A-Jay

That's a fair question Mike ~ Specifically my stick of choice here is the Quantum KVD composite cranking rod - in the 7' & 7'-4' lengths both MH. A little background regarding my personal over all blank preference - it revolves around 'The Bend'. I like one. I will use an xtra-fast rod for top water & jerk baits - because they do excel there IMO - that's where their use ends in my arsenal. I even prefer a longer MHMF for jigs - although graphite rules here for me. Additionally, I believe that there is a misconception out there carried on by anglers who have little to no experience using composite or even fiberglass blanks (And I'm not including you in this) that because the blank actually 'bends', that it is somehow also - not powerful enough. I do not find that to be the case at all. While there may be a perceived 'delay' in when the 'power' gets there, these sticks have plenty. But it comes from the last third of the blank, rather than starting at the very tip, and one has to get there first: meaning you have to load the rod up. I look at it like using an accelerator. If you want full power, you need to step on the gas. All of this is what keeps me fishing these killer wands. So back to spinnerbaits - I see this composite blank offering me a least two desirable characteristic. The vast majority of my spinnerbait fishing is a long distance toss presentation - composite stick makes that task easier. By requiring less effort each cast, while getting plenty of distance from my rig, I am able to stay at it & on the water longer - First advantage. Despite having a stout single hook, spinnerbaits (and vibrating jigs) design, with the heavy lead head & blade configuration, can & do get tossed away by a few spirited brown bass - a bent rod throughout the duration of the battle, especially boat side, helps keep me pinned up. Second Advantage. Now I'm not saying that other materials / blanks do not provide the same deals, I just prefer the manner in which these sticks take care of business for me. They have accounted for several really respectable brown bass for me the past three seasons, including my PB. So whatever it is about them, they suit my style. A-Jay

Good Place for a Stick-up ~ And perhaps could benefit with the addition of a "vent". A-Jay

Means I labeled it in the dead of winter and I was on my own suicide watch ~ The smiley face was part of that. And yes - they do work 'much better'. A-Jay

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." Congratulations to you both ~ ! A-Jay

I do the same thing ~ Works for me as well. A-Jay

We pretty much got hammered yesterday and over night. This as well as all the surrounding counties closed all roads to include major highways. High winds (40-60) along with blowing & drifting snow caused white out conditions everywhere. And yet, the Peeps still headed out into the insanity. Several multi-vehicle pile ups had the few emergency crews these rural areas have, scrambling to help. Officials used social media repeatedly pleading with people to stay off the roads & indoors. Trees & power lines down everywhere - we lost power on & off all night but remarkably, we still have it now. Looking out the front window if the snow drift that's 3/4 the way up the side of my home is any indication, I'm expecting this will be at least a 4-5 hour, and 2 gas tanks full, snow removal evolution. Good Times. A-Jay

Yesterdays Total Body training was fairly tame, by my own standards. I’ll be looking to ramp up the intensity here soon enough. Need to get in the groove a bit first though. And while this area was expecting Blizzard Conditions with tons of snow & crazy high winds through the day and over night – I managed to knock this one out before the inevitable loss of power. #hatetrainingbycandlelight A-Jay

Yup - It's all good. I wish I knew what I now know about my own diet & exercise several years ago. Most all of it falls under the 'work smarter not harder' category. I ate (and drank) too much & tried to 'run it off'. Effectiveness Level - Low. Have a much better approach now. Have to admit to actually enjoying both the process & the results. As for the 'age' deal - it's Ok except for the over all body shrinking and having to check the next to the last box indicating 'age' on any form needing to be filled out. I hate that. A-Jay

Tucker just a Chill'in and Fenway's just a Kill'in ~ That poor purple ball. A-Jay

I'll be the odd man out - I prefer & use MHMF for spinnerbaits & vibrating jigs. I will also add that I'm routinely presenting them in 'lighter' cover situations. A-Jay

Nicely Done ~ Congrats A-Jay

Sounds good ~ While I would not ever really need your services there in Nebraska, as I seem to do OK on my own . . But when traveling south of the border, which where I do use a 'guide', if you can & will routinely produce results like this . . . I'm all for it. A-Jay

There's quite a bit of Grunting and Groaning, along with maybe even some Blood, Sweat & Tears within this chronological collection of training logs ~ 10 consecutive years worth . . . . and still going. A-Jay

I'm betting some guys would perhaps be surprised with what Jeff & I routinely tip Manual. We're going with it's worth every Benjamin . . A-Jay

Hello Matt and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Apparently, this is the best kept secret out there; especially for the casual, recreational and tournament angler (where their use is not restricted.) When done correctly one Never has to worry about a hook in the hand or touching the line ever again. A-Jay

The top three desirable characteristics on this model net for me are Quality Durable Construction, the extendable & collapsible handle for easy storage, and The Light Weight. Additionally the 'net bag type' plays an intricate role in the overall scheme with this net for me; and I'll explain how & why. But first, I will totally agree with you that treble hooks can & do get tangled up on occasion. Which can be somewhat time consuming to get them out. But here's the other side of it. The net is light, balanced and super easy to manage with one hand. ALL of this is extremely important to me. Because when I am fishing the fish of a life time, (which fortunately, has actually happened at least a couple of times the past few of years) since I fish solo most of the time, I want to feel confident that I am offering myself the best chance to net it. It has worked out well. The season before last I switched out the stock 'knotless' net bag for a black rubber bag. While it was truly 100 % treble hook tangle free - IT WEIGHED A TON ! And while feel I am in at least average physical condition & strength, I had a heck of time getting most every spirited smallmouth bass into it. So, I switched it out to the lighter stock net bag fairly quickly and haven't looked back. Bottom line for me is, I'll untangle a few hooks now & then when the trade off is ensuring I get to hold a big fish that was 50 years plus in the making. YMMV. btw @NorthernBasser - This one's just for you A-Jay

Hello from up in Otsego county Welcome to Bass Resource Al ~ A-Jay

Yea- raining up here too and has been off & on all night. It's expected to mix with and then change to all snow as the air temps crash with the impending high winds (40-60 mph plus) which are a coming later this morning. Looks like we'll be donning the Kahtoola MICROspikes - Life savers when it's like this. A-Jay https://www.amazon.com/Kahtoola-MICROspikes-Footwear-Traction-Medium/dp/B00RXXJ0V2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1551015553&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=katoola%2Bmicro-spikes&psc=1&th=1

There's a memory ! That must have been one heck of a battle. Old Frank's a TANK . . . . A-Jay

Congratulations on winning your first derby ~ And what a way to do it with two tanks and a New Personal Best ! Surely starting off the 2019 season with a loud Bang Enjoy the double after glow . . . A-Jay

Let's Go Back to Back ~ ! A-Jay

Thanks ~ A-Jay

Somehow, I think you'll get over it Chris ~ A-Jay

A-Jay