A-Jay

Lund's Pro-V Bass boat features a pull out boarding ladder that is incorporated into the hull. A-Jay

I crank with either a 7', 7'4" or 7'10" Med Hvy Quantum Tour KVD Cranking rod, depending on the presentation & application. (Seen here in my hand & on deck) The composite blanks blend of E-Glass and carbon delivers the parabolic glass actions I prefer without sacrificing sensitivity and backbone that carbon provides. And something that is often not mentioned is that these rods will launch a bait quite a ways with minimal effort. I really enjoy that. A-Jay

Going over the side is always a life threatening event; especially when the air & or water temps start to drop. During the warmer months, most of us sort of laugh when we or a someone else goes in, but in the cold, it's no joke. Having the ability to get back to your boat and then board it unassisted is crucial. If you strike an underwater object while on plane and your boat sudden slows or worse - stops, without any type of restraint, you are first going to strike whatever is in front of you (at the speed the boat was initially traveling) Then you may or may not go overboard. There's a decent chance you'll have some type of injury as a result of that impact either way. If you do go in, your life jacket may be the only thing keeping you from slipping below the surface - hopefully help can come to recover you. Your ability to 'swim' in these scenarios isn't as important as having that life jacket on. Going in the drink while fishing (not on plane) can be bad if you can't swim a lick; especially without a life jacket on. Having a boarding ladder (or knowing how to use your motor's trim) to get back on board is very beneficial too. If you've never tried to do any of this, though I hope you never really do for real) I'd encourage you to try it in a warm 'controlled' environment with at least one capable adult present. You may find that pulling your soaking wet full clothed body up out of the water and onto the deck of a bass boat is challenging; even when not hypothermic and or physically injured. Bottom line, IMO learning to swim is a solid plan, at least a little. Simulating the event and ensuring you're able to save yourself in the event the unthinkable happens, can't hurt either. Sometimes there's nothing we can to - Bad stuff happens to good people all the time. However, many a 'strong swimmer' has tragically met their demise by not being prepare otherwise for an accident. Stay Safe A-Jay

See - I'm always learning stuff . . . . Thanks for dropping the knowledge and optimistic forecast - We like the snow - just not real excited about the extended stay of this arctic air mass. A-Jay

The thermometer onside my window is reading -25 this morning. So it's at least 50 degrees 'Warmer' in my freezer. Still, don't see me throwing it's contents out the window into the snow. Hope the wind stays calm . . . A-Jay

Hello Michael and welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

The original thread was posted 10 years ago - Rolo hasn't been on the forums since July 2017 - so an immediate direct response may not be coming . . . . . . As for a spinnerbait presentation is the summer - how it's presented may be as much a consideration what it looks like. A-Jay

I'm with ya ! And "PVB" ~ I really like that one. A-Jay

A-Jay

Thank you for your experience. I have been seriously considering that rod (based on the advertised specs) specifically for deep, big water & big smallies. Most typical ML DSR's (including the 2 ML sticks I currently fish) just don't have the HP I'm looking for. Still looking - may build it myself. A-Jay

Perhaps take a good look at this one by Alpha Angler. Seemed to work well for the reigning Elite Series Angler of the Year. https://www.alphaangler.com/collections/rods/products/drop-shot-rod A-Jay

Awesome ~ You know I can relate. btw - your ability to predict the exact date of soft water is admirable. Especially 3 months out . . . . A-Jay

-16 this morning here (without the wind chill). Forecast for the middle of next week is calling for temps up in the mid 30's and RAIN. That should be a wonderful mess . . . . . A-Jay

I fish 'several' of the top tier Quantum Casting reels. Have been for a while - Probably 10 years now. They perform well for me. Like all gear, when used & maintained properly, durability has not been an issue. They've been a good value as well. But most importantly, they have routinely performed perfectly, especially when I needed it most. Case in point, during a recent trip south of the border (details below) a pair of Quatum EXO 200 reels easily dispatched several, (and I do mean several) 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and yes even 10lb bass - without missing a beat. There are always going to be 'stories' regarding most every brand - good & bad. Either way, it means little to me at this point as I have built a very successful history with this brand. So rather than acknowledge the foolishness, instead I chose to simply smile and share pictures of the fish my supposedly inferior gear, helps me catch on a very regular bases. Get the gear you like and go fishing. The bass don't care what you are using. A-Jay

Hello JT and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Gunner is a Great Looking Pup ~ We had a Gunner too . . . A-Jay

Nice - guess the blizzard missed you guys somehow . . . A-Jay

That's a tough one - A-Jay

Big Water smb seem to have the capacity to grow big, super thick, deep & especially Tall body frames. This allows them to get surprisingly heavy without being particularly long. The term TANK is one I use - and I like that. Fertility of the habitat (as well as an abundance of gobies) certainly helps. A-Jay

I'll play ~ I'd say the LMB compared to SMB size Trophy fish comparison scale looks like this: LMB = SMB 7 - 9 lb 5lb 10 - 12lb 6lb 13lb 7lb 14 - 15 8lb 16lb + 9lb A-Jay

And that's a tall task considering your area's history - Good Luck. A-Jay

Dude ~ ! Way to Kill it ! You know I know what it's like to fish in the cold like that - It's Pretty Brutal. Great fish ANY Time of the year. But doing it Now ~ Sweet ! And such great looking Fatties . . . That had to feel Really Good. Congrats A-Jay

Now we're talk'in ~ - 20 to - 40 tonight. You will not hear me complaining about 'how hot it is' at any point this summer. A-Jay

Guess you got your meds then ? A-Jay

The Blind. A-Jay