Mike L

I’ve found that If you really “Deep Dive” into it and really look at the detail it has to offer and what you can see and learn it’s really impressive. There are some things that as a co angler I really can’t take advantage of, but with a boater on unfamiliar waters or with changing conditions on his home waters it can be beneficial. Mike

The only way a bass won’t move is if you Drop a lure on her head or in front of her nose and hope she reacts or hungry Whatever, if you’re throwing a moving bait she’s gonna have to move to get it. Mike

Dean It does help on the higher end of the 4 carrier I use. I use 80# when punching though the heaviest and thickest of cover. It’s proven to be the best option for me in especially blooming Hyacinth in the summer and through the thickest Hydrilla mats we see. Most of the time I use the 60# or 20# Shooter Mike

Steve There are 2 open threads on here all about them. Do a search as they were started not too long ago. Mike

It does help when you get up in the higher strengths especially with the 4 carrier original Power Pro I use. Not so much on the lower end with an 8 carrier Mike

It happens Mike

It’s not always a good idea grabbing the line. I agree with Tom. There’s a trick to using the line to bring a bass in. You have to be able to judge the weight and stress to your line and hook and using your fingers as the drag. Mike

I continue to wish you the absolute best!! Never underestimate the power of prayer. More comin to ya for a full remission and recovery Mike

I only use it on those heavier lines (only time I use braid) which are all Original Power Pro It helps with casting distance on the #50 which is only for frogs (recently changed to Smackdown) I use it on the 2 others (which are solely for flipping and pitching) as it helps the line come off much smoother which gives me an extra few feet when pitching. A very minor benefit is it helps retain the lines color Mike

Happy Birthday! No better way to celebrate Mike

Yeah, we saw that from our driveway as it went right across the front of the house. Most go up and angle either east or NE and only a bright spot and contrail is visible. This one went due South. The engine’s exhaust and flame were clearly visible this time Mike

KVD for years. Including on heavier braids (#50, #60 and #80) I also use it on all skirts. I helps to keep them pliable and separated Mike

If they are males you’re gonna have to work to get him to bite. Just dropping anything in the bed isn’t gonna do anything. Pitch past the bed at different angles to get his attention. Once you do then try different presentations and bait sizes to get him to react. If he does that fish is catchable, if not then he’s not, move on. Mike

Live Long and Prosper Mike

That is what I would recommend for sure. It’s one of the best on the market and has been proven to be worth it. Mike

I use Sniper for most everything, however I suggest you use neither. You’ll be better served using leader material specifically made for that purpose. Sniper and InvisX are great used as a main line as they are intended Mike

You’re right, I may have. I remember I landed a few late in the day just before weigh in. I was so relieved I kinda wanted to stay longer but when my pro said we had to go I didn’t complain either. 😃 You’re a better man than I am Pal! Give me dirty water, grass you can walk across and the big stick and I’ll compete with anybody. But that!! I felt like a lost little boy looking for his mama. Mike

When I won the BFL Florida State Div Championship the regional competition was held at Lake Lanier. For 2 days we fished 20ft from a shear rock wall sitting in 60 fow bouncing jigs down its face and drop shotting. I was completely out of my element and couldn’t wait to head south Mike

Big Bait = Big Fish Until it doesn’t 😊 Mike

Some say you’re more efficient using a BFS rig but that’s not my experience at all. You can be as effective using a standard bait caster and that includes the entire finesse line up as long as you consider the entire package and selective in your equipment, presentations and overall conditions which you would do anyway. I throw a weightless stick bait, small poppers, flukes etc. with no reservations. The only caveat being I’m more selective in the overall combo and where and how I use it Mike

Whew! Great Job That’s how ya do a trip report Mike

All good info. Sight fishing beds is one of my go to presentations especially when a boater has the same conviction. That’s what it is really, a mind set with the conviction to stay with her. The trick is to learn her mood and try to predict her movements. Not all bedding bass, especially down here will telegraph what it will take but there are certain things to watch for. @WRB is correct that a bedding bass isn’t trying to eat what you’re throwing, she either trying to run it off or kill it. Keeping that in mind and using a few of the points already said, I will never pitch directly into a bed with my first try. I always pitch past it with my eyes on her. If she sees it coming or turns to look at what just happened, I pull it up and start again. If no reaction I’ll bring it in SLOWLY again never taking my eyes off her. When she reacts I react. Another thing color isn’t a consideration when I’m bed fishing. I always use white regardless of water or bait color. It helps her and me see it better. But that’s me. Good Luck Mike

To get a bag like that on a lake you’ve never been to is Outstanding! Mike

Hey! The vast majority of my fishing is in tournaments…local, regional and National trails all as co angler which has its own built in unknowns and pressures. The best thing I can tell you is Don’t cut yourself short! You already know what you can do because you’ve done it. As far as your boat compared to theirs? So what? Who cares? You could have the advantage in that thing depending on conditions as you may be able get into places they can’t or won’t want to. Just relax, take your time to read the water and concentrate on finding a pattern, both to find fish and more importantly to eliminate water. Rig and fish what and how you know. They gotta find ‘em, hook ‘em and land ‘em same as you. Best of luck to you. Mike

A pattern is just consistent strikes with the same conditions within a specific area without change. All it is is their way of telling you that you found me and my pals and we like what you’re doing and how you’re doing it…. For Now! The trick is not only to identify what it is, but to also know when it’s not. Eliminating water in any given area is also establishing a pattern. Mike