June 11, 2008
I recently fished the FLW National Guard Western Series on Lake Mead. I did well and caught a lot of fish swimming a jig using a five-inch Yamamoto Hula Grub on a 3/8-oz head. I spent most of my time in the east gypsum beds. I lost two good fish that broke off into the rocks because of the zebra mussel problem. It is really bad in Lake Mead. I caught a lot of keepers, just could not get a good one – but that’s fishing!
Lowrance has recently updated all of their new units and this will fix the shallow water problems they’ve been having. You will also be able to use the Navionics Platinum chart card but it will not work unless you update to 2.3 software for your Lowrance unit. All 2007 display units not currently running on 2.3 software will require a free software upgrade to operate all the features addressed in the addendum.
Go to www.lowrance.com and select the “downloads” option from the Lowrance website. Select “product updates”. Scroll through the product list and select your unit to download the software update. Note: If you’re in my area, give me a call and you can bring your unit to me and I will update it for you. I’m happy to help.
I’d like to congratulate Ardent Reels (www.ardentreels.com) which played a major part in Alton Jones’ 2008 Classic win. Alton was using an Ardent XS 1000. This is the first time in the history of the Bassmaster Classic or any other major tournament (that I am aware of) winning with a reel that was 
made 100% in the U.S. I give Mike Brooks of Ardent Reels all of the credit for taking a chance making this reel.
The competition is so tough with all of the reels made overseas now. We need to start supporting all the companies like Ardent who help keep American workers employed. There are so many companies like Gary Yamamoto, Basstrix, Huddleton, and many others who are having a tough time competing with many foreign countries like China and Taiwan. It seems lately that every time a company has a good idea (like Berkley’s Steel) the idea makes its way overseas. That’s what happened to Basstrix.
But enough of my soap box diatribe! If you have any questions on the Lowrance update, give me a call. I hope all is well with everyone out there. Good health and God bless.
Personal Notes
I know my articles have been a bit scarce in the last couple of months, but it’s been a very trying time lately for my family. My wife is dealing with cancer. She is doing as well as can be expected and by the grace of God, she will continue to do so. Thank you for all of your support and prayers.