A-Jay

Get yourself some Star Brite Ultimate carpet clean and go to work ! A-Jay

I picked up the Frabill Conservation Ultralight net last spring and have been really impressed. I went with the 21x24 inch hoop and flat-bottom net bag to handle larger fish, which I encounter a few times a year. Since I didn't need the full 48-inch handle: which is carbon fiber, btw, and wicked light, I trimmed it down to my preferred length and replaced the end cap. https://www.frabill.com/collections/landing-nets/products/conservation-ultralight-net A-Jay

Workout Day 3 ~ 160 lbs has always been my line in the sand—a threshold I hadn’t dipped below in a long time while training. Hitting the scale at 155 lbs this morning feels like a win. It’s less about the number and more about recognizing the mental and physical shift in my composition and strength. #borninfiftynine A-Jay

I have high expectations right here ~ "Burn, Burn, Burn, Pause . . . . " A-Jay

Well, it snowed off & on all day yesterday, and overnight air temps were in the single digits. So, in what can probably be best described as an act of desperation, I loaded the gear into the Pro-V Bass yesterday. Except for the rods, which I get to today after I train. The rest of the week is not too bad weather-wise. And I might take a RECON trip over to Lake Mendercuck in a day or two. But it is Tanker Tuesday, and this time I'm doing something a little different. Below is a screenshot of the video made when I caught my PB Brown Bass. This image captures the moment I realized what I had just netted. #holysmoke https://youtu.be/frJAlndpO7E?si=OCPFfqYHNQYNea59 9 Days & a Wake up. It's gonna be close. A-Jay

Another satisfied pre spawn customer. Good morning sir and congrats on that beauty. A-Jay

Just a reminder that many members who have responded here have 30 to 60+ years of experience, catching great bass long before modern electronics existed. The takeaway is that fishing has too many variables for anyone else to truly tell us what we might be doing right or wrong. Even expert anglers miss fine details, regardless of their gear. In my experience, we have to figure it out on the water ourselves. Keep at it—it will click eventually. It almost always does. A-Jay

Last year's results - Just let me know if there's anything else I can do for you sir. 😁 A-Jay

I didn't think folks were believing any of this. Just an excuse to have a little fun. My brain is almost thawed out. 😬 A-Jay

Way to make it happen my friend. Especially in that muddy water. At least you got to wear sunglasses. Mostly, Thank You very much for taking the time and making the effort to write these detailed reports. I so much enjoy following you along as you hunt those gorgeous smallies in that most majestic river. Now, go respool that bladed jig rig with new/heavier line ! And go get the Kraken ! A-Jay

Taking my wife for treatment—this was 2 weeks ago @ 9AM. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1433359981044418/ 🥶 A-Jay

My training has included a step-back lunge somewhere in the program for a long time. There are different variations and recently I have been performing them in an alternating leg fashion with the front leg elevated 6 inches, holding a single dumbbell in a goblet position (to my chest). This is an exceptionally effective, advanced unilateral leg exercise that combines the deep range of motion of a deficit lunge with the loading and core challenges of a goblet hold. Specifically targeting the glutes, quads, and hip stability while reducing pressure on the knee compared to forward lunges. It requires little in the way of equipment, and beginners can start off with body weight, which could prove quite challenging early on. Here is a breakdown of why this exercise is highly effective: 1. Increased Muscle Activation (The 6-inch Elevation) Deep Glute Stretch & Growth: Elevating the front foot 6 inches (using plates or a box) increases the range of motion (deficit), allowing for a deeper stretch on the glutes at the bottom of the movement. This heightened range of motion and stretch is excellent for muscle hypertrophy (growth). Superior Quad Engagement: While engaging the glutes, the elevated position also forces more knee flexion on the front leg, increasing the workload on the quadriceps. Reduced Knee Stress: Unlike forward lunges, reverse lunges are generally easier on the knees. Elevating the front foot can further decrease pressure on the knee joint while increasing the intensity on the leg muscles. 2. Loading Strategy (Single Goblet Dumbbell) Upright Posture & Core Engagement: Holding a single dumbbell in a goblet style (tight to the chest) counterbalances the body, helping to maintain a neutral spine and an upright torso. Upper Body Involvement: This position forces the upper back, rear delts, and core to activate to stabilize the weight. Safer Progressive Overload: A goblet hold is often preferred over goblet squats for intermediate to advanced trainees because it allows them to properly overload the legs without the core or back failing first. 3. Stability and Balance (Step-Back Technique) Better Balance Control: Stepping backwards makes it easier to keep your balance and control the descent compared to stepping forward, making it a safer option for heavy loads. Improved Mobility: It promotes better hip mobility by actively stretching the hip flexors of the back leg while strengthening the front leg. Summary of Benefits Targets: Glutes (lower glute focus), quadriceps, hamstrings, core, and upper back. Key Benefit: High unilateral strength and muscle growth with reduced knee stress. Goal: Ideal for improving overall leg aesthetics, closing strength imbalances, and enhancing functional, athletic power. Tips for Execution Maintain Control: Because of the 6-inch elevation, the movement is deep; ensure you are not dumping your hips or losing lower back posture. Lean Forward Slightly: A slight torso lean forward can help maximize glute engagement and prevent excessive upright pressure on the lower back. Step-Back Line: When stepping back, align the foot directly behind the hip (hip-distance) to avoid bringing the foot directly behind the front heel, which reduces stability. Set the Weight: Start with a lower weight to master the stability of the 6-inch deficit. Stay Strong so we can Fish Hard. A-Jay

So here we are a few days in to April already. And while there have been some notable catches so far (none by me sadly), I have a feeling there's quite a bit more to come. As the northern part of the nation begins to defrost and change from the hard to the soft water I prefer, the brown bass action should pick up dramatically. Best of luck to the people. A-Jay

Awesome ~ So there ya go. 🏆 THE 8 LB CLUB 🏆 A-Jay

Nicely Done ~ That's a Great Bass ! Congrats on the New Personal Best And if you weren't already, welcome to the 8 lb club. A-Jay

I am also a man who bands these treble hooks together. And I'm talking ALL treble hooks. I've been at it a while myself. A-Jay

Workout Day 2 ~ Maintaining the desired level of lean body mass has been a learning experience for sure. Quality food choices along with proper timing and portion control have been the foundation of my deal for a long time. The more I do it, the better I get at it. #borninfiftynine A-Jay

This little guy takes his job very seriously ~ A-Jay

They keep telling me it's going to end eventually. But I'm really concerned that my Qualude stash might not last that long. 🥴 A-Jay

That's awesome. I am really chomping at the bit myself. Don't forget to check your drag . . . . . Good luck and stay safe. A-Jay

Cool ~ The man makes these baits to order, by hand, and he's busy, so order early and often. It usually takes at least 2 weeks, sometimes 3, to get an order. #worthit Also know these baits get bites because they are soft. Good Luck A-Jay

Sweet ! A-Jay

Oh, the Truck Money and I are well acquainted. Every 2 or 3 years he literally puts a banana to my head and gives me an ultimatum. New truck, or else . . . . 🍌 A-Jay

And that's why that A-Jay guy uses a silicone mat while unhooking fish. It catches whatever and that goes over the side. Helps keep the front deck from looking like a murder scene. 😬 A-Jay

Do It ! A-Jay