A-Jay

I did notice that, although the product details indicate it can be glued down over carpet, in all the advertisement photos I've seen, the product was glued down to a bare metal deck. And then the rest of the deck was covered with what looks like that Dek-It covering. Not sure what the deal is with that. A-Jay

Those of us on this side of the line define defeat differently. It's not a fishless days, defeat is dropping a giant at the boat. #horror https://youtu.be/yfnYSE-HjIE?si=q2WoUWq79OSl-X1U&t=887 A-Jay

I'd say, given the way information is available now (all kinds of information), compared to what bassheads had to work with 40 years ago, I think it's a wash. It was, still is and will always be hard to find, and catch the smallest population of bass per acre in any body of water. But some of us will be putting this to the test, both domestically and internationally. Hope we get to use the scale—a lot. A-Jay

I had to check but looks like you're right. As for the rest of that mayhem, been there done that and you are certainly welcome to keep that whole mess to yourself. Stay Safe and watch out for the crazy people. They seem to be everywhere this time of year. A-Jay

It's always right there—just calling my name. A-Jay

Nice Bass ! I fish for big brown bass in northern Michigan. I do not throw the type of swimbaits you do. But I am right there with you on just about ALL the rest. And IMO, it's far from useless. Your response here screams like a basshead who's put in the work. Nicely Done. The one thing I'd add is . . . . IME, one big reason folks that endeavor to catch Big Bass do not, is because they give up easily. Targeting trophy bass requires immense mental fortitude, patience, and the acceptance that many trips will result in little action. Good Luck this spring. I'd be happy to welcome you into the 8 lb club. A-Jay

Rumor has it some of them did. Apparently, it didn't go well. A-Jay

Here's that rod in action. Besides presenting hair jigs very effectively, seems quite proper for ned rigs as well. Regardless of the listed rating, this stick has plenty of low end. A-Jay

The main reason I use a long leader, and I'm talking twenty to sometimes , thirty feet, is so that when I am fighting a fish close to the boat, the connection knot goes on to the reel (and usually stays there) long before the big fish gets to the boat. So I never have to worry about the knot running in and out of the guides under the high pressure of a fish desperate to get free. So there's that. A-Jay https://youtu.be/W2jqCf7BVAE?si=qSGYT-PJEoUZZJ3n

Worth is a personal choice. I see it as if it's good for a mainline, then why would it not perform well in 20 foot sections? I run braid to leader on all spinning rigs. The cost of leader material is not worth it for me. I change my leaders at least once every trip, and if the fishing's good, several times a day. Bulk spools of what I use are pictured below. Never had a problem, and sometimes I even catch a few. A-Jay

@Team9nine This man knows. A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ As you mentioned above, you were hoping to get some insight. Well, here's mine, and it's going to be straight up. From what you've told us so far, focusing your efforts on Lunkers might be a little tricky just yet. Bass fishing can be a blast, but having reasonable expectations is also part of it. Having little to no experience on your rig will most likely hold you back until you get some. Reading about catching big bass is fun but quite different from the reality of actually applying the 'knowledge' on the water. Having equipment and knowing how to use it are separate deals as well. Once you get out on a big body of water, where do you start? It seems you are so fortunate in that you are at the very forefront of the bass fishing learning curve. Such an awesome time, but perhaps not when it comes to trophy hunting. Sort of like entering the Daytona 500 with your learner's permit. As mentioned above, time on the water. IME, there is NO one book or one video that's going to magically answer all our bass fishing questions and put us on fish easy peasy. It doesn't work that way. At best these things are all just starting points. My advice is to do some light reading here, then go out and locate & catch some bass. And then think about what might be next. Enjoy the journey. A-Jay

Hello my friend. While my routine changes a bit 2 sometimes 3 times a year, I always post the most current one at the very beginning of every video. Including today's routine. Which I listed below. These movements are listed in the order I perform them so you can match them up as the video is rolling. It should be noted that I take a day off after every workout to assist in recovery. Stay Strong A-Jay

Workout Day 2 ~ Success here often relies on a few simple disciplines practiced every day. Not to prove anything, just to honor who we said we'd be. Show up, take the right actions, and be consistent, especially when it feels hard. Building trust in ourselves can be life-changing. Day by day, brick by brick. #borninfiftynine A-Jay

With this going on for a few weeks now, our 500-gal propane tank seems woefully insufficient. 🥶 A-Jay

So is this like the "No Information Rule"? Asking for a friend. A-Jay

Not sure if we are talking about casting or spinning gear. I realize you've already checked the drag stacks, but here's what happened to me. If it's spinning gear, I just had the same deal on one of the 3 new Vanford 3000s I purchased last year. This one came out of the box with a "sticky drag," just like you described. I fished it anyway and waited until hard water to address and repair it. Couldn't imagine it was something serious considering it was a brand-new reel. And it wasn't. Once I opened up the spool and drag stack, one of the two felt washers in the stack was completely misaligned. Not seated properly; instead, it was hanging up on one side of the spool shaft. It took all of two seconds to place properly within the drag stack, after which the drag was silky smooth like the other reels. So a 'part' worth less than a penny probably, was the culprit. The other component for me that always gets plenty of attention is the line guide/roller. If and when that deal gets bound up or is 'dry,' needing some lube, it can gum things up as far as drag smoothness is concerned. Also, when it's not spinning smoothly, I feel like it contributes to line twist, which is everybody's favorite thing. Good Luck. A-Jay

Swimbaits don't really work in Mexico. Say what now . . . . . 241 Days and a Wake Up ! A-Jay

Workout Day 1. I don't get results by focusing on results. I get results by focusing on the habits and behaviors that get results. #borninfiftynine A-Jay

Tank hit the slopes today ~ He's such a show-off . . . 😊 A-Jay

We told Kya that Wednesday was Prince Spaghetti Day. She was really into it. 😊 A-Jay

I did a bit of a review on that stick that might help. Check it out. A-Jay

I'd say 6 inches does matter when it comes to rod length. But and this is the good part, it depends. On the rod material, the taper and who's casting it and/or fishing with it. I prefer parabolic rods for just about every moving bait. My wiggle wagons and spinnerbaits are fished on a 7'3" or 7'4" stick. When the rod loads properly on the cast, I'd say it can help with distance and allow less effort. Casting a long pool cue is far more work. I'm throwing a 3/4 oz spinnerbait on a 7'4" stick right here. A-Jay

Being underestimated is a silent superpower that allows you to operate in the shadows, free from the pressure of high expectations and the burden of scrutiny. This mentality transforms external doubt into internal fuel, turning skepticism into the ignition for relentless, focused effort. It encourages a "quiet grind," where you sharpen your skills without needing validation, building resilience that makes the eventual success even more impactful. Rather than wasting energy on critics, the underestimated mind remains secure, using the element of surprise to deliver results that surpass the initial, narrow judgment. Ultimately, it is a strategic advantage that allows you to prove yourself right, rather than just proving others wrong. A-Jay

Didn't realize I started this so long ago, but here's the thread. https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/217157-hard-bait-treble-hook-banding-~/ A-Jay