Shawn, there was a picture of TJ "the day after" at the pond...Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed is NOT the words to describe his look...lol He was trying to duck out of the pic frame, but his reflexes were still way too slow.
Could have been, it's not in the promo now, but it is in the downloaded pics from last years conference thread...surely our great librarian can find it! He was on the far right of the shot trying hard to get really small. It may have been one of Sue Cruz's pics. I think it had Ted and Terri Lea in the center.
Nah, it was his quote that made the magazine, not his mug. Though that pic might tell us newcomers more about the conference than anything else...and the detriments of Diet Pepsi.
Pfft...I was lucid and entertaining - or so I thought. Hope you guys have a good time this year - sounds like some of the pond management guys aren't going to be making it. Bummer. Hope to see you in 2113!
Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau
Here is the picture~ Scotty Tucker is in the green shirt, he'll be there this year from Australia, Ted Lea and I in the middle and there's TJ trying unsuccessfully to duck out of the picture on the right.
Definately. It doens't matter what stage your pond is in. At this early stage, it might be more beneficial to you than if you were to wait another 18 months to attend the next one.
Is there or when will there be a listing of the breakout sessions that will be offered? Being a new member here, it would be helpful to better understand what is offered, Besides getting to meet some great people!
I just booked my lodging...none too soon. Said hotel was either booked or nearly so, and the fisherman cabins [where I stayed last conference and am again this year] have only 3 more vacancies. The cabins are a steal - $111 a night - and I was more than comfortable. It's a brief walk to the grounds [10 min] and helps burn off the sodas in which I will likely endulge over the weekend.
I'm certain there are plenty of lodging options nearby, but will likely involve driving to and from the conference. Thought I'd give you all a head's up. Looking forward to meeting everyone.
Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau
Is there or when will there be a listing of the breakout sessions that will be offered? Being a new member here, it would be helpful to better understand what is offered, Besides getting to meet some great people!
Bossone/all;
I learned a lot from the specific topics/chats, but even more from cornering experts like Dr Dave Willis, Eric West, Bill Cody, Bruce Condello - even owners Mike Otto and the Pond Boss, Lusk, himself. I was fortunate to sit next to Theo Gallus at dinner one night and learned all about pellet training RES while he stole my dessert. Now that is some seriously ground breaking stuff. Don't forget a chat with Greg Grimes, Dave Sefton, famous Nate Herman...these guys have forgotten more about pond management than I'll learn in a lifetime - and it's all free advice provided in the amazing environment of the Ozark mountains with one of the best fisheries in the US as a backdrop. Sue Cruz - queen of aeration, also provides lots of guidance if you're willing to stand in line to get her attention. The booths are staffed by solid Pond Boss advertisers who have products and services that have proven themselves over many years, and they are invaluable sources of advice. Even pond managers like myself can offer insight on how NOT to manage your ponds...at the very least.
I didn't know a soul when I arrived alone in September of 2009 and left with many friends and volumes of information...and a sombrero from Mexican Fiesta Night!
Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau
Alright I just got a room and at this point I'm planning on attending. I won't tell my wife Nate lives 45 min away and that we need to drive 6 hours to meet him an the rest of you. God knows I need all the help I can get and look forward to meeting everyone and learning!
Nice to hear - welcome aboard. I brought a list of issues/questions/topics I wanted to discuss and spent a lot of time getting them addressed plus a ton of other stuff I didn't know I needed to review! I recommend bringing those questions with you and definitely look for me herding skunks at the Buzzard Lounge.
Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau
Boss, you made a really good decision! I hope others lurking around will step out of the shadows and show up at the conference!! TJ, glad to hear your coming!!!
I just took the big leap and booked a cabin for convention. I am super excited to get there. My personal best bass ever caught is about 10" long. So folks better look out at tourny time.