A-Jay

I'll admit that at 3/8 ounce it's a little small for my liking. Doesn't mean It doesn't catch bass - just means I prefer a 1/2 or 5/8 ounce bait. A-Jay

Tough to say for sure what may be attributing to your lack of success. Generally speaking & throughout their range, this is a pretty decent time of the year to fish for Smallies. Clearly I'm not familiar with the lakes you're fishing but it may simply boil down to where you're throwing and not what. If these waters are known to have the fish you're looking for, bass are going to be shallow at some point here soon, if not already. Fishing in the immediate vicinity of spawning areas has got to pay off eventually. A-Jay

Here's the info on the Mustang Elite Inflatable Pfd Automatic Md5183 Engineered specifically for the serious angler, the Elite Inflatable PFD has been designed with five key features to enhance every day on the water: 3D Chassis - Revolutionary 3D chassis creates a slim profile to enhance mobility, fit securely and reduce neck fatigue Built for Speed - 3D chassis improves the body's aerodynamics to reduce drag at speed Breathable Mesh Back Panel - Made of the same engineered mesh found in premium running shoes Exclusive Materials - Sleek inflation handle and body-armor tested outer shell fabric Hydrostatic Inflator Technology - Activated by water pressure to automatically inflate when submerged in 4" or more of water A-Jay

~ X2 ~ A-Jay

I don't have any experience with the newest Sustains but the older models I have are built like tanks & still going strong. btw - if you're in the market for the 2500 - here's one in the $250-ish zone. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Sustain-2500-FG-Spinning-Reel-6-0-1-SA-2500FG-/141869557305?hash=item210815a639:g:cgkAAOSwwbdWMOm8 A-Jay

Very Sorry to hear about Gizmo ~ Although their time with us is brief, it's always special. A-Jay My forever friend I know that it must be different, now that I am no longer there. I realize how much I was loved and how all of you did care. I know it will be hard at first when you look around for me. Expecting to find me in my bed or beside my favorite tree. Someday you will begin to see although it’ll take some time, the happy times you shared with me, the memories are yours and mine. I’ll remember you, my friends, and how much you meant to me. So please don’t grieve and don’t be sad, it was just my time to leave.

Is that what the cool kids call them now ? A-Jay

Most of the time I just say "fish" and if it feels big I always include "Hope it's a bass". One of my favorite Mexican Guides says . . . "Uh-Oh, No Good. Get the net." A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

A-Jay

Bummer ! At least it wasn't me this time. A-Jay

Man ~ you guys had some wicked reverse gravity that day too . . . A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ I'd say stick with it. The bass won't let a little rain interfere with eating & spawning for very long. Neither should you. A-Jay

My implication was to raise the lake water level to allow safe navigation over the hazards. A-Jay

Hello Rich and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

NO ~ Never . . Quickest way to pop out a tip top guide insert. It's like Crossing The Streams - It just shouldn't be done. A-Jay

Get & Wear one of these ~ All The Time. A-Jay

It's The Best Plastic Mending Product I've used. Never used the plastic Bottle. A-Jay

Lucky Craft LC RTO DD Silent Crankbaits, Lucky Craft LC Silent Squarebill, Lucky Craft Silent Fat BDS Crankbaits, Strike King Pro Model 5XD & 6XD Silent Crankbaits, Strike King KVD HC Square Bill Silent Crankbait, Strike King Red Eye Shad Silent, Luck-E-Strike Rick Clunn Square Bill Crankbait. A-Jay

Just Add Water. A-Jay

X2 Have two "working" bottles - been open (and then securely closed) for two years. A-Jay

LOL ~ I will admit to doing most of my scouting for spots - during the day. Usually when that "1-2" thing isn't working so good. A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ My 1-2 Pattern is as follows . . . . 1). Locate Fish Holding Structure / Cover. 2). Fish it. A-Jay

Hello JJ and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

If we think out many of our own experiences, both in fishing & in many other of life's endeavors, we each have our own "natural" approach and manner of navigating through any challenges to come to some level of success. Very rarely is The First Time where & when we peak. Experience always teaches us something; either what or what no to do next time. By selecting to attend seminars offered by two very experienced anglers, you may have realized the value of experience. If you had seen them during their Rookie years I believe their presentations would have indicated what I mean. Both KVD & Ike enjoyed success early which also may indicate that "The Natural" talent was there as well. All that said, I will always believe that the single hardest thing to do in sports is to square up a moving round ball with a round bat. However, putting it all together to have a successful day on the water often seems just as daunting and when done right is just as satisfying. A-Jay