Mike L

Well...At least I didn't finish last! Sorry Zach Congratulations Chad! Mike

Ditto Mike

Hello and Welcome! Mike

Hello and Welcome! Mike

Hello and Welcome! Mike

Flipping and pitching worms or creature baits are interchangeable for me. Its just a change up of shape and size. Other than punching through a foot of hydrilla in 4 fow, I'll cycle through the whole bag of plastics if I have to. Swimming a worm and maybe hopping or draging a creature back to the boat would be the only consideration between the two. Mike

I'm 67 and it seems that's all I do. BFL and Bass Nations now, but up to this year I also fished the TBF but gave that up..The 2 day's plus those other 2 in the same month just wore me out too much. Been thinkjng about entering an Open or 2 this year but haven't decided. When those are over I fish a team club and a few charity ones when I have time. All as a co angler. I always wanted to fish more competitively before I retired, so as they say...If not now, when? Mike

Thank You, I never heard that one before Mike

Why can't you just measure the depth of the empty spool, put on 1/2 to 3/4 the depth of backing for flippin and pitchin reels and 1/4 to 1/2 full for casting reels?? Or any combination there of, useing minor adjustments for any subsequent respooling. Mike

Well I suggest D Bombs, Sweet Beavers, Rage Bugs and BB Cricket's for punching.. Rage craws, Brush Hogs and Paca Craws for trailers or stand alone... Mr Twister twin or single tail grubs. Mike

Rods...Fenwick, Phenix Reels...Shimano Line...Sunline, Power Pro Hooks...Gammy and Owner Plastics...Rage, Reaction Innovations Mike

The best of luck to you Pal! I sincerely hope you get the job and build a long lasting career. Mike

Hello and Welcome! Mike

Hello and Welcome! Mike

Hello and Welcome! Mike

Good for you! I wish you both the best of luck. As you know the draw is everything in a tournament like that. Just don't let your boater who forgets or doesn't care that you're there, effect you. Keep your confidence level up, fish your strengths and don't forget to Improvise, Overcome and Adapt to whatever comes. Mike

Everyone has different preferences, strengths and weakness. We all tend to taylor make our equipment around those parameters in one way or another. I tournament fish as a co angler so my combos have to be versital but still dialed in for most all presentations around the waters I fish most often. Those waters are natural lakes which for the most part are stained and shallow with vegitation of all types. With that said I have more heavy and med heavy power rods with either XF or F actions with none longer than 7'3" or shorter than 7". My reels are all mid priced with varing high speeds, 2 are spooled with heavy braid (65 & 50 while the rest with quality Flouro from 14-20#. I don't use spinning rods or mono line for anything. i just didnt come to this by mistake or guessing. It took years and a lot of time on the water to dial in what works for me. My advise is to do the same. In time you'll know what works best and hopefully be better for it. Good Luck Mike

World Wide Sportsman fishing shoe from BPS. Don't remember the model name but they have a running shoe type sole with a water draining mesh on top and holes on the side. Mike

Born and raised on the So Side of Chicago. It's true, you can take the boy out of city but can't take the city out of the boy. We moved to Florida in '79 and still miss it. Mike

It's intimidating only if you let it be. If you ever get down this way let me know, we'll go hog hunting. Fuel and lunch is on me. Mike

Hey Bud When you get your ALX can you post or pm your impression of it? I'm close to a final decision and would like your opinion. Thanks Mike

Congrats on winning AOY!! Mike

Yep! There is no place like Okeechobee...No Place, No Where. Mike

Yeah Buddy!! That's my 2nd favorite lake, just Love the place. Mike

You sound like me! i can't sleep before a tournament either, never could. I try to lay down about 8 then start thinking.... Do I have the right line on the right reel on the right rod for what I plan to do.... How am I gonna change things up if I break a rod??.., What was my boaters name again??..., What kind of boat did he say he had??.... What did he want for lunch??.... How many bags of ice?? Anyway, don't feel alone. Good Luck Mike