but to actually relive the great events of Jewish history.
In the time of the Holy Temple, the observance of these sacred seasons of G-d took on a dimension of meaning, the depth, the fullness, the power and the grandeur of which is simply not accessible in the Holy Temple's absence. Our intention in presenting the Holy Temple calendar it to try to convey a measure of understanding and appreciation for what it was like to live our lives, day by day, season by season, in the light of the Holy Temple. We pray and work toward the day when we shall once again worship together in the courtyards of the Holy Temple.
The Hebrew Calendar
The luach ivri - the Hebrew calendar - is calibrated along lunar cycles while remaining anchored to the solar year. The annual cycle of twelve lunar months contains 354 (or 355) days. The solar year based on the annual revolution of the earth around the sun equals 365 days. A 12 day discrepancy exists. The lunar cycle, therefore, drifts from the solar year. But the observance of the festivals in their respective seasons is paramount, and therefore, the lunar year must be brought in line with the solar year. We learn in Exodus that the flight from Egypt occurred during the ripening of the barley:
"And the flax and the barley were smitten; for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was in bloom."
Exodus 9:31
This places Nisan, the month of Pesach - passover - the first month of the year in the spring, after the vernal equinox. In order too keep the lunar year from straying from season, an extra month is counted, seven times in every nineteen years. This is known as a leap year, a year comprising of thirteen months. The thirteenth month is always a second Adar, the month which precedes Nisan - the month of Pesach. In this fashion, Israel navigates through time using the two great lights as its bearings: "And G-d made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night..." (Genesis 1:16)
"This month shall be unto you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you."
Exodus 12:2
The verse refers to the month of Nisan, and this is the first month of the year. Yet, the Hebrew calendar observes four new year's, of which the first of Nisan is but one. Nisan marks the new year regarding the observance of the three pilgrimage festivals, as well as the reigns of kings, whose years were tallied accordingly. Five months later, the first of Elul marks the new year regarding the tithing of animals designated to be brought to the Holy Temple as offerings. One and a half months prior to Nisan, (or two and a half months if a leap year), the fifteenth of Shvat, is the new year regarding the tithing of fruit trees.
"And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation: you shall do no manner of servile work; it is a day of blowing the horn unto you."
Exodus 29:1
The first day of the seventh month, Tishrei, is the new year regarding the shmitta, (sabbatical), year, and the the yovel, (jubilee year). It is the month of the creation: our sages teach us that the first day of Tishrei is the sixth day of creation, the day of the creation of man. Therefore, the first day of Tishrei is a day of standing before our Creator and recognizing His sovereignty over all His creation. This recognition demands introspection and judgment. This is Rosh Hashana, the first two days of the month of Tishrei.
The Hebrew year is reckoned from the month of Tishrei. The current year is the year 5767. The reckoning dates back 5767 years ago to the creation of Adam - the first man.
"This month shall be unto you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you."
Exodus 12:2
The commandment to declare the new moon and establish its appearance for all the children of Israel was the first commandment received by the Israelites, even before they had emerged from their bondage in Egypt, Establishing the new moon was of such great import for the entire nation of Israel, that it became a matter for the Great Sanhedrin - the highest court in the land. Two witnesses who had seen the appearance of the new moon were required to testify before the Great Sanhedrin, which convened in the Chamber of Hewn Stone, which was located on the northern wall of the Inner Courtyard of the Holy Temple. There they would be questioned and cross examined to verify their fitness as witnesses, and the truth of their words. Only when this had been done to the satisfaction of the sages of the Great Sanhedrin, would the new moon - Rosh Chodesh - be declared. Messengers would be sent forthwith to inform communities of Israel as well as the far flung villages of the diaspora. Special offerings were brought to the altar of the Holy Temple on Rosh Chodesh.
Time was calibrated differently in the Holy Temple. Each day consisted of twenty four hours, but these were twenty four relative hours. This was effected as follows: each day was divided into two periods: the daylight hours were marked from the rising of the sun in the eastern sky to the setting of the sun in the western sky. The nightimes hours were from sunset to sunrise. Each of the two periods would be divided into twelve equal parts. For example, if the daylight hours of a particular day equal eight, then each daylight relative hour will equal forty five minutes. If the daylight hours equal 16, then each relative hour will equal 75 minutes. Therefore, midnight and noon are not fixed hours, but are relative to the the length of the sunlight hours. The daily tasks of the Priests, including the times for the morning and evening Tamid, (continual) offerings, were all scheduled according to the reckoning of the relative hours. (This system of calibrating hours is still used today for fixing the appropriate daily prayer times.)
The days of the week do not have names, but are known simply as First day, Second day, etc.
Finally, one day remains independent of both lunar and solar calculations. This is the Shabbat, the seventh day on which G-d rested after completing His creation:
"And the heaven and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day G-d finished His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And G-d blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it; because that in it He rested from all His work which G-d in creating had made."
Genesis 2:1-3
Shabbat is the sanctification of time, and stands apart from the other days of the week. This concept, as well as the special relationship that exists between Israel and the Shabbat, is expressed in the following midrashic description:
"Rabbi Shim'on Bar Yochai taught: Shabbat said before the Holy One: 'Master of the universe, every day was given a partner, [Sunday has Monday; Tuesday has Wednesday: and Thursday has Friday], but You did not give me one.' The Holy One answered: Your partner is the community of Israel. And when Israel stands on Mount Sinai, the Holy One will say "Remember the Sabbath to hallow it" (Exodus 20:8) "Remember" I said to Shabbat that the community of Israel is your partner." (Midrash Bereshith Rabba Parsha 11)
creature baits
My new text...
Groundhog Day
January brought rain and snow to Coldwater Creek.
The March early morning fog rolls into Brown's Creek, Guntersville Lake Alabama
Amistad is beautiful for the photographer and the angler. The 06 Bassmaster Calendar had a photo from Amistad. I chose Amistad as a place I hoped to see. I was thrilled to see Amistad on the 07 Tour Stop season of the WBT. Amistad is a lake I plan on visiting again.
Thanks for visiting karenslake.com. The website is built by me, Karen Rae Elkins. My career up until 06 consisted of art and photography. I've stepped off the boat into the unknown waters of a fishing career. I'm working to make room for my 3rd season on the Women's Bassmaster Tour. I've had 2 memorable years on tour. I would encourage all women to take the leap and join the tour. As one co-angler told me on the Red River, "We are the decision makers of the future." I'm learning so much about fishing and myself. I've fished with some excellent co-anglers that blessed me by being on my boat this year. As a co-angler in 06, I learned something from every one of my pro's.
The women on tour come from all walks of life. Some who have toured traveled continents to get here. Some women are legends in the industry, like Pamela Martin-Wells, Fl, and others like Jada Tidmore, of Al, expanded their love for off-shore and deep sea fishing by picking up a rigged line for bass. All have one thing in common, a spirit for fishing.
I'm thankful to be on tour with women that speak the language and I have alot of fun with the women who don't. A gf who has seen me through 2 marriages said, "Karen, you've changed and I don't understand the changes. It was hard enough to understand the artist. Maybe you like fish like I like purses." Another, Shelly was sitting in my room Sunday after church. I proudly picked up my new Revo reel, a Christmas gift. Shelly, God bless her, didn't know what she was looking at. I said, "Shelly what do you think it is, take a guess?" She replied, "It might be one of those things but, I think it is missing the stick?" I got a email from another woman friend, "Karen, I thought you were fishing for bass until I tuned in to ESPN Bassmaster Tour one Saturday morning. You never told me the men who fish are good looking."
The quote of the year goes to Erika. "You mean you fish on purpose?"
My oldest, Brandi LaRae V. and my youngest, Jesse O'Neal Parks R. Two children, 10 years apart. Both think they are only children....I read recently that I am to hold their hands while they grow and as their mom I will hold their hearts forever... True
