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Was feeling poorly all day today. Got home from church and thought about fishing but just didnt feel up to it.About 45 min. before dark I couldnt take it any more and decided to fish off the dock. Caught some bream, a catfish, and caught some nice bait sized 'gills. And the end result was this 5 pound, 12 oz. fish. She was just a hair under 24 inch.

They wanted to try on my boots.

Looking out my back yard at daybreak.

Brasstown Bald, Ga In honor of Vetrans day

This is always a fun post. January through March were spent on the power plant lakes like usual, even more so with the cold winter we had this year. A homemade 1/8oz football shakyhead with a Zoom Magnum Finesse Worm in Redbug color was solid at the largemouth lake as usual, accounting for my largest bass of the year on January 2nd. A Strike King Rodent in watermelon/red flake on either a homemade brush shakyhead or swinging football head caught a lot of fish as well. When they were eating baitfish I did well on my trusty, and well worn, Redeye shad tungsten 2 tap in silver/black back. It was my first year fishing a Storm Smash Shad as well and the rainbow smelt #6 was a productive bait. I also caught a few, large individuals on a Savage Gear 185 Shine Glide in bone color. The jerkbait bite was off, but I had one good day with a KVD 300 in Sexy Shad. 7.43 shakyhead fish The Rodent on a brush shakyhead in the mouth of a 6.73, same day as the above fish. Shine Glide fish CHOKED KVD 300 jerkbait, fish was a little north of 6.5 pounds. Another Rodent fish, on a swing head this time. Early-mid April saw the jerkbait bite finally wake up. A Storm Twitch Stick caught a lot of fish for me to my surprise. Kind of fished it in nasty places and from shore, anticipating it's demise that would surely happen at some point, but it never happened and the thing just whacked them. Dumb pond fish sure, but it outproduced others I tried. A big winner for the year was the Duo Realis Rozante 77 in Neo Pearl. I caught so many fish on that little bait (and continue to), I wish I had tried it sooner. A Duo 120 in Purple Mist was a good bait for me also. Twitch Stick fish that was stupid fat. A 3 1/4lb smallmouth that choked the Rozante Fatty on the Purple Mist 120, this fish actually had a trout tail sticking out it's throat. Late April into May spring finally decided to show up, and then summer immediately followed. A black and blue, or grasshopper homemade flipping jig was good for then and both remained that way throughout the year. Another big player for me throughout the year was a War Eagle gold double hammered willowleaf 1/2oz spinnerbait with a chartreuse pearl YUM split tail trailer. I wore 2 of them out this year I caught so many fish on them. A YUM Bad Momma was bedding bass bait of choice this spring. That was just the bait that seemed to really fire them up. The first topwater bite started in May and another major contributor started producing, a Paycheck Baits Repoman. A 1/8oz slider head with a Croc-O-Gator Ring Craw in green pumpkin/orange flake did what it always does every spring and had a couple days when it caught a bunch of really nice fish. The big jerkbait bite fired up and the new Jackall Rerange 130 was just what they wanted. Grasshopper jig 5.74 on a the War Eagle 5.80 bed fish on the Bad Momma, big bass of the tournament. Paycheck Repoman fish Jackall Rerange 6.63 on the Ring Craw Summer was tough and also divided a lot between bass and time I spent in a multispecies kayak challenge. The Savage Gear Fruck was an interesting bait that proved it wasn't just a gimmick. A Booyah Popping Pad Crasher was a steady producer of solid fish. The Big Bite Baits Yomomma caught lots of fish like it has the last few years. Probably the most consistent bait was a solid black Strike King Ocho, either weight T rigged or wacky rigged. Had some good days on a homemade bladed jig in Code Blue color, and also got outside my comfort zone and caught some fish on a Strike King 6XD and the new Bandit Rackit. The new smaller size YUM Pulse swimbait was a solid bait for me also. Frucked Code Blue bladed jig Skinny 6XD fish Black Ocho jungle bass August saw a resurgence of the Rozante. A jerkbait bite in hot water is something I've never been able to achieve consistently. Maybe it was something going on in the lakes, but I really think it was this bait. Smallmouth, largemouth, walleye, crappie, white bass, wipers, drum, catfish, gar, everything ate it. The Whopper Plopper 75 was good for me also. 75 Plopper stud smallie September into October was pretty wide open with everything working. The homemade flipping jigs were really good again. I had one really good day with a Booyah Melee. The Rozante just kept on catching, and the War Eagle came back big time. My homemade bladed jigs really started working double time also, both sexy momma and code blue colors. Booyah Melee Grasshopper jig in a 5 3/4 pounders mouth Swallowed War Eagle Homemade bladed jig, sexy momma

One of the coldest days I have ever fished! Wind was blowing 20 and gusting to at least 40 at times, air temps in the 30s. New PB for the year @7.3lbs, she was only 21.25" long, super chunky fish. Catching a big fish on a big bait is a heck of a time! Hoping to find a couple half her size tomorrow.

After several setbacks over the course of a couple years I finally got to pull the trigger and upgrade boats! Originally the plan was a brand new boat this spring, but kind of counted my chickens before they hatched and didn't get the job that would have allowed me the extra income to get one. I've been searching for a couple months now and didn't find anything I liked or wanted in my price range. I found a Tracker in Kalamazoo at KVD's brother's store. The price was towards the top of my budget, it didn't have any graphs, and no cover, so there would only be money left over for a cover. So I debated for a week and as a Hail Mary I got on CL one last time and expanded my search radius a little further and said "if I don't find anything it's meant to be I get the Tracker". So I hit search scroll through and find the one! A nice G3 Eagle 175, 50 hp Yamaha, Helix 5 DI at the bow, and a Helix 7 SI G2N. The boat is in excellent condition with only a minor 3" tear in the seat. The price was below budget which is always nice, but it was in Indiana. I was able to talk him down $500 and he agreed to drive to the state line. I talked to my brother and he agreed to pick it up since he isn't too far away from the state line. He met the guy, checked the boat and outboard out (thankfully he works at a marina part time so I trust him) all was good. After waiting forever today I hear from him and he's able to meet up with me. It was getting dark so I left it covered for the night, I'll post more pics Sunday. Now begins the long 5 month wait before I can even get it in the water. Oh well, time will go by fast.

Went out on Saturday again since I already filled my deer tag, and taking a week off before going after my elk. It was 29 degrees outside and snowing. Water temp was in the low 40s around the entire pond. So you can imagine how suprised I was when I found big females feeding up in 1 foot of water and aggressively taking my jerkbait. Also ended up with this bonus rainbow Quite possibly one of the best Novembers I've ever had fishing.

Lots of ailments people have but I think the one common one for most is arthritis. But I think help is on the way. The huge bubble of baby boomers is driving the need to find better treatments. The next wave appears to be using your own stem cells to treat arthritis. Watched my father-in-law have a knee replacement 5 years ago and then say afterward he’d never have it done again. When the other knee went bad, he had the injection with his own stem cells. It regrows the cartilage so you’re no longer bone on bone. Arthritis is gone. He’s 81 now and is golfing 4 days a week, and frequently shoots under his age. Before the stem cell injection he couldn’t even walk to the mailbox. I’m sure it’s not perfect or for everyone, but I have a feeling this treatment will become more common in years to come. After 5 wrist surgeries and the onset of arthritis beginning for me... I’ll be ready in a few years ? FYI - If anyone watches the program “Hook n’ Look” the show’s host Kim Stricker had this done on his knee, and features the physician who did the procedure as one of his sponsors.

Boats and Trucks Depreciate and there is no financial return on investment....but in life we only live once and not everything we purchase gains equity. I think the first factor to consider is: What is the ultimate goal of owning a boat ? Is it to pursue a career as a tournament pro ? To just pursue a hobby ? To emulate the pros? To become a fishing guide ? Pleasure boating ? Or is it a status thing ? Decide first why you want a boat and then determine what you can afford based on current income minus fixed costs like utility bills, mortgage, taxes, phone bill, food, clothing etc etc ....only you know what you are comfortable with paying.

My latest caught a couple this size, stopped at a small Creek on my way home from graveyard shift, picked these up with a zoom fluke

Tucker & Fenway on their trail run today in preparation of Sled Season. A-Jay

11.34 10.1 8.9 8.6 7.7 Mike

Last fool, um...I mean boat off the water yesterday ?

You'll have to answer some questions, that only you will know the answers for based on your situation. Do you own a home? When is the wedding, going on a honeymoon? Kids or plans to have kids? The above questions are often related to costly expenses in the future. What type of tow vehicle do you have? How far and how often will you be towing the boat? Where will you store the boat? Boats are not the only expense, towing and storing can add to additional costs.

Barely covers the ground and this will be major news in SW Oklahoma.

After seemingly endless days of heat and humidity or rain today was a beautiful day. The temperature was in the low 60's with a slight breeze, perfect for a light flannel shirt, jeans, and a little bank fishing. After breaking my slump yesterday I was at a new spot and working the T-rigged Senko. I was working a narrow cove that opened out to some deeper water where the local fishing club had previously dumped Christmas trees near the point entering the cove. It's usually a decent spot to fish but I was having no luck working the bait so I decided to cast and dead stick it for a while. Ten seconds later my line starts moving so I reel down and get ready to set the hook. But I didn't feel the telltale wriggling movements of a fish swimming off with the bait. I was pretty sure it was a turtle, so I reeled gently instead of setting the hook. The line went limp as I reeled it in, but when I pulled it out of the water my Senko was no longer Texas rigged. Something - the turtle - had snipped my Senko near the tie off and I now had a wacky rigged Senko. I figured "what the heck" and tossed my newly set up wacky rig and wouldn't you know it - on that first cast I landed my first fish of the day. It was a dink, but it was a start. It turned out to be a decent day (especially after slumping for a while) although everything I caught was under two pounds. But I'll take it. I rarely throw a wacky rig, but thanks to that turtle I threw it today and it produced.

Perhaps but you can not go wrong investing in yourself. Those rewards can not be purchased at any price. A-Jay

I know people who spend more than that on cigarettes every month.

I’m sure deep down you know what you can afford. Also you do only live once, if you have the means for a boat and want one get one. Come up with a budget you can honestly afford and go for it. I think sticking to the budget once you start looking will be the hard part. Bottom line you work hard for your money, do things you enjoy with it. No one ever said on their death bed I wish I worked more and saved more money.

A-Jay

Paid cash for a 16ft tin boat, new decking, 24v trolling motor, new impeller in outboard, and I wear them out! Im a river rat for sure, but can go anywhere I want, pond, lake, or river, and fish the occasional tourney In it for about 3k so far, no regrets. I could afford payments on a big fancy fiberglass boat, but I do just fine with my tin one. To each his own.

Having a boat is not bad. Having boat payments (or repair bills) that strain your finances is. My policy is: Save money, pay cash, don't go into debt for a hobby. Probably why I'll always fish out of slow, small tin boats...but so be it. I do alright.

Your post and picture got me thinking....do we (sportsman) have screws loose? Thinks about it, we sit in trees to the extent of almost certain death from freezing to death HOPING a deer walks by. Then in the summer we sit in a boat on the middle of the lake and slowly cook ourselves HOPING a fish that we're going to let go bites.

Caught a bunch of fish in the morning, went and tried to freeze to death in a tree in the afternoon. No deer, but watched a bunch of wood ducks fly into my pond 30 yards away, that was pretty cool.

A-Jay

As another open water season wraps up, I enjoy looking back through my logs, reports & pics to see how it all shook out. Now I’ll admit that at this point in my angling life, I might not always use the presentation that may be best suited for the conditions I fish. Rather, I like to catch fish on what I like to catch fish on. So some of this best bait stuff could be more like – favorite baits that caught fish. Either way here is it; I’ll break it down by seasons. And please feel free to add your own selections to this thread should the mood strike you. May – June Baits Ice out was late this year first week of May in fact. But the jerkbait still play this whole time. The SK KVD 300 & 300 Deep as well as the Megabass ITO Vision 110 and the 110+1 were again very good. As well as the Megabass Ito Vision 110 FX Tour Premium; especially where & when I was looking for extra casting distance. Once I had worked an area over with the hard baits, a drop shot often would pick up a few extra bites for me. A nose hooked 4 inch SK Caffeine Shad was the best bait here for me early season. And I rarely ‘did’ anything with it. Just get it around the smallies and they’d eat it. On a few of the larger & especially deeper lakes, where a jerkbait could not reach them, the Duo Realis G-Fix Vibration Tungsten Lippless bait – fished like a Blade Bait, is a great early (and late) season ‘search bait’ for me. I can effectively cover quite a bit of water at various depths looking for active fish. Love this one. Honorable mention goes to the Z Man TRD – Ned Rig Deal as well as the OutKast Feider Fly Hair Jig. Both saved more than one early season trip for me when the bite was tough. July – August Baits Admittedly this ‘summer’ I did not have a ton of days on the water. Life happens and that’s just how it worked out. This is a time when I’m often on the water after dark as well as the traditional early morning trips. But this summer only saw a handful of both. At Night - I’m a single hook bait kind of guy. So a Jig & Craw, Spinnerbaits, & vibrating jigs do most of my nocturnal heavy lifting. Specifically, ½ SK DB Structure jig or a (can't say the name - pm me ) Flip N Swim jig with a SK Rage Lobster or Eeliminator trailer, a ½ oz SK Greg Hackney Heavy Cover Spinnerbait (changed to an Oklahoma blade) and either a SK Rage Blade or once I got a few, the Z-Man Jackhammer. Trailers for the moving baits at night are often a small swimbait or the Yamamato Zako. For day time ops, this summer saw me fishing a SK Rage Swimmer and for the first time the Keitech Impact Fat Swimbait. Both on a 3/8 Owner Ultrahead Football head Jig. These were productive for me when swam right along or dragged on the bottom – really like the Keitech (except for the price). As the August calendar page came down, the fishing REALLY picked up. So did my time on the water. Spinnerbaits, Topwater Walkers & Poppers and the Umbrella rig were killing it – and on some plus sized smallmouth bass. Kept throwing the Whopper Plopper btw- just not getting bites with it yet. Until it’s untimely theft by a big pike – the Paycheck Baits Repo Man walking bait was The Walking Bait for me; accounting for several 5+ lb smallies. Since then it’s been replaced fairly effectively by the SK Sexy Dawg and the River2Sea Rover. The Megabass Pop Max is The Only Popper I throw any more – Just super effective including taking a smallie over 6 this season. The SK Burner Spinner bait has again proven it’s worth in my box as well as both the ½ & ¾ oz Biovex Stangun Spinnerbait. And for the first time for me, the SK short arm Titanium Umberlla rig did some real damage. I used the 4 & 5 inch SK Swim N Shiners on 1/8 & ¼ VMC Boxer Jig head (has a really great hook). September – October September has traditionally been a fantastic time for both number & size on smallies. Not this year. The spinnerbaits I’ve mentioned above produced well as did the Vibrating bait. But this is where the SK RES and the SK Squarebill baits really come into their own. Never Happened and I have no explanation as to why very few fish on my waters came up (and more importantly Stayed) shallow long enough for this bite to materialize. Which is a bummer because when that’s a thing - it’s one heck of a fun day of fishing. Finally the number ONE producer for me on both numbers & size of smallies for these two months has been the SK Rage Bug on a swing head and second place here is not close (like on another planet). During this period I probably fished this at least 75 % of the time and accounted for that same percentage of fish. Might have been the way the season shook out with the fast cooling colored from the all the rain water – can’t say. Just know I went through some 4/0 ewg hooks & a ton of bugz. Loved every minute of it though. November & December Although we’re not quite there yet – it won’t be long. And if I can get out I most certainly will. Bass fishing opportunity these last two months before hard water, really starts to get super weather dependent and often dwindles quite a bit in numbers. Blustery Cold North winds and waves too big to fish in are very common. When I can get out, a blade bait and a heavy lippless rattle bait fished like a blade bait are just about all I’ll throw once the water gets to the low 40’s and below. The 5/8 & 3/4 oz Silver Buddy – in both silver and Gold, get it done. And the Duo Realis G-Fix Virbating bait (again fished like a blade bait) see’s a ton of action and just flat out catches. Many times smallies will slurp these bait up as they lay motionless on the bottom between small hops. That’s my story and I’m stick’in to it. A-Jay

Caught my new PB Smallie a few weeks ago from my kayak. 22" 5.5lbs. Crushed my previous PB of 16". Yes I used a scale and didnt guess the weight and the fish was released to be caught again. I caught her on a white chatterbait with a small white swimbait trailer. I was sitting up shallow casting into a deep point and slow rolling the chatterbait up the point. I guesstimate she was sitting in 25 feet of water. https://i.imgur.com/GkLrnPL.jpg https://i.imgur.com/H2Tvmqj.jpg She also bent the hell out of my hook. https://i.imgur.com/TPeH7UU.jpg

Here's a view looking out the back at Mud Creek Lodge, one of six properties owned by the Douglaston Salmon Run. It's a short drive from there to a DSR parking area and river access. It was great fishing weather during our time at the river, October 22 - 26: mostly cloudy, a few hours of sun, a few of rain. Calm conditions to moderately breezy. Air temps ranged from just below freezing to the low 50ºs. Water temps were in the mid to high 40ºs. L - R: Aaron Muller, Aaron Holmes and Don Muller form a receiving line to greet steelhead coming in from Lake Ontario. They're dead drifting, (bottom bouncing or high sticking if you prefer these terms), egg pattern flies, size 10, 2X strong. If a fish blew the pool we'd cautiously chase it into the stretch you see in the photo. Understand that a steelhead of any size, say 5 lbs. and up, is gonna go wherever it feels like going. These fish are the fastest in freshwater and also the most unpredictable. A good example from this year's trip is the one that, immediately after the hookset, thrashed the surface and then went . . . where? Reeling quickly, I caught up with it as it headed upstream between me and the bank. It then zipped 360º around me and continued its upstream journey. Truly an astonishing maneuver which I followed awkwardly, negotiating the rocky bottom in cleated boots. Let's look at a few fish now: Cold-looking Don holds a steelhead recently arrived from the big lake. The chrome coloration changes to rainbow trout with time in the river. They're at their peak of power and speed now. This drops off as the river gets colder. On a December trip a few years back, a veteran steelheader referred to their behavior as "lethargic," which still breaks me up. Lethargic compared only to their chrome capabilities! A smiling Aaron Muller displays this chunky fish for a photo op. Aaron had a difficult week due to tackle problems but kept at it. Good thing for the steelhead he wasn't his usual dangerous self. Aaron Holmes, the first Aaron's fishing buddy since college days, came all the way from Seattle. Thoughts of steelhead took over his brain (as they do to all fishermen who've had one on) on his first trip in 2011. I'm waiting for a photo of Holmes' best-of-trip, a 15 lber. "Pleased to meet you!" said I. Don't mean to disparage the medium sized steelies I brought to net, but I couldn't beat a big one on this trip. There was one that weighed in the mid teens that taunted me by clearing the water - twice! - right in front of me then turned around, sped downstream, and broke me off. Aargh. Let's talk about other species that swim in the Salmon River. Don holds a fine specimen of a domestic rainbow, a close relative of the steelhead. However, the 'bow is a homebody - it lives its entire life in the river, never venturing out into Lake Ontario. Don's next fish was a brown of about 9 lbs. that was so lively it wouldn't keep still for a picture. Take my word, it was a beautiful, plump brown as they are in these parts. It was an unusual year for salmon. In the past we've seen a number of "zombies" - dark, decaying creatures at the end of their life cycle. Six or seven years ago I landed a "green" salmon over 20 lbs. which is a king that's colored up but not yet decaying. This year we got into quite a few "fresh" salmon. These fish were golden brown colored, spotted, and too big and powerful for our steelhead gear. We did have a better chance of stopping one of these monsters than a freight train but . . . To summarize: We hit it just right this year. River flow was 335 cfs which is what we prefer. The weather was great. And the crazed chromers kept us busy! The deposit has been made for next year's trip. Will Wetline

Not re-visiting 2017 but . . 2018 Season Domestic Brown Bass ~ 6-4, 6-3, 6-0, 5-14, & 5-14 = 30 lbs - 3 oz 2018 International Green Bass ~ 11.30, 10.22, 10.14, 9.83, & 9.28 = 50 lbs 12.3 ounces (All caught in a 5 day span) That was fun. A-Jay

At this points the decisions been made for me. Our 'lake effect' snow showers on & off all weekend pretty much did it. Bet we're up to at least 6 inch on the grassy areas now - and it's going to just keep coming, and coming, and coming and coming,and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming, and coming. Sorry, guess I lost it there for a bit . . . I'm better now. A-Jay

First day I fished this year was -2 when we launched and made it all the way to 22 for a high. Caught 2 of my biggest bass of the year that day though, so I keep subjecting myself to it.

For me.... April/May was all about jigs, both hybrid with craw trailers and swim with paddletails. Far and away top bait. June was still jigs, and add in spinnerbaits and topwater,,,,,,frogs and poppers July/Ausust..........slow..............but topwater and deep cranksbaits September was spinnerbaits and pasddletails on underspins October was all about the crankbait, mainly squarebills by far,,,the 4-7 foot diving cranks November was jerkbaits........this includes last week when I caught 12 bass in 46 degree water in two hours, the smallest was 16 inches, the biggest was 20 3/4. All but three were over 18 inches. By far my best day numbers/size wise of the year.

Sadly again this is a case of getting the lightest reel possible when on a rod of that power and lenght, you would want something with a bit more mass. Getting a super finesse reel for a lenghty all around rod seems very odd to me. I have a 7'4 champion XP paired with an older zillion SHLA, and a SC extreme with an antares (both heavy reels) but balance is perfect. If you want a combo that you'll enjoy get something that balances the rod better than just getting a light reel.

Sounds like your very cautious....which is good...if you can wait a year make payments to a special acct for your boat and see where you end up. At least the payments will be lower. I've had a boat for over 45 years of one type or another and have tried to get rid of one when times were a little tight. My wife of 45 plus years would have nothing to do with selling the boat. She says you use it ... you love it and look at the fun you've had with the kids and now the grand kids. Tomorrow is a gift not to be taken for granted.....good luck.

Distance & accuracy are like peanut butter & jelly...they go together! It doesn’t matter if you’re flipping 20’ away or casting 30 yds away, ya need to be able to hit your intended targets. How accurate do we need to be? Aint no answer to that question! We’re flipping, pitching, or casting to where “WE” believe the bass are holding. Y’all gonna tell me ya ain’t never totally & completely missed your target & still got bit? Some fish I gotta hit em on the head to get bit & the next one I see the wake coming from 10 yds away.

A hobby doesn't provide a $ return like an investment. It's a life expense that comes with doing things that give you pleasure or relaxation. The two jon boats I owned over a 25 year period cost me no more than $2,000.00 to purchase but provided me countless hours of stress relief and pleasure. Upon retirement I bought the boat I wanted as a gift to myself. Your granddad lived through hard times and rose above them, financial security being his top priority. I'm not going to advocate buying a boat that may stress your finances (sometimes we use a best case scenario to justify our wants). Why not start simple and progress as you can?

I know - I was just busting your chops ! (sorry) My advice is to stop sweating it - Buying a boat (or anything else) is simply a matter of knowing what you can afford. And by that I mean once that $$ is expended, you still have plenty to live the way you want, still have disposable reserve funds to address the unexpected as well as being able to still slip some $$ in savings. That's my version anyway - yours may be something else. Whatever it is you need to first know what it is and then be solid on what you want to do and how you want to go about it. Then it's just a matter to taking care of business. Honesty and intestinal fortitude will always be helpful. And if nothing else look at all the free advice & help you can get here from all these strangers - few if any have you ever met . . . . A-Jay

Pay cash vs finance; age old question. May be as much a matter of personal preference as it is one's financial position. Some like no payments, some making payments. Some like pre-owned, some like new with a warranty. May be No right or wrong here as long as you & yours are willing to endure the results of whatever decision is made. First time boat shoppers can be caught off guard by $$$ required to get into a boat. The term 'expensive' is often used. For me, 'expensive' (on anything) usually means I can't afford it. When attempting to determine a budget for your boat - perhaps put away whatever amount you feel you'd like to spend each month while you're looking and see how it goes. If it remains unspent, you could be golden. If you end up 'needing' to expend some or all of those funds, might mean at least at this point, the boat's 'expensive'. Finally, "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten". Good Luck with your decision. A-Jay

She doesn’t mind honestly. Said as long as I can afford it then go for it. She’s pretty supportive

Here is my opinion , run the idea past your fiancé first : )

Somewhere, at the other end of this track, is what I’m looking for. After 8 hours of trecking through the bush, I did not find the end of it. Oh well, I still have a few days next week to find him.

One can never be too careful can they ? A-Jay

Tough conditions down the cape today for sure. Got a handful of small keepers and one good bite in the afternoon. Hit a spinnerbait up fairly shallow. Water temps were 52-54.5, wind picked up very stiff out of the west mid morning and got worse as the afternoon went on. Just shy of 4.5 lbs at only 18.5”. Healthy fish for sure. there was a tournament pulling out the same time as me. Looked like a tough day for most guys but one team had 3 largemouth over 5lbs including a 7.6 - Pretty impressive haul of largemouth for this time of year no doubt. The guy caught them so deep that he had to fizz them to release em. Would love to know where and what he was doing, keeps me coming back trying to figure it out.

It's a boy!!!! My Mercury just gave birth to a 6hp baby boy. Mom and child are both doing well and are anxious to get back out on the water

Even with my years of experience I still try to practice casting, pitching, & flipping evey day even if it's just for 15 minutes. I have an obstacle course of sorts that has targets at various distances.

Here is MAGS. The estimated 10-11 year old giant that has been fooling hunters around me for the last decade. Unfortunately someone hit him with their car. Below is a shed from 5-6 years ago. I seen him that year and nearly put my truck in a ditch because I couldnt take my eyes off of him. I couldn't imagine what he looked like just a few days ago. The IDNR scored him at 214"

I figured I would share too because I asked others too.This deer is what I would consider my special deer. My dad, buddy, and I had planned to head down to our farm to hunt on a Thursday night with plans to hunt the rest of the weekend. Well my Dad had to head down early because his father had fallen into poor health. We made it out Friday morning and my dad decided to hunt close to the Vehicle in case he had to leave. I was sitting in a spot where I could see him and not long into the sit, I saw my dad get out of the blind and head out. I knew that bad news was headed my way. His dad and my grandfather had passed away that Friday morning. He trooped out the next morning (I think it was a way for him to get away from it all) and shot a decent little buck. I continued to hunt and Sunday morning I rattled this guy to me. I ended up making a good shot and we found the deer a few hours later. I believe my Grandpa was watching over his farm that weekend, and helped my dad and I out.

Not my harvest but a big one I heard about today!