Verse of the Day

[kdxdude]

"If your enemy is taking you to court, try hard to settle it on the way."

Luke 12:58

It is pretty common knowledge that I intended to be a lawyer. One of my college degrees is in political science. I have said many times that God saved me from being a lawyer. Praise God, He made me into a fisherman and let me make a living at a really super-fun job. Jesus knew long ago how messed up the legal system would become.
He knew the greed of man would turn the justice system into a money-bent paperchase. He knew about frivolous lawsuits and the desire of mankind to blame others. But He also gave us some great advice that doesn't cost us $500 per hour. Do we need to get rid of all the lawyers as Shakespeare suggested? Probably. Must we follow the advice of Jesus? Absolutely!

Tip: Sweep your rod when casting a Carolina rig.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith and this will give you patience.

James 1:2

Rubber frogs have been used for years around heavy grass and lily pads. The Snag-proof frog has been the most popular, but now Zoom and others make some great imitation frogs. The trend has also changed as to where to fish these baits. We now fish them everywhere--around docks, brush, rocks, stumps, logs, you name it! One thing remains the same, though: to be successful fishing a frog, you must be patient.
Does God want us to have real joy everywhere--in troubles, around hurtful people, off by ourselves? Yes, He does! God is a creator and He is continually at work in us creating someone better. It may not be easy to be full of joy during difficult times, but I can attest that it is worth it.

Tip: Experiment with new techniques when you are not under pressure to catch fish.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

"Those who want to do right more than anything else are happy, because God will fully satisfy them."

Matthew 5:6

It might be impossible to satisfy a largemouth bass. They can eat so much that they keep on feeding even when their bellies are bulging. Thank goodness they don't have to be hungry to strike a lure.
Being satisfied is something we all want. We desire to be satisfied with our families, marriages, jobs, friends, our churches, but complete satisfaction comes only from God. All else will leave us empty and wanting more. God's rule is that our desire must be to do what is right, and He will satisfy us because of that desire. Does this mean He will give us everything we think we need? I don't think so! It does mean that we will be satisfied with whatever we have.

Tip: A high-speed reel will allow you to slam a crankbait into underwater cover.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

A greedy person causes trouble, but the one who trusts in the LORD will succeed.

Proverbs 28:25

One of the best places to find a school of bass this time of year is on a ledge, creek channel, or point. Bass school on these spots to feed when shad get active. If you can get one bass to bite, the others often will get greedy and go into a feeding frenzy. Great for you, trouble for the bass.
Greed is difficult for most of us. There's a fuzzy line between greed and ambition. We all want success, and often success and greed are measured by what we have. I believe greed is actually measured by what it costs you, not by what you have. Greed is what you are willing to pay (or give up) to get what you want. God says that success comes from trusting Him. Oh, how simple!

Tip: Shad will get active on man-made lakes when current begins to flow.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

Haggai, the LORD's messenger gave the LORD's message to the people, saying, "The LORD says 'I am with you'."

Haggai 1:13

When we belong to Jesus, we never need to worry about being lost or being alone. In the deepest, darkest night or in our most desolate or trying situation, the Lord promises, "I am with you." It doesn't take long after you are saved to realize just how important and comforting God's presence really is.

Tip: Use a fire-tiger Hot Spot where muddy water mixes with clear water.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

Because you are precious to me, because I give you honor and love you.

Isaiah 43:4

If you are a beginning fisherman or if you are teaching someone to fish, don't dwell on what you are doing wrong. At the same time, be sure to learn from your mistakes. If there is a fisherman out there who doesn't make mistakes, I've never been in the boat with him or her.
God knows that we make mistakes in our relationships with Him and with others. He knows we sin even after we are saved. We know, however, that He loves us and that we are more than just important to Him--we are precious to Him. We all want to be loved. We want to be special to someone. How humbling and yet incredible it is to know that we are very special and loved so very much by the God of the universe. He said so Himself.

Tip: When willow bushes get flooded, break out your spinnerbaits, no matter what time of year.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

Jesus said to the woman, "Because you believed, you are saved from your sins. Go in peace."

Luke 7:50

When the bite gets really tough, what is the best tool you have? Whether you go to light-line and small finesse baits or your heaviest flippin' stick in the dense cover available, your best tool is . . . CONCENTRATION. You must really believe you will get a bite on the next cast.
Believing that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for your sins, and rose again to life and is living in Heaven now is the most important belief you will ever have. Concentrate on Him. You have a choice, and no one can make it for you---not your mom or dad, your spouse, or your preacher. This is between you and Jesus. Peace here on earth and peace forever in Heaven. Jesus paid the price and is holding out that nail-scarred hand; just take hold and believe.

Tip: Visualize how your lure is working under the water.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

When they tell evil lies about us, we speak nice words about them.

1 Corinthians 4:13

The changing of a season is always exciting for fishermen. The fall is particularly exciting because it leaves behind those dog days of summer. As we watch the water temperature drop we see our success ratio go up. The fall also brings the political season or, as some people call it, the lying season. I am shocked at how easily most people lie. It's like people think God has removed telling lies from His top ten list of sins. Today's verse really caught me by surprise, and I have had the chance to put it into practice several times recently. As you might suspect, the benefit has been to me. I cannot tell if my saying nice words has had any effect on the ones doing the lying, but it has given me some peace. Try it yourself and let me know.

Tip: Don't be afraid to cast deep and bring your bait shallow.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens.

Philippians 4:12

Most of the new breed of bass tournament fishermen operate under the belief that things will change every day. To be successful, you must learn to adapt with the changes. Start with a plan, but realize that the solution to each day's success is a moving target.
The Apostle Paul had the solution to happiness in everything--rich or poor, free or imprisoned, hungry or full, beaten or praised. He had learned the secret. That secret for Paul was Jesus. That secret is there for us, too. Paul got his strength from Jesus and knew that with Christ his joy was not in physical being or circumstance. His joy was Jesus himself. All else really pales in comparison, whether it is the most wonderful thing we can imagine or life's most dire circumstance.

Tip: Reeds close to the deeper water will produce bigger bass.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

"Ask and you will receive, so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy."

John 16:24

Why do we spend so much time helping others learn how to catch fish? Why are we so patient and understanding with our wives and kids in that teaching process? Why do we take a friend fishing who really doesn't know how to fish? We do these things so that those we love can experience the same joy in fishing that we do. That is exactly why Jesus is so willing to give to us. He is willing to give whatever it takes so we can experience the joy He has in Heaven. It is a joy that we cannot even comprehend--the fullest possible joy. He is also concerned about the daily joy we have in our short time here on earth. He filled His Bible with His word to make sure we can find that joy, no matter what.

Tip: Stop or pause a frog in any "hole" or "opening" in lily pads.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

"Rejoice and be glad, because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven."

Matthew 5:12

Happiness is a ten-pounder! Yes, indeed. In fact, for me, it doesn't need to be nearly that large to put a big smile on my face (and a pucker on my lips). I have heard so many fish stories and most end with . . . I finally caught that big fish, a fish of a lifetime.
What God has waiting for us should keep our bobber of happiness and joy floating high at all times. Jesus says it is a great reward, and He should know. He came from Heaven and is there right now waiting for us to show up. He told us this in advance so we would have something to really look forward to when times get tough. When your bobber starts to sink a little, set the hook and think about that reward that Jesus has waiting.

Tip: Troll points with a Hot Spot or deep-diving crankbait to locate fish.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

People who do what is right may have many problems, but the LORD solves them all.

Psalm 34:19

When I think back to the early days of tournament fishing for Chris and me, it seemed like life was a constant struggle--raising two babies, starting a career, paying bills, and playing in this new deal called bass tournaments. All the while, we were trying to develop a strong relationship with each other and with the God we both trusted so much. I never thought I would say it, but indeed, those were the "good old days." Now our struggles include several businesses with more than a hundred people working who need a regular paycheck. We deal with bankers, lawyers, customers, suppliers, sponsors, friends, and even a few enemies. Most people are really a blessing. The God who Chris and I trusted as teenage newlyweds is still right there solving our problems, one by one, and that trust is even greater now.

Tip: Bass normally suspend in cover and not on the bottom.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[brushhog]

praise GOD!!

 

[kdxdude]

"The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them."

Luke 19:10

How do you find a bass that weighs only a few pounds in a body of water that covers thousands of acres? You learn to go where that bass lives. Where did Jesus look to find sinners needing to be saved? He went where they lived. Praise God, He came looking for me. It is surprising to think Jesus would leave Heaven for any reason. It is even more astounding that He came here to be rejected, humiliated, beaten, and crucified just to pay the price for the sins He knew I would commit. Would you leave your home to pay for a murder someone else committted? Would you suffer beatings for lies you didn't tell? How about letting nails to be driven into your hands for adultery you had no part of? Well that is what Jesus did and a billion times more.

Tip: The older and trashier a boat dock is, the better it is for fishing.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

He will be your safety. He is full of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. Respect for the LORD is the greatest treasure.

Isaiah 33:6

Chris and I have beeen caught in many storms, many times, on many lakes. When I think back, we have outlived several cats with nine lives. Yes, we had some close calls and sure, we were scared, but our God has always been our safety. God is so awesome, and He deserves and commands our respect in every way possible. This respect is not for God's benefit, it is for ours. Only when we store up this respect can we partake in His salvation, His wisdom, and His knowledge. True wisdom and knowledge come only from God. Try adding a request for wisdom and knowledge to every prayer. Give God a chance to let these grow in you. As they do, your treasure chest of respect for God will become even fuller.

Tip: Picture in your mind how a bass is positioned on a piece of cover.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

Respecting the LORD and not being proud will bring you wealth, honor, and life.

Proverbs 22:4

We participate in many events for kids, and it is always a thrill to see a youngster catch a fish, especially if it is their first fish. They beam all over, and their mom and dad are so proud of them. So when does that accomplishment turn into pride, and why is pride bad? God says pride is bad and can rob us of so much He wants us to have. I believe pride comes when we think we are better than someone else. That is not God's way. Our example is Jesus. He served and honored others. He serves and honors you and me every day. We need to think of others as more important than ourselves. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we Christians would think of each other this way!

Tip: Big bass are lazy. Use big, slow-moving lures to catch these hawgs.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, making people happy and healthy.

Proverbs 16:24

One of the key things to remember about a brush pile is that the brush usually spreads farther down there than you think. After you have fished a brush pile--not before-- spend several minutes perusing the pile with your fish locator. See if you have any brush sticking out the side or maybe another good piece of brush close to the main pile.
Pleasant, kind, and happy-sounding words also go a lot farther than you can ever imagine. What would your words be if Jesus Himself walked into the room? I know my countenance would brighten in a heartbeat no matter how bad my day was or how big my problems seemed to be. Well, He is in the room right now.

Tip: Learn to read and interpret topographical maps.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

"Don't be afraid, because the LORD your God will be with you everywhere you go."

Joshua 1:9

During a tournament practice on Lake Russell in Georgia, Chris and I had caught several good bass up to seven pounds on a couple of bridge crossings. We caught these fish buzzin' a spinnerbait just a few inches below the surface. During the tournament this didn't work at all. I started slowing down my bait until I was literally crawling that spinnerbait along the bottom. Bang! The fish finally bit the bait. I caught a great limit every day. I didn't need to run all over the lake. The fish were there all along, and I just needed to adjust to them. Jesus is always right there with us, no matter what changes around us. We must not fear. God will provide and He is anxious to do so. We just might need to adjust our attitude a bit.

Tip: Fish both the outside and inside edges of weed beds.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

"The angels will throw the evil people into the blazing furnace, where people will cry and grind their teeth in pain."

Matthew 13:50

Homer Circle, the legendary outdoor writer, penned a prayer that ends with him asking to be judged big enough to keep. Ron Linder talks about being scooped up by the gentle net of God's grace. Every Christian should unquestionably understand that God practices "catch and keep"-- not "catch and release." Irrespective of what God is doing in your life or mine, the key reason to be saved is to keep from being thrown into hell. Heaven and hell are not states of mind, they are very real places. Heaven is as good as it could ever be, and hell is as bad as it gets. We each have an appointed time to die and leave this earth. We will spend eternity somewhere. I choose Heaven; I choose Jesus.

Tip: My favorite jig color is a black/blue/purple combination.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day

 

[kdxdude]

My God will use His wonderul riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need.

Philippians 4:19

Rocks and rock piles can be great places to fish, especially if you have a lake that has few rocks.
Lakes with rocks and rocky banks and ledges everywhere can be tough. In fact, on such lakes I concentrate on non-rocky cover like docks or wood. Those occasional rocky spots can really be hot spots. By the way, a Cordell Hot Spot is a super bait to fish on rocks.
There will always be rocky times in everyone's life. God knows this, and we might as well accept it. The key is that God knows exactly what we need to get through these times, and He has promised to supply what we need, even if it's not all that we want. Look back at some of your rockiest times and remember how God gave you exactly what you needed to make it across those rocks.

Tip: Have a worm ready to "follow up" missed strikes on topwater baits.

from Jimmy Houston's book, Catch of the Day