A-Jay

And in 25 years, (which will go by in what seems like a freaking Flash) Trust me when I tell ya, these will be the Good Old Days. Not because of what's going on, but because of who you are right now. Some how, it changes. A-Jay

There is a plethora of good quality swim baits and matching jig heads to choose from now. On line vendors literally list what seems like hundreds. I’ve fished a dozen or so types & brands. To keep it simple, I’ve pretty much settled on two; listed below. I do prefer softer baits in the 3 to 5 inch size range, with something close to 4 inch being a big player. While clearly less durable, I seem to get more bites. Along with that, having the right action, especially on the fall, is a must for me. When it comes to jighead shape, design and the all-important hook, again I like to keep it simple but here I am fairly particular. Brand Name is my desired direction but will go with a Lesser-known deal when there’s merit. I am eternally looking for jigheads with a quality medium and medium light wire hook that is also The Right Length. Too stout here can be tricky to sink on the medium gear I use; especially on a long cast or very deep running bait. Additionally, too long of a hook seems to ‘mute’ and can even over power a bait. I seem to get the best action when the bend is coming out the top of the bait no more than half way back of the baits overall length. More than that is No Bueno. My favorite heads match up to baits when they only go in about a third of the way (if that makes sense). Strike King Rage Swimmer ~ Keitech Swing Impact FAT Owner Ultrahead Football Jig Head ~ Owner Ultrahead Round Jig Head Gamakatsu Round Jig Head ~ Dirty Jigs Tactical Bassin' Finesse Swimbait Jig Head A-Jay

Here in northern Michigan, I am surrounded by a serious amount of 'small' lakes & ponds. From a canoe, for almost 10 years I fished as many of them and at different times (including at night) as I could. What all those hours and hours on the water taught me was, regardless of a lakes reputation, or what it says is any publication, the ONLY way to find out what a body of water's potential may be, is to FISH IT. I found that 'good places' often were not and lakes that they people had 'written off' were great. So now I just go fishing and I make my own conclusions. BTW, I have found so many awesome lakes, that are 'hidden in plain sight' it's ridiculous. Just have to be there at the right time doing the right thing. https://youtu.be/02fPoZHOri8?t=1153 A-Jay

You work hard right here and don't you even try to deny it ! But Thank You. A-Jay

Hello and congrats on your first post here on Bass Resource ~ IMO, the bold texts above go hand in hand and it's pretty much how we all started at some point. Perhaps a change in perspective could help. Understanding that you have much to learn and being willing to endure the process can help. Believe me when I say, it will pay off in spades (or bass) in the end. It's a rare occurrence to go out and hammer giant bass, especially without much knowledge or experience. I'd recommend planning on getting as much of the above as you can, and you don't actually need company to get it. No such thing as a bad day on the water if we learn something. Good Luck A-Jay

After a life in the military and at age 47, I 'retired' in 2007. My career went by fast but definitely was not the path of least resistance. A lot went into my decision including my wife's declining health, but for the past almost 15 years, I've been on A-Jay time and I don't regret it for one second. There was certainly a brief acclamation period but "Retirement" has offered me an opportunity to truly enjoy the little things in life, which IMO is something we all take for granted, until it's gone. Took me a few years into it to realize just how lucky I was. My advice to anyone who will listen is, your career does not define you. If the opportunity is there, 'retire' while your life is still robust and you can fully enjoy it with those you love. You both deserve it. Tomorrow is not guaranteed to any of us. A-Jay

I do not have the equipment nor the expertise to mount and or trailer balance tires. If you do, go for it. Otherwise, I'm perfectly fine depending on a professional to do both. Which is what I'd recommend. I do recognize that some folks feel that trailer tires do not require the same TLC that vehicle tires do. I don't get that. Are they some how immune to the same deals are tow vehicle tires ? These may be the same folks I see on the side of the road with trailer tire blow outs. Just Saying. Either way, I've had my share to trailer tire challenges even with plenty of attention. https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/237761-time-for-a-new-set-of-boat-trailer-tires-~/ A-Jay

You could consider going up in load rating while maintaining the size. Your stock tire carries a C load rating - which has a load rating of 1,360 lbs at 50 psi. This D rate tire is the same size but rated at 1,610 lbs at 65 psi. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Power+King&tireModel=Towmax+Vanguard&partnum=78NR3TMVG&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes A-Jay

How funny is That ? You guys have & like the same old stick ! So it's not just me, it really is a special little blank. Nothing made now can compare. Either way, thanks for sharing. Made me smile. https://youtu.be/S_Owp6ZVN0U?t=2023 https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/223182-re-wrapping-guides-on-an-old-rod-diy/ A-Jay

I fish an older Clarus 7 ft spinner, cira 2006 or 2007 just guessing. Either way it's my Favorite topwater rod by a wide margin. It M action, with just the right feel. Use it for jerkbaits too. In fact rather than retire it, a couple of winters ago I re-did the guide train. Good as new. A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Working to get back some of what it seems like I lost during my Covid experience in May. At going on 63 in a couple of weeks, not sure how much muscle I can or can not build, but if I stand any chance I need to feed the machine. Either way I've gotten a good deal of my strength back, still have a ways to go. And I'm not a big ice cream or sweets guy. But I had a big fat pizza, sweet heat wings and a Greek salad with Feta on Friday. So that was pretty good. A-Jay

Total Body 2 this morning ~ Did Step Back Lunge w/front leg elevated, Leg Extension, Calf Press, Over Head Shoulder Press, Body weight Pull Up, and finished with a Leaning Press. Did two true working sets, showing the last one here. Keeping the calorie count above maintenance which is fun for a while, but I'll need to back off in a couple of weeks. #borninfiftynine A-Jay

That's a Giant for sure ! Gotta Love how really big bass are just so lazy. They never jump or even put up that great a fight. #sarcasm The hand line landing is not something I subscribe to but it worked right there. Thanks for sharing. A-Jay

How intense was the 'travel' ? Are we talking sitting in the truck or did we go the Ricshaw route ? J/K A-Jay

Take the spool off and put it back on, see what happens Not sure which model you have but most of them seem listed here . . . https://www.reelschematic.com/reel-schematics/shimano-reel-schematics/shimano-sedona-schematics/#gsc.tab=0 A-Jay

What does stopped working mean ? What's the reel & in particular the spool doing ? Is the handle rotating backwards ? Is the spool free spinning ? Are you holding your mouth right ? A-Jay

Nice write up ~ Sorry about losing a giant. We never really know if & when we'll get another shot. If it does for you, hope it turns out better. A-Jay

Bass Resource is The Only forum (of any kind) that I belong to. All others I've 'tried' Pale in comparison; in every way. However beyond All the knowledge & experience, past all the resources offered and besides the fact that THIS is oldest and largest independent bass fishing site in the world, there's the people. The people make this place what it is, Top to Bottom. From the moderation team to the oldest members right down to the newest, just the best folks around. Over the years here, I've learned, I've laughed and I've cried. Membership with Bass Resource has enabled and help me to reach fishing Goals & Dreams, I'm almost certain I'd have not realized with out it. It just doesn't get any better. A-Jay

Uni to uni knot. For both mono & FC leaders A-Jay

Use Sufix 832 (green) in 8lb on a couple of rigs; usually with 6 or 8lb leader. It's as light as I'd ever go - old guy eyes & sausage fingers make leader knot's a little tricky, but I get it done. Once acclimated, it fishes great. A-Jay

Like many here, I have a few decades of experience successfully removing hooks from bass including deep deals. Using the right tools, learning how to delicately enter through a gill if necessary, and I very rarely have anything but a successful release. Can't remember leaving a hook in a fish. Some of that comes from strike detection ability. I do occasionally catch bass where it seems like an angler may have simply cut the line and those bass almost always seem a little rough around the edges. If I can safely do it, I'll normally relieve that fish of it. A-Jay

Great Bass and Killer Pics ! Congrats Btw, the deep weedline deal is the first offshore consistent bass locator & catcher I learned and still one of my all time favorite way to target them. Nicely Done A-Jay

Think I've seen that spillway before - right here https://youtu.be/t0oEGrWc-fI A-Jay

Not really brand loyal but do appreciate quality fit, form & function. My reel arsenal is a mix of mostly Shimano & Quantum casting reels and Shimano & Diawa spinning reels. All have a specific purpose and most see regular duty doing it. Keeping them all clean & serviced has help extended the life span, especially the Quantum reels. Thank you @Delaware Valley Tackle These particular Shimano's are all fairly stout and a pleasure to fish. A-Jay