Mike L

Hockey goalie mask. Mike

When I first got serious about tournament fishing, I got in the habit of re tying every night beforehand regardless of the type of line. Also a few times during the day depending on how many were caught on a specific combo, after a particular hard time getting free after being hung up etc. I’m sure sometimes it’s not really necessary, but it’s become a habit that gives me one less thing to worry about. Mike

As you should! But that’s my point. Fishing down here for 41 yrs I’ve gotten to the point where I can tell where and when and how to fish what I need to, to be successful. And at the same time have enough confidence in my abilities I don’t feel the need to change. If I’m ever fortunate enough to live and fish predominantly in waters you describe using techniques other than what increases my success rate, then yeah, I’d be more than just hardheaded. Mike

Yep! Mike

I consider myself a “Strength” angler. For me that includes anything over, through or underneath any and all vegetation. If it’s growing I’ll punch it first then crawl hop or drag the plastic of their choice. I don’t Drop, Ned, Wack or Shake. I don’t use spinning sticks or mono line or tie leaders. I never felt the need to do any of those to catch a fish. Those aren’t my strengths or in my comfort zone Some folks will think that I put myself at a disadvantage because of the success that the majority of anglers have doing and using what I don’t. Maybe at the rarest of times I do. But I don’t believe in labels. I use heavy weights with heavy lines on heavy sticks and have proven results more times than not. Call me what you will. Mike

Ok Koz Using your parameters... Location Timing Presentation Type Color Mike

Location Depth Speed In that order Mike

I use braid for 2 presentations only (never with a leader) All others are flouro. Mike

All of us are so fortunate living in this time of advancing medical breakthroughs, Especially compared to our Fathers and Grandfathers. Makes me wonder what’s yet to come. So happy for you. Mike

There are experts in tying a knot, Understanding their electronics, Cast accurately, Understand bass behavior in everything from how they relate to structure, seasonal changes, water temperature, depth etc. But in my opinion, those who can accurately dissect any body of water anywhere, at any time, every time, and able to Improvise, Overcome and Adapt to the slightest subtle change, are those who can truly be considered an expert. Are there any who meet all those considerations...every time? I don’t know, that means they’ve reached a point where there is nothing else to learn. However, there are some folks on this site who are as close to being considered an expert, in every sense of the word, as there can be. Mike

I use original Power Pro and have for years. The only time I change is when it gets low on the spool. Mike

To all those who struggle with their wounds... To all those who never made it home... To all those who rest eternity at home.... To all those who were never found.... May God Bless You All and give you Peace. Mike

Magnum Speed Worm Mike

4/0 or 5/0 Trokar TK 130 with snell knot. Mike

I think it’s great also! I’m still trying to figure out what all the different icons mean tho. We have check marks, red dots, green dots and the quote symbol. But I’m getting there!! ?? Mike

Down here in Florida’s shallow lakes I look for the shallowest, cleanest water I can find. Start at the back of any creek or inlet with current flowing into them as high water with current will move the bait fish into them. As far as lures in dirtier flooded water, for bottom contact plastics I use either black or june bug. For moving baits use big flashy spinner baits or bright colored (chartreuse, orange, chrome etc) hard baits. Every year Okeechobee will have high water at some point especially from later spring to late summer. I’ve been fishing that lake since ‘79 and it’s almost always the same. As you get farther north...Istokpoga, Toho, Keensville, Stick Marsh etc which all have more hard structure, I’d tweak my choices but what I’m looking for doesn’t change. Mike

Me too! Whatever works for everyone else. Mike

Thank You!! Mike

By the looks of it I would say at least a 6/0, most likely a 7/0. Mike

All I have are Junebug Gonna check those out too. Thanks Mike

Give that boy a hug! He’s got his priorities in order already! Mike

Ya know, I hardly ever think of the Speed Craw. Ive had such good luck swimming back a Rage Bug with it’s built in action, I usually don’t give the Speed Craw a thought any more. And the crazy thing is I used to use them a lot with success! After reading your post I checked the inventory and dang if I don’t have 3 packages buried under the Bug’s!! Not anymore. Mike

Rage Cut R in Tequila Sunrise Orange Flake. It’s close to what you describe Mike

Fella’s Why does it even matter? Someone can hold a fish under thier neck or across the street if they want to. They’re proud of what they caught and want to share. Isn’t that enough?? Mike

To me, the only thing that somewhat compares to the speed worm is the Rage Cut R. They have a flange at the end of the tail that gives an action similar to the cut in the tail of the speed worm. What you show is just a flat tail. Ive used others with that design which will give it a wiggle, but nothing like the Cut R or speed worm. Those are the only 2 that I’ll throw Mike