So I hit Lavon this morning for my first trip in my new (to me) boat (first bass boat). Didn't catch anything and was only out for 3.5 hours...but I learned a few things!

- Launching and Loading a boat solo is a little more trouble. Especially the loading.

- Don't back the trailer in as far as I do for the ski boat. Need those rails!

- Boat seems to handle rough water well. There was some decent chop early. Of course, I read that about Stratos boats.

- My new reels are great. Got 3 Revo STXs and 3 Quantum Accurists. Only have 2/1 rigged up right now..waiting on rods. The Accurist surprised me a little...they cast as well as the Revos, but maybe a little easier.

- I need more rods. Need more setups going...will be solved by next weekend.

- Need more lures and options. First big order from Tackle Warehouse is on its way though.

- Fishing and running a foot controlled trolling motor is harder than it appears, especially with some wind. It became more natural by the time I was finishing up. I figure it'll become second nature after some more trips. It definitely took up some of my "fishing focus" this time.

- I need to plan better and have a specific plan of attack layed out. I did a bit of wandering...not sure where I wanted to start or where I would move to next or what.

- Most of the places I thought would be good to fish, seemed to have other people fishing them as well. While that can be a pain, I saw it as a positive that I wasn't too far off base with locations.

A lot of this I never really considered before. I've been the back seat guy many times, and typically just showed up with my gear and the boater took care of the rest! A little different in the driver seat. I'm looking forward to my next trip...hopefully next weekend!

Man when u get the hang of your foot controll u will wonder why the even make hand controll and u can't go wrong with the revo stx's

Heck yeah it is i bought a boat back in may and my first day out i took my buddy so that i wouldnt forget anything. Overall it was an easy day i think we caught two fish. Definately an eye opener for me! Since then the trolling motor has gotten easier but i still havent found the fish like i want.

Just remember there is now substitute for time one the water and you will learn a lot every trip with a open mind. Stick with it and it won't be long for everything will become natural instinct.

If you are going to fish alone, invest in an inflatable vest and wear it while fishing. The first time you forget to reset the speed on that trolling motor after making a fast run across the cove, you might take a swim. Don't ask me how I know.

Welcome to the wonderful world of BASS FISHING!!

Your hooked for life now! hehehe

First thing you need to do is pick a lake and fish it A LOT. Do not go to a bunch of lakes when your just learning to bass fish. Your gonna waist your time and get frustrated a lot. Don't think your gonna be KVD cause you have a bass boat now! It takes a lot of practice and most importantly "TIME" on the water.

Learn your "home" lake and fish it like crazy. Its easier to launch and fish a lake you know rather a lake you have never been to. And since your sort-of new to all this its kind of like riding a bike with training wheels on! Sooner or later your going to get more confidence and your going to take those training wheels off... BUT you better realize your gonna POP your chin on the handle bars some as well!!

Pick that "home" lake apart and hone your skills. You need to slow down and think a bit more about what the fish are doing and where they "should" be. Go get some books and read up on the internet about the life cycles of bass. What they do at different times of the year. Then apply some of that knowledge at your lake.

Pay attention to everything from the weather and the barometric pressure to the wildlife like birds and anything that moves. These things will tell you some of your key areas to hit first. Your gonna have to think like a bass. Knowing what they do and how they feed is the key to it all.

DO NOT get stuck in a pipe dream about landing a monster fish every time you go. Go for numbers first and then try to gradually move up in size.

I have fished my entire life. I have landed some huge fish but I still get the goose bumps and my heart races when I set the hook on any fish no matter the size! If you get the fever and your trully a fishman that feeling will be there for your entire life. When it leaves I am done fishing!

Go pull some lips!!