Choporoz

I have four Helium rods, all H3, I believe....last generation. I don't know how new ones compare, but I absolutely love mine. Cannot recommend them highly enough.

I find myself more consumed with 'Why are bass moving?', than 'what is the route'? Which seems a bit crazy at first, because we rarely ever know what a bass is thinking; but where a bass is at a certain time is much more objective. There may be a hundred other factors, but I usually think a bass moves for food, temperature, oxygen, or spawning. They just don't seem predisposed to choose a location or path for any reason other than one of those factors. So understanding the environmental factors and favorite meals is probably more important than route rules. If the rule is fish steep inside channel drops in mid-fall, but the bass took a detour and are now chasing bait over shallow flats, you could be in for a long day. I have to tell myself all the time that bass move. And even in summer and winter, some are moving a lot. I just haven't had a lot of success predicting what route they're on. But I do better if I think about why they might be elsewhere.

Thx. Not a racing fan and hadn't heard that story. Fun to read about

Thanks @A-Jay. The case could be the difference. I have worn them daily year round - not just fishing. But I don't use the cases. I don't get any scratches, however, nor any problems on outside lens surface. I asked Onos if it was from using 'Spit' for anti-fogging, but they said that's the brand they recommend. Could be my sunscreen, or maybe my sweat is more corrosive than others'...no idea. But it is frustrating not to get a full year before the pitting affects my vision.

Also, Toyota Racing Development....TURD for short....but my old boss doesn't find that very funny

I'm in the market for new non-presciption, polarized bi-focal sunglasses. Any hot finds the last couple years? I have used Onos the last few years and liked them ok. But I have had inside lens surface of two pairs start deteriorating. Sort of a micro-pitting, I guess. Otherwise, they are great. (Company replaced first pair at no cost, and would probably do it again, but I'm looking for alternatives.) I like a couple other brands, but they don't offer readers. I came across ads for Shadyrays, and may give them a try, but curious if I'm missing any for consideration.

I use a 7'1" MF baitcast with 12# fluoro. However, I have tried a variety of rods. Getting the perfect setup didn't make near as much difference as switching to Yamamoto D-shad. Casting, action, hookup ratio, all improved over super fluke....for me.

I like flouro in wood. I like straight braid in pads and punching. I use braid to leader dragging jigs. But, like I said above, all work and I reserve the right to change up at any time. I don't have a strong preference for any of the three.

There's a short stretch in a Potomac trib here where incoming tide and outgoing current barely mix; you can be floating south and three feet away, the water is moving north...not easy to fish, but very cool to watch

Yeah. Iced up guides can be a bit maddening.

I've broken skim ice getting my kayak to open water many times. Air temp lower limit is when guides and level wind ice up

Tides (and tides with winds and/or current) are awe inspiring. I mostly enjoy the challenge of fishing tidal rivers. It is a fairly predictable variable added....one which bass react to in often unpredictable ways. But just witnessing the power and volume moving across and through massive bodies of water is always impressive.

Hard to find a web page within bassmaster.com that doesn't have 'Humminbird' somewhere on it. Good luck putting that sponsorship back in the toothpaste tube

End of year kayak tournament: Nov 5; smallish, hill-land reservoir with blueback herring; surface temps 55-59; air temp 62-73; winds gusting over 20; 8 hours; 5 fish limit, min length 12". Numbers: 25 of some of the better anglers in the state; 17 fish submitted....Total. 12 anglers caught 'scoreable' bass. Winner had 2 fish @ 29.25". I've never fished a tournament this tough. New lake to me. I got out there twice in last month and struggled, but did find deep point bottom bites. Saturday, I went looking for shallow fish off the bat and missed two bites within an hour of start. Didn't get another bite for next 5+ hours. Marked fish in main channels at 18-23', nearly all suspended. Wind was coming straight up the middle of the lake. I threw deep jerks, shallow jerks, deep cranks, jigs, soft swimbaits, blade baits, swimming worms, spinnerbaits, traps, Rage Bugs, grubs, chatterbaits and probably a few I am forgetting. If I got bit deep, I never knew it. The wind was nasty enough that unless they had choked down a treble bait, I would never have known. Finally got one up shallow while i was taking a break out of the wind; I almost had to stretch him to cross the 12" marks. Followed that with a 10" short fish and that was it. Four bites. 2 fish, only one of which was legal. 13 anglers zeroed. Wish I could say it was fun. Hard to have the patience needed for suspended lmb in those conditions. I wouldn't mind trying again without the wind, but honestly not in a hurry to get back there.

Reluctantly got the shots 2-3 years ago. Never knew anyone who'd had shingles....and the shots were as bad as any I can remember. But 3, maybe 4 people in our circle have had shingles recently, so I'm now thankful that I got the shots

I understand that some might value that. I carry a board and a scale in my kayak without too much trouble. The scale really only comes out when they push past 21".

I DVR those that come through my fairly basic cable package. I put them on in the winter when I'm not out fishing. I like watching professionals compete in a lot of different things. Not every tournament is great to watch, but some are. I especially like when we get to see some of the decision process regarding when to move, whether to make a long run, lmb or smb, etc.

Are these 1/8's for bass fishing? I got a 1/4 oz in a 'kit' the other day, and it looks so tiny, I thought maybe it'd be best for bluegill https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-LINEDAIWA.html?from=basres

I listened to both, also. Then Clack died around the same time that I realized all my wait waiting for something funny on the other show was a colossal waste waste of time

While I was entertained by the Panther WR with the spectacular catch followed by stupid penalty to win, then lose the game....I am still watching the end of the Nascar Nintendo race. The driver, Chastain, said he learned that move playing Nintendo. Pedal to the floor and ride the wall around final turn. I don't watch or follow any racing, but I have played video games....that was sooo awesome. https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/34917891

I have used straight braid, straight fluoro and braid with leader. They all work. All are different . I wouldn't hesitate to use any of them. Try each and find out what you prefer.

Never considered fishing a dropshot without having the weight on the bottom. I think I'd have a very hard time presenting at right depth

Bringing a boat? Canoe? I'd think booking this early, there'd be rentals available on Shenandoah, Susquehanna, James, Rappahannock and dozen others. Already searched AirBNB and VRBO?

I read that from users here before. Didn't really make much sense to me then. Still doesn't. My fluoro may just be different, I guess.

My dearly departed Sydney once ate an entire stick of butter. The explosiveness coming out the other end for a couple days was 'impressive'