Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

I finally made it all the way through KVDs bass strategies revised edition. What a great book and good way to learn tons of new information. I understand why he is the best, his attention to every possible detail really gets you thinking.  I had to read many chapters 2 and 3 times just to try and soak it all in.

Now time to start his other book Secrets of a Champion

His books are among those few I consider resources more than just a book.

Just ordered them on Amazon. They have a few used copies left for about $5.00ea with shipping.

Taught the man every thing he knows.   ;D

I should write a book.

Quote from: Waterfoul on November 15, 2012, 10:15:55 AM
Taught the man every thing he knows.   ;D

I should write a book.

You should shut up!

Quote from: Cy on November 15, 2012, 03:34:52 PM

Quote from: Waterfoul on November 15, 2012, 10:15:55 AM
Taught the man every thing he knows.   ;D

I should write a book.

You should shut up!

LMAO! :D

Quote from: Cy on November 15, 2012, 03:34:52 PM

You should shut up!

Well you should just.... just.... (gimme a second, I'm trying to think of something snide....)

Dang... nothing!

I need to go fishing and add another chapter to my book:

"Smallies in November Rock!"

I'll bet KVD isn't going to be catching smallies this weekend.  He's one of those dumb hunters!  LOL!!

Quote from: Waterfoul on November 15, 2012, 10:15:55 AM
Taught the man every thing he knows.   ;D

I should write a book.

After seeing the amount of success you have slanging smallies that might not be a bad idea. I would sure take some learning lessons from your experience

Quote from: djkimmel on November 14, 2012, 10:15:59 PM
His books are among those few I consider resources more than just a book.

Your right it is like a resource. After a few tough days on the water this summer I found myself opening the book and looking up specific points that KVD makes just to see what I was possibly doing wrong. Even when me and my buddies have conversations on gear, lures, and weather conditions I will go back and compare to what KVD thinks. But like he says in his book you still have to go out and learn for yourself and find what fits your style of fishing....Still doesn't hurt to try his opinions first

Quote from: gmetime24 on November 16, 2012, 09:08:18 AM

After seeing the amount of success you have slanging smallies that might not be a bad idea. I would sure take some learning lessons from your experience

Na, I just get lucky often enough to look good!  LOL!!

Quote from: gmetime24 on November 16, 2012, 09:14:43 AM

Quote from: djkimmel on November 14, 2012, 10:15:59 PM
His books are among those few I consider resources more than just a book.

Your right it is like a resource. After a few tough days on the water this summer I found myself opening the book and looking up specific points that KVD makes just to see what I was possibly doing wrong. Even when me and my buddies have conversations on gear, lures, and weather conditions I will go back and compare to what KVD thinks. But like he says in his book you still have to go out and learn for yourself and find what fits your style of fishing....Still doesn't hurt to try his opinions first

You are getting his message. He has repeated it a zillion times but many people keep asking him the same questions over and over that he has answered. No magic. Just determination, experience and confidence.

Quote from: MBFT on November 15, 2012, 06:15:41 AM
Just ordered them on Amazon. They have a few used copies left for about $5.00ea with shipping.

If anyone does take a look at Amazon, please START from the link on the right edge of this forum. You can search through the GreatLakesBass.com store on Amazon (http://astore.amazon.com/greatlakesbas-20) or click the Amazon logo from there to go right to Amazon.com. I buy things fairly often from Amazon because of the selection and prices. Thanks.

Quote from: Waterfoul on November 16, 2012, 10:27:39 AM

Quote from: gmetime24 on November 16, 2012, 09:08:18 AM

After seeing the amount of success you have slanging smallies that might not be a bad idea. I would sure take some learning lessons from your experience

Na, I just get lucky often enough to look good!  LOL!!

   You'd be nothing without Ed's "Stuff"  !!!!!  Hahahaha  LOLOLOLOL    :D

Just might have to pick this up. I noticed the old (1996) version is .86. Then 3.99 shipping. I wonder how different the "revised edition" is?? Will do all my X-mas shopping through the GLB website link to amazon. Hope everyone else does too.

The revised edition adds another 4 chapters to the book.  Those 4 chapters are filled with tons of great information and much of it covers power fishing with finesse techniques and how to utilize your time on the water with a power approach. The other extra chapters talk about what the strike can tell you and how lake conditions can help you pick a technique.

I have read this book and the thing that really came across to me was "keeping an open mind".  Don't be afraid to try something you haven't tried before when the bite is slow.  KVD didn't become as good as he is by being one dimensional.  Be versatile.  It tells you to let the fish tell you what they want.  Great book.  Everyone should own this in their fishing library.  And with winter coming on, its a good time to read.  I have several books that I can recommend that are good reads this winter.  Here they are:  Roland Martin's 101 Bass-Catching Secrets, anything from Ken Schultz is usually pretty good, Bassmasters Best Tactics and Techniques, Doug Hannon's Big Bass Magic, any book from the In-Fisherman library on Smallmouth or Largemouth Bass Fishing to name just a few.  Other books by Van Dam are very good also.  Take notes if you are reading any of these books so that you can try some of the stuff you read about on your next trip.


BD                    ;D

Thanks Bigdog. Your right about winter being a good time to read up and get ready for the next season. I'll look into these.

Thanks for the recommendation gmtime.  I have the original but not his newer books.  I'll have to check them out in a couple months.  To read them now would hurt too much. 

Not to go off on a tangent but are there any good resources specifically for Great Lakes smallmouth?  I've done some searches and never really found much.  Thanks for any info. 

Look for Wayne Carpenter's books at Combat Fishing.

Wayne's books are outstanding for LSC. I would highly recommend them if that's where you're fishing. Great for the novice St. Clair angler. I own all of his books. I will be reading all of them again. But do read all you can especially books on techniques and presentations.


BD.                     ;D

Quote from: UAWBigDog on November 17, 2012, 09:38:36 AM
I have read this book and the thing that really came across to me was "keeping an open mind".  Don't be afraid to try something you haven't tried before when the bite is slow.  KVD didn't become as good as he is by being one dimensional.  Be versatile.  It tells you to let the fish tell you what they want.  Great book.  Everyone should own this in their fishing library.  And with winter coming on, its a good time to read.  I have several books that I can recommend that are good reads this winter.  Here they are:  Roland Martin's 101 Bass-Catching Secrets, anything from Ken Schultz is usually pretty good, Bassmasters Best Tactics and Techniques, Doug Hannon's Big Bass Magic, any book from the In-Fisherman library on Smallmouth or Largemouth Bass Fishing to name just a few.  Other books by Van Dam are very good also.  Take notes if you are reading any of these books so that you can try some of the stuff you read about on your next trip.

BD                    ;D

That sounds like a good list BD, I am going to try and find a couple, but I notice one author missing...Best fishing book I have ever read was one by Denny Brauer (cannot think of the name of it right now).  I read it years ago, and it was an older book then, but it is pure jig fishing wisdom, and a must read.  I will try to find it later and post the title.

Quote from: BIGSHOW on November 16, 2012, 09:15:41 PM
Just might have to pick this up. I noticed the old (1996) version is .86. Then 3.99 shipping. I wonder how different the "revised edition" is?? Will do all my X-mas shopping through the GLB website link to amazon. Hope everyone else does too.

I think I have the original and that's it. I'm sure there will always be updated info but the basics are well worth any price. I definitely appreciate your supportive comment! Thank you!

Quote from: gmetime24 on November 16, 2012, 10:43:27 PM
The revised edition adds another 4 chapters to the book.  Those 4 chapters are filled with tons of great information and much of it covers power fishing with finesse techniques and how to utilize your time on the water with a power approach. The other extra chapters talk about what the strike can tell you and how lake conditions can help you pick a technique.

That's real helpful. I don't think I have that version but back in the day when I was fishing more tournaments, my few favorite 'reference' books like this sometimes warranted buying updated version too because I did crave additional and the latest info. Sounds like some really good topics. In this case, I would probably buy the latest version if I didn't already have the older version based on your review. Those are great topics.

I have most or all of the books BD and bigjc list. I also got the one from Joe Thomas - maybe a must read for anyone who is really into bass tournaments. Tells it like it is. I always recommend going in with your eyes wide open.

Quote from: JerkBate on November 17, 2012, 06:52:53 PM
Thanks for the recommendation gmtime.  I have the original but not his newer books.  I'll have to check them out in a couple months.  To read them now would hurt too much. 

Not to go off on a tangent but are there any good resources specifically for Great Lakes smallmouth?  I've done some searches and never really found much.  Thanks for any info. 

I also have all of Wayne Carpenter's books. Very good for Great Lakes bass fishing. I sell No Secrets Volume 1 (http://www.greatlakesbass.com/store/glbstore2.html#glbnsv1) on the GLBass store but Volume 2 is sold out and has not been reprinted yet. I will probably add Smallmouth Confidential to the store this winter.

Quote from: djkimmel on November 18, 2012, 07:39:41 PM
I have most or all of the books BD and bigjc list. I also got the one from Joe Thomas - maybe a must read for anyone who is really into bass tournaments. Tells it like it is. I always recommend going in with your eyes wide open.

The Joe Thomas book "Diary of a Bass Pro" is excellent.  It really gives you some insight on what it's like on the tournament trail.

Quote from: bigjc on November 18, 2012, 04:58:45 PM

Quote from: UAWBigDog on November 17, 2012, 09:38:36 AM
I have read this book and the thing that really came across to me was "keeping an open mind".  Don't be afraid to try something you haven't tried before when the bite is slow.  KVD didn't become as good as he is by being one dimensional.  Be versatile.  It tells you to let the fish tell you what they want.  Great book.  Everyone should own this in their fishing library.  And with winter coming on, its a good time to read.  I have several books that I can recommend that are good reads this winter.  Here they are:  Roland Martin's 101 Bass-Catching Secrets, anything from Ken Schultz is usually pretty good, Bassmasters Best Tactics and Techniques, Doug Hannon's Big Bass Magic, any book from the In-Fisherman library on Smallmouth or Largemouth Bass Fishing to name just a few.  Other books by Van Dam are very good also.  Take notes if you are reading any of these books so that you can try some of the stuff you read about on your next trip.

BD                    ;D

That sounds like a good list BD, I am going to try and find a couple, but I notice one author missing...Best fishing book I have ever read was one by Denny Brauer (cannot think of the name of it right now).  I read it years ago, and it was an older book then, but it is pure jig fishing wisdom, and a must read.  I will try to find it later and post the title.

I have so many books on the bass fishing I try to spend all the winter I can reading and brushing up on my mind set.  Mind set is very important in bass fishing.  bigjc I do have the Brauer book.  It is absolutely the best book for jig fisherman.  I plan on reading it again this winter.  Jig fishing hasn't been a strength of mine over the years and that's where I need to improve.  Fish always seem to eat a jig............. :o

I have almost every book ever published on bass fishing except maybe two or three.  I am looking for the Mark Hicks book on Erie Smallmouth Fishing.  Tough to find.  I may just have to order it.  There was another one that I saw at BPS and didn't buy it but should have.  My next trip there I will.  It was an all inclusive on the subject.  Very large and when I skimmed through it, very informative.  Every book that was ever offered through In-Fisherman, B.A.S.S., North American Fishing Club, etc., I've purchased.  I guess I am sort of a book worm but it reading these have improved my fishing over the years and especially my mind set when I fish.  Superior mind is key when fishing for money, for fun, or just piece of mind.  The brain needs exercise too.


BD                       ;D

Does that mean you are going to let me borrow it?

Quote from: jjjmpv22 on November 20, 2012, 02:03:00 PM
Does that mean you are going to let me borrow it?

I could probably let you borrow it. $5 rental fee per week ;D

As long as you don't charge me a fee to fish on your boat!

BD, for years I struggled to learn to fish a jig.  It my biggest fishing frustration for years.  Two things made me a better jig fisherman (not that I am an expert now): 1) Denny's book; 2) I started going out for fun with only a jig tied on (often a finesse jig).

Quote from: bigjc on November 23, 2012, 12:41:10 PM
BD, for years I struggled to learn to fish a jig.  It my biggest fishing frustration for years.  Two things made me a better jig fisherman (not that I am an expert now): 1) Denny's book; 2) I started going out for fun with only a jig tied on (often a finesse jig).

What book is denny's book? My plan is start working on my jigging skills next season

Quote from: bigjc on November 23, 2012, 12:41:10 PM
BD, for years I struggled to learn to fish a jig.  It my biggest fishing frustration for years.  Two things made me a better jig fisherman (not that I am an expert now): 1) Denny's book; 2) I started going out for fun with only a jig tied on (often a finesse jig).

The second is how I learn to fish every bait.  I love it that some people still think I can't throw a crankbait or a jig.   ;D ;D ;D  Learn by doing... nothing beats it for honing your skills at anything.

Quote from: jjjmpv22 on December 04, 2012, 02:17:53 PM
What book is denny's book? My plan is start working on my jigging skills next season

Jig fishing secrets. Sounds like the book I was referring to.

I am a fan of the In-Fisherman books and the one Rich Zaleski wrote.  I have the two Kvd ones as well, but consider the others more in depth.

Rich Zaleski has long been one of my favorite writers. Very nice guy too.