Swamp Girl

I'd buy an old hull, an old trailer, and a new motor. You might be able to find the first two for $500 for both, leaving more money for a new motor. I suggest this because I've owned old motors and I wasted hours and hours trying to get them running. An old hull should float, but many old motors can't be trusted.

Don't be. I can't speak for the others, but I'm jealous. I don't see the bathrobe. I only have eyes for the pond IN YOUR BACKYARD! You're so lucky to have a pond so close. You're literal steps away from bass. Anyway, the clothing I wear is so stained and torn and raggedy. I've worn it for decades. Doesn't matter. I still catch bass. I think you might be the oldest of us, Alex. The fact that you're still fishing makes you the toughest of us, which means you get to wear whatever you want. Lastly, there are gators, rattlesnakes, and pythons in Florida and you're meeting them on their turf in your bathrobe. So:

Welcome to Bass Resource! Are you talking about laydowns?

@TOXIC: After reading your story, my reaction is that you need a better screen name. Something like "PROTECTOR" or "LIFESAVER."

It's Jack Lambert-sized, but I expect not Jack's temperament!

At 245 pounds, that's more sheep than dog!

I sooo agree, Pat. I love fishing in the foggy dark. Good post, Jim!

Two homes ago, I had a bee garden. There were literally thousands of bees sipping and humming the summer away. At my last home, I restored the original diversity of a woods, working with a Maine Forester. At my current home, I'm less ambitious, but I have built a fire ring, laid a flagstone path, built eight raised beds, created a Japanese garden, built three raised mounds, etc. I've planted scores of trees and bushes and hundreds of flowers. I've also walked, paddled, and cycled thousands of miles and have spent months in the wilderness. However, the main focus of my life has been working with hurt children.

Someone said that Woody is still posting fish pics on his Facebook page. I miss him.

@Tennessee Boy: @Alex from GA:

It makes me grit my teeth too, but I also walk the roads. Thanks for loving all that feather and fur! You're the best.

Heck, yeah, I fished from similar boats for years. They worked great. You don't need a bass boat to catch bass. Whereas a deck would be nice, you don't need a deck or cushy seats. When I fished from my bare bones v-hulls, I nearly always outfished my fellow anglers in their bigger, much more expensive boats. @AlabamaSpothunter fishes from a tiny utility boat and he outfishes pert near all of the BR gang.

"He chomped me." Heh!

You and me, buddy.

This speaks to the quality of these longtime buddies, that they're still friends after all the decades. And catching QUALITY bass too!

I also like to see black in black bass. Thanks for sharing, Alex!

I don't think 46 does jealousy. He is, after all, the world's happiest angler.

Dang it! I just bought the same lure yesterday for four grand!!!

I tried it once. I was soooooo cold and found no joy staring at a hole in the ice.

Heck, yeah, Koz, it sounds exciting. BRAND NEW hotels and new water to fish. It's so cool that Glenn makes space at BR for the gang to rally around each other for topics beyond catching bass. Go, Koz, and thanks, Glenn!

@Team9nine: I think your migration from bank fishing in the Midwest to boat fishing in the South is fascinating in large part because you consistently caught and catch bass in two starkly different environments. I didn't see any learning hiccups, but were there? And if so, what was challenging and how did you overcome it?

Fingers and toes crossed for you. I hope times two for fellow canoeists.

Above freezing temps overnight is the key. 24 hours of melting everyday.

Your appointed fishing!