Glenn

Fishing is one of the rare sports that truly brings everyone together—regardless of age, background, gender, race, ability, or economic status. It’s a universal pastime where the only thing that matters is the moment on the water. That’s why it’s so surprising to see this conversation take such a strange turn toward dividing people by age groups. Honestly, the fish don’t care—and neither should we. Let’s keep the focus on what unites us, not what separates us.

Alright guys, this is getting borderline absurd. Nothing new is being discussed at this point. And scene....

Guys...no more "stats" please. Just....stop. Please.

^^ Nope. That ship sailed long ago.^^ Last year, I spoke with a number of top pros that downplayed the NPFL....now I see many of them fishing it. I also spoke with many that saw the merits and are now fishing it this year....some of them were talking retirement at the end of last season. Plans changed.

That's likely a mini guide. A micro guide is the right one in this pic:

My state requires passing a "boater safety course", but it was as comical as it was frustrating. Aside from a few questions about waterskiing, it was 98% about saltwater commercial fishing regulations and less about boater safety. I mean, what bass boater wants or needs to know how far out in to international waters they need to be to empty septic tanks? And yet, there it was on the test. And I've never been asked for the card. So...unfortunately it's more about revenue than safety in my state.

In order of smallest to largest, there's micro-guides and then there's mini-guides, and of course there's the standard guides. Most rods that don't have standard guides have mini-guides. Micro guides are very small, and they're not nearly as popular as mini-guides.

Here is a systematic approach to uncovering the best fishing spots by combining research, understanding bass behavior, and hands-on exploration. With these tips, you’ll not only find new hotspots but also enjoy the process of exploration.

Thing is, drunk driving is the #1 cause of driving deaths, not speed. So...it's not a fair comparison when the discussion is about speed-related accidents. Anyway, the more subtle point I've been trying to make is that this thread is getting heated, and it's time to pump the brakes. When people start making exaggerated claims, say things like "this is why I don't post", reply in rapid-fire back-n-forth, and so on, it's a clear sign people are getting emotional, tense, amped, what have you. None of it is conducive to productive discourse. It all points to rapid escalation leading to arguing and fighting, ultimately ending with a number of PO'd members. People here are quick to criticize the moderators for shutting down threads "early", but when we see these signs, we know where it's going. So here's your chance, guys, to take it down a notch and keep it civil. If we end up having to shut it down anyway later, well....you had your shot.

Thousands??? Google says: source: https://www.cdc.gov/transportation-safety/about/index.html#:~:text=Motor vehicle crashes are a public health concern both in,injuries and deaths are preventable.

Ease up gentlemen. Time to take a breather.

Braid is not a universal line. It definitely has its place in bass fishing (flipping/pitching, for example), but fluorocarbon is more widely used across techniques and lures. It's the leatherman of fishing lines. Seaguar InvizX is what's spooled on the majority of my reels. Seaguar Smackdown is my braid of choice. Also, leader is not required for bass fishing. I suggest forgoing the leader for now. Maybe try it later, if you feel it can give you an edge. But if you catch plenty of fish without it, then I'd argue you don't need it. But if you feel you should be using it, then it's hard to beat Seaguar Pounce or Gold leader.

Great pond management goes beyond happy water and good fish food. Learn how to balance habitat, water chemistry, feeding, and long-term planning to overcome challenges and build a thriving fishery. https://www.bassresource.com/fish_biology/pond-management-consequences.html

Learn how to catch bass during all phases of the spring spawn. From staging prespawn fish to bedding bass and post-spawn feeders, discover proven lures, tactics, and seasonal strategies for success. https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/bass-spawn-spring.html

Nobody DIED in the NPFL accident. When a death is involved in any accident (auto, work related, hiking, biking, whatever) the investigation takes on a whole new level of scrutiny. Therefore, it takes much longer to determine causes (um...not "blame") and any relevant criminal charges.

They are made overseas, much like everything in the entire fishing industry, with a few exceptions of course.

The following is regarding the accident during the NPFL tournament on Lake Norman: Wildlife officers said the bass boat struck another boat while traveling 50-60 mph. The impact knocked both boaters into the water. It happened shortly after 7 a.m. in the area of Lake Norman State Park in Troutman. Authorities said Jesse Ayers, who caused the crash, was participating in the tournament. The other boat operator was fishing but was not part of the tournament. They were wearing life jackets, and there were boaters nearby who helped. “One boat heard the crash and turned around and went up to go help render aid,” said Wildlife Officer Michael Lott. “And then there was a pontoon boat passing by that saw the aftermath of everything and helped get the other operator out.” Ayers was charged with careless and reckless operation of a boat. The men were hospitalized, and their injuries appeared to be non-life-threatening.

These pics underscore the violence of the impact:

Yep. I've been in the boat with many pros, and it's crazy how they'll spend 5...maybe 10 mins on a spot at the most rapid-fire casting, and then beat feet to another spot. I've asked several about it, and the basic response is, "Either they're there and biting, or they're not." But I gotta tell you, if I ran around my local waters like that, I'd spend a lot of time running and little time catching. LOL That said, it has made me spend less time hammering a certain lure, technique, or area with few bites.

Yes, you got it.

Okay guys, this is going into effect in a few days. You will only be able to use your email to login at that point, not your profile name. Your password the same for both signing in with username and signing in with e-mail. What you MUST do immediately Check your account settings in your profile (click your name in the upper left, then "account settings") and see what email you have listed. Update it if necessary. If you don't do this and don't know what email your profile uses, you will be locked out!

Pounce Fluorocarbon Bass Leader – Strong and Highly Abrasion Resistant, Excellent Impact and Knot Strength, Fast Sinking and Virtually Invisible Underwater. https://bit.ly/3DxYyRR

It saddens me to inform you that Roger, a.k.a. @RoLo has passed away. RoLo was a long-standing member here - one of the originals - and a frequent contributor (over 9,000 posts!). His last post may have been a few years ago, but he visited here just two weeks ago. Always keeping in touch. R.I.P. Roger. We will miss you.

This is just sad.

UPDATE: 3 people died and 3 others were injured in the accident. ALEA said Joey M. Broom, 58, from Altoona, “was fatally injured when the Center Console vessel he was onboard was struck by a Nitro Bass Boat. Broom was pronounced deceased at the scene.” Later Wednesday, ALEA named two other men aboard the same boat who had been thrown overboard during the crash and drowned. It identified them as John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Miss. “The crash occurred near the Miller Flats area of Smith Lake in Cullman County,” ALEA said in a statement. The ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division is investigating the crash, the agency said. Neither the ALEA nor MLF provided information on the circumstances of the crash or the conditions of those who were injured. MLF said that competitor Flint Davis was also involved in the crash. Davis issued a short statement on Instagram Wednesday. “I want to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers. I ask that you keep me and all of the other affected people and families in your prayers. I’ll let you guys know more when I can,” the angler said.