A-Jay

Not exactly sure what the deal is now or what it will be once we get there. Just hoping for a safe fun trip with a few scoreleable bass thrown in as a bonus. I do know there's a very cool surprise being revealed once we arrive. Good Times. A-Jay

I hear that. I would add that during any and especially tricky installation there's bound do be a few 'extra' parts needed. If you chose to purchase parts yourself, I would recommend giving the service center approval to purchase whatever they might need in advance, without prior purchase approval by you, will save time. You're going to need it in the end anyway. Finally, IME, a properly and quality install trumps a fast one everytime and twice on Sunday. Trying saving a week now might cost you months of headache and $$ later. Set them up for success now and reap the long term trouble free benefits down the road. A first time correct install of something like this only happens once. Everything else after that, is damage control. My Dad always told me, "slow down, you'll go faster." A-Jay

Congratulations on the new accessories. Not an expert by any means, but at larger boat dealerships or service centers like Bass Pro Shops, current marine mechanic labor rates typically range from $150 to $200+ per hour. Exact charges fluctuate based on location and whether the service is for routine maintenance or more complex install / diagnostics. So that quoted price seems about right to me. Good Luck. A-Jay

22 June 2026 ~ We took delivery of our new Honda HS1336i snowblower today. https://powerequipment.honda.com/snowblowers/models/hsm1336i Purchased at & delivered by https://www.fergusonlawn.com/. Very happy with the friendly, professional, and fast service they provided. First impressions were this unit is a Freak. So from this point forward, that's what we'll call it. We recently sold our nearly 15-year-old Honda HS1332 model, which was a fantastic performer in every condition we placed it in. We expect that The Freak is going to exceed most all of that and more. Plans are to document life with The Freak, and this is the first installment of that. More to follow, but it will be a few months. A-Jay

I believe you are correct sir. Enduring these winters can be rewarded with above average smallmouth fishing. But come every January or so, I start questioning my life choices. At least this year, I'll have a new toy to play with. Just need to wear 4 layers to do it. A-Jay

It's going to take a few days for us to get properly acquainted. Plus, I need to figure out where I'm going to install Tank's seat! A-Jay

It's real and it's bigger in person ~ Still 'fit' the same spot as the previous unit. Tucked in neatly between the GMC and the Pro-V Bass. It's a little tight though. A-Jay

"The Freak" has been delivered ! A-Jay

Treble Hook Replacement: One Man’s Theory & Application The subject of treble hooks has been kicked around here more than a few times. Could be a solid ‘hard water season’ discussion. Either way, 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 needed. Needed? Yup, needed. The 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 as 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 contend that when a bass bites down on the bait, the body of the bait itself could possibly impede 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) gets a bump up in at least one size so the points clear the bait, or at least come close. Tailhooks 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-sized 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. It 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 aftermarket trebles, again, there are plenty of very good ones readily available now. And while I haven’t tried them all, I am currently using and feel good about recommending the Mustad KVD 1X strong 2X short triple grip, Gamakatsu Short Shank Magic Eye, and Owner Short Shank ST-35s; all EWG, of course. So there it is—a look into my obsession with treble hooks. Fish Hard A-Jay

Workout Day 3. Still on the 2 working sets program. My wrist saw plenty of action in this one. Happy that it's hanging tough. #borninfiftynine A-Jay

Started out using the trailer to lower unit monstrosity that came with the rig. Never really had any problems with it, but it was a PIA to install and remove. Been using this Transom Saver and Hydraulic Steering Lock Clips from DD26, fishing for 5 years now. At this point I have no plans to change from this system. Clearly there are less expensive options available. These deals were wildly overpriced when I bought them. And like most everything, especially marine-related, the retail cost since then has virtually doubled. Justifying the costs is a personal choice. I also use the LEASH outboard motor safety system, which is a Precision Sonar product. A-Jay

I used it to relocate a couple of spinning rod hook hangers that were down in the middle of the split grip behind the reel. The wrap applied OK. Perhaps not my best work but it certainly is faster. Sorry, no pictures. I plan on getting a little more adventurous this winter and use it to secure an entire guide train. Seems strong enough when applied properly. Esthetically it does IMO, appear to lack that traditional pop that a sweet tight thread wrap offers. But that's just me. A-Jay

Sweet ~ And I truly enjoy doing the 'vintage gear' trips. If nothing else, it slows me way down. Congrats and good luck. A-Jay

Happy Father's Day to my son Ryan. For without him I would have little to celebrate. Besides being a nice guy, you're a good man. I respect that. A-Jay

Did someone say "scrounger"? I'm a 3/8 oz. long bill guy myself. On the bottom—low & slow. A small lift and drop on a tight line can do some damage. I present exhibit A for your perusal. My best Scounger bass to date. A-Jay

Glad you're back ! A-Jay

With one training session under my belt and after the off day yesterday, I was back in the home gym for Workout Day 2. Still training with the rehab mindset, my wrist feels really good. The hardest part of this one was exercising the self-discipline not to overdo it too soon. Pulling back the reins when I feel like I don't need to has always been a challenge for me. At least I know it now and use my training log to assist in keeping me from being a victim of my own enthusiasm. Completed 2 working sets of the 5 scheduled movements using 'light' resistance. If my progress continues, I expect that once Workout Day 1 comes around again, I should be able to slowly reintroduce some progressive overload. Looking forward to that for sure. #borninfiftynine A-Jay

It's knottable, meaning we can tie knots with it. And yes I connect to 15 lb FC (Tatsu) and use it as a wire leader. I can only tell you what works for me. Connections of line to wire are double uni-knots. Baits to wire are single uni-knots. I tighten all knots slowly and properly lube, inset saliva. A slow and deliberate final cinch helps the wire from 'curling up' on the finish. A-Jay

Been using this product effectively for 10 years plus. I use 20 lb the vast majority of the time. The company website recommends using common monofilament knots. Albright Knot, Clinch Knot, Perfection Loop, Surgeon's Loop and Uni-knot . I prefer a Uni-Knot exclusively. With 26 lb test I would use 4 turns. Any more and the knot might start getting a little big. Good luck A-Jay

I've been a Benchmade fan for a while. Added a couple of Claymores recently. A-Jay

Started this particular countdown in January with 266 days a wake up. I will often look back at some of the video footage from trips past, just to help keep the juices flowing, although it doesn't take much at this point. So this clip is a recap of the 3rd day of a 6 1/2 day trip Big Fish Jeff and I made in Oct 2018. While it most certainly was, calling this trip memorable would be doing it a serious injustice. It was just plain epic, and it is the week of fishing that I will forever compare every trip we make to. Doesn't matter where or when, this one was "The Trip" of a lifetime. I feel so fortunate to have shared it with a friend. And without making the concerted effort regarding the GoPros (packing them, having enough and the right gear, charging all the batteries twice a day, and going back and editing 65 hours of video) this one, like so many others, would have just been another fish story that no one would really believe. The believing deal is clearly a side note, as the important part is that we lived & shared each and every moment. But a bassheads starts off with, "We caught 53 bass over 7lbs in 6 days' There tends to be some skepticism floating around. And rightly so, that just sounds stupid. And it was. Probably my favorite aspect of these Lake Bacarrac Lodge videos is how raw they are. Showing them just the way they happened is the only way to go for me and instantly takes me right back to that time & place. We are currently sitting at a mere 107 Days and a wake up. A-Jay

Been on a bit of a Claymore kick lately. A-Jay

Seems you have a few years on me but we may be similar in that my learning phase has never stopped. May have stalled out briefly. But it wasn't long before I was back in school. Your description on presentation sounds about right to me. But let's not forget. I'm a hack. One thing that worked for me is believing that the bass I am targeting is the queen of her castle and well aware of everything in her habitat. So there are instances where doing as little as I can with the bait as I bring it back to me the better. It's like I am retrieving the rig without it ever being detected. All sneaky like. She knows it's there, and nothing else on her meal plan tries to get eaten. So I roll with that. Good luck A-Jay

It's been a full 10 days since I stepped into the home gym. To say I was ready today would be a fairly wild understatement. Took it easy again. Completed another downscaled version of Workout Day 1. It felt really good though and I am definitely looking forward to getting back into my regular training routine. Here comes the muscle soreness. A-Jay

So glad to hear you're continuing to make solid progress. Keep up the good work and remember less is never a problem when it comes to rehab. Sounds like you're in the home stretch. Don't stumble over the finish line. A-Jay