Mike L

Sometimes a cliche can be words to live by, especially if they’re true. Mike

My Dad was a 1st generation American raised by a family who immigrated here in 1908. They were the very definition of “old fashioned” and “old school” by today’s definition or whatever label you want to give. Things that seem to be common place now would be unacceptable and wouldn’t be allowed or tolerated in their world which was instilled in me growing up. My Dad had a 3 word code that he raised his kids by that I tried to live up to and instill in mine…. Respect, Honor and Tradition He was the strongest man I’ve ever known in every sense of the word. Never said much because he didn’t have to Mike

Livingston is his main sponsor. He one of the few that gets everything first. If he wins with that thing it’ll be on every shelf and somebody on here will start a thread on it. Mike

Great Job!!! That bog looks darn near perfect!! Mike

Ditto Mike

I use 2… 10” Rage Anaconda with 1/8 and my favorite a Culprit Fat Max and a 3/16 that I got my PB on. I’d rather throw them both unpegged in light or sporadic cover only. They’re not as effective in moderately thick grasses where I won’t use either. The Speed Worm has a much different action and will use it on top frequently, where the ribbon tails are more effective throughout the water column. Mike

Braid is a good answer, but in those conditions I opt for fluorocarbon first then go from there if warranted. I never use mono Mike

I heard the same thing 20 yrs ago but wouldn’t consider using something that’s been proven to be toxic for marine life. I use KVD Line Conditioner but there are a few others that are a little less expensive if that’s a concern Mike

Tony As long as you have a MH with a relatively fast action your hookup ratio won’t be negatively effected. Also, when fishing in the conditions I mentioned above, even the rods power won’t be a concern because you’re not trying to pull her out of heavy topped out vegetation that you would normally throw a frog. You’ll be fine Mike

Good Point! Mike

I rarely throw jigs of any weight, but for heavy bottom contact other than my punch outfit, I use a Dobyns 715 Kaden with 20# Shooter Mike

Sight fishing off remaining beds… White Rage Craw White Full size Brush Hog (Not many left but a few are still there) Frogs… Green pepper original Scum Frog. Black popping Scum Frog Bottom Contact… June bug or red/shad Rage Bug, 8” motor oil Jelly Worm, 10” red Anaconda, 5” June bug General Swimming… June bug Magnum Speed Worm, Honey candy Rage Cut R, Red/shad Fat Max Houdini Skinny Dipper Mike

It doesn’t matter what kind of frog you fish with a MH rod. Not once did I think it would be an advantage to put a specific frog on a specific rod. The amount of cover dictates the combo you use, not the frog. If I get on a frog bite in open, sporadic or light cover I’ll use a MH only because overall it’s lighter and the need for an obvious HD everything just isn’t there. Mike

I remember as a kid my Ma, her sisters and brothers would go to a Cemetery in a West Chicago suburb every year on this date to “Say hello to your Uncle Jim” Me, my brothers and cousins had no choice, we all went. Sorry, I know I posted this before but his name needs to be repeated. I’m told that he crash landed in glider behind the lines. Most were killed on impact. He was there and died with his boots on… Uncle Jim Sargent 101st Airborne Div Normandy France June 6, 1944

Fenwick Techna AV Curado 200 E7 20# Shooter Mike

I won’t Wack anything but thats how I taught the kids and now the littler ones. I just started weening them off a spinning outfit and working on skipping it. Mike

So glad things are starting to change for the better for him and you both. You should be commended Mike

Any very thin braid will twist with a spinning reel if you’re not careful. If you’re closing the bail by hand and sure it’s not anything you’re doin, just give it a squirt of KVD conditioner. It’ll lay down just fine Mike

One is not really “better” than the other. InvizX has much more stretch than Sniper. Sniper’s diameter is just a tad smaller at certain weights but not overly so. Some guys like the excessive stretch of the InvizX for certain moving presentations but not as much for certain bottom ones. I use Sunline’s Sniper and Shooter exclusively for everything except for 2 presentations, not because of being sponsored, but because of how it performs overall for my style of fishing Best thing to do is get a small spool of each and decide for yourself Mike

? I’ve done so many open draw tournaments all around the SE that you can tell what kind ride you’re gonna have by just looking at what kind of boat he has. I figure it’s gonna be crazy when I see a Bullet or an Allison with little or no motor markings, a hockey goalie or motorcycle helmet on his seat, or even how his rods are secured on deck (If they’re even out) Only thing you can do is stretch your legs straight out, lift your butt off the seat, grab under the seat with one hand and the grab bar on the gunnel with the other and Don’t Let Go!! ?? Mike

Ditto Mike

You shouldn’t have to purposely take extra measures to get fishing line, yes even flouro to lay down. Using a premium line from a major manufacturer will help without doing much. When you’re reeling on new line, wet a piece of nylon or other non absorbent fabric with KVD Line Conditioner or Tangle Free. When done give it a few squirts and you’re good to go. And yes, so called “premium line” costs a little more up front but like most things, if you take care of it it’ll be worth it in the long term. Mike

Happy Birthday!! Enjoy Your Day Mike

I went to the Sarasota Grand Prix off Lido Key Fla one year to watch an off shore race. Don’t remember how fast they were going but it was scary just watching them. After qualifying for the BFL All American as a co angler a few years ago, I drew a boater who warned me that he intended to open it up because he knew his practice areas will be filled before we got there. He had a 21ft Bullet. As we maneuvered our way to the starting position, he put on a goalie mask, reached over and slapped me on the shoulder and said, “Hold On”!! I knew what was coming At one point I tried to look over and see the speedometer but was afraid I wouldn’t be able to straighten my neck again!! It felt like I gained 20 yrs as every wrinkle on face seemed to straightened out. When we got to our spot I asked him how fast we went and he said 89! and it still had more!! It took me a few minutes to collect myself before I got off the seat. This is in a boat with 2 men and all our gear. He figured it would top out at 93 Mike

Now you’re talking! ☺️ If it’s thick enough you’re gonna have to punch through it. It’s it matted up tight start with a pegged 3/4 weight and go up from there. Don’t be surprised if you end up with a 1 or 1 1/2 oz. If it’s not too matted you can try fishing it weightless, but use a plastic of your choice with not too many long appendages to lessen the chances of them hanging up. Regardless, use a minimum 50# braid. On mine I use 80# down here, but 65# is most common and probably be enough. You don’t need to make bomb casts, just pitch it in and be ready once it breaks though. You can probe the outer edges only going back a few feet at a time as you work your way out. If no hits give it a shake, hop a few times pull it out and do it again all the way back. If you see any open holes or thinning areas hit those first. Good Luck Best way to fish for Bass Mike