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I use them. Some of the areas I go to are also kind of remote and people will steal anything they can get their hands on that might be worth a buck. I only had to remove one once for a flat tire and it came off just as easy as the rest. I think some people may try to steal them in a busy lot, since most people just mind their own business and question nothing. Looks like just a guy changing a tire.

A truly great bass angler. I have been reading and learning from him on BR for many years. Tom you will be greatly missed. Prayers to family and friends.

Another time my buddy and I were getting the boat ready to launch and we were joking and laughing and not really paying attention. I thought he unhooked the back straps, he thought I had. We were both stumped at first when we launched the boat and the boat was stuck to the trailer. Two of the three stooges at the boat ramp. I feel I have forgotten more than others, but those trips are memorable and will live in infamy.

I took my dad fishing one day. It was a cool morning so we had jackets on. It warmed up quickly. I threw my jacket in storage and did not notice he had just tossed his onto the back deck of the boat. After a couple of high speed runs, the jacket was not there. Thankfully, for some reason he had put his car keys in his pants pocket this time. We were kind of bummed out at first, it was a nice new jacket. Later, we laughed about a classy bass swimming around with a stylish jacket on.

I used to carry a ton of spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. I really only used a couple and decided to downsize. I got a soft sided spinnerbait wallet with the clear plastic sleeves. Now I only carry the few I use and have not looked back.

I was late to the party and just got into the BFS scene. I enjoy the ability to fish light lures on casting gear. There was a bit of a learning curve. Casting feels a bit different and my bfs rod has micro guides so the knot from braid to leader did not work well. I switched to straight light weight mono and have been very happy. I have caught nothing huge, but a 2-3 lber feels like hog on this light gear. I like it!

I would write her a letter. Mention all of the things you know, the church, the boat/ski club, the no trespassing signs, the security/gated community, etc. Tell her that you would like to fish by yourself when nobody else is using the water. You will keep the areas you fish clean and honor any of her rules. All fish would be released back into the water. Let her know you are a member of the church and an environmental advocate. As mentioned, she could also call on you for any manual labor or help she may need in return for lake access. Ask politely for a reply letter or phone call, and that would be your answer.

I kind of think this thread went off the rails a little. To the OP, I believe the black /blue color is a staple for representing a larger single prey item, Bluegill, craw, worm, etc. An A-rig is meant to represent a school of minnows, shad. Most of these are silver, white, gray. That is not to say an A-rig or spinnerbait with black/blue will not work under the right conditions, water clarity, depth, sky conditions, etc. I say give it a try. Waterways can be very different and the fish can relate to different food or lure colors. One lake Chartruese is the hot color, but a lake a mile away they do not even look at chartruese.

I have never heard it mentioned much, but I was wondering if anyone has caught a bass on the "Grandma Classic jerkbait"? They mostly make very large jerkbaits for muskies and big pike for casting and trolling. Just curious, - never heard of anyone catching a bass on one. Thanks.

I still like to go fishing, but sometimes the thought of stuff that needs to be done at home and the time and work loading up and unloading when I return can shut me down. I believe that has to do with getting older.

I know the anglers up north are moving into hard water season and will soon need to cut a hole in the ice. The anglers in the far south are still casting. My question is where does the normal line cross the US between casting and not casting in the winter. I am sure storms my move that line some, but just normal winter temps? If you can still fish does the cold in some areas still keep you off the water? Warm thoughts to all.

1. Get out and fish more. (always something in the way) family, friends, health, yardwork, etc. 2. Explore new water 3. Fish the extremes more. (BFS & large swimbaits)

I got a different truck and it is about 3 feet longer than my old one. I am backing a 16'ft boat with a single axel trailer. With the new truck, the trailer is much more reactive. I did not think it would make that much difference. I feel like a new boat owner all over again. I have been practicing in parking lots and going to ramps that are not crowded. I do not want to be that guy. I use hands at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn the wheel the way I want the trailer to go. I am sure I will improve at some point, but crowded ramps and parking areas make me anxious. 😟 Can anyone relate?

Unfortunately, with money tight for most people, the businesses that sell & service "expensive toys" boats, campers, motorcycles, etc. are feeling the pinch. I am afraid we will lose many more in the near future.

The greatest comeback to get into the Playoffs (The Miami Dolphins) Then I woke Up.

Your positive attitude will go along way. Modern medicine is improving everyday. You have this! Thoughts and prayers for you. Remember there is some huge bass waiting for you to recover!

Actually mine is a 1987 88hp Evinrude. Sometimes those OMC parts can be hard to find. If I cannot find original parts I have been using Sierra and so far no problems. I do think OEM is best if possible.

When you service your water pump, do you replace everything (a kit), or do you just replace the impeller? Thanks.

I try to use OEM outboard parts, but some of them are hard to find for an older engine, and some are extremely expensive. Do you trust using aftermarket parts? I have used some parts from the company Sierra and they seem to fit and hold up very well. Anyone have any experience using aftermarket parts, good or bad?

I have never caught a giant for Fl standards. I have caught some big ones, but it is so hot, I just don't take the time to weigh them before release, maybe a quick photo, instead. I think I can estimate pretty close. So my best is probably in that 8 to 9lb range, maybe 10. I also do not target big fish and I think that also makes a difference. A big fish will normally want a large meal that she doesn't have to work too hard to get it. The majority of giants here are caught with live shiners. I love to see the pictures of you guys and gals with a huge bass. It keeps me wanting to go fishing.

My budget is usually the TW giftcards I get for Xmas, birthday, and fathers day. 😉

I am also going to say 10%. It is out of sight, out of mind. I mostly throw what I have tied on or tossed around on the deck of the boat. Every once in awhile I will dig into the vault looking for something, find something else I forgot I had and it will wind up on the deck. Such is fishing. You buy that shiny new lure, cause it just might be the one. It ends up in the vault and soon forgotten.

I have been trying a skirtless buzzbait made for a soft plastic toad. The one I have is the scott canterbury pro buzz. The problem is the big weight keeper is too big and rips the toad apart. The toad is a zoom horny toad. I use megastrike to lube the keeper and put it on nice and straight but in a short time the toad rips open and is ruined. Anyone else have this problem? Is there a better buzzbait for toads or maybe a better toad for this buzzbait? Thanks.

I think it is the Florida Skunk Ape. He is the souths version of bigfoot. Many floridians claim to have seen him in the everglades. Maybe he took a vacation up north? If you want to have some fun and go down that rabbit hole, just google (Florida Skunk Ape).

Like you, I stay close to home. I guess it is just a comfort thing. It is a shame because if I drive 2 hours I could try many different lakes. I need to just go for it. Since I am always by myself, I have that nagging feeling, what do I do if something happens on the road or at a new lake. I think when you get older your world gets smaller. I am going to branch out and hope for the best. I guess there is not too much to fear, drive careful and don't for get your cellphone.