RoLo

Pre-goby perhaps, but it wasn't that long ago when the mean weight of state record smallmouth bass was "7 lb 4 oz". "Three" (unguided) 7-pound smallmouth bass is surreal! Roger

This subject is an open ‘can-of-worms’, probably stemming from its saltwater counterpart. In the ocean, we all look forward to the last half of the ebb tide, and dread slack tide. In freshwater though, we're probably better off watching the dam, instead of the moon (i.e. generation schedule). Many years ago, I logged my freshwater catch results based on lunar phases. At one point, I came pretty close to jumping on board. I think I was trying too hard to find a relationship, and rallied around every chard of light. Oddly, moonrise and moonset had a better batting average than lunar phase, but both had lousy track records, even during the spawning season. Anyway, the wheels on my lunar cart eventually fell off. Being retired, I’m free to target the "magic hour", but admit that I'm not capable of identifying the best time to fish, until it's actually happening (Maybe that's why we love angling?). Roger

Thanks, guys. Yeah, all is well, and though the spark may not be as hot, all cylinders are still firing. It’s nice seeing so many vintage names still on the boards, some I’ve known since 2005. Not by chance, the BR forum is often imitated, but never duplicated. Roger

Hi Fellows, It’s hard to believe that nearly 3 years have past since I last checked-in at Bass Resource. Sad but true: The older you get, the faster time flies. I must say, there’s a myriad of new names on the roster, which make me feel like a newcomer again. Meanwhile, some old timers are probably thinking: “Good grief, RoLo is STILL on the map!” ? I'm sure Covid-19 put a serious dent in everyone's fishing, but hopefully we’re on the backside of this pandemic, and things will get back to normal pretty soon. Roger

The pike that everyone hates (hammer-handles) Snot-rocket, not Roger

The classic 'Mackerel Sky'

The 'Lo' (Lois) in RoLo

Worry not, your mindset is very healthy. I've learned decades ago, that cranking a defenseless fish to the boat is NOT why I play the game. My enthusiasm is based on the challenge of pinpointing fish location, selecting productive lures and offering a productive delivery. The rest is anticlimactic, when the only thrill left is letting someone else crank your fish to the boat (a top-flight thrill). It's my guess that you're also reluctant to hire a fishing guide, and unlikely to fish in a pay-to-fish sanctuary. Stay The Course! Roger

Lake Kissimmee (Maidencane, locally known as 'Kissimmee Grass')

Anhinga (Withlacoochee River, FL)

Lake Walk-In-Water, FL Gator Cloud

In many waters, pumpkinseeds only run around 4 or 5". The one in your photo is probably equivalent to an 8-lb bass

Those are some chunky pumpkinseeds! Roger

In retrospect, I must've regretted many of my boat purchases, because I'm now on my 14th boat and counting! Roger

I believe your shiner is a tad too big for that 1/8oz jig Roger

Nice chunk Mike, well done Roger

Are you referring to hard swimbaits, soft swimbaits or both? Roger

The main feature of a finesse delivery (more than size) is an unweighted or lightly weighted lure. When heavy weight is added to a small lure, there is little chance of a finesse delivery. Roger

I also stick to the same light weight in a wind, so the lure doesn't lose its natural delivery. In a stiff wind my rod-tip is virtually touching the water surface, and when that's not enough I'll abandon a finesse delivery before upping the weight. Roger

Lake Arbuckle, FL (bald cypress / spatterdock) Roger

You are right, they are protected in Florida but I'm not sure why. Though the sandhills are doing very well, the whooping crane didn't adapt so well to man's world, (only about 350 living in the wild). Reminds me of the barred owl versus the spotted owl. Roger

Sandhill Cranes are very common on Lake Wales Ridge, which is largely xeric sandhill. They stand about 4½ feet tall and are magnificent on the wing. This one walked into our yard to take a drink from my wildlife pond. They have little fear of man and generally tolerate a close approach Roger

Awesome! Roger

Central Florida (cypress knees)

Unless you plan on frogging in heavy cover or mat-punching, 30-lb braid is adequate for the lion's share of freshwater situations. Roger