Bird

Not sure if I'm on topic or " knot " but another benefit to a FC leader is when you experience a snag......the leader will always break so your not pulling your boat under the surface trying to snap braid or cutting unnecessary lengths.

The wife and I were eating out on a deck over a big pond in Alabama watching alligators being fed.....they actually fled the scene when the GIANT alligator snappers showed up, they look intimidating.

I wished the big ones shared the same tenacity. Lol I've often caught bass, crappie and bluegill smaller than my bait and always get a laugh.

With all that you've mentioned, technological advances such as our fish finders, videos, fishing equipment and tackle options, younger anglers have the advantage. Imo The one advantage us old guys had was minimal fishing pressure or lake activity years ago as there were no jet skis and simply not much boat activity at all. Fishing has become a VERY popular past time for good reason so we're always looking for a presentation the fish hasn't seen to increase success rate.

Fished in southern Alabama for years while visiting in laws.....Gators never once presented a concern. We actually shew away the ones being fed by paid tour guides so we could cast. Bugs were the only issue we had. Lol

I direct tie everything so re-tieing is often. I've had no issues with polamar and Sunline but only ever use FC as leader material, Alberto for leader. I think leaving a nice tab when using FC and polamar, I leave 1/2" or more. If you don't like braid, I'd recommend a good mono over fluorocarbon for a reel fill. I don't use leaders for any top water applications but will admit......straight braid will grab a front treble occasionally.

Hmmm, I've been a diehard Roboworm thrower. I'll give em' a try.

We had a very hot and dry summer and fish were lethargic. As the water temps started dropping with cool rains this month, fish activity increased. I've been out a lot in October and catching better fish. April-May-October....my favorite months to Fish for quality around these parts.

Smallmouth are legendarily beautiful fish.

Worms always bail me out when fish aren't hitting......maybe try drop shot. Braid is great stuff, casts, sensitive, but if the water you fish is clear than you may want to consider a fluorocarbon leader. I like 15lb powerpro to 8lb Sunline snyper with Alberto knot, works great for the clear water lakes I fish for slow moving baits. Keep casting.

Ok.....I do pull and stretch on a Z-MAN ElazTech but it's not out of hand.

I have 2 feelfree boats, Moken 10 and Jonny boat with motor pod.....both well made.

Beautiful fish....thanks for sharing.

I don't particularly care to do anything outside in high winds, especially at my age. Sold the bass boat and went to a fishing Yak and let me tell you.....that things is a kite on the water. Little rain is good.

50's - 60's here in VA and been catching LM on spinnerbaits, jigs, buzzbaits and drop shots. In the lakes that I fish a lot they're holding on points leading to coves. Smallies are smashing baits on the river as well.

I catch more and better fish in October than any summer month.

I've caught bass at night on jitterbug, buzzbait and Colorado blade spinnerbait......lots of fun and big fish can be had. I don't night fish any longer as I'm an evening drinker, the two don't mix.

Lol, I actually prefer the characteristics of braid over anything. Clear water, I'll use a FC leader.

VA is a great fishing state. Start simple by throwing top water early " I like buzzbaits " and throw spinnerbaits around stumps and blow downs. Plastic worms always puts fish in the boat anytime.....natural colors in clear water , dark colors in stained water. If your local lake is clear than consider a fluorocarbon leader.

Glad you found comfort in something you love doing. Troubles come and go and fishing is always an excellent way to recoup.

I've heard many " frost " inquiries over the years. Deer won't eat acorns until a frost. Chiggers won't go away until a frost. Squirrels have warbles until a frost. But haven't heard frost in relation to fish bite but it's relationship to dropping water temps does make sense. Remember though......dads always right.

Most SOT kayaks are self draining and with a little practice, can be remounted in deep water. The wife and I canoed for many years in a 14ft Madriver and finally sold it this year. We simply are to old to load and unload the beast, mainly flipping it on the roof. And yes we did flip it 3 times on a river float and let me tell you, it scoops a ton of water. I'd opt for his and her SOT kayaks which would allow you to outfit your boat for fishing and easier to handle when solo. During the summer months, I simply drag the wife behind me on a float tube while I'm fishing......hand her a book and she's good. I have a Jonny Bass 100 with trolling motor.

With all that said, which I 100% agree, Threw most of that today and ended up catching every single fish "9" on drop shot Roboworm.....2 good fish of 4 1/2 lbs. So finesse works year round also.

Wow ! Now that's 30 minutes of action. Plus , you can catch them upside down. Lol

Braid + sunline sniper + Alberto = fish.