A-Jay

You know I can't disagree @Catt - But even with fresh line dull hooks can make for tough sledding . . . Which comes first the chicken or the egg ? A-Jay

Excluding safety Items of course, IMO "the Hook(s)" just may be The Most important aspect of my fishing. So I'm always checking & sharpening where & when I can. And when I say "sharpening", it's more like a touch up to regain the sticky point I feel is just a must. When a few passes with a quality file or stone ( I use a couple of different ones) doesn't get me what I want - I replace it. Don't think twice about it. Bent trebles get one 'straighten' and any occurrence prompts replacement. A-Jay

Personal best largemouth & smallmouth for me have all either come in the spring or the fall. (and not at night) I do fish all summer but between the high temps, as well as fishing & recreational pressure, seems like opportunities to catch the better bass are fewer. Certainly doesn't mean summer time can not or does not produce big bass because it most certainly does - all over the fishes range. I also fish quite a bit at night in the summer and into the early fall - although it may just be my favorite bass fishing experience - It has not produced the majority of my bigger bass. Doesn't keep me from going nor will it. Finally, I agree whole hardheartedly with your mid week night ops plan. Often times the only time I go. A-Jay

Your state's 2018 fishing regulations indicate that this 'would' be unlawful ~ It is unlawful . . "• To release any species of fish, except those listed as approved by the Fish & Boat Commission, in Commonwealth waters without written permission from the executive director of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission." A-Jay

Sweet. And right about now would be a good time for a visual . . . . A-Jay

I do not back reel while fighting / landing fish but instead rather prefer to utilize the drag. Properly set (and perhaps even adjusting it during) I'm comfortable & effective with it. I have & use both type spinning reels (with & without an anti-reverse option). Have not had an issue either way and do not 'miss it' on the reels that do not have it. YMMV A-Jay

Anything may be better than nothing but I'd encourage you to 'do your home work'. Finding the unit that suits your needs and the way you fish will make a big difference in how helpful any unit ends up being. If you've not done so already, visit a retailer that has plenty of different units - Hands-on is a great way to determine which & how big a unit is right for you. Good Luck. A-Jay

Often times a 'low battery' can cause the unit to shut down. Check it. A-Jay

I can't really blame them. Been doing the same for a while now. "Have you met . . . people?" A-Jay

Until they grow thumbs and learn how to work a keyboard, I think most of us are safe. A-Jay

And why not ? You deserve it. A-Jay

Nice Video Congrats Please consider wearing a life jacket while fishing from your kayak. A-Jay

On @WRB's recommendation - I took & used the 25lb on several rigs on my last trip south of the border. A place where any weak link in my gear is quickly exposed & routinely abused. Didn't happen ~ Line performed well. Highly recommended by 4 out of 5 bassheads that use premium Mono. A-Jay

Yup ~ Or PS4 A-Jay

A-Jay

Hello Aidan and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

The kind of mid-June morning that almost makes me forget about January ~ Almost. A-Jay

This lake has a healthy Pike population. And judging by the 'teeth marks' on the side of this guy (facing me), At least one mutant pike that tried to EAT this one - Mental note to self ~ No swimming. A-Jay

I've not owned a kayak or an associated cart. My canoe cart is a bit more stout and (probably $$) than you would need; It would probably work though. There's some good info here . . A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ Nice Smallie. Looks like 3 pounds. A-Jay

We don’t get out together as often as in the past, but Lynn & I were able to spend some time on one of our favorite little bass lakes in the Old Town canoe today. The fish catching on this very pretty and calm morning, started out a little slow. The action did pick up considerably after some wind and hazy cloud cover moved in. A couple dozen bass and perhaps half as many kept us busy. A stickbait and a light swim jig (with various trailers) were accounting for most of the fish. A little after 3 pm, we called it knowing we’d be part of the ‘Going Up North’ Friday afternoon highway crowd. Best to get a little ahead of that when you can. So there ya go – really hope we can do that again soon. A-Jay

It's been my experience that smallies are seriously mobile and are very willing to move ,often quite a ways, for a good food source. This includes, week to week, day to day & even hour to hour. Here today gone tomorrow. Largemouth don't seem to be anywhere near as nomadic. They may 'homestead' an area or even a stumps and often don't move around much unless threatened. Water level change, big cold front and if their food for some reason departs. But for the most part, after the spawn, they'll be in the same area until fall. Their usual food source does the same. Clearly there are different deals and each environment is different, but the basic premise is there for me. Brown bass's 'home range' is a whole lot bigger than a green bass - big time. So this means I'm often moving more to find them - especially active fish. YMMV A-Jay

https://www.waterskiworld.com/life_vest/oversized-life-jackets-4xl-5xl-6xl.html A-Jay

Outkast Tackle offers the "Fieder Fly". Offered in a couple of sizes. Good Hook & a quality consistent tie. http://outkasttackle.com/feider-fly-2pk/ A-Jay

Texas rigged baits are often fished in heavy(er) cover on stout(er) casting gear. Heavier Hook is helpful. Drop-shot baits are often fished in open water, the baits are usually smaller and many times these presentations are done with spinning gear and light(er) line. So a small (thinner wire) hook is helpful. As always, gear & hook preference can and often does, vary wildly. What works for one may not for another. Use what works. A-Jay