Mike L

Glad you’re feeling better, and sorry to about your friend. We all hope to have a friend in our lives like Arthur. You were lucky Mike

Things like this happen every day in every major city in the country. Chicago gets the most press because of its reputation and a long history of street violence. It was the same when I was growing up as it is now, the only difference is inner city life has taken a turn. People look for the easy way to get what they want, and with no respect for themselves or anyone else coupled with putting a gun in that same person’s hand who also has no conscience, it will never end. Mike

Yepper! He got me good! At some point ya gotta just throw caution to the wind and have a little trust. Fortunately there is a store about 2 hours from me that had them on a sale that I couldn’t pass up so I took a little road-trip. Mike

If you wanted to spend more on the reel, The entire ARK line is on the same Toray 40ton blank. The guides and seats dictate the price differences. The Lancer Pro is a 100.00 rod that fishes much higher. @T-Billy and others put me onto them and very pleased. It does, it’s my next rod. Mike

Thanks for starting this. The closest thing to being on “social media” for me is signing on here! It would be interesting to know what they used and how. Mike

Mrs Mike was really sick for long while. We put too much faith in 2 rapid tests and tried to treat and convalesce at home. It was a mistake. PCR tests confirmed she had it. We put too much faith in those and we almost…..well it wasn’t good and she’s still not right. Don’t mess around with it Mike, It’s no joke. See a doctor and confirm with the more accurate way of knowing. I wish you the best. Mike

Me neither They lost me in ‘94 also, I really don’t care what they do. Mike

I use 50# braid, same as for a frog. But I’m throwing in and around all kinds of vegetation. The action is just fine. Mike

Excellent!!! Mike

With all thing's being equal… Full cork AAA and up Winn Foam In that order Mike

Between the 2 manufacturers you asked about, Shimano and it’s not even close. Mike

Of the ones I own I would say Loomis GLX. A close 2nd and 3rd would be Diawa Tatula and Dobyns Kaden. Mike

This is really tough and kinda unfair. There are folks on here that I would PAY to fish with but can’t list. I am also not listing those I’ve already fished with @Catt @Team9nine @Dwight Hottle @Mobasser @jbsoonerfan @Bluebasser86 @N Florida Mike @geo g @J Francho Hackney Tharp Mike

Even tho it’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules don’t make yourself crazy. BFL, BASS Nations, ABA, Toyota Series, and Opens all are pretty similar. Just be certain you have your PDF on when he cranks the big motor. The rest are all pretty straight forward. I’d be more concerned about knowing what your boater wants or needs from you. Mike

Yep Pretty much. A computer will randomly pair a boater and co angler but it’s up to the two of you to figure out a time and place. If I can give you a tip….. Try your best NOT to meet up at the ramp which will be chaos. He’ll give you the color and make of his boat and truck then it’s up to you to weed through them. Don’t know how many entries you get up there, but down here we average about 200. Also, Down here the majority of the boats are either a Ranger or Skeeter with almost the same color scheme. Makes it tough in the dark and everyone trying to get in the water. Try to meet him at his hotel or a centrally located busy lot somewhere. Offer to either launch the boat off the trailer or back him down and park it yourself. If you do the latter be certain the truck and trailer lights are off and you lock his truck!! Also, if you do that be sure to give him his keys back the moment you get on the boat. Trust me on that one. Good Luck Mike

If it’s anything like the Gator Div… After the meeting the night before, you and your boater will receive a text with your names, phone number, boat number, flight number, take off time and check in time. Sometime that evening, usually right after the meeting one of you call the other (I always try to call my boater first) to set up a time and place to meet. It is a good idea during that call to ask your questions and permissions. Mike

No it’s not common. There’s prejudice in everything now a days I guess. It’s your civic duty to Educate the poor souls. Mike

Funny you mentioned this. I recorded the specials they had on Washington, Lincoln and Grant. I just finished the one on Washington which was really good. Gonna start to watch Lincoln tonight. You’re right, History Channel does do a great job They get into the little known things that most people never knew. Mike

Glad you’re back!! Mike

You asked… ? Mike

No Leaders No Mono No off colored braid (green only) No spinning rods Only Trokar hooks for plastics Red trebles on all front hangers Only white plastics for bedding bass Always throw a frog first Always use trailer hook on spinner baits Always trim jig skirts Always try to spread jig weed guards Always have reels professionally serviced Mike

Don’t forget the Italian Ice! Also, The skyline alone is worth the trip! Mike

I agree! We all come at things from our own lens. Mike

Nope, it is not! Mike

Never did get into speedway racing. People say watching golf or even fishing shows on tv is boring as hell, but to me watching rolling billboards go around in a circle, turning left all day is the worst. I’d rather take a nap Mike