Overview: Randy Peart's Seminar

Post by **Apalach** » January 22nd, 2005, 10:24 am

Attended Captain Randy's seminar last night at Jerrys. Scott really had the room set up nicely with rented folding chairs and long tables in front of each seat so it was easy to take notes and balance your coffee or soda. I have to say that most in attendance were pretty experienced anglers, but even the most experienced learned some pretty helpful hints from Randy.

He also had a couple of pages of handouts that you could take notes on. But I would strongly urge anyone going to bring an 8 1/2 by 11 lined pad and something to write with, since it would be impossible to remember all the details that he covered without some good notes. I ended up taking about 17 pages of notes! I won't even attempt to review everything he said, but some of the kinds of things he covered were the following:
1. Types of rods, reels and tackle for our area. He is a big fan of Shimano reels, Falcon and All-star rods, and PowerPro line. He also explained how to pick a rod including size and number of eyes, and flexibility and action.

2. Lots of good suggestions about the types and brands of lead-head jigs, style, brand, and color of tails, and topwater plugs that he has found to be successful for this area.

3. How to care and maintain your tackle so it will last indefinitely. Also what type of lubricant sprays to use on both tackle and outboards.

4. Length, type, and test of leaders, and his favorite knots for linking to your line, as well as attaching and/or forming a loop on your jigs and plugs.

5. What I found especially helpful was how you should change your fishing style, and the size and type of terminal tackle with the season and temperature. Also where to look for fish during the winter--even Randy had to admit that this has been one of the least productive winters for him in recent memory. However, Scott said that this has been one of the best Januarys that he can remember because of all the warm spells.

6. He also had some good advice on how to drift fish successfully--seems like a no-brainer, but Randy had a few good tips to increase your catch rate.

7. He went over in detail the types and colors of spring and summer lures as opposed to winter lures and how he changes colors depending on the water visibility. Also some good tips on how best to organize your tackle box to find what your need quickly. He has lead jig-heads and grubs in one plastic slide-in box, feathers, jigs and spoons in a second, and topwater plugs in a third box. Also explained how he makes his own feathered jigs with fly-tying materials from the shop here in town.

8. Also good info on brands and styles of hooks. He is a big fan of circle hooks for some applications, but obviously not for all.

9. He also discussed how he uses the moon phases and tides to catch certain fishes, and how many days before and after new and full moons he has found to be best.

In summary then, give it a shot--if you don't learn something, you can at least meet some of the competition! His second seminar on Feb. 4th is already filled, but there is a third on Feb. 11 that still has some openings. Probably the best 20 bucks you will ever spend for almost three hours of good solid info.

Post by **Flats Rascal** » January 22nd, 2005, 10:29 am

Thanks for the report!

grabbinglimbs · Post by **grabbinglimbs** » January 24th, 2005, 1:26 pm

Thanks for the report. I am already signed up for the February 4th class. Since there are going to be tables I may take my laptop since I can type notes faster than I can write, plus if I write them they will be very hard to read

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How long did the class last? and how long did he give at the end for asking questions?

Post by **Apalach** » January 25th, 2005, 1:02 am

Good idea about the laptop-there will be plenty of room on the tables. But I don't know what the situation is with electrical outlets. The class lasted almost 3 hours, so that might be pushing your battery. Call Scott at Jerrys to check on this (and take an extension cord!). You might want to get there a bit early to find a seat near an outlet, if available. Actually Randy took questions all along the way, and also a fair number after the class was over when folks hung around talking to him. Great talk--you will enjoy it.
Dick

Sea Gurl · Post by **Sea Gurl** » January 25th, 2005, 3:17 pm

Apalach - you did a really good summary of Capt Peart's talk.

I also have my notes typed in Word if anyone would like me to e-mail to them. Or I could cut & paste to forum I guess.

Of course you couldn't write all that he said so it's NOT a substitute for not attending - it's definitely worth going. I identified with his style more than I have others I've heard.

Sea Gurl

After Jan 27 I won't be able to send until Feb 14 but will certainly do so on my return.