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5/17/2012
Ish Monroe - Season Half Over
WOW – half the season’s done.
I’ve been on the road for four weeks; just one more week to go here FLW Potomac this week.
Had a decent week at the PAA – another top ten finish there.
Been a heck of a run on the season this year and lots of thanks to my baits – you know, my Biggie Series crankbaits by River2Sea have definitely played a part for me, at almost every event this year.
The Missile Baits D Bomb as well as the Snag Proof Ish’s Phat Phrog starting to come into effect so I am really excited about that; especially here at the Potomac River. I get to flip the D Bomb with a punch skirt and a River2Sea Trash Bomb.
I get to throw my Biggie Crankbait on some rocks a little bit, and, I get to flip and frog all day if I really want to.
So, I am really excited about that – looking forward to this week; had a decent week – caught a lot of fish – had a lot of decent bites – hopefully I will go big this week at the FLW Event.
Then I will have the Collegiate BASS Championship that I have to go to down in Alabama and then for a little change, I get a week and a half off.
I’ve got a little bit of business, but definitely get some R and R before my next run of tournaments.
Plus, we get to find out what the Bassmaster Elite Series mystery lake is – ten days from now.
So,’til next time – good fishin’.
www.yoishstore.com
4/26/2012
Ish Monroe - Bull Shoals to Beaver
We call it back to back to back to back to back to back.
Just finished a decent tournament at – gosh, where was I at? Bull Shoals Reservoir!
Yep, they all kind of run together after a while, but Bull Shoals was a great event.
Biggie Series Baits strikes again – you know, throwing my River2Sea Biggie Poppa in you know, my favorite springtime color, called Da Heater. It's a muted chartreuse bodied crawdad color that can double as a bluegill.
For some reason, the fish seemed to eat it REALLY well on Bull Shoals. Real consistent – you know, 14 ½; 16 ½ and another 14 ½ - I had a good time out there, and I caught lots of fish.
You know, really liking the new Daiwa Ballistic Series rods that I was cranking with – that 7’ 2” is awesome teamed up with a SteezReel – it has just been great!
Now it's on to Beaver Lake for another event, it was really close – ONLY about a two hour drive difference, which is kind of like going from the Delta to Clearlake.
Getting’ back on the water again, you know, no sleep for the weary!
And I want to give a shout out to my boy, Brandon Polnick who was just crushing them over there at Bull Shoals.
That’s the boy!
And, I will catch up with you guys later!
www.ishmonroe.com
4/19/2012
Ish Monroe - R and R before Bull Shoals
After a hectic four competition weeks in a row, it was time for some R and R - rest and relaxation.
It’s crazy… last month - with the win; going to Norman, catching them pretty good there. You know, sometimes I realize the baits I have created – how really good they are!
You know Ish’s Phat Frog by Snag Proof; I was catching them at Norman on it. Then the cold front comes through so I switch up to my Biggie Smalls Crankbait in the "I know It" color - everyone should be singing here: “I’m sexy and I know it!”).
And it is just game on! I mean River2Sea and I have done a great job with the Biggie Series Crankbait. SnagProof and I have done just a wonderful job with Ish’s Phat Frogs and I’ve got something coming for you, so look around summertime – you might see a new bait from SnagProof popping up – Ish’s Poppin’ Phattie – and yes, we are calling it the Poppin’ Phattie!
So, it was rest and relaxation for the next week for me. You know, I’m going to get some rest – I’m actually going to sleep in; get some breakfast in me. Along with all of that that relaxation – I’m got myself back in the gym. You know 4 or 5 days this past week I hit the treadmill; lifted some light weights; crunches.
It is hard being on the road and not getting any exercise that you know you need to be in shape to be able to fish another five weeks straight because that is what I have coming up.
So, after my rest and relaxation I will fill you guys in on what went on at Bull Shoals.
www.ishmonroe.com
4/4/2012
Ish Monroe - Table Rock to Lake Norman
Well, as fishing continues after Lake Okeechobee; next was FLW Tour at Table Rock Lake.
Table Rock had the weirdest bed fish EVER. I have never experienced bed fish so weird. Spooky; scary; locked on; that won’t bite. It was just crazy.
But I didn’t fare too well; the interesting note is that I fished right next to one of the guys who finished in the top ten – Jason Christie – the dude’s a super stick – I mean, each day he gets five bites and he catches two big ones.
Each day I get twenty five bites and I catch twenty keepers, but yet he gets five.
You know, the one thing he told me when it was all said and done, that I messed up on, was that he put a punch skirt on his bait and I didn’t do that.
Me, of all people, not putting a Paycheck Baits Punch Skirt on my rig!
So, I am here at Lake Norman this week for the BASS Southern Open and yes, I do have a Paycheck Baits Punch Skirt tied on my Missile Baits D Bomb.
So, I will be at it hard. Yes, I know a little dummy move on my part by not doing that. I just won an event using it and I should have went to the next event using it; but I will be at this next event and I will be doing it at Bull Shoals; but you know Norman is one of the lakes I really like; it is a good fishery; has lots of good fish in it; lots of little fish in it. I’ve got to figure out how to catch a few bigger ones; you know one or two better bites goes a long way!
But I’m also looking forward to some R and R, the following week after we head to Bull Shoals.
So, until next week, wish me luck, and I will let you know how things go at Norman and how I am doing on my R and R.
www.ishmonroe.com
3/27/2012
Ish Monroe - Okeechobee Slugfest
Florida slugfest - what can I say? Florida slugfest.
Actually, half of it was a slugfest. St. John’s didn’t go so well for me; you know, I made some bad mental decisions and it cost me really bad – having the worst finish in my history of tournament fishing – almost last!
But that’s the way it goes sometimes – that's whey they call it fishing and not catching.
But let’s talk about something positive – let’s talk about Okeechobee slugfest smackdown; 30-pound bag – I mean, what more can you ask for? 30 pound bags – the D Bomb was in full effect – dropped bombs on ‘em baby – D Bombs; River2Sea Trash Bomb; Paycheck Baits Bunch Skirt; I even put the D Bomb on a jig and still caught them – it was just game on!
You know, it was catching just so many 7’s and 8’s that I can’t even see straight anymore.
But I’m off FLW Tour at Table Rock and I don’t think it’s going to compare! I mean, nothing else is going to compare to the slugfest at Lake Okeechobee – that lake is back on it’s way back to being the number one lake in the country for bass fishing. It is extremely awesome.
I don’t get too much time to enjoy the win – it is back on the road again; head to Table Rock Lake for the FLW event and then heading to Norman for the BASS Open.
People are probably saying you’re insane – yeah! I am, but I love tournament fishing and I love winning, so the more tournaments you fish, the more opportunities you have to win, so, off to another tournament!
Until next week, have fun, catch some fish and go get yourself some D Bombs!
www.ishmonroe.com
3/14/2012
Ish Monroe - Lake Hartwell Wrap and First Elite
Well, first tournament down the shoot at Lake Hartwell.
Not a bad finish; I really wanted to fish a little bit better, but hey – caught them on my River2Sea Biggie Crankbait and Bling spinnerbaits.
That spinnerbait is SO awesome – it has that big hook in it. I caught a couple of four pounders that were really key; I just needed ONE more bite to make that top twenty cut.
But, it was still a good finish and off to the first Bassmaster Elite Series event down here at the St. John’s River.
Boy the St. John's River a lot different from last year, there are not as many spawners; so, there is definitely going to be some post spawn fishing going on.
But hey, the Bling Spinnerbait could play a factor; the Phat Frog for sure will definitely play a factor for this week – really good on those post spawners.
It has definitely been interesting.
I have covered; I want to say, about a hundred mile stretch of the three hundred miles of the St. John’s River.
You know, I really thought that punching with the River2Sea Trash Bomb and Missile Baits D Bomb would be a factor, but they have been doing a bunch of spraying here and that hurts the punch bite – but hey, as long as there is a little duck weed I can get my frog going and I think I will be really good to finish; hopefully top twenty in this tournament and have a shot at the win.
So, until next week at Okeechobee where the big sticks will play a factor; I will see you guys then!
www.yoishstore.com
3/9/2012
Ish Monroe - On the Road - Five Weeks Straight
Well, as usual – traveling again!
You know, one tournament to the next – the Classic wasn’t so great – but hey, you can’t knock making the Classic; definitely a fun event.
So, on to the next event. It is Lake Hartwell.
But, before that, I had to stop at my buddy Britt Myers shop in North Carolina – C.S. Motor Sports and get myself some new tires for the Cocoon’s ride.
Always a pleasure to go see him and Missy cuz they definitely take care of my truck – they even fixed a few things that I didn’t even know were wrong with it! Got me back and heading to the next event!
But even before I got to Hartwell I flew out of Atlanta to Newark to teach at Bass University which is always a great event as well, to do.
You know, the story of a bass fisherman’s life – work, work, work – with a little time for fishing!
After Hartwell it will be moving on to the next event in Florida; it’s going to be one week after another…five weeks in a row fishing – but hey, there's always stuff to do around the fishing part.
So, until next week… www.yoishstore.com
2/16/2012
Ish Monroe - FLW Okeechobee Wrap Up
Well, second Derby of the year is out of the way!
25th place finish – I’m okay with that. Still, really wanted to make the cut – got beat down by between 8 and 10 pounds.
Yeah, I got a spanking like a red-headed step-child that stole something!
But it was a fun tournament, I caught them one of the ways I like to catch them, and that is punching one of the River2Sea one and a half ounce Trash Bomb a Missile Baits Missile Craw and a Paycheck bunch skirt – was definitely the keys and you know.
I’m actually fishing another bait designed by Bub Tosh called the Psycho Dad too, it's a pretty cool bait!
But the Missile Craw really goes through the grass really, really well; especially when you are punching. So I actually could get away with a one ounce weight in some places – and when you are fishing that one ounce weight you actually get a little bit better hook-up ratio.
But, you know, I caught some good ones the first day – had 20 pounds and was in 15th place kind of like I was in the Open and it freaked me out a little bit – because I went the first two hours without a bite on day two; so I was kind of thinking I can’t let this happen again! You know – start out good - not finish the Derby well.
But, finishing 25th, I’m okay with that. Weather was nice down there in Florida; it was getting up into the 80’s – wearing shorts and my new Simms FlipFlops – get me right there where I need to be!
Next I'm heading to the Classic – that’s the next on the agenda. Practice starts on Friday, so I am going to get over to Louisiana – get me a little rest and relaxation; chill out and I’ll be ready for practice on Friday.
So, until after the Classic – I will catch you guys then!
www.yoishstore.com
2/3/2012
Ish Monroe - Florida Practice
Game on boys…back on the water! Glad to be back!
I'm having a little break in between tournaments is kinda nice – I get to regroup, especially after having not such a good first event.
But, I am fired up and ready to go to Okeechobee.
But, I’m not even there yet; I’m on the St John’s for a little bit this week; practicing for the Elite Series – checking some stuff that I didn’t check before and I’ve been trying to find something else that not a lot of other guys found, you know?
You will get what Big Show did and he went opposite direction of most guys and found some fish that really hadn’t been pressured too much and finished second.
So, I am fired up with the new Lithium Batteries from Smart Batteries, they have been awesome on the water, because I am putting in long days and I am hammering on my MotorGuide; HARD! I guarantee you I spent at least eight hours on the trolling motor and didn’t even have a glitch and the battery still charged in two and a half hours.
I love these things! My boat is running good; I mean it’s got my Ranger Z521 and Yamaha 250 SHO running about 73 M-P-H solid on my Lowrance GPS.
So, on the water; hopefully Okeechobee will pay off and I will hit you guys after practice and let you know what’s going on. Hopefully I’ll catch ‘em; I’ll let you know what’s going on.
www.yoishstore.com
1/24/2012
Ish Monroe - Up and Down in Florida
Well, Sometimes it goes and sometimes it don't... My River2Sea Biggie Poppa crankbait was ON FIRE throughout practice and the first day of the tournament and
I really felt like I was going to do very well in that Open and possibly have an opportunity to win it, but Chris Lane did a great job and smoked everybody!
But I am really excited about Biggie Crank, you know, it is going to be pretty awesome. It is one of those crank baits that I mean, I can wind it as hard as I want and it will still run straight. The colors are hot – I’m just super excited about it.
Got to shoot some video with it – that and Bling; my new spinnerbait – you’ll get to see that coming soon from River2Sea. That was pretty awesome. We got on another lake down in Florida and caught a bunch of different fish on it so, I am really excited about the bait for the upcoming tournament season.
So, besides shooting video on my newest baits and fishing a tournament there really hasn’t been too much else going on.
Got my Lithium batteries installed on my boat from the Smart Battery guys. Pretty excited about those too; those worked really well over the course of the last two weeks and I don’t think you can run ‘em down! I’ve tried hard to run those things down. And it’s pretty incredible!
So, Mike Dean at Moto-Stop is building me a custom box for ‘em; these things are going to fit in my boat. I mean, my three trolling motor batteries are a total of like 90 pounds which is taking like 2/3 of the weight out of the boat.
Which means, my Z521 Ranger is going to run a whole lot faster!
Home for a week; gotta get stuff done with Uncle Sam; you know, taxes, everybody’s favorite time of year! I gotta get that done and move forward on to what’s going to happen for this season.
So, other than that, talk to you guys next week. See you later.
www.yoishstore.com
1/11/2012
Ish Monroe - East of the Mississippi
Well, Christmas and New Years are over with, and I’ve finished a lot and headed east! My Ranger came in and I was on a hard press for a whole week, the only day I took off was Christmas to get prepared; to get ready to go.
About a week ago, I headed down to Liquid Wraps in Arizona and got my boat wrapped; Tim’s awesome! He’s got – how do I put it? He’s a perfectionist and he loves to make sure that my wrap is perfect and looking really good!
Everything is mounted on there, the new Yamaha 250 SHO; I’ve got dual Power Poles; running four Lowrance units – HDS units, got a Sonic Hub, a five, an eight and two tens on my boat this year. I also got in my new rods and reels from Daiwa, and they’re all lined up and ready to go.
I had so much going on that it was hard to put it all together – like I said, I was packing everything for the season, but I had a couple more photo shoots; then Bass University in Shreveport last weekend too. Speaking of that, Hey folks, if you haven’t had a chance, go to either my website or the Bass University link to the website and check it out. It may give you something that you may want to come and see in 2012 – there a lot of good stuff happening there.
I got down to Florida and I actually put in the last part on my boat; I put in the two new batteries. The small Smart Battery, which is a Lithium battery. Yes, I know, Skeet Reese and Aaron Martens are running them and I’m trying to be like them – no! Not trying to be like Skeet and Aaron – I have been thinking about these batteries for a while. They are a whole lot lighter and a whole lot stronger than your conventional batteries, but, I had those put in the boat as soon as I got here.
Other than that, I got a little break in time with my boat; and have been working hard on finishing up some new baits coming from River2Sea. I gotta tell you folks, you don’t even understand how excited I am about the new baits that I have coming for 2012 coming from River2Sea!
After the Smart Battery install, I’ve got a crew from River2Sea coming to Florida to film some video for my new crankbaits and new spinnerbait that are coming out here shortly. The baits are NICE, and the whole marketing campaign is cool; I can’t wait to show it all to you – and I will, at the Classic… Baby; Baby!
Other than that I’m really excited and looking forward to the year – looking forward to the 2012 season.
www.ishmonroe.com
12/19/2011
Ish Monroe - Back from UMF - Prepping
It’s a week before Christmas and I got lots of things going on. You know, prep time is still going on.
Got to squeeze in some fishing – I filmed Ultimate Match Fishing – I am very excited about the show I always love being on UMF, it was a great deal – you know, the guy I was fishing against is awesome and I think you folks are really going to enjoy the show. It was really good; a couple of surprises which I like for this year.
I got to go fishing there, which was fun and caught some good ones and had a good practice too and caught a bunch of fish there, and nice warm weather. That’s the one thing that I have to say that I like and am looking most forward to as the season starts is warmer weather.
Other than that, I’m just getting ready; the boat should be here any day now and I’m going to be hard pressed putting it together; I mean, we are basically taking the Z 521 Ranger and starting from scratch. You know, I’m running the Bob’s Jack plate which I’ve got to put on; gotta put on dual Power Poles; and you know I gotta put the SHO Yamaha motor on there; the Lowrance Electronics. I am going to have the battleship prepped! It’s going to be prepped with Lowrance HDS 10’s and I am just so excited about that. Don’t forget the workhorse, the MotorGuide Trolling motor, gotta get that mounted on there as well.
So, it is going to be putting everything on the boat and then hopefully on the following week I will be putting everything in the boat and I will be telling you guys about that and getting you guys some video here of the rigging of the boat and you will kind of be getting an idea of where I start every year and how I end up.
You know, anybody that says preparation is overrated is definitely a person who needs to prep because you know what they say about luck – it is preparation meeting opportunity and it is if you get both of those things coming together can make a lot of things happen.
So, I have been cranking out a lot of articles so there will be a lot of good stuff out there for you guys to read and I get my teaser emails from my hot new soft plastics company about all the new baits that are coming in here pretty soon, so that’s got me a lot of excited too!
Just reading Advanced Angler and the rest of the news on all the good sites out
there every morning; you know, with my morning cup of hot tea.
So, until next week during the prep, I will catch you guys on the flip side!
www.ishmonroe.com
12/4/2011
Ish Monroe - Prep Time
Prep time – yes, lots of prep time.
Thanksgiving is over; gotta prep for the season before Christmas hits. And maybe squeeze in just a little Christmas shopping.
Just trying to get everything ready to go; you know, the boats and motors are starting to come in; the tackle; all the Daiwa Steez equipment is starting to come in and I mean I am really excited about next season so I have been prepping everything.
Just got a box load of Simms outerwear and innerwear; you’ve got to layer; you definitely have to layer in this cold season.
So, is it really going to be that cold in Florida? Could be, but hopefully not, you know it has been nice down there.
Prepping for Ultimate Match Fishing in a week so I will be down there doing that and I am really excited about that; especially about the guys that I am fishing against –hmm, have to put a whoopin’ on them!
Also, you know, just making sure that everything is ready for the season; all my tackle is pretty much done, just have some things coming in – some new baits for next year, a lot of the new products are starting to hit the boat and the truck so, I am really fired up about that.
Making sure my truck is prepared; so a lot of preparation time in between Thanksgiving and Christmas, because, you know, right after Christmas I am on the road again! I think I'll sing… ”On the road again…”
And so, heading to Florida to fish the first BASS Southern Open, you know? Try to get an early Classic berth for 2013 at Grand Lake, which is one of my favorite lakes.
So, if you get a chance, check out ishmonroe.com; check out teambassadx.com and get some new gear!
Alright – talk to you later! Bye
11/24/2011
Ish Monroe - Holiday TIme
Yo, yo, yo – holidays time!
But in the holidays – time for time off – it just doesn’t seem like that for me.
I’ve had a lot going on – yeah - Fish and Chips in Oklahoma on Grand Lake where the 2013 Classic is going to be. Super excited about that cuz I won the fishing side of Fish and Chips! Went out there and pretty much cracked ‘em!
I just had a phenomenal week; I was able to catch them on a buzz bait and catch them on just a little bit of everything. It was a real fun tournament!
But then the Poker side of it, got a bad seat. What is a guy supposed to do when he flops trips? Trips duces; I was on the big line; I had to play it. Flop trips – you gotta bet it; that’s the way it goes with poker!
Get a full boat at the end – I’m all in and the guy gets a bigger boat. He has kings over nines and I have kings over deuces and it is just that deep. So, Fish and Chips – great event; great week. I had lots of fun; caught a lot of fish won the fishing side and then on the poker side I bomb-badiered!
The following week, moved on to Major League Fishing – awesome – awesome event! I am so excited about when it comes out on Pay Per View!
I felt emotions that I haven’t felt in a long in tournament bass fishing – so there’s a LOT of good stuff there! I am really excited about it and I am going to watch the Pay Per View in January. Maybe I can see some of the things that the other guys are feeling out there because it is a pretty good deal!
And then there is this week – HOME! Yeah, it’s been A LOT crazy – not just a little bit. Getting boats ordered; getting tackle ready; ordering Power Poles; Yamaha outboards. We’re talking Bob’s jack plates; Lowrance Electronics - we’re talking lots and lots of stuff.
Team Bass ADX seems to be rockin’. You know, all the great dealers out there have been ordering so they are stocking up so you guys can stock up. You can check out the sweatshirts – they are “pretty” as some guys would say. The long sleeve shirts and the beanies for the winter time; you gotta stay warm, so check out the Team Bass ADX gear and this week is turkey week and I will fill you in on what I have going then, so good luck; happy fishing and happy holidays!
10/28/2011
Ish Monroe - Work, Work, Work
Work, work, work! Story of my life!
Anybody that says that hard work doesn’t pay off, has never worked hard, because hard work really does pay off.
Remember that company that I talked about that’s coming out, that new soft plastic company? Well, I signed a deal with them. I am super duper excited to be working with them.
I also worked on a couple of other deals that I’ve got lined up and I got one of those closed, so I’ll be adding a few new sponsors this year, along with SIMMS and River2Sea. You know, things have been great!
Really, really excited about the soft plastics deal though because they’re going to give me a lot of discretion on coming up and designing baits and that makes me excited to get exactly what I want along with the great baits that they have out already.
Preparing for next week – Fish and Chips and then Major League Fishing and then cleaning out my garage and starting on my tackle for 2012; boats are ordered; Yamahas are ordered, ahh, what else?
Gosh, got some new Daiwa products; some new T3 reels have just made it over to the States. I’m really excited about those. Yeah, we’ll be calling it The Terminator all right, because it is going to catch bass.
I did a SIMMS Delta Day last week out there, seeing all the new SIMMS products and the rain gear. If you haven’t checked that stuff out; I know it’s a little pricey, but, you get what you pay for – the highest quality to keep you dry out there.
I’m really excited about the flip flops and the underwear and everything that they have for cold weather and warm weather too. You know, get you out there fishing and keep you comfortable; so you get a chance to check out the SIMMS gear!
Other than that, busy, busy, busy.
Fish and Chips next week and then Major League Fishing and I will give you an update on how fishing goes for Fish and Chips.
Talk to you next week.
www.yoishstore.com
10/20/2011
Ish Monroe - Off Season Usual
Interesting week – it seems like it’s been kind of slow, but in actually been kind of busy. The season is over with and it is time for preparations for 2012; you know, getting all the new products in and testing new prototype products to maybe have an edge up on the guys next year. Got some great new things coming out for River2Sea; hopefully my new Poppin’ Frog for Snag Proof. I mean there are a lot of different things that we’re testing and I think we are getting them right!
Other than that, you know, ordering boats and motors and electronics and rods and reels; you know, just making sure that you have everything set going into November. Hopefully this December I can actually take a vacation and spend some time not thinking about tournament bass fishing.
Other than that, it’s just been lots of paperwork day to day; you know, Team Bass ADX has me going and shipping products to Tackle Warehouse and places like that; you know, taking care of those guys because you know, they do a great job selling our product. So if you get a chance, go to Tackle Warehouse.com and check out the Team Bass ADX gear.
I got a little bit of fishing in at the Delta. It is just going to become one of the premier flipping places in the country. Flipped some big ones last week, had a bag in the mid twenties. So, yeah, I got in a day of fishing; which is pretty cool and that is about it until next week.
Oh, and I almost forgot. There is a new soft plastic company starting up and I am very excited about it – new shapes and colors that they are doing are just crazy and I am so excited about it. People will freak when they see what is coming out. I really can’t give too much detail on it or disclose the deal or show anything yet, but, look out for what’s coming!
10/16/2011
Ish Monroe - Business as Usual
I had a couple of days off over the weekend and it felt great! But it is time to get ready for the 2012 season. Even though I still have a couple of events left with Major League Fishing and Ultimate Match Fishing and Fish ‘n Chips put on by Mark Jeffrey’s from BASSZONE.com.
But it is time to get started; for placing orders – I just placed my order for the new Daiwa Ballistic rods and T 3 Reels and pretty excited because a couple of boxes just showed up from River2Sea with all the good products that they have, you know the Bubble Pops and the Trash Bombs. I’m just super dooper excited about getting all that stuff that will wind up in my boxes!
And so, I will pretty much be working on business stuff. Had a great meeting with Cocoon Eyewear – talking with them about some new products that are coming out and the boat wrap design for next season; things have been really super dooper busy here lately.
So, like I said, business as usual, looking forward to talking with Lowrance and meeting with them; seeing if there are any new products coming up.
And then, you know, getting fired up for the whole season.
I’m thinking that I might get in a little bit of salmon fishing while I have a little bit of time off; how much I love the salt water, or just fishing for anything other than bass sometimes is just the same amount of fun!
So, until next week – good fishin’!
10/5/2011
Ish Monroe - Oneida Felt Great
Well, Phat Frog in the house! I had a great week at Oneida winning the Bassmaster Northern Open; it is SO awesome! It is so hard to explain getting on a good frog bite and a good River2Sea Trash Bomb bite. You know, it was completely insane. In three days, I guarantee you; I caught one hundred bass during the actual tournament event. You know, the Snag Proof Phat Frog was in full effect; Poppa Midnight, caught some on Crystal; caught some on Platinum Plus. I mean, it was just UNBELIEVABLE!
The bass were schooling in the grass beds and then I could flip some out of the grass beds; it was just completely insane, just so hard to describe, but it also feels great; you know, to get another win under my belt. First B.A.S.S. Open win which, hopefully, there will be more along with some Elite Series and Angler of the Year and all that good stuff!
But, back on the road again this week, heading back to Cali; got lots of business to take care of; many different things going on and I will probably have some interesting news coming up for you folks in the next few weeks.
And then next week I will be home working and I will try to squeeze in a little fishing – heard the Cal Delta bite is pretty good; Flippin’ and Punchin’ on the Delta; maybe even Clear Lake; heard fishing has been pretty good there too, so, looking forward to getting home and getting some things done.
I also won a boat at the event, so if anybody is looking for a boat – let me know!
www.ishmonroe.com
9/23/2011
Ish Monroe - In North Country
Well, what can I say? I’m out there fishing again and I’m really happy to be fishing again.
You know, the life of a tournament angler is rough sometimes; staying home for a month and a half and working on sponsorship stuff, then have to get out and fish at a high level.
You know, it’s pretty much work on the sponsorship side of things, which is not always a bunch of fun. But, I’m back to the fishing again.
Lake Champlain was last week with FLW, and this week it’s a B.A.S.S. Northern Open on Oneida Lake.
Things have been pretty interesting lately, I got kind of stir crazy just kind of hanging out and wanting to do something so, I’m back out fishing; back on the road.
Again, 3500 miles one way; the trip wasn’t so much fun; but overall, it’s nice to be back on the road ; going up north; catch some of those northern bass that love the PHAT frog and you can definitely Punch them on the one and half ounce River2Sea Trash Bomb. So, I am really excited about that; other than that, just keeping things going with the clothing line and TEAM BASS ADX, we are getting a woman’s line there so we’ll hopefully have that ready by spring of next year.
I’ve been working on getting my head ready for the Classic and the things that I need to do to be ready for the Red River. I may even go out and practice the Classic now and then. I’ll be heading back home after my little northern swing, then I will be home for a while; time to sort things out and get the Ranger Boat ordered and ready for next year.
www.yoishstore.com
9/8/2011
Ish Monroe - Tourneys Ahead
All I can say is, on the road again, packing for Lake Champlain and B.A.S.S. Open on Oneida. So next week, not this Sunday but next Sunday, I will be on Lake Champlain practicing for the FLW Tournament.
I’m actually excited about it, ready to get back on the water and fish a tournament and try to capitalize on it and make some money! Right after that on the fifth is the BASS Open. I know I can’t qualify for the Classic through the current rules, but at the same time I am already qualified, so that is good.
I have been working on Team Bass ADX Gear getting into some new stores: Gone Fishin’ Marine in Dixon, where I just did a seminar for them; Angler’s Marine – did a seminar for them too. I’m also working on some new clothing designs; Ike Wear and the Crews Line with John Crews, so a lot of things are going on!
I have been out doing a little bit of fishing and filming some video and fishing on those has been okay and the frog bite has been alright, so life has been kinda grand; catching them on a frog and punching them on the punch baits so not much else there to say.
I’m really looking forward to those two tournaments and from there I will be heading back home to hopefully finalize sponsorship stuff and hopefully be ready for the 2012 season!
8/5/2011
Ish Monroe - Work is Never Done
Just because the season is over, doesn’t mean a Professional Angler’s work is done for the year. Now I’ve been on the road as usual, getting things done; visiting with sponsors, I went to the Ranger factory – and I sold my boat; taking care of business out on the road trying to promote Team Bass ADX and just kinda also still having fun.
I haven’t been getting much fishing in because I’ve been busy with promotional work. I did the FINS Seminar at Angler’s Marine the Santee, Calif. store. Angler’s Marine is SoCal’s largest Ranger Boats dealer and they do a large amount of tackle sales each year too.
After FINS then I did a Fisherman’s Warehouse top water seminar there and then to the 10th Annual Snag Proof on the California Delta - to work, not fish, which I think sucks! But, you know it wouldn’t be fair because you know, for me to go out and win the thing on my PHAT frog; yeah, it wouldn’t be fair.
But as you can see, a Professional Angler’s work is never done. And then hopefully, after that get some R and R, but at the same time still hit the gym; you know, four to five days a week, cuz you gotta be in prime shape, especially going in to the 2012 Bassmaster Classic.
Also, if you guys haven’t heard that I’ve signed with two new sponsors.
The first one is River2Sea which I’m really excited about because they are letting me design some new hard baits that I think are really gonna catch ‘em in the upcoming years. The manufacturing capabilities of River2Sea are tremendous, and along with new stuff we’re working on; they’ve got a great product line.
And then I also signed with SIMMS Outer Wear, so yes, I have Team Bass ADX gear, but SIMMS Outer Wear is the stuff that keeps me covered up when it rains and when I’m out there on the water and it’s a little cold and misty.
So that’s pretty much it on my end, if you get a chance, check out the Team Bass ADX Gear and see you next time!
www.ishmonroe.com
6/23/2011
Fish with Ish - In the Classic
Wheeler Wrap Up
I’ve got to tell you that it feels really good to make the Bassmaster Classic.
I finished in the Elite 12 at Wheeler Lake last weekend and it was my fourth top 12 finish in the last five Elite Series tournaments. It was the kind of run that I had been wanting to get on for a while; I’ve had good tournaments, and some difficult ones over the past couple of years, but this was a roll that I really enjoyed.
So far…
I’ve got ICAST coming up in a couple of weeks, and I’ll be there for Snag Proof, Lowrance and Daiwa; meeting with the media and business in general.
The Elite Series season is over, but I’m going to keep fishing. I’m on my way home to spend some time on the Delta and get back to throwing the Phat Frog and Punch and keep myself in fishing mode until I can get to the U.S. Open or the Pickwick Lake FLW Tour event. I haven’t decided which one I’m going to fish yet, but it will be one of them.
Back to Wheeler; I really fished two different ways. When I knew I needed a solid check to make the Classic; I went to the bank; picked up the Steez XBD Frog Rod; Zillion Type R reel spooled with 55-pound Daiwa Samurai braid and my Snag Proof Phat Frog in Papa Midnight Color.
I got an 11-14 limit on day one and wound up in 38th place. I did the same thing on day two and caught a 12-5 limit and moved up four places. On day three; figuring I had made the cut; I caught another 12 pound limit on the Phat Frog and then took a gamble.
At 11:00 I went offshore, and picked up a deep crankbait and a big flutter spoon and culled them all out. The crankbait was my buddy John Crews’ Little John DD in Nasty Shad color on an 7’2” Steez Fle-X-lite rod with a 4.9:1 Zillion Crazy Cranker reel and 10-pound-test Maxima Fluorocarbon and I threw a 5” Big Joe Lake Fork Spoon on an 8’ Steez Compile X rod and the Zillion Type R reel with 20-pound-test Maxima Fluorocarbon.
By 11:30 I had culled out all of my fish; including a four pounder that I had caught on the Phat Frog that morning. I ended up with 22 pounds in the livewell of my Ranger Z521, and the warm water caused a couple of them to die; so I went back to the ramp early to check in and take care of my fish.
It turned out to be a good week; I had a lot of fun, and I’m really happy with my 4th place finish. Like I said; it was my fourth top 12 of the season, and only three of us did that this year. KVD had five of them and Alton Jones and I did four times; that’s pretty good company.
www.yoishstore.com
6/9/2011
Fish with Ish - Still Running
Fourth quarter and we are down to the two minute warning!
Two more Bassmaster events left to go; I have finished the FLW Tour event on the Red River where I was running 180 miles round trip and the FLW Tour Open on the Potomac. My Ranger Z52 and my Yamaha SHO got me there and got me back, had no problems there.
Fishing was a little tough, I found a little area where I could catch 8 pounds a day… strong! – 180 miles to catch 8 pounds a day, but hey, it got me paying rent, that’s all that really matters.
I had to work the U.S.Collegiate Bass Championship this week for Yamaha for a couple of days on my way to the Potomac. Where I was hoping it to make up for the Red River to catch them big on the Snag Proof Phat Frog and go flippin’ and punchin’ you know, punch skirt, punch hook and braided line; so I was lookin’ forward to that. I had a decent first day, but not so much on the second day, and finished out of the money.
By the time you read this, I’ll be on the Arkansas River at the Elite Series event and I will fill you guys in on it next week.
5/12/2011
Fish with Ish - Third Place at West Point
Can I get a “Woo, Woo!”??!! For a third place finish at West Point!!
Things are starting to come together! Starting to feel good about my fishing, but most importantly I am having fun.
Out there sporting my Team Bass ADX hat, enjoying the day, we are at Lake Murray and I’m listening to Sirius XM Radio on my Lowrance Sonic Hub, bumpin’ - just having fun. You know, this is what it’s all about.
Pretty much looking forward to Murray, lots of big fish, just got to put them in the boat. Things are going really, really good.
I Feel good about my fishing, so hopefully everything comes together and then we’re off to the Red River which is flooding a little bit, but things are great right now.
Feeling good, fishing good, and gotta have a sandwich from the lunch lady and we’ll be working things out ‘til next week.
So, I'll talk to you guys then. Until then, visit me on the web at: www.ishmonroe.com
5/5/2011
Fish with Ish - Another Marathon
Well, we are still fishin’!
Fished Mark’s Outdoor Tournament last week and that’s insane! Five hundred fifty boats and I finished 20th which was decent, okay? You know, I wanted to win, but that’s the way things go. So, I’ll take top twenties for the rest of my life in my career and you know throw a win in there every once in a while, I would really be good with that.
Off to West Point Lake!
Fish are in a lot of different modes, it’s kinda weird, there are not a lot of bed fish, there are a few here and there, post spawn fish, seems like there might even be some pre spawn fish and they are not really acting different so fishing is obviously evolving and you have to do something and you have to change with it!
I’m really looking forward to the tournament, hopefully I can keep the momentum going from catching that giant, 10.15 almost call it 11, one ounce, what’s one ounce? Well once ounce could be a million dollars for somebody. That could be the difference in winning a tournament or not winning a tournament. Look at Dean Rojas; he could have tied with one ounce!
But, looking forward to it.
Murray, swim bait bite; really looking forward to that especially with the new Rago Baits.
Team Bass ADX is goin’ really good, starting to get some stores out in the South and the East Coast which is great, but, you know, go out and get you a shirt or a hat or a sweatshirt or something like that and enjoy it!
Team Bass ADX Gear
And as we say; on to the next one; I will talk to you guys next week.
4/24/2011
Ish Monroe - Last Minute Heroics
Elite 12 at Toledo Bend
Finally, a fourth day cut thanks to a 10-pound-15-ounce largemouth that I caught with five minutes left on day two, and I made it back to check-in with 1.1 seconds to spare before I would have been late. Let me say that again; not one minute and one second, but 1.1 seconds left when I checked in.
You know, I was a little frustrated after the first day because I didn’t have such a good day; I lost a good one on a swimbait, but that can happen when you’re throwing swimbaits. I tried to put it together for day two, but the wind made it kind of frustrating with gust up to 35 miles an hour, and by the end of the day, I only had three fish in the boat.
I decided to go try and finish the day out on this one little area that I found on my Navionics chip that showed a roadbed clearly on my Lowrance HDS unit. The great thing about the combination of Lowrance and Navionics is that any place I go to I can almost feel like a local because a lot of those special, locals only, hidden hot spots are right there on my HDS screen
I was fishing along the road bed, and I came across these old pilings there, like an old dock used to be there. I pitched a Berkley Power Lizard in there with my 7’1” heavy action Daiwa Steez Compile X rod and 20-pound-test Maxima Fluorocarbon. I got a bite, and set the hook into what was a heavy fish. The fish was obviously in some sort of cover and was sawing me back and forth.
We were playing tug –o-war for a little while when I decided I was going to have to break her off in the cover. I pointed my Steez rod right at her and pulled hard, trying to break the line; but, the Maxima Fluorocarbon held strong and I pulled her out of the cover instead. She came right to the surface and laid there; exhausted.
I figured she was about eight pounds and I thought I still needed one more fish to make the top 50 cut; so I fished for a couple more minutes. I finally put everything down and took off for the check-in. The waves got really big because of the wind, but my RangerZ521 and Yamaha VMAX SHO 250 really put on a show getting me back.
When I pulled into the check in, I looked at the clock on my Lowrance and it said 4:30, then as I looked at it again, it said 4:31. I looked at the check in guy and gave him a thumbs up to see if I’d made it; when he gave me the thumbs up back; I knew I had made it.
When I was bagging my fish, I looked at the big one again and realized she might be a little bigger than eight pounds, and that I might have 16 pounds or so for my four fish. It turned out that she weighed almost 11 pounds and I had 19 pounds which moved me up into position to make the third day cut.
I went out the next day and fished hard and caught 16-pounds to make the day four cut; which was really good because my confidence level had started to become really low. But, this finish helped put me in a position to be able to fish well over the next four events and make the Classic. The lakes we’re going to make me feel like I’ve got a good shot, especially Lake Murray because the last time we went there, I finished in the top 10.
So, I’m stopping at the Arkansas River to pre practice, then I’m on to Table Rock for the Bassmaster Central Open. See ya.
www.ishmonroe.com
4/6/2011
Ish Monroe - Lanier to Pickwick
Week number five on the seven week stretch was at Lake Lanier for the PAA. Should have been an excellent tournament but you know how it goes; we always bring the worst weather possible.
I went from sight fishing and 80 degrees in to freezing cold and raining so it pulled all the fish off bed and has them in a real funky mood. You know I was really looking forward to the frog bite and swimbait bites on some big old spotty bass.
Lanier was almost like a West Coast reunion; Papa Mur Dog John Murray, Spin to Win Aaron Martens Justin Kerr, Rusty Salewske; B. Hite is here; Big dog Brett Hite.
Lanier turned out to be a light line event, but I’m looking forward to get back the frogs, flipping sticks and swimbaits next week at Pickwick and then Toledo Bend.
Let’s talk about April; April is a great month, and when the fish start biting, start spawning, they get up shallow and then you get cold fronts like we did on Lake Lanier last week. But, then now we hit April where the weather starts out being real nice down here on Pickwick Lake and I’m pretty excited about that.
I wanted to say I’m really excited about the cover of Bassmaster this month, that’s pretty exciting here for me, I even got my Team Bass Adx hat on there; which everyone should be sporting one.
I’m just getting off the water; yeah a little early I know, but the one thing is this new Lowrance Sirius weather I have on my HDS unit is awesome. It told me about the thunderstorm and the possible tornados that are coming in here at Pickwick Lake and it allowed me to get off the water early to avoid the dangerous weather.
But, fish were biting, I’m getting really excited because I get to fish shallow. Of course I was catching some of them with my frogs, some of them flipping and on a spinnerbait and a Chatterbait. Things look really good and I hope to go out this week and really whack ’em.
I got a little bluegill here from Jerry Rago that I’m really looking forward to throw on Toledo Bend, especially because they are going be on the spawn and post spawn so I’ll defiantly be reeling that blue gill through some of those beds and that should jack me up a couple of giants. So if you haven’t got your Jerry Rago bluegill them you better go out get your Jerry Rago bluegills because you’re going to need them.
Other than that got my truck looking all pretty fired up and things are good. Hope to catch them this week, wish me luck and see you guys next week.
3/24/2011
Ish Monroe - Week 4 of the Marathon
Week four of the marathon run of the seven weeks straight; week four of seven; crazy! Not really that burnt out not really tired, I’m just fishing, having fun. I had an okay finish last week, not a great finish and I dumped a 10 pounder; no big deal; you know what, actually it is a huge deal. I don’t know if I’d rather break up with my girlfriend than lose a 10 pounder. It hurts more to lose a 10 pounder than break up with my girlfriend which is probably why I don’t have a girlfriend.
But anyways on to Hartwell, another sight fish tournament. Hopefully I can put the big ones in the boat this week. You know I have a couple little tricks up my sleeve, all the sight fishing I’m going to do, and I would have to say; key word, Jerry Rago; the key word is Jerry Rago; wait that’s two words.
So that’s going to be the plan doing a little bit of that along with sight fishing and hope that I get a good finish this week. And then probably going to head to the PAA at Lake Lanier for yet another sight fishing deal, but I just keep rolling along in the Cocoons rig.
Oh, forgot to tell you guys something there was a slight fender bender with John Crews, oh yea, I figured if I just took the competition out of the game. I hit his boat, no big deal, service crew got it all fixed up and I’m heading to CS motor sports next week to get fixed up so I look fresh and clean on the road, and I’m going to go fishing.
So, I’m off to the next one.
www.ishmonroe.com
3/17/2011
Fish with Ish - Throw the Book Out
Well, we’re in week three of what I’m calling the marathon trail of the six or seven straight weeks of fishing tournaments I’ll be in.
Okay, on to my Harris Chain results. What do you say about last week?
Everything that the big book of fishing says was supposed to happen didn’t happen. So, everything that we know about Florida and bedfishing is over.
We just have to take the book and throw it out the window. If the conditions are right, they’re gonna move up, and if the conditions aren’t right; they’re gonna move up anyway, it’s that time of year.
That being said, I’m here at the St. John’s River and we’re looking at them. Some of them good, some of them not so good, and some of them are indifferent.
So, our new plan for this week is to catch the good ones. I’m going to put my MotorGuide on high and try to find the best fish I can find. I’m running around the lake with my Yamaha 250 SHO Pro Four Stroke, and I’ve got full confidence in my motor to get me there and back.
I prepared my equipment, and spooled it all up with Daiwa Samurai braid because after looking at the water, I feel like I can get away with it here. The water conditions will allow me to go heavy with all of my Steez rods and reels, so that’s what I’m gonna do.
So, with only Wednesday’s practice day left; it looks like we’re off and running toad another sightfishing tournament. It should be fun; it’s one of the ways I like to fish. But, like I said, take everything we know about the book and throw it out the window.
Last week proved that to me.
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3/10/2011
Fish with Ish - Harris Chain is Here
Flippin, Frogs and Flip Flops
WOO HOO, the cold weather is over. No more Beaver Lake; yes I sucked I should have changed baits earlier, because it was a bait change on day two that helped me catch a limit. If I would have changed baits on day one, you never know, I could have caught one extra fish that would have gotten me a check or even two more fish that would have gotten me a $10,000 check; but, that’s the way it goes.
I’m here in sunny Florida, I’m at the Harris Chain getting ready for the first event of the Bassmaster Elite Series 2011 season, and I’ve got to say; I’m pretty happy about it. No more sissy fishing and it’s gonna be fun.
I’m in Florida, and it’s all about Frogs, Flippin’ and braided line; my style of fishing. They’ll be some bed fish, some Flippin’ fish and some topwater fish, there’s pretty much several ways you can go out and catch ‘em down here, so I’m looking forward to it.
I gotta tell you, I’m just happy to out here wearing shorts and flip flops and holding my Daiwa Steez Flippin’ Stick for once; I like that Shorts, Flip Flops, Flippin’ Sticks and Frog Rods, so if we got rid of the shorts, it would be the three F’s. Actually, it could be the four F’s, frogs, frog rods, Flippin’ Sticks and flip flops; that would be fun.
I had a funny thing happen in practice; I was fishing my Snag Proof Phat Frog around some grass, and I got a bite. Well, it turned out to be a big bite, because it turned out to be a little alligator, and it wouldn’t let go of my Phat Frog. I hope I don’t have to deal with too many of those in the tournament.
Practice is over, the meetings are behind us and I can’t wait to get started. Well, that’s it for this week, hopefully things will go well and I’ll have a good long story to tell you about the “W” for next week’s blog.
I’ll catch you all next week; later.
3/2/2011
Fish with Ish - Time to go Fishing Again
Classic's Over, Beaver Lake is Here
Well, it was an interesting Classic once again, another one down the drain and another Classic Win for KVD.
I was there working for Ranger, Yamaha, Team Daiwa and I spent a little time with Connie at Snag Proof. After spending three days at the show, one thing I learned at the Classic this year is that I never wanna work another Classic Expo; I’d rather be fishing. But, that’s why they call it fishing and not catching.
I will say this, I’m getting’ fired up about FLW Beaver Lake and I’m sitting here doing some last minute touches on my Ranger / Yamaha SHO and get some tackle together and getting’ really fired up. You know, Beaver Lake’s going to be really interesting.
We had a lot of cold, cold weather the past couple of weeks but, we had a little warming trend right before the practice, and I thought that would trigger those fish to get up in their pre-spawn mode. But, we got another cold front come through and it slowed the bite down again.
Not that it was great before, Practice was terrible, it’s Beaver Lake and my best day of practice was four keepers. I’ve decided that I want to have fun at the FLW events, and do things my way, so I’m gonna pick up a Wiggle Wart and a jerkbait and have fun, so, I’m pretty much fired up and ready to go, you know.
Everything's looking good though, I got all my new Team Bass ADX gear ready for the cold weather. I’ve got new beanies and hoodies ready to keep me warm and I’ll be lookin’ good too, so that’s a positive.
I’m just finishing up some last minute tackle stuff before I have to go the pairing meeting. That’s pretty much it for now, I just really wanna go fishing now, and so until next week I will see you all on the water. Keep following on FLW Outdoors and we’ll see if I can bust a big ol’ sack and get me some big bills in return.
Later.
Visit YoIshStore.com for Ish Monroe Gear.
2/11/2011
Fish With Ish: One Down
One Down and Many to go for 2011
The first tournament of the year didn’t go the way I had hoped. It ended up being a sight fishing tournament, something that I love to do. Somehow I missed it, and the flippin bite, too. It’s just one of those things, I guess that’s why they call it fishing and not catching.
Several big name guys and guys that pretty much live on that place didn’t do well either. Maybe it’s just the changing of the times, things are different, who knows?
I spent Superbowl Sunday with a good buddy of mine, FLW Cup Champion Michael Bennett. I wasn’t really pulling for either team, I was just glad it was a good game. I liked the commercials, they got me excited for some upcoming movies like transformers and a few others. Don’t even get me started about the National Anthem, Christina (Aguilera) can definitely sing, but ouch! I guess that's just more evidence that pressure hits everyone at all levels and professions.
On the fishing front, I am still down here in Florida practicing on the St. Johns River in preparation for the Bassmaster Elite Series event. I am going to spend another day here on the river, then off to West Point Reservoir for some more pre-practice. Next week I am headed to the Classic in New Orleans.
Following the Classic I am headed dragging the new Ranger Z-521 with the Yamaha SHO to Beaver. The SHO is now all broke in and running great! I got my Lowrance Electronics all dialed in and I have to say, I am digging the Sonic Hub for the music and for the weather. Down here in Florida the weather changes fast and to be able to watch that closely is a cool deal and can be a major factor for both safety and fishing.
For more on Ish Monroe check out his site at IshMonroe.com
2/1/2011
Fish with Ish - The First Event is Here
On Site at Lake Okeechobee
Well, I’m in Okeechobee this week and I'm glad to be down here.
Finally got out on to Lake Okeechobee and the weather is really nice. You know typical Florida weather, high 70’s during the day, with high 50’s to low 60’s overnight it's great.
I’m really looking forward to getting up in my boat and have a good time. I spent some of the pre practice time breaking in the new Yamaha 250 SHO motor, and that went really well.
Fishing seems like it's gonna be really good, everybody's gonna have limits because there’s lots of little fish out there right now; you can pretty much catch them any way that you want.
It’s been good to get down here and see all the old friends and stuff. I guess my offseason workout routine was good, because everyone’s telling me how much thinner I got, but I’ve just been telling them it’s my Team Bass ADX gear that makes me look thinner.
I was really happy to be back out here after a long winter and the long drive, you know. Once I got here I shot some video and did some photos and stuff while I was out here, just taking care of business as usual.
We start on Thursday and tomorrow on Wednesday will be G.T.L. day; you know, gym, tanning and laundry day. I’ll wake up in the morning and hit the gym, then maybe out by the pool, but I don't need any more tanning, I'm already tan and get some laundry done.
I’m really ready for Thursday and excited about the first of the tournament year. I can't wait to really kick it off this week, you know I'm looking forward to it; it should be fun.
Check out www.yoishstore.com
1/28/2011
Fish with Ish - Okeechobee Here I come
Headin' East in the Cocoons Rig!
I’ve picked up my Ranger Z521 and Yamaha 250 SHO from Liquid Wraps in Phoenix, Ariz. after they installed my Cocoons wrap, and now I’m headed east; Okeechobee here I come.
I’m caravanning with Brent Ehrler, which makes it nice to have someone to share the miles with. It’s a long way to the other side of the country, and traveling in pairs gives you some backup in case something happens.
We’ve got about three more days ahead of us, and once we get there, I’ll find a body of water to go play on until practice officially opens. I’m getting excited about the tournament season starting, and I want to rip some heads.
Like I said last week, I was at the Sacramento ISE show working for my sponsors, Ranger, Yamaha, Lowrance, Navionics, Daiwa and Team Bass Adx clothing line. My deal there was to work their booths, meet people and take part in the Bass Round Table seminar, as well as do one of my own.
The round table was on Saturday, and the place was packed; The round table was cool, I was up there with National pros, Skeet Reese, Papa Mur (John Murray) and Cody Meyer. Gary Dobyns was there from the west, it’s always interesting to hear his perspective.
They pass the microphone through the audience and ask us questions, we all take our turns answering them. Sometimes the back and forth gets a little heated between us. I think the audience digs it.
Sunday’s crowd; not so much. I know football playoffs were a big deal, but I thought it would be bigger overall, but oh well; I was there to meet and greet. The slow day on Sunday gave me the chance to do some filming for my sponsors, I went into the Lowrance learning center with Tshombe Moore, my local Navionics rep and filmed a whole deal on how to use Navionics features for planning and on the water.
Well, I’m staring at the windshield of my Cocoons rig burning up the miles and the cell phone minutes. When I talk to you next, I’ll be on Okeechobee – Later.
visit www.ishmonroe.com
1/18/2011
Ish Monroe - Wrapping Things Up
Dubs, Rigs, Wraps and Shows
Okay, I’ve got my boat setup, C&C Marine in Modesto rigged it to my specs, and now it’s at Liquid Wraps in Phoenix getting the Cocoons wrap installed on the truck and boat.
My Ranger is tight, I’ve got things exactly as I want them, and Richard over there even figured out how to store my spare trolling motor in the battery storage area so that it’s out of the way. Last year, I removed my middle rod rack so that I could put it in there, but with the new MotorGuide Tour Digital 109 that has the Lowrance transducer built in, I couldn’t fit it in there; Richard fixed it.
What that means is I have more room for tackle. I’ve got more tackle in my boat now than ever before, but it’s more organized too.
I’ve also got the boat ridin’ on 20’s again; I put those on the trailer before I pulled out of town to head to Liquid Wraps. I hear some people say they wonder why we go to the extremes we do with our rigs, but understand; it’s all about eyeballs to us.
The more people that see our trucks and boats, the more visibility we are generating for our sponsors. Cocoons tells me they know where I am in the country based on where the visits to their website are coming from when I’m on tour. My truck makes people look, and that’s why my sponsors work with me, to try and get more people to look; ya know.
Anyway, I’m basically tying up loose ends around here. I’m going to be at the ISE Show at Sacramento this weekend. I’ll be there for the Round Table deal with Skeet, Gary Dobyns, Cody Meyer and Mike Long. Those discussions are always lively and informative, so that will be fun.
While I’m there, I’ll be doing a seminar on Sunday, but I’ll also be spending a little time with Ranger, Lowrance and with Team Bass Adx clothing. The Sacramento show is always the best one of the year around here, and now that it’s the only one, I bet it’s going to be even bigger.
After the show I’m going to a Golden State Warriors versus San Antonia Spurs game on Monday, then I fly to Phoenix to pick up the truck and boat, and it’s on to Lake Okeechobee for the first FLW Tour Open of the year. It’s just about time, and I’m ready to get to work.
For More on Ish Monroe, visit www.ishmonroe.com
1/11/2011
Fish with Ish - Got My Ranger
On the LLOONNGG Road Home from Flippin
I’m on my way home right now driving from Arkansas with my brand new Ranger Z521 behind me.
I pretty much can't wait to get home, and I won’t be home until tomorrow night. I’m ready to get there because I hate the snow and ice, and that’s all I see right now on this drive back from Flippin. The other thing is, when I’m sitting in my truck, I can’t work out, or get any real work done.
It’s going to be a busy couple of weeks, when I get out of the snow and back to Cali, I’m taking the boat to C&C Marine in Modesto and get it ready. You know, get the Yamaha 250 SHO Four Stroke on there as well as the Lowrance HDS units on there and pretty much be ready to leave next week for Phoenix to get the wrap installed.
It would be huge if I could get the Cocoons wrap on the boat quickly over at Liquid Wraps, because once everything's in place and the wrap’s on; it’s game time.
I’m ready to spend a couple of days on the boat show scene at the ISE boat show in a couple of weeks in Sacramento. I’m going to be a part of the Ultimate Bass Round Table on Saturday at 12:30PM with Skeet Reese, Gary Dobyns, Mike Long and Cody Meyer. I’m also going to do a seminar of my own on Sunday at 1:30.
Other than that, I’ve pretty much got nothing else going on. I’m watching a lot of fishing on T.V., and just getting ready and fired up for the season.
See you next time.
Visit Ish at www.YoIshStore.com
1/4/2011
Fish with Ish - In Flippin
Pickin' up the Z521
I told you I was really getting into my favorite techniques this year, well I did it, I’m really in Flippin.
I’m in Flippin, Ark. waiting to pick up my new white, black and blue Z521. Getting here was easy enough, and once they finish the boat, I can start heading back to Cali. They’re just a little ways away from taking it over to the finishing room. That’s where they install fishfinders, hang motors and do little final touch ups.
They’ll be putting my Lowrance units on the boat, and doing a few other things, but my Yamaha SHO 250 Four Stroke is at my home dealer, C&C Marine in Modesto waiting to get hung on the transom when I get home. Between the Ranger plant and C&C Marine, my boat gets the best workmanship.
I thought I was going to be stressed here in the hotel room, but it’s the opposite. I’ve been able to focus on work, and concentrate on getting my mental game in shape. I’ve also been working hard on getting my body in shape too, even here; I’m working at it in the hotel fitness room.
I’ve come to realize that the difference between all of us is our mental game. All of us can cast, all of us can find quality fish at this level. All of us are capable at winning just about any tournament we enter. What separates us is our heads. Skeet and Kevin are always good; they always catch ‘em. The difference for them is that when they go on a tear, they fish like Skeet did last year.
When others hit our strides, we might catch up to where they normally compete at, and I want to get to where my normal performance is really good, and my best is almost untouchable. I’ve also taken a page out of the recent success Michael Vick has had this year. He said he knew he would have to have an attitude to be as ready as he could be to avoid distraction; and he’s had an MVP season.
I’m still deciding about fishing the Shasta FLW Everstart event in a couple weeks. I really want to, but am thinking that it might create too much pressure on me to get everything done in time to go east.
Outside of that, I’m working on a couple of signature kits with my sponsors at Snag Proof and Paycheck Baits that will be available at my Yo Ish store. The Phat Frog kit will have two Phat Frogs, and all of the stuff you’d need to modify a frog, pens, pliers, glue – they’re ready for everything. My Punch kit will have my three favorite Paycheck Punch Skirts, some 4/0 and 5/0 Punch Hooks, Punch Stops all n a 3600 size Plano box. People will be able to pick up one of these kits and have almost everything they need to go froggin’ and punchin.’
I’ve also been working on a few exclusive Phat Frog colors for a few dealers. Ishalicious will be at Bass Pro Shops, Blowin’ Smoke and Explosive will be at Monster Fishing Tackle and Fred’s Frog Color will be at Tackle Experts.com 
It’s getting’ close to game time.
12/29/2010
Fish with Ish - Finishing Up
Itching to go Fishing
I’m still finishing up the final details of my tackle prep for the year. I’ve spent three weeks, eight hours a day doing it, and I’m getting down to the last of it.
I’ve gone through every box and replaced broken ones, replaced all of the hooks that need replacing, and ordered some new trick stuff to give me an edge. I also spooled up my Steez Flippin’ Sticks and Frog Rods with Daiwa Samurai Braid and the rest of my rods with Maxima Fluorocarbon or Ultragreen, and am ready to go.
Some people ask why I spool my reels up so early, but they sit in my house waiting to go, which is a steady temperature. Besides, I’ll use the line on them for practice, and change most of them again for tournament days.
I fly out Friday to head to Flippin, Ark. to pick up my new Z521 Ranger, and once I do that I have some decisions to make. I’m still deciding if I’m going to go fish the FLW Lake Shasta Everstart tournament that starts January 13. I’d mainly do it to put my new Ranger and Yamaha SHO through its paces, break it in and get it ready for the tour season.
But, if I’m being honest; I’m itching to fish a tournament – bad.
The Everstart gives me a good chance to cash a good check, or $35,000 if I win. Shasta’s the kind of lake that anyone can win, it’s all about being there when they’re biting, and I bet there will be a swimbait bite up there.
But, that’s where the decision making process comes into play, not on tournament strategy, but on travel plans. If I fish Shasta, I’d have to leave the Lake, get home for a day to pack up for the tour season. Then I’d head to Phoenix to get my Cocoons wrap installed at Liquid Wraps.
I’d leave my truck and boat there and fly home to work the Sacramento ISE show for Team Bass Adx and Ranger Boats. After a couple days at the show, I’ll fly back to Phoenix, pick up the rig and head to Florida for the first FLW Tour Open on Lake Okeechobee that starts February 3.
It would be a really busy couple of weeks, but it’s all about fishing and making money, so I gotta go where the paydays are; it’s what I do.
visit Ish on the web at www.ishmonroe.com
12/21/2010
Fish' with Ish - Gettin’ Locked In
Gettin' Ready for Christmas and the Year Ahead
12/21/2010
Fish' with Ish - Gettin' Locked In
Gettin' Ready for Christmas and the Year Ahead
The offseason is a time for business and for getting prepared, and I'm still getting locked in.
On the business side, I've spent quite a bit of time working with the folks at Team Bass Adx clothing company. I've been helping put together new designs and figuring out what looks good on me; because, ya know I gotta look good.
The boss over there is Valerie, and she really takes charge of the operation with Gabby's help. They get the clothes ready for shipping after Mark Haworth sells them. It's fun to work with people who take their job seriously and have fun while they're doing it.
But, that's how most of my sponsors are anyway, so I've got it pretty good.
I'm still in the garage working on tackle for the season; which is getting closer. I just went through my rods and ordered some more Steez Flippin' Sticks and Frog Rods, which came in, and I am ordering more line too.
I just realized how much line I go through each year when I put my orders together. I use about 1500 yards of Daiwa Samurai Braid in both 55 and 70-pound test, and I use around 5000 yards of Maxima Fluorocarbon in different sizes. But when you fish as many tournaments as I do, you're changing line a bunch.
My Z521 Ranger is being finished right now, and will be at the plant for me to pick up after New Year's, so I'll pick it up and bring it back to Modesto where C&C Marine will install my new SHO, my Lowrance and all of the other gear that makes it mine.
I'll be pushing to get it ready for my first tournament of the year, an Everstart Series event on Lake Shasta, and then I head east for a while. On the way, I'll be stopping at Liquid Wraps to get the Cocoons wrap put on my truck and boat for the season; then it's all about business of fishin' like Ish.
I'm looking forward to Christmas with my family here in Nor Cal and after the holiday its back to getting ready.
Hope you all have a Merry Christmas.
Visit Ish on his website www.ishmonroe.com
12/17/2010
Fish with Ish - Doin it My Way
Getting Ready for the Season
2010 was a learning year for me. Don’t get me wrong, I learn on the water all the time, but I learned a lot about myself and my style as a fisherman.
I learned that I fished Elite Series and FLW Tour events in different ways. Not that I was saying either one of them was any more important than the other to me. I’m in this business to build a career and make money; lots of money is the goal, in fact one of my mottos is, “I wanna be rich.” The Elite Series and the FLW Tour both give me a chance to win a hundred grand at each tournament, and I think about them both the same way – win and I’m closer to my goals. .JPG)
What I found that was a difference was that I practiced differently for Elite Series and FLW events, mainly because I had the time to over think the B.A.S.S. schedule, and had to fish my strengths more in my FLW events because I didn’t have as much time to prepare.
There were times in the Elite’s that I put extra pressure on myself by getting out of my comfort zone, or by just putting extra pressure on myself. One of those times was at the Delta and Clear Lake, because they are my home waters; I really wanted to do well at home, and I didn’t.
What that meant was I started out low, and couldn’t recover throughout the season. I climbed up to 37th in the standings at one point, but finished a disappointing 60th in the points.
What was different for me on FLW was I didn’t have the time to do anything other than fish my strengths. I would roll into town and pick up my Daiwa Steez Flippin’ Stick, Frog rod or Swimbait rod and do what I do best; Flip Frog and throw a swimbait. I finished sixth in the FLW Tour Points and was in contention to win two events.
It’s time for me to get back to what I do best – Flippin’ Froggin’ and Swimbaitin’
So, with that in mind, I’m in the garage now, putting all of the other stuff behind me except for the important stuff, and getting my stuff ready. I’ve replaced all of the baits that need replacing, put new bait holder barbs on my Paycheck Punch Hooks, ordered my new Cocoons and Yamaha jerseys from Gemini, and brought in what I need from Daiwa to hit the road.
The other thing that I did was get the new updated charts from Navionics. They really went above and beyond this year, the new chips are updateable, so I can update them all year with any new information that they might have added to the charts across the country.
I’m waiting for my new Ranger / Yamaha SHO to get here, and when it does, I’ll off to Shasta for the first Western Everstart Series event; the first of my long season. It will be a long one, with eight Elites, four FLW Opens, two Everstarts, a couple of FLW Tour majors and maybe more; we’ll have a lot to talk about.
Visit Ish at his personal webite www.ishmonroe.com
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