Kirtley Howe

bubble gum pink.....especially for spawning bass. and on drop shots in stained water. No idea why it works. I am not even sure what color the bass think it is. I started using the color because it was easy for ME to see.

Miracles can happen. We are praying for you.

I use the original Rapala lures a lot. You can work them on the surface, crank them in like a crankbait, or add a bit of weight (suspend dots, lead wire on the hooks, or a split shot on the line) and use them as a jerkbait. But, a Rapala Husky Jerk works better for any underwater use.

I use White, Chartreuse, or Black/Blue for my spinnerbaits.

Don't forget that our new president has stated that he wants to put a 30% tariff on anything coming from China. Most Lithium batteries and/battery cells are currently coming from China. I read that as a 30% increase in price on any Lithium battery that is not 100% made in the USA.

My father was bald except for a fringe around his head. His barber said he was going to charge him extra because he had to spend so much time finding the hair to cut.

1980 is the model. Vexes did not even exist in 1980.

I would say that 80% of my fish come on crankbaits of one kind or another. Not because they are the "best" bait to use, but because they are what I use the most. I enjoy throwing a crank bait more than just about anything else.

Doug Hannon "The Snake" lure. I have a lot of respect for the man, but that lure was more "snake oil" than anything else.

I don't have a fish finder. I have a depth finder that may occasionally show what may or may not be a fish. It still works fine and is at least 15 years old. For the way I fish, it is all I need. I WANT a much newer and fancier one, but I don't NEED one, nor can I justify the cost.

IN the late 60s, early 70s when I lived in Florida and would take a 14f motorized rowboat out in the bay near the St. Pete-Tampa causeway to catch Tarpon I lost several things overboard. I was fishing with what was basically bass fishing gear except heavier line. Anyway, hooking into a Tarpon that weighted 40 plus pounds was exciting to say the least. It often led to being dragged around the bay while trying to control the fish (an exercise in futility for the most part) while trying not to swamp the boat. While doing that, I lost...hat, sunglasses, shoes, 2 different rods and reels, sunscreen, bottles of water, one anchor, a large and expensive landing net, and several marker buoys. I am sure there are several other things I don't remember. Surprisingly, I have never lost anything over the side while freshwater fishing, but I am sure it is just a matter of time.

I would not accept that in a $50.00 rod, much less a $500.00 rod. I'd contact them and have them make it right. They have a good reputation, and I am pretty sure they would not want to have this out there as an example of their quality.

I certainly understand your feelings. But on the positive side, you sisters' husband is home, and your father is still with you. In many ways, you are blessed.

I am envisioning the flame thrower guitar that was used in Mad Max Furiosa movie......

I used to love Luzern (sp?) coffee with chicory, but I can't find it anymore in my area. I can't find ANY coffee with chicory around here. Guess I am going to have to order some online. I had forgotten how much I used to like it.