A-Jay

This is from the ESPN Bassmaster's live blog - day 3 Dixie Duel on Lake Wheeler - I don't know what to say that hasn't already been said about this man ~ A-Jay http://www.bassmaster.com/news/dixie-duel-live-blog 8:22 a.m. Going into this morning we were thinking that there was a slight chance that KVD could slip up and by the narrowest of margins ever let someone else win the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. Not anymore. VanDam has not only shut that door, he's slammed it shut, nailed it down and no matter how many miracles you can dream of he will be the next AOY. While we were working up photo galleries and watching Walker, Hackney and DeFoe, VanDam quietly and very quickly has caught more than 17 pounds to not only assure an AOY victory but take the lead in this event. Once again, KVD captures the magic and once again we can say there is no one better. --Steve Bowman 8:26 a.m. There was never really any doubt that VanDam would get the work done today to nail down the AOY, but even for those of us who knew it was coming, that early flurry that created 17 pounds sends a little shock wave through us. It really does make us wonder if the guy is super natural in some way. Yesterday, he had to wait to weigh in late with Evers and Kennedy. We set in the weigh-in line as angler after angler passed and all KVD could say about the AOY race was "I'm ready to get this over." He said it enough that he obviously took it to heart. He's left absolutely no chance or no doubt. --Steve Bowman

Yup ! It's hard to believe that the Hockey Gods are going to forgive and forget this really bad display of senseless violence. It's just foolish - and mimics the way their team played in the finals - self-destructive. A-Jay

I would go with a jig. And the old Pork Trailer will take some quality fish and has a good chance of making through the day. A-Jay

That's what I'm talking about - Heck of a Playoff run for the Bruins ! After losing the first 2 games to Montreal at home in the first round, winning the cup wasn't looking too promising. And them winning Three game 7's, including the Finals on the road - Unreal. But what's up with the runner-ups ? The fans turned their frustration over losing Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals into a riot-filled evening on the city's streets, complete with overturning and burning police vehicles and engaging in widespread looting. A-Jay

The B's desperately Need to Transport the "Bean town MO JO" that has been so effective for them playing in the TD Garden up north and unleash it when they drop the puck for GAME 7 ! ! ! A-Jay

Nice Job ! Good write up too. I can relate to the cold June as the "summer" over night and early morning temps here are often in the low 40's. Mix in a cold rain/North wind and it makes the lake feel like Hot Bath Water. And aren't jigs the way to go ! When the conditions are right they're tough to beat. Keep Get'um. A-Jay

That's my thought as well A-Jay

As mentioned, you don't really gain much using a Flouro leader frog fishing in heavy cover. If, by chance, you are faced with a more open water situation, where the visibility of a heavy braided line is a concern you could down size the braid a bit or use a short Mono leader. The mono will float (unlike the flouro) but know that it will stretch which might effect the hook set. A-Jay

My bottle dried up this winter as well. But the few times that I did use it, it was effective. I'd be willing to give it another try after hearing that the bottle and the applicator have been improved. Nothing else I've used compares, especially on repairing swimbaits. Has anyone used it on the Rage Tail baits with success ? A-Jay

He better dump that ride soon, otherwise "the love of his life" may end up with it in the settlement ! A-Jay

I'm with you - but I am sweating profusely . . . A-Jay

Series tied at 2 - 2 ~ so far so good ! A-Jay

Nice job with the tubes dude. It was blowin' a gale up here to today - Really brutal when it like that fishing from the Old Town. And that's a heck of a brown trout too - when you see pictures in the kitchen you know the fillet knife is close by and then some good eating ! A-Jay

I wish I could back up a brash and bold statement like "I don't need no stinking extension" - but the truth is there is not enough time in this Season to top the Behemoths post up by that stick over in Erie, PA - A-Jay

Crunch Time. A-Jay

Finally ~ got the truck back today. The winds are forecast to lay down and I'll be back on the water first thing in the morning - Life is good. A-Jay

Congratulations and welcome to the club ! Like anything new - it takes some getting used to. All that "stuff" that you had to squeeze in around and between work during the week and on weekends - is now something that you can take your time with and actually enjoy. You'll soon realize that you're sharing you're new world with a "shorter crowd". And you are right on about fishing during the week rather than the weekends. A-Jay

These teams are in position to hoist the coveted silver chalice because of two telltale traits: they have depth and they can play the game in the open ice as well as in the trenches. Both the Canucks and the Bruins have the size to grind in the offensive zone and to defend down low in front of the net. Both have speed, which allows for quick counterattacks off turnovers in the neutral zone. As a result, the 5-on-5 hockey should be exhilaratingly hard fought. The Bruins' special teams have struggled this spring, so the longer the action remains at full and even strength, the better their chance of success. I'm going with Boston in 6 ! Oh Man - A-Jay

You've got that right Dwight - After the spring you've had this year - some could say you're the SMFA Poster Child. A-Jay

Don't ya think there is just a little truth in the jest ? A-Jay

Bass Fishing Addiction (known as BFA) is very common in our society and it crosses all races, ethnic groups, and social classes. Suburban, middle class people are going more and more and the signs of bass fishing addiction may not be widely recognized or known in these communities. There are a number of different signs and symptoms relating to which type or species of bass a person is fishing for. There are some signs and symptoms that are associated with all bass fishing. The information listed will discuss symptoms of BFA. The common signs are; Weight loss – A loss of appetite occurs when someone is addicted to bass fishing due to the body’s constant craving to go fishing. An appetite for the activity exceeds a normal appetite for food. Weight Gain - A significant increase in body weight could also be seen which is almost always caused by the over ingestion of sausage McMuffins. Paranoia – is a common occurrence in a person addicted to bass fishing. The brain disrupts normal mental functions creating an obsessive thought that someone is fishing in their honey hole. BFA can impair normal brain functions that confuse the brain’s senses and perceptions. Preoccupation – Bass fishing addicts become preoccupied and often desperate to get out on the water. Many will go to any lengths to go bass fishing and that includes stealing, lying, fraud, and even violent crimes. An addict will likely steal from anyone or ask for money with no intentions of paying anyone back. Therefore, relationships, employment, health and hygiene often suffer. Here are the signs associated with BFA in regards to specific species of bass. Largemouth bass fishing is a dangerously addictive activity. Contrary to popular belief, the act of fishing itself doesn’t necessarily make one violent, but if one gets "skunked" repeatedly, there will be repercussions. Lipping a LMB acts as a depressant that calms and soothes the person resulting in a coma like state. Like any drug, withdrawal symptoms and the dire need to get bit can cause the addict to become violent. While under the influence of LMB fishing, the person is not violent at all. Signs of BFA include slow breathing, dilated pupils, and shredded thumbs. Withdrawal symptoms include watery eyes and nose, yawning, loss of appetite, irritability, panic, cramps, chills, sweating and repeated "setting the Hook" without a rod in your hand. Smallmouth Bass fishing addiction affects adrenaline and creates a “rush” and pleasurable feeling. Signs of SMB fishing addiction include increased alertness, excitability, feelings of euphoria, increased pulse and heart rate, insomnia, fidgetiness, uncontrollable movements, a loss of appetite and an uncontrollable urge to buy tube baits. Withdrawal symptoms or after the high of the trip wears off includes apathy, long periods of sleep (fatigue), irritability, hostility, aggression, depression, paranoia, and disorientation. Spotted Bass fishing addiction although less common, can be quite severe. The signs of Spotted BFA include hallucinations, altered perceptions of reality, a mix up of senses, where the person hears colors and sees sounds, and violent behavior. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include longer “trips”, psychosis, and death. These signs and withdrawal symptoms occur in both addicts and those who catch one of these bass infrequently. Chronic spotted bass fishing often leads to one experiencing a psychotic episode causing a mental breakdown, violence, and over use on ultra light tackle. So be warned my friends - it's all fun and games until we are all Addicted to bass fishing . . . . My truck's in the shop and I am Reeeeaaallly board. A-Jay

Right - perhaps you've stumbled upon the "latest in scent technology" You could call it - "Moose Magic" Getting it in a bottle might be a challenge . . . A-Jay

Nice fish ! Never really thought of Carrion as fish holding structure . . . . A-Jay

Sorry bud, Hope it clears up soon for ya ~ A-Jay

Your trip's description draws a vivid picture of your outing - thank you. I'm with ya on not being a fan of cold & wet and you already know where I stand on getting bit off - makes me CRAZY ! A-Jay