A-Jay

While looking for big Smallies - I have 2 separate times that can be very good. Starting in very early spring from ice out until right before they actually get on the beds. And then again mid to late fall. So spring & fall - Big Surprise right ? No. I do fish at night quite a bit in the summer and although it's a great time to get nice bass - rarely are these the biggest fish of the season for me - But then again, I'm a hack. So that might be the deal right there. A-Jay

Tournament fisherman or not - a man's decisions, actions & attitudes will display his character & determine his reputation. If this is how this human routinely conducts himself, eventually he may cross paths with a man who is less tolerant. A man who may not exercise the same restraint that you & your dad displayed here which could result in him needing facial reconstruction. A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Largemouth. A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ Interesting First Post. I've had a few dealings with St Croix customer Service and in every instance they were nothing short of fantastic. Hope your experience ends up feeling the same. A-Jay

5.3: & 5.7:1 ~ I like to wind Fast so the lower IPT is good for me. Do not like using a fast gear where I need to 'slow down' to have the bait run right. A-Jay

I'm in northern lower MI (30 minutes from the bridge) ~ Fishing's been Great and the Catching's been even better. Pre-spawn was particularly good and with most water temps in this area tickling 60 - I'm seeing plenty of post spawn bass. Won't be long before the brown bass head for the depths . . . . A-Jay

Was there ever any doubt ? A-Jay

I start throwing the 2.5 about mid-summer, by then the bait is a bit bigger. And it's THE crank of choice for me in the fall. A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

And I'm always glad to make it to the sunset as well . . . A-Jay

Always carry a litter bag in your vehicle. Once it gets filled up, you can always just throw the whole thing right out the window. But make sure it lands on someone's nice lawn, that way you know it will get picked up. Oh and don't leave any of your mail in it, otherwise they could track you down . . . . . A-Jay

Quality Sun protection is a solid plan. I use Columbia, HUK, Simms & Buff gear. It's all good when worn & fit properly. Skin Cancer is no joke. btw - "Sun Shorts" seem mostly unproductive. Go with full length fishing pants. A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

A swivel or clip although convenient, when used with an 'R' bend bait - meaning non-closed loop model, doesn't really work as you have found out. One can always simply tie the line directly to the bait - thus eliminating the swivel / clip. If you must use a clip- there a simply little trick you can do using heat shrink tube, a small rubber band or even a short length of braided line. check it out - A-Jay

Nice Bass ~ Congrats A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Hello Steve and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Looking Good ~ A-Jay

The Holiday Boat Traffic Insanity was job security for me of a long time and I was smack dab in the middle of most every one. However, those days are done. And as a retired human I'll leave the water to those souls who can't be out there all next week. Like I will be ~ A-Jay

Bummer @Redlinerobert~ This is probably not the same as your deal as I think you have a different motor; but last week I received information (letter) from Mercury Marine regarding Outboard Service Bulletin 2017-05. This is not a recall. I have the 2016 Optimax 200 DFI. After some quick research & a call to my dealer, it appears that in certain motors the Reed plate assembly on the compressor may be faulty. Something about an improper material was used and reportedly this causes rough running and starting problems. After talking to the main shop human, he had me check for a "white dot" on the compressor which indicated the upgrade had already been performed at the factory prior to delivery. I did not see it - (could still be there but I couldn't find it) either way, they ordered the parts and next time I bring it in, they'll change it out. All No Cost. Boat's running great now so I'm planning on riding it out until the end of the season or if it starts performing sub-standard, I'll just bite the bullet and take it in. It's an hour north so I'm in no hurry. What's your Recall all about ? A-Jay

Hello Kevin and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay