New to the Board

[NFC]

Welcome Ryan. These folks here are a great wealth of info on pretty much any body of water you and your dad would want to visit. They have helped me a bunch just by reading their posts. I don't reply too often only because I'm only a couple yrs in and I've still got a lot to learn. I'd love to sit and pick some of these guys brains for a couple hrs over a few beers. The things I could learn. ha ha

[bassiusmaximus]

Welcome Ryan. Everybody on here is pretty helpful and every now and then they can be downright brilliant. Everybody has something to offer as nobody is too old or too young to add to the discussions. So don't be shy tell us all your secret spots and baits.

[RyanScheu]

This really is the great thing about Fishing... Whether you want to call it a sport, hobby, passion, whatever; you get a group of guys together who love it and great things happen.

The way my dad tells the story, he was one of the first 100 to fish Kentucky and Barkley lakes when they opened to the public. North of the Tennessee lines, he doesn't need a map on either of the lakes - and can take you directly to "that old house foundation just past the sunken bridge, right off the old roadbed, blah blah blah"... After 35 year of being in a boat with him and his friends, I believe it, and have been fortunate enough to pick up bits and pieces of their wisdom whenever and wherever they choose to share it.

I have been lucky enough to live through lightning storms and 45 mph winds on Barkley, as well as being drug over the old dam on the Wabash (completely totaling a 19ft Lowe in the process). I have fished schools of 4 lb stripers that would leave you sore in the morning, and I have had the days that make you want to throw in all your gear and maybe take up golf for a change.

It's a sickness... but one that I hope there is no cure for. Thanks everyone for the welcome!

@ NFC - You know, I think a decent get together - beer or no beer - would probably be a pretty cool thing to do!

@ Maximus - I have no secrets... I will fish wherever there is water to toss a bait at. I am partial to Mammoth Furnace and Eddy Creek on Barkley thought. And on the opposite end of that, I do love small pits and ponds - someplace that makes you feel like you're exploring with every cast.
As far as baits - give me the Hildenbrandt Golden Nuggett as a spinner, and a Netbait Paca-Craw for bass, and a Rooster Tail or Mepps inline for bluegill - I will be happy all day!