BassinLou

WOW!! AK-NJ, you took the loss of the "big one" pretty bad. You passed up "grown up activities"!! Take a page out of Martins book and have some Scotch.

I have DIEHARDS from Sears for the last three years now and they are still going. If you maintain your batteries properly, like making sure the water level is up on each one and charge them as soon as you get home after each outing, your batteries will be fine for a while.

I have had a Tracker 165 since 1999. We have gone through a lot together and she is still going strong. I have had to do some cosmetic stuff over the years like carpeting and bunk replacements on the trailer. The motor I have is 25hp, which as served me as an excellent model for me to learn about the maintenance and care you have to give to outboards. Am I ready for a significant upgrade? ABSOLUTELY!! I have been for years. But this thing called "life" always gets in the way, and incurring another cost into our monthly budget is not a wise $$ move. My boat and truck have been paid for many times over. If I would have been a BR member back then, my choice would have probably been different. CarolinaBoy, I do not know the craftsmanship of todays Tracker, but if you decide to get the 160, get it with the highest H.P. the boat is rated for. Ammortized over the life of the loan, I feel is worth it in the long run. 165 is a beginners bass boat I agree, however when resources are limited and you are passionate about bass fishing, that little boat will get the job done and give you countless memories. Just my .02 cents

That's a tough one AK-NJ. Big Bass are masters for utilizing cover to break off. I have lost three nice bass this year due to them heading into the pads. The good news is you know your spot carries some big fatties. I do not want to see estimates when you catch one. Remember to bring your scale to these outings.

Great reels, but I agree with CrappieBasser, those handles are not the best for that reel. The older white and gold stradics had great handles.

I really like crocs. They are comfortable, you can get them wet and dirty, and clean them up very quickly. The downside to them, however that occurs to me is that their soles do not retain their ruggedness for too long. The soles wear flat very quickly making you susceptible to slips.

BPS has Browning, they are great pliers with a cutter built in it. I have had it for several years now and still going strong.

Big O where have you been?? I have not seen a Big O slob for a while. Nice fish!!

Martin, I hope the Scotch hit the spot. Ak-NJ and Bass Czar keep tearing it up. What's up with glove? Fstr385, I remember the vid you played us last year I think with your landlord taking your stuff. I think you left him note on the boat if I am not mistaken. Sad world we are living in my friend. I am on vacation with family this week so all of you are lucky I am not fishing.... ROFL, Yeah right!! I think I am in last place. All you guys are too good.

Yes, the mall.

Rippin-lips or any BR member for that matter pls send me the thread on Line conditioner and braid. I must of missed that one. I would find helpful thanks.

I have always heard the canals close to "The Falls" produce peacocks.

A smaller diameter braid increases the chances of it digging into self. Braid is already thinner than mono to begin with so fishing 30lb-50lb braid will make superior to mono.

Martin, I know you are saying your comments in jest. When I was younger, unmarried, no kids, I respected thunderstorms but I still took chances. Now like yourself, married and with kids, I REALLY RESPECT thunderstorms. This time year, the fishing is slow, its hot and when storms come around the fishing picks up, unfortunately however, we are the lightening capital of the world so your odds increase against you when you are out there. Be mindful.

AK-NJ, Jacksonville is on fire. I may have to go to you instead of you coming down to us. LOL. Good job!!

Martin, fishing in the rain may be refreshing, but, be very careful when lightening is around. You are fishing with a rod!! During lightening!! Be careful. I went out Thurs to the everglades and got pinned down by a vicious lightening storm. Very Scary. Fortunately, I made it to my truck and waited it out.

Remember to spray it with Kvd line conditioner before each outing. I find that helps. If the outfit you are using is used solely for frogging, once you dial in your reel you will be set.

Your gear is fine. Fish may not be home, or care for the offering. As far as technique goes, you can walk the frog, twitch and stop, or burn it on top of the grass or pads. Basically work it different ways and sees what gets a response. Nothing happens after a while change to another lure. Good Luck.

Wow!! Frogfreak. You don't mess around on those hooksets.

Wngan, great question. The timing of this question is a good one. Before, when I bass fish alone and I get skunked (which is rare) I had an oh well attitude. Recently, however, that has changed. We have a friendly tournament going on in Fl, and I am not doing to well. In grand scheme of things its not a big deal, but it bugs me that when its time to showcase my skillset although friendly, I am missing the mark. The good news, and I realize it now, the experience is making me a better bass fisherman.

Teamshrink thank you for sharing your info. The reason I asked those questions, is to benefit all of us as far as region, time of day, and technique the fish were caught. Although it's a friendly on-going tourney open to any Floridian angler, its serves at least for me, (I cannot speak for other fellow participants) as an educational tool. Believe it or not this friendly tourney has made me up my game. Unfortunately, my game is not showing much this month. LOL.

Sweet Vids Fstr85. I can see why you are the King of Hill. You know where to find them. Great job!!

Man, I step out for a day and you guys post these amazing catches. Bass Czar, good job. Fstr385, ok..ok..ok. we get it you want to be king of the hill. LOL. Awesome catches. Nice spot you have there. Pain in the butt or not it beats the fact that summer has been slow for others like me. I snuck out to the glades yesterday. Let's just say, I should have stayed put. It sucked. Keep up the the great work guys. I am jealous. No, really, I am jealous. LOL.

Simple bottom rig with some live shrimp, this time of year esp. at night you can get some nice mangrove snapper. Good Luck.

I don't know when you are making your way down here, but if you make down here in the Spring I will get you into fish. Summer.... well you have been seeing the reports lately. LOL