A-Jay

15 Feb 2019 ~ Back & Bicep workout Along life’s path physical, mental, & emotional capacities decline. But One’s Spirit, need not be a part of that. A-Jay

Legal & personal safety issues are perhaps best handled by those who are tasked with such matters. Karma will take care of the rest. Life is short. A-Jay

Hi Matt ~ My personal preference for spinnerbait & vibrating jig applications is a medium heavy moderate composite rod with 15-20 lb fluorocarbon; Seaguar InvisX or Tatsu. A-Jay

Do yourself a favor - allow a professional to set that 31 year old motor up for success. The initial expense of parts & labor will FAR Out weigh the lack of frustration and time lost on the water when compared to 'saving a few bucks' by doing it yourself. Unless you've spent the last 40 years it took to get your rig working on these motors, I recommend leaving it to someone who has. Good Luck. A-Jay

Underrated baits ~ Rapala Subwalk Scrounger head Single Oklahoma Blade Spinnerbait Drop Shot Craw A-Jay

While my projected Ice-Out date of 15 April is only 2 months or 8 weeks and 2 days or 58 more days away, we've been getting hammered with snow & cold past 3 weeks or so. Call it relentless. So unless there is a major climate swing the other way, I fear this deal is going to be extended - again. And it might be by several weeks . . . #ugly On a positive & most excellent note - deposit to the next trip south of the border this fall went out in the mail. A-Jay

As mention a few time previously in this thread, as to whatever type, brand, and price point of tackle one has & fishes: while I believe quality gear is important and enjoy using decent gear - there are a ton of companies these days that make very effective & fishable gear that does NOT cost a ton. Most all of the Mid-line price point stuff is really good. Some brands are better than others but seems very few are really bad. Either way, they are tools and bassheads who have put the time in to develop 'skills' will catch and guys who don't (and depend on spending a ton of $$$ to make up for it) - not so much. That said, I just finished cleaning these up and am looking forward to putting them through their paces. (spinning reels not shown) Just as soon as there's some open water. A-Jay

I use an assortment of mostly Plano boxes. A-Jay

Don't fight it man ~ Just believe the hype . . . A-Jay

As noted these reels possess qualities well beyond anything a freshwater bass fisherman could ever need. Doesn't mean they would not work - just major over kill. However if one ever feels the urge to fish while floating in the lake - them by all means, the Van Staal Is the Definitive choice. A-Jay

Best Buds Forever ~ Just Chill'in in the kitchen . . . A-Jay

Hello James and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ Thanks for sharing Bummer you had to toss back that Toad. A-Jay

I used the heavy mono leaders for abrasion resistance. 50 & 65 lb braid is no match for Jagged jetty rocks almost completely covered up with razor like barnacles. A 50 or 60 lb mono leader was essential. I did use very heavy casting gear - distance wasn't always a concern but battling 40 lb plus stripers on the rock pile was as close to a good old fashion tug-a-war as one could hope for. Stout tackle ruled. Good Times ~Miss those days. A-Jay

You didn't hear it from me . . . But the smaller spark shad makes a Killer drop shot bait. Shhhhh . . . A-Jay

Way to go @CharlieTN ~ Nice Bass. Congrats A-Jay

That's a bummer - glad you can see the 'good' part though. Matching your calorie intake to your needs sounds like a solid plan too. I've got back tomorrow myself, which will include some 'heavy pulling' (relative term), thanks for the 'safety first' reminder. Hope whatever 'repair' is required, as well as the associated rehab, go as planned. A-Jay

Great Bass ~ btw - "Panicking" is at least half the fun. Congrats A-Jay

If you're ready for them - it's not all bad A-Jay

Good Luck ~ A-Jay

Definitely in his element ~ A-Jay

Resistance is Resistance - regardless of where it originates. Done correctly and with a little creativity, you can definitely kick your own arse with body weight only training. There was a time when I used to 'train' 50-100 young men & women simultaneously, with nothing but a stop watch & a whistle. There was a lot of moaning at first but at the end of about 8 weeks, the humans who truly wanted to & could hang, were all in fantastic 'condition'. Do It. A-Jay

Nice looking rig I "Built" one last night - I got that kind of time. Loaded it up too. Came in at a touch over 110K - before taxes of course. That's a pretty big bite out of crime. Guess ya gotta pay to play. A-Jay

I like Pizza ~ Haven't had any in a while though - but it's coming . . . . A-Jay

I suppose your perception is your reality ~ But it's certainly not mine. A-Jay

Sweet ~ I'll need a dozen or so to take to Mexico in October . . . Hook a Brother up ! A-Jay