Few questions before booking. If wife and daughter come along and stay in room do they have to attend conference? Would wife and daughter be able to eat meals with group? Wife is not sure if she can go yet, can we book the added meals later? She wants to come but the extra $490 for the two them to attend conference is kind of a blocker for her. Shes just not that into it all. Lol! Anyway I wanna get everything booked up for me. Can I just call office to pay?
Regarding the meals, I'm sure they can attend, but there may be a fee. I highly doubt the girl has to pay though as she's like 2 or 3 years old by that time.
I'm all booked up! You guys got me for two days. Ha! What's up with the Thursday dinner. I didn't see option when checking out. Now to book room. I'll be in cheapest one close to the bar. Lol.
Just attempted to book room with number provided in the insert of magazine. They have no group rate as of now for Pond Boss conference. The guy I talked has never heard of it. I tried to get them to transfer me to that particular hotel. He would not. He wanted a code. Is there a code?
John, I don't know where everybody's planning on staying, but the Hilton allows you to keep the car parked for the whole trip if you like. It's walking distance to lots of restaurants, shopping, and a movie theater. Neat little area.
Sunil, I know you're on a fixed budget, so there's an outlet beef jerky place close to the hotel. I'm not brave enough to try beef jerky that didn't make the original cut, so I'd appreciate you checking it out, and letting me know if it's ok.
Thanks everybody. I just got booked up at Hilton Thursday through Saturday night. $149 a night. The number to that Hilton 214-771-3700. I'm going to load up on jerkey. Lol.
Rex they had two choices. King or double bed. I just booked double bed because I'm not sure if wife is going yet. If she doesn't I'll be looking for carpoolers and selling that bed. Lol.
Sunil, I know you're on a fixed budget, so there's an outlet beef jerky place close to the hotel. I'm not brave enough to try beef jerky that didn't make the original cut, so I'd appreciate you checking it out, and letting me know if it's ok.
Well, you know, Texans are good at this kind of thing. I love barbequed Pork Rinds. Last time I was in Houston, I was buying some beer, and I saw the familiar, joyous packaging of bbq Pork Rinds. To my surprise, this somewhat smaller bag was called "Pork Cracklins." This was a bag of all the smaller pieces of Pork Rind!!!
Rex they had two choices. King or double bed. I just booked double bed because I'm not sure if wife is going yet. If she doesn't I'll be looking for carpoolers and selling that bed. Lol.
I guess I could rent out tank holes in the new truck....IF you sleep in the fetal position!
Sunil, I know you're on a fixed budget, so there's an outlet beef jerky place close to the hotel. I'm not brave enough to try beef jerky that didn't make the original cut, so I'd appreciate you checking it out, and letting me know if it's ok.
Well, you know, Texans are good at this kind of thing. I love barbequed Pork Rinds. Last time I was in Houston, I was buying some beer, and I saw the familiar, joyous packaging of bbq Pork Rinds. To my surprise, this somewhat smaller bag was called "Pork Cracklins." This was a bag of all the smaller pieces of Pork Rind!!!
Way to use the leftovers!!
Anyway, FIH/Al, thanks for thinking of me!!
For Cracklins, you need to exit Texas and go a tad more East. They are way more efficient at making the leftovers work
What the best type of fishing for that time of year on the lake? I'll be fresh off a 7 day cruise through Mexico and western carribean. I'll be ready for some fishing. May bring kayak or just bank fish. Depending on if I fly or drive. Thinking driving would be best option. 9 hours from the house. After driving to airport and flying I'm looking at 5 hours travel time. So it's kinda no brainer.
I'm thinking about bringing shallow water flat bottom Jon with jet outboard. That's how we roll around here. Not sure yet. Is there catfish in lake in walking distance? Cold beer and cat fishing suit me just fine. I always heard stories of big catfish in Texas.
The shore where the hotel is is very developed. Lots of restaurants and bars, some have docks so you can drive up from the lake. I am sure you can find an area to cast a line but it's probably not the best area to fish from shore.
Also, the lake is 8' low right now. Hopefully it will be better conditions by the time pb6 rolls around.
Is there catfish in lake in walking distance? Cold beer and cat fishing suit me just fine. I always heard stories of big catfish in Texas.
A couple of my buddies drift fish for catfish on Lake Ray Hubbard and they do quite well. They use live shad or chicken breast. They like the area around Roberts Park near Dalrock Road and Interstate 30.
That's weird. I've taken my boat that is licensed in my state to other states and never had to get them to license it. I'll just bring yak or bank fish. Thanks guys for info.
Can I use my boat in Texas if it is registered in another state?
If you have a boat registered or titled in your name in another state you may operate the vessel up to 90 consecutive days with current out-of-state registration.
Mark(Zep), Gloria's is good. I still remember when they had the original place in an old filling station in Oak Cliff. They've come a long way since then.
Al I didn't know that Gloria's started in Oak Cliff.
I love Gloria's Tilapia and frozen margaritas.
We had 26 people there Sunday...I thought I might have to return to one of my old high school first jobs as a dishwasher and wash a few dishes to get out of there!
Well the wife is prego. We can't board cruise ship at that many weeks so this is now my vacation. I'm going to drive to the Alamo while I'm that far south. Can't wait to see everybody again.
John, when I was in Dallas a few years back, I thought of doing the same thing. It was much better to fly to San Antonio, rent a car, and do some sightseeing than to drive there. You don't realize exactly how large Texas is....... I didn't.
It's a huge state. Two days added to see Alamo. I think I will head down to Alamo first and then head back in time for Thursday. Can't wait. Where is that 3 pound steak?
John, it only takes about an hour to see the Alamo. It just isn't that big.
Other San Antone sights include the Lone Star Brewery with it's Hall of Horns showing big bucks mounted. Lone Star is called the official beer of Texas but I think it tastes about the same going down as it does coming up.
There's also the Mercado(market) where you can purchase Mexican stuff made in India or China. They do have some nice leather stuff made in Mexico but buyer beware.
Next to the Mercado is a dang good Mexican food restaurant with some interesting margaritas that you better not drive after having a couple of them.
The River Walk cuts through a part of town that has a lot of places to stay, eat, people watch, and imbibe. The weather may or may not be pleasant at that time. That's always a crap shoot here.
Actually I like to drive out West of town in the ranching areas.
...Next to the Mercado is a dang good Mexican food restaurant with some interesting margaritas that you better not drive after having a couple of them...
DD1, Mi Tierra's is good, and IMO they have the best Mexican bakery in town. They're open 24/7 for those that need a Mexican food fix at 3-4 in the morning. The Hill Country is an amazing part of TX. Anybody that gets a chance to visit that area should not miss that opportunity.
Also, any of you that are coming to the conference, please feel free to ask about shopping or restaurant options in the Dallas area. The host hotel has plenty to do within walking distance, but if you want to get out and see some TX history that's fairly close to the conference location, then hit I30 west to Ft Worth. That is unless visiting one of ten thousand bank lobby's interests you.
BTW, if you enjoy eating something unique; I can't recommend any Mexican food made of goat meat. I've tried several times it's tough and stringy stuff.
Dave, the hottest BBQ place in Dallas right now is the Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum. Friends that have eaten there say it is the best smoked meet they've ever had. But, I'm more impressed with the guy's business savvy. PL is selling Thanksgiving smoked turkeys for over $100 a piece. I'm not sure what the markup is on turkeys that are almost being given away right now, but I guarantee you he'll sell out.
I just laughed when I saw the prices. I ordered mine from Greenberg's, just like I always do.
Thanks Al and everybody else. Maybe I'll just cut the sightseeing out and focus on conference area. That jerky shop has my attention. Lol. It looks like a pretty neat area. Need to get anchors on my new boat. Not sure how it will do on that lake? Is it pretty choppy down there?
John, I make most of my own jerky, snack sticks and sausages, but the jerky this place sells is incredible, and well worth the price! https://woodys-smokehouse.com/
I would love to find some beef jerky that was both flavorful (good), and tender. Now I realize that the nature of jerky is to be somewhat tough, but most of what I've bought so far is ridiculous. I think I could marinate strips cut from an old pair of leather workboots and get a better quality product than all the stuff I've tried so far. And over the last few months, I've tried a lot.
The best store brand I've run across is Duke's Island Teriyaki...I've tried his other flavors and have not been impressed, but the ONE package of island terry I've found was incredible. Great flavor, and nearly melt in your mouth tender. ONE package....never found it again.
Does anyone else know of a tender, delicious jerky?
...It looks like a pretty neat area. Need to get anchors on my new boat. Not sure how it will do on that lake? Is it pretty choppy down there?
John, it can get very choppy if the wind comes out of the SW. But, if you want to fish for LMB, I30 crosses Ray Hubbard twice, so there's lot's of protected rip rap to fish, and the marina's are pretty well protected also.
If you're wanting HSB, then there's always a boat show going on South of the I30 bridge, so they're available for fun too.
...It looks like a pretty neat area. Need to get anchors on my new boat. Not sure how it will do on that lake? Is it pretty choppy down there?
John, it can get very choppy if the wind comes out of the SW. But, if you want to fish for LMB, I30 crosses Ray Hubbard twice, so there's lot's of protected rip rap to fish, and the marina's are pretty well protected also.
If you're wanting HSB, then there's always a boat show going on South of the I30 bridge, so they're available for fun too.
Sounds awesome. I fish for what's biting. My gamefish being all species of catfish. Trot-line being one of favorite ways.
Glad I just called to confirm my stay at Hilton. I booked at anouncement and they had me checking out before noon on Saturday. All fixed now. When I origally called they didn't even know what Pond Boss was for discount. Check in Thursday after 3 and check out Sunday before noon. $505.
I just want to be on the one that FireisHot is going to be on so I can watch him on an inner tube doing a handstand! Where is JHAP anyway, this would be right up his alley from what I've read.
My friend riding down with now has a sever UTI. He can no longer make it. The search is on now for last minute ride with. May just have to make the drive solo. 2 more days!
Weighing options on driving or flying. What's the best airport. Travelocity has several airports in Dallas. Looks like around $500 with rental car round. Don't see any shuttles.
Anybody know if the dinners are formal? T-shirt and jeans fine? I'm hopping in rice burner at 5 am. 8 hour 37 minute trip. Going to shoot on making it under 9.
Who's here??? I know I am, Patrick from my company, and John Wilson and Dave Ryks from AQUA DOC. Grimes should be here soon. Guess I'll hit the bar and find out ....
Had to change our flight from getting there today, to coming in tomorrow (Thursday). Should be at the hotel around 2:00. Maybe I can catch the weigh-in.
Anybody know if the dinners are formal? T-shirt and jeans fine? I'm hopping in rice burner at 5 am. 8 hour 37 minute trip. Going to shoot on making it under 9.
Connie and I are getting to DFW at around 12;30. AA Flt 96 from STL. Renting from Enterprise.
Was scheduled to come in from NVL today. Had to cancel that and come in from STL on Thursday. Good thing too, NVL is an ice encrusted mess. Our flight from NVL was canceled we'd likely be stranded in Music City.
I wish everybody a safe trip to N TX. Roads are clear, and a nice warmup until Saturday. We dodged a weather bullet here. Monday has snow in the forecast.
lightweight fleece outerwear, flowers blooming in the background, water in liquid form, no sign of frostbite on exposed fingers, rod guides not iced over completely....where's the challenge in that???
Congrats Al and TJ, great reason for both of you to be absolutely pumped!
only I could stick my key card in at a Hilton door and it eat it. Whole new lock instaltion now. If I wasn't complete nasty from rolling out of bed late with no shower I would head to ice breaker. Maybe I'll see a few at bar after dinner. I've ran into Sunil and Otto so far.
only I could stick my key card in at a Hilton door and it eat it. Whole new lock instaltion now. If I wasn't complete nasty from rolling out of bed late with no shower I would head to ice breaker. Maybe I'll see a few at bar after dinner. I've ran into Sunil and Otto so far.
We may be kindred spirits. I got hung in an elevator that ate my card...and I needed to pee!
A lot of us have never had the pleasure of meeting other PBF members. Any chance somebody at the conference could post a photo or two and identify who is who in the pics?
In the pic above, from left to right, Todd Overton, myself, FireIsHot/Allen Hall, Heather-Wife of highflyer, DaveDavidson-Guvnor, highflyer, and John Wann.
In the pic above, from left to right, Todd Overton, myself, FireIsHot/Allen Hall, Heather-Wife of highflyer, DaveDavidson-Guvnor, highflyer, and John Wann.
Thank You sir! Funny though, I had Dave pictured as a 10 shot kinda guy!
Everything was great! It was fun getting to see everybody. We some ice and wife has to get on flight to Omaha for a conference in the morning. Makes everything easier being back home with our sick child. Like to never got up our drive with the ice on top of snow. Awesome time. Can't wait for another get together.
I saw trouble coming and left the bar after the 2nd round of tequila shots. And, it was Silver Patron, a damned good top shelf tequila. Sunil thought we needed the first round, John bought the 2nd round and I decided that any more South of the border whiskey could be too much of a good thing. Too much of that stuff can result in fights between good friends.
BTW, anybody that doesn't really understand tequila needs to go to Maria's in Santa Fe. Or, just buy their book. You may or may not regret this advice.
For those of you returning home today, be safe. Snow's supposed to hit tomorrow, so the timing of the conference couldn't have been better.
It had been a while since I attended a PB conference, but I obviously forgot how much fun and educational they can be. Hooked back up with some very good friends, and met lots of new, but regular posters. I won't miss another one.
For those of you returning home today, be safe. Snow's supposed to hit tomorrow, so the timing of the conference couldn't have been better.
It had been a while since I attended a PB conference, but I obviously forgot how much fun and educational they can be. Hooked back up with some very good friends, and met lots of new, but regular posters. I won't miss another one.
Ah yes, the spectacle of watching us Texans drive on ice.....those northern guys should hang around at the hotel and watch the freeway over the lake tomorrow.
I enjoyed meeting everyone also and especially my north east Texas neighbors.
It was a good time for sure. I had to get out early so I missed Saturday but the time I was there was fun. I'll definitely be at the next one. I even learned a few things!
I could not believe how many people I met that have never even got on the forum or heard of it. Met a few that they were pretty much lurkers as one man put it, they knew me from forum. Not sure how people are not finding forum. Most said they are going to look into the forum. That's how I found out about magazine was the forum after Googling how to fix leaking pond. Then I discoved the mag and the wealth of information. All the advice over last few years. That's where the Pond Boss family aspect realy comes in I beleive. Through the forum. Maybe somebody will put an artical in one of the future magazines about the forum.
I hope these two are still speaking after Saturday night. Things were getting heated close to midnight, and Mr. Gin and Mr. Vodka were doing most of the talking.
I bailed and left Aussie Scotty and his woman, Natalie, and ran for the hills.
Got to meet Cisco and Zep in person. Both fine Texas gentlemen, and worth every effort to meet in person again.
TGW/Tracy, I saw you talking to Al/FireIsHot a few times and came over to introduce myself, but never got it done. My loss.
I think we'll see a new forum participant, Erik, who has 'discovered' us at the forum.
Met several other like-minded people who do not participate in the forum.
After all of these PB conferences, I've concluded that some will never come to the forum, even after expressing interest. It just seems to be a 'do or don't' with most folks.
I met a lot of new faces, but not as many as I wanted Like John Wann -- somehow I missed you.
But, especially for the active forum members I'd never met before, it sure was fun to put a face with a name. And, I must say, all those I met for the first time really fit the mold of being great people like we so much like about the forum group.
We wife and I had a fantastic time at every turn.
Bob Lusk, Mike Otto, their families, and the staff of Bob and Mike sure outdid themselves. They all put an incredible amount of work into the conference, and it showed. As usual, Debbie made sure the spouses had a fun time going shopping and lunching. Oh, and the delicious cajun cracklins at the PB registration desk.
For Lynda and me, the other thing that really stood out was the hotel/restaraunt staff, and the quality of the food. The two meals we had in the restaraunt were fabulous. But, something that was a real first for Lynda and me, were the hugs we got from staff as we were getting ready to leave. The hotel staff also really aided in helping make it great.
How did I miss commando. Impossible. Lol. I was all around. Did you even see me? Dang now we got an excuse for next get together. I met so many people I only knew by handles on here it's confusing. Got a lot of hey it's John Wann. I was in sort of a haze in evening after 8. Hope to meet next time commando. Sunil greeted me right off bat like family and got to know TJ and Al better. It was a blast. Dave was cool as heck too. Another real deal guy. Enjoyed the time spent.
Sittng at table with Bob and girls from office. Bruce,Sunil and TJ was present. Bob told a great story and had a glass of Scotch. I told him I've only ever drank Johnny Walker Red. He slid the glass over for me a sip. I'll never forget that. He ask me what Pond Boss was to me. I said Family. Took a sip of the smoothest scotch I've ever tasted. No burn. The a great maple flavor came down both sides of tongue a few seconds later. I think I would gag drinking Johnny now. Bobs the real deal. Cool guy as I've found with most people from the forum. We come from all over but are connected by a great topic. Ponds and management.
I also met a lot of people and in two days, I had lunch with some good people from Iowa, and Ark, and Mo along with a Dr. from the town I grew up in Okla. And W.& E. Texas and Nebraska, W.Vg, La and on and on. Sunil u r one, along with others I wanted to meet but did not get to. I picked many a brain while there Al. I am glad I attended for the people and the answer's I got to my questions asked and not asked. Tracy
The fed Ex guy. I beleive high flyer and his wife. They were cool. He kept reminding me of that movie cast way for some reason. The intro to movie. Thanks high flyer for making sure my packages arrive a day early.
Who was the guy I was drinking miller light with most of the time at bar? He was the only one I seen before burning out. No TJ, Sunil or Al to be found. I drank beer with him every evening after conferance. No pics or name I remember.
I apologize to the people that I didn't meet. I really, really wanted to put some faces with the names, and then got involved with the on-line auction and had tunnel vision. Time goes so fast at the conference that 2 1/2 days doesn't just seem to be long enough.
Glad we had good temperatures for the Pond Boss Conference and hopefully everyone could get back home before things get crazy around here this week. People are already freaking out here in Dallas...of course the local media happily plays into the doom and gloom.
It was in the 60's & 70's for the PondBoss conference Fri/Sat and now Monday Feb 23 in Dallas at my office we have some ice/snow.
John, like you, I've never liked scotch. What was that stuff? I have a lot of hooch that I never mess with. My bar has everything but vodka. Even the most expensive vodka tastes like turpentine to me. Some of that stuff like gin and bourbon have been there for years.
In the summer I'll have a couple of beers but not many. And I'm the guy that used to keep the breweries on overtime.
Year around, I enjoy tequila/margaritas but only the over priced stuff.
When the temps really drop, I mostly prefer De Kuypers apricot brandy; and only the apricot. All the rest I consider pretty nasty mouth wash. When I take a drink of it, I can feel warmth spreading out to my fingers and down to my toes. But you have to approach it with caution. If you get over heated, you can fall out of tree stands and bass boats.
I'm going to get me some that tequila. It was much better than Jose. We didn't have to chase it with pickle juice. Not sure it's a thing every where but that's how we do it in the hills. Lol. Cabo Wabo was the next best I've had. Fun times.
My first Pond Boss Conference was enjoyable & educational. Great job Bob Lusk, staff, and all the speakers.
Good to finally meet some guys from the message board like Sunil, Cisco, Tbar, TJ, DJStauder, Catmandoo, Bruce Condello, and others.
Also nice to see old Texas friends like FireIsHot, HighFlyer & wife, Dave Davidson, King George, Todd Overton, Chris Steelman, Mike Otto & others. Can't believe I missed Rainman
I too was a bit surprised how many conference attendees were not even aware of the message board. Maybe a full page of the magazine every month should be dedicated to encouraging message board membership. Show snap-shots of discussions and how easy it is to join.
Tbar, HighFlyer, Zep
Yes...I now want one of these by Outdoor Water Solutions!
Zep and the main man Bob Lusk
HighFlyer's interesting lecture on Solar
(Soon to be TV star) Nate's lecture
Fire Alarm evacuation (someone said they saw Sunil pull Fire Alarm switch...lol)
Thanks to everyone who took valuable time to spend with Jodi and me.
I am grateful to meet so many people at the conference... As Jodi said, "the people you meet at the Pond Boss Conferences are just nice people" Reminds me of going camping where everyone you meet is friendly and helpful.
I was also surprised by how many were not on the forum. I "converted" two, tho. Ben Franks and nice fellow from Indy I met at the bar whose last name (I think) was Jack.
I heard rumors that TJ exploded a M-80 on one of the Fire Alarm pulls??? This is possible just a urban legend started at Pond Boss V!
Dan...great to meet you and Jodi. Excited to see some bird photos soon, too.
Lastly - two corrections to your last comment:
1. I don't waste my time with anything as small as an M80.
2. I had nothing to do with the fire alarm, and wasn't getting out of bed for anything short of flames coming through the floor. I figured I was safe to wait it out with a fire escape pretty close by.
Dan...great to meet you and Jodi. Excited to see some bird photos soon, too.
Lastly - two corrections to your last comment:
1. I don't waste my time with anything as small as an M80.
2. I had nothing to do with the fire alarm, and wasn't getting out of bed for anything short of flames coming through the floor. I figured I was safe to wait it out with a fire escape pretty close by.
By the time I was born [1970], Cherry Bombs, M-80s and Silver Salutes were all banned in NE. However, my Dad told me some stories about his youth in the 1950s that were downright crazy. I've always been a sucker for a great fireworks show - the artistry and science involved to create propulsion, spark effects, whistles, and different colors fascinates me. On the other hand, the concussion from a nice flash powder explosion is also pretty addicting - but obviously requires a lot of respect and caution.
Once upon a time, a long time ago, somebody went around to a lot of the restrooms at a local college and flushed some lit m80's down the toilets. The results were both predictable and astounding. No idea how many worked(stayed lit) and didn't. It wasn't me.
It was great to see and catch up with some I now at the conference! I hate that I got called away for a lot of it and did not get to meet many more I hoped to see there! The weather was great for most of the conference and I had to go to Houston to check a place on Sunday. Left Dallas with the cold front hitting and it was 41, about 30 miles north of Houston (250 miles south of Dallas), the temps which had climbed to about 50, suddenly jumped to 83....next morning, 10 hours later, it was 39....
Great job Bob!
PS Dave....I recall an M-80 dropping into, and being flushed down a junior high toilet.....it was as school let out for the summer and I never saw the damage, but it was a whole new look the next fall when classes resumed!!
