A-Jay

After a recent electronics package change on my rig, I took the opportunity to not import hundreds (maybe more) of previously saved waypoints. So since the end of last season and all on this one, I have been fishing 'with a clean slate'. Sort of unnerving at first. However, as I've started to drop the new pins on places I want to return to, I've committed to only placing way points that indicate BOAT POSITION. No more marking cover or structure. I know the waters I fish well enough, that as I approach and get to a spot, and look at the contour mapping, I know where I'm going to cast; without ever getting my rig anywhere near the fish. I believe stealth and not being detected is a big deal, this helps in that regard. A-Jay

Here's a couple of previous topic specific threads . . . Plenty of hard earned & experienced responders in both of there. https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/245608-the-hawg-hunters/ https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/246580-the-hawg-hunters/ Good Luck A-Jay

True Heavy Cover jigs are almost always sporting a Beefy Hook. Reason being that we need to be able to put quite a bit of pressure on them in order to get them up & out of the Heavy Cover. So that hook needs to be able to handle that. Along with that, our tackle, (Rod Reel and especially the Line), also needs to be up to that same task. It all starts with the hookset and as you have apparently discovered, it needs to be pretty stout to bury that barb. Not crazy, over the top, but let's just say it's right up there with a frog fishing hookset. Pretty hard. There are a few ways to do it, and as long as it works for you it's good. I prefer more of a sweep to side hookset. So after the strike and once the slack is mostly out of the line between me & the bass (and that needs to happen fairly fast) I quickly lean into the fish ensuring I'm putting a good bend in the rod. Seems beneficial to keep that going all the way to the net. This is what it looks like for me. I'm fishing for deep Big bass here, so I'm using a 1 oz jig, Heavy fast action rod & 20 lb FC line. https://youtu.be/1to6ti-tlZY?feature=shared&t=697 A-Jay

Workout Day 3 today. Just trying to keep it real. #borninfiftynine https://youtu.be/cLw2N7sQ-AE?feature=shared A-Jay

As you wish, I will not ever mention it in any of your threads again. A-Jay

I'm sure. Some of my previous sticks were going to need more than just grips. The ones in good shape, I Sold. And a couple of BR members got deals not often offered here, or anywhere else. #fleamarketrules 😎 A-Jay

Agreed. However when considering what we invest in time, effort & $$$$ into finally catching a few good ones. Putting that same type of energy into capturing the results, seems about right. At least to me. The fishing platform plays a role, but with some simple & creative rigging, shots from a canoe can be decent too. A-Jay

I got 'tied' of fishing grips that I didn't actually care for. Clearly it's my own fault for purchasing them in the first place. But at the time, I was more concerned with the blanks, and figured I'd 'get used to' the split grips. Never really did. So this year, I made some changes. Still have a little work to do to locate the 'right' blank with the grips I like to replace the few I have left. But it's going to happen . . . . soon. #fullcork A-Jay

That's Fantastic ~ Congratulations to you both. A-Jay

Yup, here too. This coming week day time air temps are expected to be in the 80's. Which is just a dirty trick because we both know the inevitable 40 degree drop is only a week or so after that. Not much of an acclimation period sadly. Either way, I hope the LAKES ALL freeze over early. Followed by ametric ton of snow and it stays thAT way until MAY ! A-Jay

On the water early again this morning. Had a pretty sunrise but the topwater bite never materialized. The September Wind started to blow, accompanied by the dreaded Blue bird skies both can make Lake Menderchuck a tough nut to crack. Water was super clear and still registering surface water temps of 70 degrees. Haven't been here in a bit but would have expected it to have cooled off a bit more by now. Was banking on the pre frontal conditions to get the bigger brown bass in an eating mood. Not exactly how it played out for me today. Besides taking me more than the morning to find any decent biters, the few I did poke were middle of the road trophies in training. Located some bass on bait (perch) at the very bottom of a weed line in front of a point. Bites came on the 1/2 oz Jackhammer / Zako combo down in about 10 feet. Going to need some true coldness before I try that one again. With the lake pretty low and the wind cranking, getting the Lund back on the trailer is always an adventure too. Good Times. A-Jay

Besides taking me more than the morning to find any decent biters, the few I did poke were all middle of the road trophies in training. Located some bass on bait (perch) at the very bottom of a weed line in front of a point. Bites came on the 1/2 oz Jackhammer / Zako combo down in about 10 feet. A-Jay

I was being sarcastic Kevin. Along with size, profile and sound Color is my Daddy. A-Jay

Megabass ONETEN LBO SHRIMP (SP-C) RESPECT. BTW, color doesn't really matter A-Jay

Not a bass but just the same. Monster Lake Trout @Dwight Hottle landed up in Canada ~ Just a gorgeous giant. https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/uploads/monthly_2020_12/large.649823601_1000582_01_001(1)laker.jpg.827ed4215e5d18f141e139e6f14756ca.jpg A-Jay

We are just Pathetic ! Pathetic I tell ya . . . . 😎 A-Jay

Workout Day 2 today. Hadn't done this one in a couple of weeks. And it sure felt like it. #borninfiftynine https://youtu.be/RhCeFhaoGQo?feature=shared A-Jay

I only have 20 inches. Makes me feel so inadequate. A-Jay

Don't tell anyone, but it most certainly is for me. A-Jay

I know you're probably right. That's why I got 2 of them. 🤓 A-Jay

@roadwarrior All the best to you & yours Kent ~ Here's to fair winds and following seas . . . Thanks for everything. A-Jay

Huge dog lover and we do some dog fostering / rehoming for the local animal shelter. All of that is very rewarding. Not sure diet & exercise is really a hobby. Perhaps more of a life style. Either way it does occupies quite a bit of my time & energy, and has for a long time. Last but certainly not least, for the last 16 years, I have thoroughly enjoyed both reading and sharing on a most awesome forum. You might have heard about it. It's called Bass Resource. A-Jay

My open water season is usually April thru Oct. So during the 6 months of hard water, I'll contribute monthly to my own fuel fund. Until recently, it worked out pretty good, but the wild rise in gas prices for both the truck and the boat have really required a concerted effort on my part to ensure my fuel cost needs are met that next year and I can still feed the bait monkey 🐒 as required. A-Jay

Another example of how no one knows there are even rules. https://www.boatoutfitters.com/right-of-way-rules-you-really-should-know-learn-content?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw59q2BhBOEiwAKc0ijU_VI-pZ-AFVSgi_vWBgdlSNM_17hJ-mNY4D8h8t8qguYEdZMzH-4xoCUVsQAvD_BwE#paddlecraft A-Jay

Not sure if Bass Pro has it, but TW has the Boss Hub and plenty of pre made or skirt making material if you want to make your own. I do that. The rest of the rig is just a hook and a bobber stop. Surely you can get that at Bass Pro. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/BOSS_Lead_Punch_Hub_10pk_/descpage-BOSSLDHUB.html?from=basres https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-SKRT.html Good Luck A-Jay