Bird

Keep fishing as top priority and everything else will follow 😁 Seriously, congrats on the marriage and welcome back.

Simply stay busy. My wife has always said that I'm hyper active, gotta be doing something..... she's right. This morning I waxed her car and vacuumed the downstairs and this afternoon, went to an elderly friends house " really old like 68 😂 kidding" and cut him a load of wood. I don't like sitting and doing nothing until evening. I have friends that are my age (64) that are declining rapidly from being a couch potato..... not good.

As a long follower of 2-stroke engines, don't think you can find a bad oil these days. Synthetic / dyno, doesn't matter much anymore.

I would definitely look at Lowe.

Maybe because it's geographic or I'm a miserable failure 😳 But for LM bass, I don't do well with water temps below 50. I caught 2 on a flat side crank a couple of years ago and threw a victory parade. Can we talk about 50* water ❓ Jigs Spinnerbaits Jerkbaits

I fish very clear water and overcast is much preferred. Steep shady banks can be fun on sunny days.

Well, there's definitely that 😂

After a loooong cold and windy winter I'm going out for the 1st time in 2025. 70's most of next week so will pick out the least windiest day. Certainly don't expect optimal water temps but just trolling around the lake casting and the anticipation of the 1st bite should restore sanity 😉

Everything I've ever lost happened on one trip. " Early 80's " We were floating the river in a Coleman Crawdad with plans of doing a campout, we had a lot of gear. My buddy and I both had to get low to go under a low water bridge where the current was strong. We came out to see a large root bed from a previous flood. It happened quick, front of boat rode right up the root bed and boat flipped end for end landing upside down. We lost sleeping bags, coolers, tackle boxes, cameras, flip phones, my coveted Shimano Bantams. We've done this float many times and were young and confident......but not prepared for this.

It was a couple of years ago. Was fishing a small remote lake in WV not known for big bass. It was April 2 with 52* water temp and was throwing a swim jig. Can't say it was a single fish but a crazy unexpected day.

Spinnerbait Jackall flickshake Jerkbait

I think that may compromise the hook set. Won't the hook slide all the way to the weight ❓ And possibly unseat the weight and you lose the whole works.

Been chewing tobacco for 50 years and never spit on a bait. HOWEVER ! I did spray baits down with WD-40 years ago when someone started that craze 😁

I only throw 6" Zoom lizard in cotton candy chartreuse. They work well in clear water TR and drop shot in the spring. Think I have one on a shaky head as well.

Are you Josh Jones ❓ Be honest !