A-Jay

Place a 3.75 paddle tail on a 1/4 to 3/8 oz jighead. I like the Keitech Swing Impact FAT Swimbait 3.8 in AYU Retrieve it slowing UP a drop off, (sit shallow, throw deep). Allow the bait to bounce & grind on the bottom and up the slope the entire way. A cleaner sandy or hard bottom (not too many weeds) is helpful. Bites can just feel 'heavy' or contact is lost with the bait, (fish is swimming at you). Either way keep reeling until the rod loads. But be careful, you might get your arm broke https://youtu.be/sU2pQjx_s0c?t=110 Fish Hard A-Jay

Not certain what the deal was but my first encounter with them was on the back of all my Sub-Walks. Just Brutal ! I thought I was losing it, dropped fish after fish. It was like they were laughing at me. I was not amused. A-Jay

I love this ~ Find what works and run with it ! A-Jay

Can't quote any studies done on the subject, but this was mess . . . . A-Jay

Don't have a single favorite color but here's my version of it. There's two concepts that I follow when selecting bait color /pattern that's being presented on or near the bottom or in and or around cover. I either want the bait to be close to or MATCH the color / shade of whatever the bottom is I'm fishing; sand, some type of green weed, leaves, whatever. OR I’ll go with a color pattern that is WILDLY different - Like Clown. So I want my bait to either appear like it’s trying to hide / blend in or standing out badly, and I do not prefer the middle ground. In the clear waters I fish, Perch or a 'clear/glass’ perch works over darker bottoms, Ayu works in the sun over sand, and when the fish are truly suspending, I use a glass minnow, smelt type deal. That kind of simplifies it a little at least. At times a some flash is a good thing, like chrome or gold in slightly colored water, other times it may not be the best choice, like in super gin clear water. I also believe that light level plays a significant role here as well. Brilliant sunshine usually calls for something a little more subtle / toned down, whereas cloudy or overcast days, see me reaching for a darker or perhaps a solid patterned bait. Fish Hard A-Jay

THE WORST HOOK IN THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF HOOKS ! A-Jay

A few of my favorites ~ A-Jay

Elk herds are right in town ~ https://www.gaylordmichigan.net/get-outdoors/elk-viewing-in-the-gaylord-area/ Rarely see them on the road. btw, the bear and I have an agreement. A-Jay

Deer herds up this way are fairly abundant and I've come pretty close a couple of times. But I don't want to jinx it so that's as far as I'm going. I did smash down a chicken a couple of springs back. #6piecewithbiscut A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

As a basshead who fishes solo the vast majority of the time, my net quickly became an intricate part of my fish landing 'system'. Been using this Frabil effectively for going on 6 years now. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JSLWLQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 There are a few characteristics that I consider vital when it come to the net I use. First, I need to be able to easily handle it with one hand. So light weight & balanced is what I'm looking for. Second, a collapsible & extendable handle is a good thing. While I don't always use it full length, the option is there. Makes storage fairly convenient as well. As for trebles in the net bag - I will admit that it's not my favorite thing in bass fishing. However when I place that aspect on a list where my own priorities lie, It is #3. Right behind #1, - I want to land the fish and #2 - I don't want a hook in my body. So taking a few seconds to remove my plug is a trade off that I'm willing to accept. I did try replacing the stock net with a rubber net bag that was no doubt excellent at not tangling with treble hooks. But It weighed a freaking TON ! And while I consider myself at least average strength for my age & stature, that rubber net made the whole deal unbalanced and unmanageable IMO. I could see it costing me fish at the rail. So before it did, I canned it after two trips and went back to the original and much lighter version. I talk a little about that right here ~ https://youtu.be/3OXnPQs0bqQ?t=737 Fish Hard A-Jay

Couple of years ago I opened a tube on a swealtering morning south of the border. It doesn't taste so good ! A-Jay

Maybe soak half of a foam ear plug in scent and slide that into that craw/tube. #tricky A-Jay

I use it as needed. Apply it on the water. And I slather that stuff on just about every bait I throw. Btw, keeping it cool when it starts getting warm, is a solid plan. A-Jay

Very Good Sir There will be some waiting for you here whenever. Just ask. A-Jay

Megastrike for me too. A-Jay

San Diego Jam for FC and Uni for mono. Just a use one or perhaps two less turns. A-Jay

That right ear is trying to stand up #tankslife A-Jay

Not sure if they are still sold out everywhere @Tim Kelly but a while back I stumbled across some in a local place. I was able to secure a bit of a 'stash'. If you pm me your address, and think they'll make it across the pond, I can send you a couple of bags. #covidmail All I have is Green Pumpkin . . . Just don't tell "Ditchy" Let me know. A-Jay

Plus sizing may not be the magic bullet. One down side depending on the type and abundance of any cover around, could lead to more snags. It's a trade off I suppose. A-Jay

The subject of treble hooks has been kicked around here more than a few times. Could be a solid ‘hard water season’ discussion, but I’m way deep into puppy training. So, while Tank is napping, I’m knocking this one out. I’ve mentioned a few times that I prefer to replace most stock trebles with aftermarket offerings. Additionally, I’m a fan of EWG’s vs the Round Bend model in just about every scenario. Not saying that one is considerably more effective than the other, it’s just how I do it and where my confidence lies on the matter. However, there’s a bit of method to my madness which I’ll explain in detail in just a bit. No doubt, the hook replacement deal is a commitment and I’m not sure if I’ve ever really gotten into exactly why I do it. The Why is what this post will center around. Perhaps the obvious aspect of the stock treble hook replacement is, I believe that replacing marginal quality stock trebles with a better option puts more of the fish that strike my baits into the net. This might even be a complete figment of my imagination, but my perception is my reality, so there you go. Either way, all of my treble hook plugs get the treatment. This includes but may not be limited to Topwater, Jerkbaits, Square bills, Lipless, Medium & Deep Divers and even Spy/Spin Baits. The Why is right here – the actual Meat & Potatoes of this deal. I am a Huge fan of Plus Sizing where need. Needed ? Yup, needed. Best way for me to describe this starts by taking just about any treble hook bait out of the package. Holding the nose of the bait and turning it so that we are looking at the ‘bottom’ of the bait. If & when the trebles are positioned ‘correctly’ on the split rings, the treble hooks should lie flat & flush against the body of the bait. Now, pay particular attention to where the points of the front treble (and middle treble on a 3-hook bait) are in relation to the bait’s body diameter. I find that on many stock offerings, regardless of hook type, the treble hook ‘points’ are the same size or smaller, than the body of the bait. This can be especially true on ‘fatter’ squarebills, cranks & beefy topwater plugs. Why is this a concern and does that even matter? It might. I content that when a bass bites down on the bait, the body of the bait itself could possibly implead the hookset. By plus sizing that front treble (and middle when so equipped) the hook points are positioned at least even with or better yet, ‘beyond’ the body of the bait. Thus, allowing the trebles to be accessed in advance of the bass coming in contact with the bait itself. So in my world, that front (and middle hook) get a bump up in at least one size so the points clear the bait; or at least come close. Tail hook are usually simply replaced with the same size. Clearly there’s no way to know for sure how a fish will strike a bait and each one is different & a crapshoot. Split second hits & misses, are always going to be a part of the deal regardless. However, I believe I get less of that going this route. Short shank trebles prevent most hook-to-hook tangles and that’s what I use the most. Plus sizing hooks can change how the bait sits & is positioned at rest; especially suspending jerkbaits. I’ve not found this to really matter all that much. Slow sink, slow rise, nose up and nose down, they all get bites. I also tie up my own dressed tail hooks for topwaters, just use a better hook. Seems most stock split rings are decent these days but if there’s ever a question, Owner Hyper wires get the nod. These Owners rings will endure routine hook changes through the course of a season without springing open, which I like. Standard split ring line ties, where the line can get pinched or slide between the rings, which I hate, are ALL replaced with oval or pear-shaped versions. Finally, when it comes to makes & models of after market trebles, again there’s plenty of very good ones readily available now. And while I haven’t tried them all, am currently using and feel good about recommending, Mustad KVD 1X strong 2x short triple grip, Gamakatsu Short Shank Magic Eye and Owner Short Shank ST-35’s; all EWG of course. So there it is – a look into my obsession with treble hooks. Fish Hard A-Jay

Yes, A-Jay

It's not an extra on my rig. It replaces the standard speedometer right in the same console location. The digital information appears in the 'window'. A-Jay

I've been running Mercury Smart Craft Gauge since 2016. First on an Optimax and currently on the new ProXS both 200 HP. The benefit of it for me is peace of mind. By monitoring multiple boat and motor functions, including speed, rpm, trim, depth, various alarms, water pressure, fuel flow and more, I get fair warning in advance of catastrophe. I would never own / run a rig without one. A-Jay

This ^^^ A-Jay