A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ I'm over in Otsego County but fish most all of the inland lakes north of rt 72 and up to the bridge. Elk & Torch are both gorgeous lakes that have a decent bass population. Mid July bassing can be tricky for a few reasons. And you probably know what at least a few of them are. My advice would be to be on the water early (think first light) and later (last light) if you can. You may still have company but between those times the circus comes to town. If it's calm enough, a topwater walking bait can get a few fatties. And with some wind and especially cloud cover (which it looks like you may have this week), I'm poking around a little shallower and chunking & winding something like a spinnerbait. Good Luck and have fun. A-Jay

Man that looks very tasty. You're Killing me Smalls ! Something special happens when the flames tickle that rib eye fat. #primalmagic. A-Jay

Certainly believe that's part of it and it may be a big part. I'm not a bass so I'll never know for sure. But I like it either way. Normally I'd be inclined to add a picture of a trophy Brown Bass right here, however this makes me smile too. ? A-Jay

Nothing last forever, but some of the bigger and better brown bass producing waters have been more or less consistent over the years. Many have been mentioned here already. What has been truly amazing in my mind is how the size and overall structure of what a big smallmouth is, has changed so much. In the last 20-30 years brown bass frame & girth has literally exploded. Comparing Smallies from say 1990's to the mutants seen today, they almost appear as two different species. While that may seem like a long time to some, in the big picture of evolution, it's a blink of an eye. Looking back at pictures of Big Largemouth from the same time frame, the fish pretty much look the same. Why this has happened to the brown bass populations has been well documented. The habitats of many fisheries has changed in a couple of ways, all good in my mind. As for which is the best now, I really can't say. And if I knew I wouldn't anyway. However a short while back, and for a solid 10 years At Least Lake Erie was about as good as I've seen. Social medial was not quite in full swing so much of what was going on was sort of under the radar. However those who knew, knew. Insert @Dwight Hottle (and that little blue cooler). He's caught & documented more Giants . . . . . #dinkdroppingfives A-Jay

We all know what that's like. But perhaps you're looking at this in reverse . . . Pretty sure your last few trips have been quite memorable and in a good way. Making a few deposits of tough fishing days into the bass fishing bank, almost always pays off. Sooner or later anyway. The fun part is, we rarely know which one we're gonna get or when. Good Times Thanks for sharing and here's to your health Sir. A-Jay

Right back at ya and me too. With so much super visual how to available to new bassheads, it's probably super easy to want to emulate at least some of it. But finding our own way almost always pays off in the end. #supergratifying A-Jay

Holy Smokes @deaknh03 Sure hope that's the last of that deal for you. Not the kind of double I ever want to participate it. Pretty sure I heard you from here . . . https://youtu.be/TP2kzgdQRzM ? A-Jay

TANK ALERT ~ ! Great Bass Congrats A-Jay

I live sort of in the woods and most every 'Healthy lawn' has plenty of 'food' to attract moles. They do enjoy grubs a lot but I took care of that a long time ago and continue to eliminate them. Moles can do a real number on the grass if left unaddressed. Many folks have them but can't or don't know how to get them. We've got it down. Can't eliminate them, controlling them is about the best we can do. We keep after it and hit every new tunnel as it appears #zerotolerance. Post rain is prime time as the soil is soft. And you're right, we have been putting a hurting on the local population this year. Hasn't been more or less than in the past, just that we're routinely nailing them. A-Jay

I can't see his shoes ~ I was thinking it might be Jimmy Hoffa. He just needs a shave & a hair cut. Quick, someone call @gimruis ? A-Jay

If angler is not fishing competitively, time has a completely different meaning. There is no too long or too short, just the right time. Recreational anglers that adopt a competetive type fishing style when there is no need for it, IMO are making a mistake. Fish the moment sounds cool, but those moments add up to hours, days, months, years, decades and finally a life time of bass fishing fun and knowledge. Nothing wrong with pacing yourself. A-Jay

Moles might enjoy what our property has to offer, they just don't live long enough to spread the word. Boom. A-Jay

Thanks and glad to hear you're on the mend. My old bones are hanging tough; somehow. A-Jay

A-Jay

Had initially planned on taking an additional off day. Didn't feel like I needed it and I had a decent amount of stress to unload. Done deal. Workout 1 was on the docket, and that's what happened. Competed 3 working sets of 6 movements. Showing the last two sets of each exercise here. #borninfiftynine A-Jay

Sweet ! Bet that feels pretty good. Congrats A-Jay

Thank you very much for sharing this update @Hammer 4 Pretty sure Dee's condition although improving, is quite challenging for you too. But you have to stay strong for her. She needs you now more than ever. Please don't forget to take care of yourself my friend. Lynn & I are thinking of you both and hoping for the best. A-Jay

I am a swinghead user and abuser. Conditions need to be right but when they are, this one gets bites. I like a Rage Bug quite a bit. https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/211811-brown-bass-tools-~-questions-answers/?do=findComment&comment=2467689 A-Jay

Perhaps a Treble hook trailer would get it done . . . #evenmorebarbs A-Jay

It's been 30 days and not a peep in this deal. Guess we have our answer . . . . I am not totally surprised but am a little disappointed. A-Jay

I can admit that I Really enjoy Fishing. However in almost every instance, I'm pretty sure the fish do not. Barbs or no barbs. A-Jay

Did you know that the Postal Service has a computer program that will allow you to view your daily mail delivery on your computer? Yes We use it to track my wife's Meds, which come in the mail USPS. In the beginning that was a little touch & go - so down right scary. Past few years it has gotten Much Better. Insert reliable. I especially enjoy knowing my TW order will soon be in my sweaty little palms. A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

@ironbjorn Certainly there's not much I could say that would help. However, I do believe it's good to get that stuff off your chest, and this is one great place to do it. The Members here care and have been thinking about you since you made that first post in April. I know I have. Really hope your deal levels out enough to where you can enjoy your time at the cabin surrounded by family & friends. All the best A-Jay