A-Jay

Yup ~ And you know that's not news to me my friend A-Jay

As mentioned, the Provoke is a solid bait, but limiting yourself to ONE companies bait, also limit's the type, shade, shape, action, size, profile, & of course color of the baits you can choose from. I'm willing to bet some of the factors just mentioned may be at least as important to the bass as having a simple system is for you. Good Luck A-Jay

The fact that you're getting 6 lb bass - which is a GREAT northern fishery bass btw - and never anything bigger may mean that there's just not that many around and / or you need to do 'something else'. The something else doesn't necessarily mean something extreme (huge baits, only night fishing etc) but something or some place (location) that you might not be doing a whole lot of now. For me, if I want to get on fish no one else is getting, I expect to have to do something or fish someplace no one else is fishing. Can't say for sure what that means for your & your fishing (I know, sorry) but it could be the start of a beautiful thing. So branch out, start fishing new water, fish SUPER early or Super late in the season. Doing the same old same old feels good but you can catch what you've been catching anywhere so perhaps take a chance and see what happens. Careful though, you might get your arm broke. Good Luck A-Jay

I've been taking video of my fishing trips (and other things) for a while. Used the GoPro TradeUp Program several times to up grade my Go Pros to the newer models. I'm a fan of the whole deal. Most recent transactions got me a pair of the newest 9 Blacks. IMO - it's The Best Version of a "GOPRO" they've put out. Seems they took out everything that was a PIA and left in or add what was not. The stabilization is crazy good. I say go for it. A-Jay

Fill your spool with your mono backing of choice, preferably something close to the diameter of whatever main line you plan on using. Make a long cast and then pull off that length at least one more time or maybe even two. Now you have three bomb cast lengths of FC. If you're looking to save $$, that works. Another method, and the one I use, is to fill the spool with 1/3 backing and 2/3's FC. Use it until it's starts to need replacement and then end for end the FC. The new stuff will be on top. If you retie a ton, you may have quite a bit less than you started with. Which might not be the best deal. A-Jay

I hear ya ~ Colder here than 'advertised', minus stuff past several night with highs barely making the teens. My brief transit across the grocery store parking lot the other morning with some stiff wind was the coldest I've been in a while. Seems I might not be as hearty as in days gone by . . . . . . A-Jay

For the second consecutive year, the Bassmaster Elite Series has the launch of the new season dictated by Mother Nature, this time with a thick fog. A-Jay

The seasonal weather continues here but it wouldn't hurt my feelings any if we could catch a little break from the Siberian air temps. A-Jay

69 Days & a Wake Up ~ A-Jay

Rugged, Fierce & Ready ~ A-Jay

Thanks @jbsoonerfan ~ To start, I can offer Zero assistance in the minimalist approach area; at least not yet. Jerkbaits from the bait can be a little tricky. Next, I have been a Big Fan of 6th sense baits for a long time. Have a few, just not many of the jerkbaits; think I have two. Decent bait really, I just don't throw them that much as I have a few others in 'my favorites' category. My favorite brown bass colors / patterns cover four deals. The Natural stuff; perch, ayu, alewife/shine/shad & semi-translucent patterns. The Bright stuff, clown, gold, orange/red & white The next two are (and this may be a category all on it's own) consists of the first two deals above - except in silent versions. ( So No Rattle) Finally, and this is something I haven't discussed yet but started playing around with last season; with the influx of so many goby in much of the water where the biggest brown bass I hunt live, I've been working on feeding them a goby-looking jerkbait. Not much currently on the market in this somewhat unusual bait color palette, so A-Jay's custom bait shop has re-opened . . . . . it's a work in progress. Might pan out, might not. A-Jay

MLF uses a separate program to pass on the info you're looking for. It's called Major League Fishing All Angles This 30-minute program takes you behind the scenes of Major League Fishing. This in-depth series includes angler interviews, replays of key moments, and highlights of all four major Cup events—Challenge Cup, Heritage Cup, Patriot Cup, and Summit Cup. Each episode provides the extra action you’re seeking from each MLF Cups episode. Check your local listings. MLF: All Angles analyzes each competition day from the viewpoint of the anglers themselves. From tackle and technique to tension and triumph, All Angles will change your perspective on the most exciting fishing event on TV. Watch episodes Saturday mornings at 8:30AM on Discovery Channel. A-Jay

Since you had 'the bait' . . now if you were using similar gear - line type/size AND making 'that exact same cast' - and I mean The Same cast - direction and length, and you didn't get bit THEN I would say you had some seriously bad luck. Otherwise I'm willing to say that you might have been 'close' to those fish, But from the back of the boat, casting in a different direction, if those bass were 'On' a hard bottom or shell spot and you weren't hitting it with your bait every cast, might not have matter what you threw, you probably weren't near the fish - End result - you lived it - no bites. Any of that ring true ? A-Jay

It's all good. Typo's happen and that one was passing on incorrect info. Not something I aspire to. A-Jay

Self medicating might not be the answer. The deliberate inhalation of smoke, regardless of it's 'name' will always be considered detrimental to human lung tissue. As stated, being ready physically as well as mentally will go a long way towards helping you achieve your goals. You get one chance at this, but you don't have to go it alone - there's help available. If you really want it - you can find it. Doesn't mean it's easy but it's there. Hope you can take control sooner rather than later. Excuses are lies we tell ourselves so that it doesn’t have to be our fault. You'll have to believe it to see. A-Jay

If your unit has AutoChart - You can create richly detailed maps of your favorite fishing spots in real-time. https://www.humminbird.com/learn/mapping/autochart?_gl=1*yswhig*_ga*MTk5NDkzMDYyOC4xNjEyODM4MTI2*_ga_JE4T2LF5XP*MTYxMjgzODEyNS4xLjEuMTYxMjgzODE3MC4xNQ..&_ga=2.210155349.1534115201.1612838126-1994930628.1612838126 A-Jay

A-Jay

Perhaps consider making living a healthy life style your Main Priority. Forever. Your entire being, including your muscles are a reflection of it. Just as importantly, please consider having your arm checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible and certainly in advance of any resistance training. Start with that and then check back and let us know how it's going. There's a lot to learn about your diet and the important role it plays in your very existence including supporting your desire to get in better shape. Being ready physically as well as mentally will go a long way towards helping you achieve your goals. Good Luck A-Jay

Nicely Done @Glenn Really glad you didn't have to learn the hard way. And now perhaps we won't either. A-Jay

A-Jay

Thank You Mike ~ I appreciate the help. A-Jay

6th Sense https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/6th_Sense_Divine_Swimbaits/descpage-6DIS.html A-Jay

I have and fish both but as for my preference, you can call me Mr T. I pity the fool using a paddle. I have a few 2500's that I put the 3000 T handle on. ? A-Jay

A-Jay

Agreed ~ But There may have been a A New Standard establish with that last election fiasco. #myeyesarebleeding ? A-Jay