A-Jay

It's not crazy when it works ~ A-Jay

A loaded diaper ~ A-Jay

Clearly, they Totally Need several MORE employees ! A-Jay

Push 2 today ~ My recovery between workouts has been decent. #borninfiftynine A-Jay

Yup ~ That pic I posted above is deceiving in that it's barely skim ice with snow on it. Really hope folks use caution before venturing onto the local lakes. A-Jay

'help' ~ A-Jay

77 Days ~ Lake Menderchuck is looking a little frozen, finally. A-Jay

I would get some rest prior to the trip Without making any stops flight distance is 4,846 miles from Seattle. Flight time of 10 hours, 12 minutes Japan is 17 hours ahead of Seattle so that will flip you around a bit. As for tackle - I'd check an extra bag just for Megabass jerkbaits. What would you say to the CEO? Please pass the Sushi. Have fun and Safe Travels. btw - don't let the 'documentation' of this trip interfere with your ability to immerse yourself in the culture, even for a short time. Have fun at customs . . . . A-Jay

I really did enjoy the playoff football games the past few days. Didn't care who won or lost because the team I do follow, IS the worst in the league, according they didn't play. However as I watched, I was reminded of recent seasons past and just how spoiled I have been, my goodness. Knowing it will be some time (if ever) that the Pats can produce a winning season, I'll just revel in the good old days a while longer. That TB12 guy was pretty good. A-Jay

While it could happen it's sort of rare in bass fishing, unless a giant is hooked on a crappie lure with line strong enough not to fail. Line getting in the split in the split ring is more about the knot rubbing on the potentially sharp 'edges' of the break /space in the split ring itself. So while I've had split rings 'stretch out' a little under heavy load, the bigger problem was 'the mysterious' knot failures. IMO believed to be caused by the above. Oval or Pear shaped rings take this right out of play. And while I do replace hook holding split rings (with round) I do it mostly because I prefer to be able to change treble hooks as needed when worn or bent, and many stock rings can only deal with one maybe two changes and then they 'stay' half open. No good. Owner Hyper wire rings last a couple of seasons for me. A-Jay

Attention Megabass ~ PLEASE MAKE An ITO VISION 110 +1 SILENT . . . in GP Pro Perch & GP Ayu That is all. Have a good Day. A-Jay

I do ~ Dedicated RECON & 'Fishing' are two separate deals for me. When 'fishing most use happens 'on the way' or as I approach my 'spot'. I'm never looking for fish, sometimes bait, but mostly I'm using the mapping to position my rig. Different/changing conditions dictate what that looks like each time. Once I'm where I want to be, unless I need it to stay there or re-position, I'm fishing. In some shallow water deals, I'll turn it to stand-by; especially if & when I can lock down with the Talons. When I'm fishing a large area, with isolated cover I'm constantly using the 360 to present baits to 'the edges' of the cover. But it could be in 5 feet or 25 feet. So when everything goes well on those trips, I'll be using the net & scale while getting that neck cramp. Off shore Night ops are an entirely different animal - and you know what that's about. A-Jay

X2 ~ Just not a fan of having a mono / FC leader or mainline lure connection knot positioning itself right in the 'break' in the a standard round split ring. Especially with 10 lb or less. Not much meat on the bone there. Goes for just about any hard bait including top water. btw - I do not use a ring tie on Poppers; straight to the bait, at the bottom of the baits tie ring (OG trick). Give a better 'pop'. A-Jay

If there was just one bait to throw for me . . . . This Is It ! It's just the right size, shape & profile; especially early on. https://youtu.be/k3Z48BqFWuw?feature=shared&t=1668 A-Jay

I have not ~ nice looking bait though. There's been such a decent amount of big brown bass success with Megabass & SK baits for me that I've been truly hard pressed to tie anything else on. To that point, I've sold off almost everything else. The few other brands that remain (Berkely, Rapala, & Lucky Craft) will be re-homed before open water 2024. (keep an eye on that Flea Market forum) So until the baits I have stop putting tankers in the Frabil, I'll be leaning on them to keep that up. BTW - I change out all hard bait hardware with Quality after market stuff that has yet to disappoint me. A-Jay

Right off the bat - it's updated hardware; including what looks to be an "oval split" ring line tie. Long time coming on that one. And for me it's these two new color/patterns . . $4 bucks off each bait helps too A-Jay

Cold & Plenty Bold #tankslife A-jay

Just scored a few Strike King KVD Elite 300 and 300 Elite Deep Jerkbaits ~ A-Jay

I am not interested in how they are made at all. Just PLAESE don't change it ! A-Jay

I benefit from electronics because I fish substantial bodies of water. I could find them sooner or later, but it might take a couple of years. In fact, it actually has even with them. I fish deep, clear inland lakes, getting a crisp clear reading is not a problem. There's a bit of a learning curve, but I manage. I do not struggle to move all my equipment to the water because I am still in at least average physical condition. As for space, my rig has enough for my needs. A-Jay https://youtu.be/pbdrRf2nJlQ?feature=shared

Bet you're holding your mouth wrong ~ A-Jay

I use the Sunline Defier Armilo as my topwater line of choice south of the border. (19/22 lb) Great line IMO. btw - there's this - https://sunlineamerica.com/products/shooter-defier-armilo/ During your search - check out Maxima Ultragreen Line. IMO just about on par with the sunline offering. Thanks @Dwight Hottle Recommend going DOWN a test as the Ultragreen seems sort of over tested, diameter wise. So I use 8 when I would normally use 10 (especially in FC) and I use 6lb when I would normally use 8 lb. But is every other respect provides everything a basshead needs & wants in a quality mono. Mainline or leader. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Maxima_Ultragreen_Line/descpage-MUG.html A-Jay

Sun exposure is the most important natural source of vitamin D. The body uses the vitamin to absorb the calcium it needs to build and maintain bones. Short bursts of sun exposure can usually allow your body to produce all the vitamin D it needs for the day. Some people, including older people or those with kidney or liver problems, may be at risk of becoming deficient in vitamin D. They can consider eating more foods that contain vitamin D or taking a supplement. When exposing the skin to the sun, it is essential to consider the risk of skin cancer. People should avoid allowing their skin to burn. But there is a point where effective becomes too much. I allow myself (when the weather is right) 20 minutes of full unprotected sun exposure a day. (I set a timer on my phone) We don't get a ton of sunny days here but when we do I get in it. So it's totally controlled from May thru August. After that and every other time I'm outside, whether it's fishing, (locally or abroad)doing yard work or out with the dogs, I'm covered up. I hate slathering myself up with sunscreen, always have, but I do it when I need to. However totally prefer sun protecting performance clothing to get the job done. Full brim Hat, long sleeve shirt and pants, Buff, socks & shoes (not crocs or flip flops. We don't get a re-do on this one. So it's learn or burn. A-Jay

Cold Paw will be ramped ! A-Jay

Congratulations to the Detroit Lions with their Wild Card victory over the Los Angeles Rams. It was a close & exciting game ☆ Lions gritted their teeth & WON! I'm so happy for all the fans who've waited for years to celebrate their team with cheers, not jeers. A-Jay