A-Jay

Yes Sir ~ and don't forget all those margaritas I was forced to consume while doing it . . . . A-Jay

Check my avatar - do I look mad to you ? If you're referring to my mad skills - then yes. A-Jay

You're right and I do apologize for directing your thread that way - but so often these threads get loaded up with all kinds of wacky responses that just lead no where. A-Jay

Yes Sir and you'll thank me later . . . . A-Jay

Mags ~ A-Jay

Perhaps if enough customers make that suggestion to enough hotel managers in the locals where these tournaments are held some might actually entertain the idea. When calling to make a reservation and asking if the hotel parking lot has live security, including something to the effect that you will be taking your business to an establishment that makes an attempt to ensure that their property is reasonably secure, could help. A-Jay

"My Brand is better than Your Brand" threads are perhaps my least favorite topic on the entire BR fishing forum. Rarely if ever, do these threads add anything constructive to what is otherwise such an excellent site. I can't even call them entertaining as they routinely cause disharmony. Question regarding certain brands / models are routinely answered with inadequate information provided by members who have minimal experience using the equipment. Posts offering the opportunity to debate brand quality, performance and dependability, illicit responses that appear defensive, misrepresented and hard to interpret; completely different from so many of the high quality response elsewhere on the forum. In general, an opinion is a subjective belief, and is the result of emotion or interpretation of facts. An opinion may be supported by an argument although people may draw opposing opinions from the same set of facts. Opinions rarely change without new arguments being presented. However, it can be reasoned that one opinion is better supported by the facts than another by analyzing the supporting arguments. In casual use, the term opinion may be the result of a person's perspective, understanding, particular feelings, beliefs and desires. It may refer to unsubstantiated information, in contrast to knowledge and fact-based beliefs. Opinions regarding tackle inferiority are a waste of time. It doesn't matter. This site is loaded with photos of amazing fish landed with every brand imaginable. A-Jay

As mentioned, a Skinny Dipper is a nice and somewhat beefier trailer option. Think about a Rage Tail Eeliminator. Besides the classic swimming tail, this trailer choice adds a small but seductive side to side roll to the bait, especially on a slower retrieve. A-Jay

The Only way you will ever know exactly what's going on with the food you ingest, is if you grow / raise it yourself. A-Jay

Very Nice write up Jeff - and it is warming up here thank you very much. So, have you rigged up with a trailer hook for that Hudd yet ? Take a picture of Mr. Happy when you hook him up with that Rod & Reel. You're a good Guy Jeff. A-Jay

Let us know how you make out . . . . . . . . A-Jay

X2 ~ Precisely ~ ! This has been my Mantra for most every evolution including my fishing. Since I have choice, I just give them their time on the water. No sense fighting for time & space. The fish will still be there on weekdays (and at Night). A-Jay

Thanks for sharing - looked like it was a solid Pike Bite. A-Jay

Yes it was - the watermelon red fluke was killing - the dinks. A-Jay

Nice Job Man ~ Some real Trophies right there. A-Jay

Thanks Dwight - I know I'm just getting started on this - haven't even scratched the surface yet really. Even so, I have to keep reminding myself that during these first few month, the object is to "Learn the Spots". Today, I learned a couple of Cold Spots. A-Jay

**** Trip Log **** Fished 5am – 5pm - Air temp low 30’s – Water Temp 54 - Mixed Sun & Clouds – Winds calm early then North 10-15 - Water is very clear - Barometer 1025 and rising fast - Moon 1 day from Full. Got on the water before sun rise; it was calm and cold. Headed to a new spot this morning; a part of the second lake I’ve never fished. I marked this drop last trip out. Fish were active this morning and I was marking fish solid from 18 – 30 ft. (could have been anything not just bass). Started stitching a 10” black power worm; it was tough sledding early. Cold fingers are no help. I am looking forward to warmer temps as the summer comes on. Sat on the first spot until 9:30am without a bump, this spot might be good but just not today. By now the wind had come on and though the sun was up and it had warmed into the 50's, it still felt a bit too cool for this kid. Moved over to the other side of the same lake and set up off a large stretch of submerged logs. The shallow side of this is almost always good for a few jig fish. I’m betting that the deeper edge might be a holding spot for the Fatties to hang out. I stitched the black worm and drown a jig/craw around the deep edge without any takers. Around noon I had had all I could take and made a move. Before leaving I motored over the area I was fishing and did mark some fish. Must have been carp :c) By now it was almost 1pm and I was stitched out. I didn’t feel like munching on the Jambalaya and so I knew just the deal. The Scrounger / Fluke combo came out to play. I broke down and went shallow. It wasn’t long before the scrounger was poking holes in dinks left and right. It was fun and I needed it. I will not be on the water again until after the Holiday weekend. Stay safe everyone and watch out for the crazy people – and you know who you are. A-Jay

Conditions look good this morning - though it is a little on the nippy side with air temps in the low 30's. Don't know if I'm willing to be on the water this holiday weekend with the crazies. Might do the sunrise bite and then bail before they get on the water. I'm heading out now and I'm hopeful. A-Jay

Put a door on it - One With A Lock ~ A-Jay

Thanks for checking in ~ btw - what is this "work" thing you speak of ? . . . . . . A-Jay

So you're a multi-species angler - And you were honing your skills prior to going after the elusive Glass Fish. I'd say you're ready. A-Jay

I'll be on the water in the morning. It's being a down pour rain for several days and today the post frontal cold North wind is blowing 20 mph plus. Forecast is for it to settle down a bit over night. I'm chomping at the bit myself. Saturday's full moon might stir things up a bit but with the barometer on the rise and cooler air temps - could be slow as well. We'll see. I'll let you know. A-Jay

X2 A-Jay

Also look up the Sebile Magic Swimmer Soft Pro It's a weedless soft plastic swimbait that might be what you're looking for. A-Jay

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Here you go - this is what I fish in that type environment - A Texas Rigged Skirt & Plastic. What I do like about this rig over a Standard Fixed hook jig: First and fore most, the fish eat it. The hook-up ratio is the same as a standard Jig or maybe even a bit better. It comes through cover better. I can modify / customize the rig any way I want. By switching the weight, the skirt color or type, the hook size or type and the plastic trailer of my choosing - the options are endless. With very little chance of hanging up, I Fish it over and through lily pad fields, milfoil patches, cabbage patches, stump/log jams, and open water ~ All on One Cast ! So, instead of carrying a ton of different color and size jigs, I can be ready for anything (including punching through the slop) with a hand full of weights, skirts, hooks and a small assortment of plastics. Beavers, Beasts, Grubs, Craws and creature baits have all taken fish. Here's the rig, from the main line to the hook: -A stopper knot (I use a double uni-knot made from left over braided line) - A small bead to keep the knot from slipping through the weight. - A 1/2 oz tungsten weight - a Boss Punch Hub - this is placed inside the skirt collar - The skirt of your choice - A parasite clip (optional, but does help prevent the plastic from sliding down the hook) - A 5/0 Owner wide gap plus EWG hook (#5139 - very stout, I love this hook) - Your favorite soft plastic - pictured is a Power Bait Beast Hope this helps A-Jay