Bird

That would also be a person with no regard for human life. Imo I stay away from those type of people.

Me too, went today for 4 hrs throwing a swim bait and skirted jig on deep points.....nothing. But nice to be on the water.

I prefer braid over any other line but just can't get myself to run it straight for applications like Ned rigs or drop shot. Perhaps the fish don't care but I do. I use Powe pro and Viscous braids and Sunline Sniper as leader line only. Haven't used mono in many years.

Yep, and if anyone can knock off Baltimore.......Brady, Belichick.

As an avid football fan, a dynasty like that won't be repeated in my lifetime. That said, the Pat's actually look beatable especially if they have to travel to Baltimore. Defense great-offense lacking.

Most of my plastics are Z-man.......BUT, I'd rather throw my back out than throw a chatterbait bait, feels like my line is hung up in trolling motor.

This thread leads me to a question. Couldn't tell you how many times over the years a beaver swims up close to my boat and smacks his tail, happens a lot while night fishing and can be quite startling. You think this is an act of aggression ?

I've only managed 1 Largemouth over 9lbs and thought I hooked a big catfish as it stayed deep. Our local river produces many citation SM and surprisingly they've all stayed down until I got them to the boat. Back to the point though, A hefty LM ain't no slouch by any means and neither is a big Crappie. Lol

The wife and I are fishing Christmas eve......well she said she's sitting on the lake bench and read a book. The 24th is actually showing a spike in temps so gonna throw a jig for couple hours.

If I getting skunked I always turn to finesse, always.

17* this morning above you in VA. Going out Sunday afternoon, calling for mid 40's. I'm getting to old to fish in my boat in freezing temps. Lol Merry Christmas

This thread brings up my preferred method of fishing.....alone. I do however have several friends with bass boats that invite me quite often and I always have fun but my intensity level drops considerably when I'm sitting in the back jigging stumps that just had a fish pulled off it. Lol

Lol, blame it on the Minnesota winter.

For coverage---spinnerbait. For sitting---plastic worm.

Lmao, didn't realize you were 60.....I'm 59. Ok I have some catching to do.

Smallmouth are beautiful ain't they ?

d**n son, that's serious dedication. I'm retired and mtnbike every morning, 3 miles after coffee, rain or snow. Keep it up as the reward for being physically fit is paramount for overall health. I'm not you but close. Lol

Yes, they are compact once deflated, can throw them in your trunk, more durable than expected. Take a while to inflate and my biggest complaint......the floor is like moving on a cloud, no stability and you won't stand.

I would definitely start looking at fishing kayaks.....they keep progressing in design and are well within your stated budget. I have a Jonny boats bass 100 and don't miss my 18ft Skeeter at all.

Virginia is a Smallmouth heaven I guess as I catch several citations every year. White spinnerbaits and cotton candy Zoom lizards and there no trouble to catch......no experience needed with SM.

I prefer pre-spawn over any other time. They move up way sooner than one might think but can be lethargic. UNLESS you throw heavy jigs in there face. Lol

Wow, making me want to get out. Hmmm I saw a 40* day coming up next week.

Never put a bait on scale so was assuming 1/4 oz spinnerbait was 1/4 oz. Didn't realize that, thanks.

I have to echo what's been said, have always been pleased with the Fenwicks I've owned and still am. That said , look for a 7' med fast and at present, liking the Kastking Speed Demon pro rods, give them a look.

I use Speed Demon pro's, rods and reels.....good stuff.