A-Jay

This is my life June to September. Throw in the epic and seemingly prehistoric, Hexagenia limbata hatch, and there's good times for everyone . . . ? A-Jay

Oh Yes ~ We're in the later stages of that right now. I waded through a very impressive 8 - 10 inch deep Hexagenia limbata carcass field at the ramp yesterday morning. Could be part of Noah's Ark I suppose. A-Jay

Sweet Rig ~ ! Congrats and Best Of Luck. I know you have to be very pumped . . . . A-Jay

May be applicable in more than a few different locals. Either way . . . . THE 13 SEASONS OF MICHIGAN ~ Winter Fool’s spring Iceocalypse / Snowmageddon Spring of Deception Third Winter The Pollening Actual Spring Noah’s Ark (happening as we speak) Summer Hells Front Porch False Fall Second Summer Actual Fall (the extensive clean up always includes leaves from the previous year) ? A-Jay

Yes I did get a spare as well In the garage I'm using a Craftsman 3 ton floor jack ~ As for the drive on road side jack . . . I used this one road side but it was Really sketchy and I would NOT recommend it. Went in the trash when I got home. https://www.amazon.com/Springfield-Marine-1840046-Drive-On-Jack/dp/B000KORU9A/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=roll+on+trailer+jack&qid=1624025337&sr=8-2 This is where I'm at now. Seriously BETTER. https://trestlejacksusa.com/products-tj220-adj Good Luck A-Jay

Has anyone found they are happy with non high end rods and reels ? Interesting thread & read . . . It's more about product quality vs price point for me. I am a big fan of gear that does just a bit more than what I need it to. That said, the following characteristics are always considered in advance of making any purchase; -Performance -Reliability & Reputation -Durability -Serviceability -Aesthetics (plays a lesser role but a role none the less) -Perceived quality (only matters to me). I am very willing to pay whatever is required to land right here. Always felt like quality is never an accident, it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution. It represents the wise choice of many alternatives. The Bitterness of Poor Quality Remains Long After the Sweetness of Low Price is Forgotten. Once I know what I need, I can discover true happiness in that. I do not need to buy expensive things to prove to the world that I am happy. Fish Hard A-Jay

Solid advice and I'm very glad that worked out for you. I had my bought with it this spring . . . . https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/237761-time-for-a-new-set-of-boat-trailer-tires-~/ Stay Safe & Fish Hard A-Jay

Now you're catching on . . . . A-Jay

I've had a 'plan' for a while now. But more I read this thread, the more I'm inclined to agree with you. Hard to see the up side to subjecting one's self to the ridiculous scrutiny that is sure to follow. Might be fun just to post a pic of the fish on the scale that shows the weight with a caption that says something like, "got a good one today" And just sit back and watch the fireworks . . . . A-Jay

As a man with quite a bit of experience in this field, I would think that you'd be More surprised when people we Not Acting Crazy. This stuff goes on every where, all the time and it will never stop ~ ever. In the service we had a saying . . . "Choose your rate, choose your fate." Whatever in life you choose to do, there are pluses and minuses, things you’ll love, and things you won’t love. If you choose the right job, hopefully you’ll find more pluses than minuses. If you don’t, you should really look for something else and do something that makes you happier. A-Jay

I'm sending this to a few domestic vendors as "a target" for improved shipping performance. Congrats on the new stick ? A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ Have no experience with Raptor. Been running twin 12 ft Talons since 2016. Big Fan. Pros ~ Vertical deployment & No hydraulic rig needed, Tilt Brackets allow for low overhead approaches. Cons ~ Wind Drag effects boats top end speed as well as tow rigs mpg numbers. Finally, for the way I fish, they are vital. YMMV https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/222850-talons-worth-it/?do=findComment&comment=2515305 https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/229206-talon-or-power-pole/?do=findComment&comment=2595724 Fish Hard A-Jay

Fishing Summer Brown Bass for me can be a grind; in July especially. Night ops are by far the best for me when it comes to numbers, although I don't get out at night as much as I used to. On calm mornings, first light topwater is easily my best plus size fish pattern. Concentrating my efforts over & around deep rocks and the front of deeper main lake points can pay off. However, unless there's some fog/haze or a a little cloud cover, it's over pretty fast. Seems much of the population spends a good part of the season suspended and or 'roaming', so fishing for them feels more like a 'chase' rather than a 'hunt'. #heretodaygonetomorrow Searching happens with a spin/spybait or a small swimbait and a drop shot is my usual weapon of choice to pin point 'spots'. Which once located are like "Gold Jerry, Gold" ! Fish Hard A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Gloves & a sun gaitor nearly 100% of the time for me. Mornings & evenings are almost always 'cool' up here, so I'm either protecting myself from the cold or the sun. Often times It's BOTH. South of the border it's essential. I seriously dislike slathering myself all up with sunscreen; although I still do apply it to my face. Accordingly, I go the way of performance sun clothing for protection; Full length pants, long sleeve shirt, sun glasses & a some type of hat/cap - do prefer a brim if I can. As mentioned here already, the right stuff will always keep me much cooler than bare skin. Cover up & Fish Hard ? A-Jay

I fish alone mostly. The few times I have the privilege of sharing my rig with anyone, I make it my mission to put them on fish. Whatever it takes. I catch plenty by myself and will again when they are not there. Never a competition except vs the fish and the environment. Worrying about Winning, losing, beating someone else, while I'm doing something I love so much, just not my deal. Life's too short. A-Jay

We all get exactly One opportunity to rehap correctly and allow our body to perform what pretty much equates to magic. Everything else is damage control. Your choice. A-Jay

That knot can be tied with a loop, just use more line. A-Jay

Throughout my fishing years, I have had 'several' hooks & trebles in my hands, fingers, knees and even a darn big toe one time. It's always a problem, could develop into something worse and has ruined a few trips. Finally I snapped out of it and frankly I had had enough. Made it a priority to establish a 'system' that kept me and anyone I was fishing with safe. Wasn't hard to do but requires one to stick to the plan. When I do, the chances of putting another hook into my flesh are all but eliminated. If I get in a hurry and for go the plan, I get what I deserve. Reality is it only takes a few seconds to net a bass, use a gripper to control it while I use pliers or hemostats to remove the hooks. It very safe for me and usually ends up better/easier on the fish. A mat on the deck can be pretty handy as well. I don't boat flip anything over the dinkiest of dinks. I do carry pair of high leverage mini bolt cutters as a precaution. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01018D2CS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Other wise hook removals almost always go like this. Big Pike & Musky are especially challenging. Fish Hard A-Jay

We called that a 'dropper knot'. Been around forever. I initially used this with a tag end to place one or more hooks or teasers on bottom rigs in saltwater applications. Should be Totally applicable for a drop shot as well. A-Jay

I am not surprised. Search baits can differ depending on where the search is being conducted and they can certainly include Topwater presentation of all kinds. Once contact of some sort is established, soft plastic can be a warm weather staple. Fish Hard A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ Nice introduction/report A-Jay

A couple of different spybaits ~ Duo Realis Spinbait Spybait 80 G-Fix & a 90 And a couple of different weight drop shot rigs (1/4 & a 1/2) Both sport Flat Worms. Fish Hard A-Jay