Mike L

I worry more about kinks in the line, and making the best knot I can than the age of the line. That being said I always change it out after a year or so. Mike

Ditto! Mike

RI Sweet Beaver with a 5/0 Owners screw lock. Mike

I used to make my own..1 part anise to 3 parts baby oil. Just got away from it, much easier to just use liqiuid garlic. But I do want to try Megastrike. Mike

Ok The room I had available with 2 twin beds has been filled. Memphis FF and Bass is Addicting will share the room.. We're good to go Mike

!!@#☆!! Sorry to this, I was looking forward to meeting you...But certainly understand. You gotta do what you gotta do. Maybe things will change between now and then. Hope so. Mike

Thanks Fellas Its just that you work everyday to provide for your family, you never think that some day your time will come.. I'm sure every father and husband feels the same. You never think that there will ever be a time that you can finaly relax, knowing that the kids are fine and now it becomes all about you. It's never been all about me and what I want to do, or where I want to go! It'll just take some time getting used to I guess But I admit, its exciting to plan and think about it !! Mike

Save a few of them for me will Ya!! I've never even seen a SM, unless it was on somebody's wall.. Man I can't wait to get there!! Mike

For 47 yrs I always had a place to go...33 yrs at the same place...Now It's Over. I finally retired, Friday was my last day... My kids keep asking me how I feel....I really don't know yet...Relieved, worried, a little lost, and yes a little scared. I guess tomorrow morning will be a good test when the alarm doesn't go off at 6:00, and I stand in the kitchen getting a cup of coffee and say "Ok Mikey, Now What!!" But we do have a plan, we're selling the house giving the kids what they want, the rest to the Church, Habitat for Humanity or whoever. We plan on buying a motor home and go see what we can see, go where we go,... But for now, all I think about is that "It's Over" Mike

Curious.... How does that compare to past years? Mike

I just boughtt the 5:2 PQ today for all cranking. I was really hesitant because we dont have many lakes in Fla that can be considered deep water lakes. Most are just shallow bowls, with a few that I would consider deep..15+ Most cranks I throw are sq bills, floaters or suspending.... Well I guess we'll see Mike

Of all the rods I own and regularly use, the hardest ones to put down are the Phenix M1 graphite, and thier X11 composite cating rod. Mike

I only use 2 now... Koppers Scum (favorite) Mike

Check out the thread's Peace River Fishing" and "Bank Fishing in So Fla, Sarasota, Venice etc. below. Mike

You guys have said it all.... If theres anything I would add it would be having the opportunity to pass along what Ive learned, and watching my grandsons eyes light up (which I hope my Dad saw in mine) when its just to two us, alone, on the water, when he finally gets it!! And I'm not just talking about fishing. Mike

IMHO The PQ is one heck of a reel, for the 60.00 some dollars during the trade in period you cant beat it no matter what you compare it too. I have a first gen Revo S and just dont like it, but its the first gen. The current model is supposed to be one of the best Revo's made. Not to confuse your decision making process, but if it were me I'd do what Im on my way to do, for 14.00 more get the JM Sig Seies reel. If the sale wasn't on, Id either wait for the Cursdo G to go on sale as was suggested, or get what felt better in my hand. Mike

Thanks for posting that! I forgot about the license! Whew!! Mike

Mike When I first joined a bass club I was the same way. I rigged and re-rigged the night before thinking I had the wrong bait, with the wrong weight on the wrong rod... I ran the last 20 ft of line through my fingers feeling for any kinks or fray's... Tied and retied every lure and ever hook...twice... Used a Q tip in the last 3 guides... Cleaned the raceways and tabs of all the reels... Set the alarm on my clock and cell phone for 3:00, even tho I didn't have to leave till 4:30 just in case the alarm didn't go off... I'd lay in bed for an hour trying to think of what I missed... I did this every month Now that I started to fish in TBF, Bass Nation and BFL's where the prize and the competition is much higher, along with my confidence level you'd think I'd be able to relax a little more...NOPE Now I find myself thinking about what If the boater want's to do this, I'll have to be ready to do that... What if he back boat's me... What if he's late for take off and the frog bites dies.... You see it never ends, I can't relax. Never could. Now I just roll with it and pass out when I get home. Mike

Great, Thanks Mike

Thanks Brian I was beginning to think I was the only one. Mike

Transplanted Yankee, yep thats me! But give me some collard greens, cat fish and a couple hush puppies and I'll follow you anywhere! Mike

Man O Man Biscuits, Gravy, Sausage, Bacon, Hash, Cigars, fishing for 5 days!!! (I'll pass on the grits tho) You guys are gonna be my new best friends!! Mike

Lightning!! Mike

0119 gave you some great spots. I've fished 9 mile canal for years, believe me when I tell you there some pigs in there! The problem being is that the banks are kinda overgrown so you kinda have to pick your spots. Try the dams across intersections especially when the water is really moving. If you want to drive a little, fish the canals in So. Gulf Cove off of SR 771 on the way to Boca Grande. Take any of the roads on the left between Ingraham and Appleton. It's pretty well built up but you can find dozens of spots to fish. To the right off 771 there are many retention ponds that you can walk around. The ones closer to 771 are older and have fish. The ones farther back are newer. Also Webb Lake in Punta Gorda off Tuckers Grade is a beautiful spot. You can bike, hike have a bbq and fish from the grassy shore for 3 miles or from a few boat ramps and docks. Have Fun Mike