Topwaterspook

This is my first year using Megastrike. I agree. It seems to help me. At the very worst, it doesn't hurt anything.

Thanks, A-Jay. I am definitely anxious to meet everyone. This gives me a focal point on the horizon. I just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Kit and I went to see the oncologist today. He's content with my progress. I'm trying to stay active even though I have lost considerable weight and muscle. I can walk two miles at an easy pace. Last evening, after a Pirate's ballgame, we climbed eight flights of stairs in the parking garage. That winded me but also made me feel as if I'm maintaining some endurance. I'm still not permitted to lift much weight. I specifically asked about launching and fishing from my boat. That idea was quickly shot down. I am not allowed to draw my bow. I am allowed to mow grass on the tractor but not allowed to empty the bags. I must be thankful for the progress and not sidetracked by my limitations. (You may have realized by now that I have an impatient personality). The very best part of today was getting the okay to return to Mexico next year! The sixty three day chemotherapy treatments will resume next Friday. Once again, thanks for all your prayers and good wishes. They are very much needed and appreciated. Stitch

I saw a hook remover at Dick's. Supposedly it rotates the hook as you squeeze the handles. This enables the hook to be removed from the gullet with minimal damage. Has anyone used one of this type ? For a meager $9 it would be a good investment.

I may have to stock up on some Seguar Flouro. I took 20lb. Viscious floro the last trip down south and it was like a clockspring.

I went out for a while today and couldn't even buy a bite....LOL. That's what I get for feeling a little cocky.

The chilly nights and sunny days must have triggered the bass. Today, I initially tried some senkos to no avail. When the wind picked up I tied on a small spinnerbait. I ended up catching 27. There were none of any real size but it was fun! Hopefully the fishing will pick up for all of you as well.

Just a minor update to everyone. I'm trying to put on some weight in preparation for the next 3 rounds of chemo. It's difficult when there's no room for food. If I eat a little more than I'm able to, I'm in a lot of discomfort. Other than that, I'm feeling better. I'm still short on energy and endurance. That's frustrating. Yesterday Kit and I drove up to Erie to watch 3 granddaughters play soccer. It's the farthest we've been since this whole situation started. It turned out to be a considerably long day. Kit has kinda put the clamps on me. She's afraid I'm trying to do too much. Every now and then she reads me the riot act. Thank God for her. You all have a great day. Thanks again for all the prayers and good wishes. Stitch

Congradts. Great fish. I commend you for turning her back.

Taking into consideration recent circumstances, I may have to resort to a crossbow for archery hunting. The problem is that I have very little knowledge of them. Would you guys that have used them please enlighten me on what features I should look for? Thanks.

How often do you folks change out your fluorocarbon line? I've found my Berkley "Transition" has turned brittle. I have been treating it with KVD Line Conditioner. This line has only been used since early Spring. I guess I was expecting longer life than that. I'd appreciate comments and suggestions.

Maybe I'll be cleared for a March trip. Thanks to Dwight, pamplets are on the way. However it shakes out, good luck , Guys!!

Thanks, Dwight. No, Caylub, I couldn't retrieve it, hopefully it will drift to shore where some youngster will find it and put it to good use.

My "go to" is a medium running square billed crankbait in various colors.

I did something today that was just plain dumb. I went out and bought a few River2Sea crankbaits. I was anxious to try out the new colors so off to the dam I went. I had a crosslock snap tied on a rod my grandson had been using the other day. I snapped on one of the new baits and promptly caught three bass. I was mentally congradulating myself on the lure choice. Two casts later, my brand new bait arched gracefully out over the water. And my loose line slowly fell to the water. The whole gist is; I was too lazy to remove the snap and retie. Just a reminder to everyone, retie, retie, retie.......

Congradulations on your PB!! Hopefully there will be many more PBs as you continue to gain in experience and confidence.

We met with the oncologist and radiologist today. They have taken the radiation off the table for now. Apparently it would alter how the chemo works. Chemo is set to resume a month from today. the doctors said to try and add some weight back. I'm down a bit over twenty pounds as of today. Oh, I had some roast chicken, noodles and peas last evening. I don't remember them tasting that good before ...........Take good care , everyone. Stitch

I'd be PLENTY ticked, Jeff. I'd get some sort of satisfaction from BPS. Cabela's has some counter help in their closest store that leaves a lot to be desired. I don't know what criteria they use for hiring those folks.

In Pennsylvania you have to display your license, on your person, while you're fishing. I was stopped earlier this year but the officer was more lenient.

The last chest drain has been removed today. My diet has been somewhat upgraded. I had 1/2 a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch. The negative today is that, along with the remaining chemo treatments, I'm going to have radiation as well. I'm allowed to drive short distances. This will allow Kit to have more time for herself. I think she's about had enough "one on one" time with me for a while. My son-in-law took me and two grandchildren to a pond last evening. My 6yr. old granddaughter caught a mixed total of nine fish. It sure felt good getting to fish for a couple hours. I even have a minor case of "bass thumb". Take good care ,everyone. Stitch

The only thing that worked for me was hypnotism. That was 26 years ago. It still is the very best money I ever spent.

Today I get to try eating a soft scrambled egg. It sounds as good as a Porterhouse steak!

I don't know weather you're left handed or not, if you are......start casting with the right. I faced this situation last year it's tough but can be overcome. Since I'm now unable to snap my right wrist, I cast left handed and switch the reel to my right. Good luck.

I'd suggest starting with something other than Fluorocarbon.

All the drains are out but one. Dang thing looks like a grenade hanging from my starboard side. I was stripped of the others this morning. Kit picked me up and we started home. We stopped to get me a small, root beer milkshake. Oh was that good !! ............for about 15 minutes. I guess I won't do that again anytime soon. Since surgery, I've lost around 12 lbs. I'm homebound for a week, Not allowed to drive at all. All thanks to God, the doctors and nurses couldn't believe how well someone my age bounced back from this surgery. I believe all your prayers and well wishes for me are being answered. I'm about 1/3 of the way through this ordeal. Please keep us in your thoughts. You are all the very best. Stitch