Mike L

Ain’t it the truth! Mike

Ditto Mike

There are literally dozens of lakes in the Central Florida area that you can hit. Some famous, some not as much but all will all hold bass. Toho and the entire Kissimmee chain get the most play and deservedly so. The Butler and Harris Chain are others. Rodman Res, St John’s River, Stick Marsh and more are within a few hours or shorter drive away. Fish will start bedding in all of them at around that time. If you’re intent on fishing Toho in a kayak I’d be sure to fish in and around Shingle creek. Good Luck. Mike

Prop bait Punch weights Rage Bugs Magnum Speed Worms Mike

That’s what I’m talking about! ? Mike

I use a Magnum Speed Worm with 1/8 oz on top across scattered pads, through grassy flats in very warm water or when I know the big girls are cruising. Pitch and swim a Cut R with a 3/16 around and in a weed line and over and through submerged grass A Fat Max Ribbon Tail in stable cooler water after a front passes also with a 3/16 Mike

Never heard of that lake, but sometimes it happens to the best of us. Some days you just can’t buy a bite, but still no reason not to go back. Mike

It was 63 this morning at the ranch and ran to get my sweat pants on! ? Its about time Mike

Try putting one in the head of a tube also. I think that’s where it started. Mike

If you actually learned something you didn’t know, or made you more proficient in what you do know, and he didn’t make you feel like a child, then yes I would tip him. The amount would be based on what he charged. But that’s me. Mike

I understand, The biggest reason they tear up plastic is most anglers will still tex-pos them. Don’t know if you are, but don’t next time. With a Trokar, there’s no reason too. I insert the tip about 1/2 way as they are so sharp they will come through any plastic you use. Another advantage is I had to tone down my hook setting a little, don’t have to hit them as hard. I’m gonna try the Big Nasty Flipping Hook (TK 133) at an up coming event. They have a 45deg bend at the bottom of the shank and then 45 deg back up. A few of the better “punchers” I know swear by them. Can’t remember a time when I hooked one in the bottom lip Mike

Pictures are blurry but that’s Hydrilla. Pitch into it concentrating on any holes in the thickest areas first. I’d start with a 1/2 oz and work my way up as you work the entire area using more compact baits as it thickens. You can use pretty much anything you want around the outside perimeter as you work your way in. Mike

You obviously are a man who cares about the individual person. Which makes you a great coach. Congratulations on being State Champions!! Mike

Me neither, not anymore. That’s why God gave me sons and grandsons! Mike

The only other braid I’ve used besides PP is Smackdown which I liked, but not to the extent to make a change. Yeah PP is a little nosier but no where near the point where it would be a reason to make a change. Mike

I use Trokar hooks almost exclusively and rarely will I touch them. Have to be very careful with those as a file can ruin them. However, there are certain presentations that I will use an Owner or Gammy, for those I will hit the point regularly as needed. Mike

Days like that just make you want a big hug from Mama!! Hope you’re doin better Mike

Speed Worms, speed craws, brush hogs Mike

I have 4 combo’s with flouro, 12# - 20# and 3 with braid 30# - 80#. They each have thier purpose with matching rods, reels and hooks. I’ve gone through all the hook, line and knot experimenting years ago and finally settled on what to use where and how that gives me the greatest advantage to fish my strengths and how I like fish. It’s a confidence thing for me, knowing I have that part of the puzzle figured out. Mike

Didn’t do much fun fishing this year as I would have liked too. I’ve been entering more tournaments than normally would both locally and regionally since recovering from back surgery. I guess the highlight so far was qualifying for the B.A.S.S. Nations Florida State Championship for the 7th year in a row. If I can get lucky it’ll be a good finish for an up and down year. Mike

Ditto Even if you weren’t a fan It’s a universal fact. Mike

Hello and Welcome! Mike

Congratulations!! Nothing like a new PB Mike

Check out the Phenix X series of composite rods. Mike

I like 30# braid. Gives a longer cast and a more solid hook up. Mike