You've
read the Brushpile for some time now, and look at you...you're ok.
Outside of that nervous tick, some abdominal spasms and a bit of nausea,
you're just fine. This week Keith Nighswonger descends on the
unsuspecting people of Florida, to give us his first hand account of the
2006 Bassmaster Classic. This week's Brushpiles will have a definite
Classic tilt to them and we bet you will find them interesting. By
his own admission, Nighswonger is off to find the stories that you won't
read about anywhere else. If you go to the Classic, you may not see
him, but rest assured he will be watching you. There is no telling
where he will show up, so be on your best behavior...... You've been
warned!
2/23/06 Expect'n Spectators-I was cruising around the Bassmaster Classic web site when I came across an article I regarding the ethics of being a Classic spectator. If you are going to the Classic and you have access to a boat, you are probably intrigued with being on the same water as your heroes. I know I am, and probably will. That being said, if you are going to be a Classic spectator please consider the following rules that I am going to provide you with.
- Don't take a fishing rod with you!!!! You will be tempted, you will want to, the Kiss Chain looks bassy, and you will want to give her a fling, but don't do it. I don't care if you have found a ten pounder locked on a bed, don't do it!!! Also, don't wait until the pro fishes an area, and then go in and jump his spot! Don't do this either! Don't watch to see what your favorite pro is doing, and then go out and try to recreate the pattern somewhere else, DON'T DO IT. (Yes, ok, ok, you can GPS the spot, BUT DON'T GO FISHING UNTIL MONDAY!!!!)
- Bring Binoculars!!! Funny things, these binoculars, they will magnify the distance between you and your favorite pro, meaning that you won't have to get as close to that angler to watch. Give these guys some room, don't move up on them, and remember, just because they have already passed that clump of grass, it doesn't mean they are not going back to that spot. Stay off, stay 100 yards off, 20 boat lengths minimum. Remember binoculars can make a big difference.
- No Boat Races!!! When your pro, (HE'S NOT YOUR PRO!!!) pulls up the trolling motor and makes a run, don't try to race all of the other boats in the flotilla to the new spot. Competition between spectators is pathetic and will only hurt the angler's fishing. Be stealth and cooperate.
- Noise-Remember noise. Dropping anchors, noisy trolling motors, (or just a bunch of quiet ones,) create noise that can affect the fish. Also, the buzz from dozens of graphs and depth finders can sound unnatural as well. We don't need the scene from Caddy Shack when Rodney Dangerfield decides to bust out the Juke Box Golf Bag just as Judge "What's his name" is putting either. Sit quietly, stay back and enjoy.
- Don't Be A Factor!!! I guess the bottom line is that spectators should not be a factor. The reason Terry Scroggins could struggle here is mainly because of the spectator traffic he is expected to attract. If fans will sit back and not interfere, his home lake advantage will be just that. Save the Goofyness for your day at Disney and let the pros do their job.