Mike L

If approved, there is a charge for the Elites and the Classic but the MLF pays you. Both give a gift package of a assorted items. Yes, there is a lot involved especially as an PBT official but they have a great training regime that doesn’t leave anything out. It’s one of the best fishing learning experiences I’ve ever had. It’s not just the what, where and how they do what they do, it’s the little spoken and unspoken nuances that I’ve learned the most from. The vast majority of the ones I’ve been with are just regular guys who are very very good at what they do, regardless of the amount of fame they have. I’m fortunate to have built a personal relationship with some on and off the water that I value the most. Mike

I just received my invitations to Marshal for the Bassmaster Elite Series and/or Classic and the invitation to sign up as a MLF Bass Pro Tour Official. Wondering if anyone else here is considering signing up for any of next year’s events as registration just opened. If you’ve never done it and have the time and means both are a great experience Mike

If you have the time to do it Sure!! I’m sure there are folks who’ve never seen it and some who would appreciate the update. Mike

As a co angler every boat I’ve been on has a net. There doesn’t seem to be an overwhelming consistent type or size. Over the years I’ve lost my share of fish letting my boater net them and I’ve done the same a few times. No worse feeling. I’d much rather swing it in if I judge the fish to be the right size to do it safely or just go get her. Mike

Yep I’m thinking the same thing! Mike

I get 2 dozen emails from the site a day so I know I’m good! Now, don’t ask what my password is! ? Mike

I will rarely watch any video except for @A-Jay @Glenn or @Paul Roberts If any member here post’s one I will watch it to support that member but I don’t subscribe to anything. As far as the YouTube hawkers go like that tactical bass one, I couldn’t care less. Mike

Without a doubt! ? Mike

We decided to just buy something for the house for the both of us. With the unspoken understanding that we wouldn’t get anything for the other individually. Yeah Right! Mike

Now this?? With all due respect… I think you’re way overthinking and overreaching just looking for something. In my home water and others within a 3 hr drive I look for areas of the heaviest cover I could find. When actually punching through hydrilla, hyacinth laid down or blown over reeds and a 1/2 dozen other types of matted material, I use either 60# or 80# 4 carrier braid (original Power Pro) and couldn’t care less if it makes any sound as I have no complaints about the product or the results it gives. For areas that don’t require an actual punch technique to get through but still in areas of heavy vegetation it’s 20# Shooter. To me Braid is a specialty line that I use only on top, frogging and for flipping/ punchin. Some folks use it exclusively regardless of technique because they have success and confidence in it. Others do not But to worry or even give a fleeting thought that I didn’t catch a fish because my line made a little noise, I think I’d probably just sell everything and start bowling again. Mike

Ditto, same for me. Before I got rid of all my spinning outfits (kept the better ones just for the kids) they were all lefty. For casting I always throw and reel right and won’t even consider going left, as I see no reason or even the slightest advantage to it. Changing hands isn’t even a thought. As soon as the lure fly’s, I’m standing there waiting and ready to go before the lure hits the water. However, most times once the first pitch is made I just leave the rod in my left and finish the session pitching left which is only a pendulum swing controlled by the thumb. It takes practice but I’ve been pitching left and reeling right for so long it’s second nature. Mike

Ditto A gold Sprite was one of the first baits I got when we moved to SW Florida in the late 70’s. Reds and Snook just can’t lay off, then and now. The way it zigs and zags with the flash, makes it excellent for bass especially in shallow tannic water. Mike

8 track tapes Mike

I used to do it when the kids were little, but don’t do anything outside anymore since they left. Mike

She’s right! When I officially became an “old person” having the entire family in the same room at the same time suddenly became the most important thing! Salute to us all Mike

I do pretty much the same thing. Once you do it a few times you can tell when to stop just by looking at it. No need to buy something to tell me what I see. Mike

As we bow our heads today to give thanks for what we have and especially for those in our lives, don’t forget those who no longer are. Mike

Mrs Mike and I started young…Very young She graduated from HS in June, turned 18 in July and got married in August after knowing each other for 10 months. 52 years ago. Were we madly, totally, unequivocally in love with each other at the time? If we’re honest, probably not. I NEEDED to get out of my neighborhood on the So Side of Chicago or I probably wouldn’t be here typing this. Our priorities were that we liked each other so much we didn’t want to lose each other. Her father didn’t like that I came from a Sicilian family with a dubious history. My family didn’t like her because she wasn’t. What we did and try every day since was to cling tight to each other in every aspect of our lives. We didn’t let any outside noise affect our feelings for each other and just grew up together. We had a few problems along the way which looking back on now is what made our love grow. I can give all the cliche’s of what it takes to be married for so long but for us we started with anticipation, a little fear and a lot of hope, and ended up with being the best of each of us. Mike

Agree What I do especially with a walking type top water like a spook, is for every start up either after it lands or a pause I give it a hard pull first and then into my regular walking cadence. Mike

Ditto For my flipping and pitching set ups, I use about 75% of the spools capacity using 12# also regardless of the main line. For casting reels I fill about 25% Mike

Ditto For me it’s especially true with a frog. The vast majority of the hits come after a few steps of walking. (I rarely use a frog with a straight line retrieve) Most times with no hit’s, especially in open water I reel back about 1/2 way back. With a straight line retrieve with a prop, buzz or plopper type hard bait, I’ll wait a little longer without a hit and reel back about 3/4 back. Mike

You won’t regret it Mike

Nope This is why I leave it all to the professionals Mike

That’s Great! So happy to hear this. Mike

Ditto Mike