Mike L

Fishing a day or 2 prior to the expected drop and a day after can be excellent. Down here they become more predictable. A passing winter cold front is the toughest time to go. I’ve been entered in tournaments that have been postponed just because of it. Mike

The unspoken reason is travel. Since the majority of touring pro’s don’t want to drive thier rigs across the country and back, and given that not enough of them live west of the Mississippi and certainly not west of the Rockies to field a competitive tournament. Mike

Good for you!! Congratulations Mike

That’s the best part! ? Mike

You’re exactly right Most don’t know that. It was him, then everyone else. Mike

I can just hear all the young guys on here say… “Who the H*LL is that!” With all due respect to… Hendrix, Clapton and Van Halen, he is best guitar player who ever lived. Mike

Unless I don’t understand You’re 10% off It’s 100% “finding bass” after that everything else matters Mike

Great Job! Congratulations! Mike

I hate it when people do that.. If that’s the case. Mike

After 33 years of being in sales and marketing, I don’t buy anything unless I initiate it. Mike

Prayers sent for you both Mike

Ditto Don’t overlook Sunline’s Shooter as well for certain conditions. Mike

R I Trixie Shark Super Speed Craw UV Speed Worm Mike

Welcome Chris!! I kinda had the same intentions as you when I retired. The older grandkids moved in the house and we bought a motor home and hit the road. The difference is that I wanted to fish in more National tournament trails, not so much specifically chasing weight. After 6 years on the road I hit most of my goals but health issues forced me to go home but with no regrets. I wish you the best of luck in your searching. As you probably already know it can get very expensive but if you have the time and means and keep the commitment you made I’m sure you won’t regret it either. One tip if I may…. Keep trying to learn as you fish different waters. Force yourself to evaluate your successes and failures as you go. Learn how to break down and evaluate everything where you go before you go. Best of luck and be safe. Mike

Sad to hear this. Rest In Peace Mike

Standard..5 3/4” Magnum… 7” Mike

Inspect the hook and check for sharpness first, if they need to be touched up do it. (teach him how to do it correctly) Age doesn’t matter. If he looses a fish because of a thin, cheap, bent hook who’s gonna feel worse? Mike

Thats really the way it should be. When you PM’d me awhile back about how I fish the UV Speed Worm you replied that you “did good” with it. When you play with new and different lures and incorporate them in your rotation of choices to your specific waters and style…ie depth, rigging, line size, cover etc. they will be unique to you, then your success rate can only go up, no matter what you throw. Mike

It’s the sharing of experiences, knowledge and opinions that keep me coming back. We can get a little testy at times and some will lose patience with others but that’s what makes it what it is. It’s like a family sitting around the dinner table talking to, over and with each other. We may not always agree but the respect is never questioned Mike

Me neither…. But, A lot of my stuff is kinda on the older side but when/if I need a new one I know I won’t look past the Curado or Chronarch. Mike

You’re excused! ? Mike

I am not technically educated enough to give advise on the difference’s of the intervals of a bait casting reel from one manufacturer or model to another. I leave that to the more informed and technically proficient members which there are many on here. See @PhishLI response’s. All I can add is that the K model Curado is an excellent casting reel that once you dial it in would be hard to beat from anyone in its price range. I like having a reel that is designed to allow the user to fine tune it to his particular angler style. Mike

Absolutely! Too bad not many showed up but always good to see Dean, Dave and Glenn Mike

Ditto X2 I use the Magnum in june bug. For change of pace and when warranted I’ll throw a Rage Cut R mostly in Honey Candy Mike

Ditto Mike