What do you want in a seminar?

[Corey Bechtold]

The Thorne Bros Portable Mod GTG is approaching soon. That being said there have been plenty of seminar speakers like Genz, Brosdahl, Roach and others doing the same seminar over and over again. One thing they haven't done is ask what people would like to see, hear or try and learn.

What is it that you are looking for from a seminar?

Good fishing,

Corey Bechtold

[pushbutton]

Something...anything....that is technique/inforation orientated and not brand orientated. Yes, I get sponsorships and obligations, but above everything else.....keep it real!

[Corey Bechtold]

Have you ever been to any of my seminars? I try to be honest and give information that will help people catch fish and have fun!

Thanks for the idea!

Corey Bechtold

[pushbutton]

Yes,... not singling you or anyone in particular out. Just saying what I like ....you asked

[polarsusd81]

Yes Corey, great question. I wanna know all your hot spots and how you can Cole go out and hammer the big panfish consistently.

Now, back to reality. There are several topics that could be covered that I think you have a very good handle on. I have always enjoyed your seminars on plastics for panfish, you and Matt taught me how to use them and develop confidence in them. How to locate fish throughout the seasonal progressions, summer to fall, fall to winter, winter to deep freeze, late winter to last ice. Another one, how to teach your kid to outfish you, Cole is gonna be tearing up the tournament circuit if he ever decides to get into them.

[hawkeye43]

GPS spots would be great, you can send them to my email if you like.

[kensom]

Being a long time open water fisherman, but relatively new to ice fishing, I would be most interested in learning how to locate fish in a new lake. How do you determine where to drill your holes when you show up at a new lake with nothing but a map and maybe some DNR info? I have been to enough seminars about what jigs/rods/line/bait to use and how to use them but if there are no fish under the hole aint nothin gonna happen.

[hamms-scooter]

You could discribe things like the first thing you look for on gps to find the spot on the spot for those that don't really utilize their maps well. From there you have peoples attention and you can give your typical day out for whatever species you are after being crappie, big gills... I find seminars are fun but sometimes to light on good info things that you can't wait to run and try, they are alot of repeat info for the new angler. Not all but some. I still enjoy them.

[dfv87]

Discuss the differences in: Basic information and implemetation... I was just asked again this weekend by a friend (that doesn't fish much) where do you hook this minnow, head or tail? (It depends) I have other friends that think one jig is the same as another. (wrong) Small details at the point of attack are what get you a bite or at least one more than your buddy.

examples:

jigs: horizontal profile verticle, spoons , what they do differntly?

Minnows: when to use a whole minnow and what types of lures are best for a head?

Waxies Maggots: differnce and what upsides/downsides of each

Platics: the differnces on types of jigs ie: when to use a minnow imitation or when to use a jigging grub... and why

Line: Bobber vs dead stick...

Others????

Talk about those

[Corey Bechtold]

Unfortunately I haven't used minnows in a LONG time. It's pretty rare that I even use spikes or waxies. Only time I will buy spikes is if I know I'm going to fish for Bluegills on a new lake where they may be fussy. Otherwise I use mainly artificial.

I'll try and address these topics during my seminar at the Thorne Bros Portable Modification GTG.

As far as the GPS coordinates go... lol

Keep it coming people!

Later,

Corey Bechtold

[leech~~]

Something...anything....that is technique/inforation orientated and not brand orientated. Yes, I get sponsorships and obligations, but above everything else.....keep it real!

I agree greatly with pushbutton. Most turn into a sponsorship sales pitch. I understand that is really why they have them in the first place. Keep it on topic and intresting, show new things or don't have one since everyone has already heard the sales pitch on the old stuff. If people find something intresting with the product that they don't have then they will buy it, they really don't care who makes it.

[BrandonN]

I can't wait the Mod get together! Great to see everyone again to start talking ice fishing!

[Snake River King]

I will see you there Brandon! Lets talk some ice fishing dude!

[Bigslugger]

A seminar that I have always wanted to attend is one that breaks down a whole lake of why fish would be at a spot and better yet why they wouldn't be there at a given point in the ice season based off of mapping system knowledge.

I would like to see this done just by looking at a lake map, with no personal knowledge of the lake or tips.

[DTro]

If you are referring to the Thorne Bros event, then I think in this case especially with a seasoned crowd who is eager enough to attend an event when we are still months from ice the focus should be on what’s new for this year.    In other words most folks there are likely already pretty well versed in different techniques.    I think a better format would be to just call a spade a spade and say it’s a new product showcase and introduce all the new ice gadgets for this season. Then go over all the details and pricing.   That is what 95% of the people are wanting to see anyways.    I say, have a rep from each company introduce the new line of gear.    Maybe this kind of thing is reserved for the big show in St Paul, but at the very least, a sneak peak would definitely get people interested.   I don’t think people go to the Detroit Auto Show to attend a seminar by Joe Gearhead on tricks you can use to rotate your tires (which by the way would most certainly turn into Joe telling us how good his Craftsman lug wrench is).

 

I guess what I’m saying is that  I would be more excited to see the new things vs a presentation on the finer art of jiggling micro plastics or listening to every presenter stress the importance of early ice, staying mobile, or overusing clichés such as  “run and gun” and “swiss cheese”.

 

But face it, with the differing levels of fishing experience involved, you will never please everyone.  But since you asked….those are my thoughts

[Corey Bechtold]

Understood Darrin. New stuff is definitely exciting and this year we have a lot of them! Sometimes it pays to go over some of the techniques that are proven to catch fish. It helps remind us of things we could do to catch more fish. Last seminar I gave I was shocked to see some regulars (who could teach me a lot about fishing). They came to go over some tips I had and then talk about things that have worked for them and tweaks that help put more fish on the ice.

Someone mentioned "spots". Spots aren't going to help anyone catch more fish. "Patterns" are what you want to develop.

I'm liking all the talk going on in this thread. It will DEFINITELY help me with my seminar at the Thorne Bros GTG in a couple weeks.

Keep it coming people!

Corey Bechtold

[Chad Peterson]

The one thing that I feel is a plus at these seminars is the "pattern", and so much of a spot. The run down on patterns and also how they relate to lake structure. Normally anglers are crowd followers and they really need to understand lake structure and how the fish relate together. That is just a thought, because I really believe that is sometimes over looked.

[Fred_Bear]

Someone mentioned "spots". Spots aren't going to help anyone catch more fish. "Patterns" are what you want to develop

Then feel free to share some of your best "spots" with me, I'll be sure to report back as to how much is doesn't help me catch fish

[monstermoose78]

I am always interested in how people work their baits. I know it changes depending on the fish, but I see some people who work the bait very fast and other who hardly move the bait at all. Also how to work different baits ex. Live bait, just lures, and plastics. It seems that most of the people forget to show this and it is very important piece of the puzzle in my eyes.

[Corey Bechtold]

I'll do my best to help everyone during the seminar. I hear you about the "working" of the baits. I'll make note to go into detail about what to do with various baits.

Good fishing,

Corey Bechtold

[silverbulletguy]

Use of specific plastics and why? Each brand is a little different and has a different action. Why do you chose on over another? How do you determine which color you try first?

[arcticm1000]

Corey,

What time is your seminar?

[Corey Bechtold]

I am scheduled for 4:00. I believe all the prizes will be given out after my seminar is done so unfortunately everyone will have to listen to me babbling. Ha!

Good fishing,

Corey Bechtold

[LeDoctaire]

I listened today, and talked to you afterwards about Lake Francis. You gave us everything you promised, and then some. My son-in-law and I were very happy with what we heard from you. We fish very much like you do, so it all hit home. We were quite excited about coming today, and after he won the First StrikeMaster auger after Tony Roach spoke, we were ready for more fun! The display of mods was good, even in the rain. Thanks for being there. You helped make our day well worth remembering! Continued good fishing for you and your son.

[Corey Bechtold]

I'm glad you enjoyed the seminars. It's tough to put one together because we don't know the level of experience that anglers possess. Some information may have seemed pretty basic to some but new to others.

Some quick tips for your Strikemaster. I'd recommend using synthetic oil to mix your gas. Easier starting, less smoke and better performance. Also use the compression release valve to shut the engine off instead of the on/off switch.

Good luck,

Corey Bechtold