Jar11591

This is so shocking. Wow. RIP Tom. Perhaps nobody on this forum has as much bass knowledge as Tom. Rest in Peace, WRB, and thank you for all of the knowledge you have bestowed upon me over the last 15 years.

Merry Christmas, yall!

Probably my most memorable gift as a kid was fishing related. I was probably 11 or 12, and just as obsessed with fishing as I am now over 20 years later. I had mentioned wanted to try fly-fishing a few times, so my parents got me an entire kit complete with a rod, reel, backing, main line, leader, tippet and a bunch of dry flies, streamers and nymphs. As well as a guide book that shower me how to rig everything up. It wasn’t long before I was practicing my casting in the snow and cold in the back yard. I still have that fly rod and still use it a couple times every year.

I once forgot to park my truck. Launched my boat, took off and looked back only to see my truck still sitting on the ramp backed up to the water. A couple years later, I did it again. I’m an eager beaver when I get to the ramp. The first time it was at a pay-to-launch private marina, and the marina owner was watching it all go down without saying a word. Just a mouth full of chaw and a raised eyebrow.

Minimal. I’m of the opinion that bass are nowhere near as easily spooked as they’re made out to be. I very frequently catch bass within my sight that I know can see me. I dont try to make extra noise or wear loudly colored clothing, but I also don’t think about it too much. Bass aren’t very spooky.

Not if only Siebert would start making 3/4oz and 1oz spinnerbaits!

Nice pics. Brings back many good memories!

That’s cool that you went with the BTL trip. I listen to the podcast every day. Glad you were able to get into some toads! Even a tough time on Baccarac is better fishing than most anywhere else on the planet. Any pictures from the trip?

I usually don’t dabble in things. If it’s a hobby of mine, I’m most likely pretty passionate about it. Besides bass fishing, I have a passion for gardening, camping, cooking, gaming, and the Atlanta Braves.

I’ve fished the pond that my parents camp is on for a decade now. It’s maybe 2 acres. Lots of largemouth in those 10 years. But about 5 years ago I randomly caught the biggest crappie of my life on a Chug Bug. That’s the only crappie I have caught from this pond. My dad fishes it more than I do and has never seen or caught a crappie.

Sometimes a man’s gotta chop some wood to clear his head.

We’ve been frozen for a couple weeks now and have already gotten a few measurable snows. Last several winters have been an early ice out from late March to early April. Hopefully 2026 is more of the same, but this winter does seem to be off to a colder start.

Brutal single-digit cold snap was finally broken but only because a big snow storm is moving in again. We still have several inches on the ground from last week's storm and were getting hit again. I'm with @gim, I am sick of it already.

A new PB largemouth is always a goal. It’s been 9 years since my last PB. Exploring new lakes and rivers, as well as a new depth finder are something’s I’d like to be able to check off the 2026 fishing bingo card as well.

@casts_by_fly we got the Lion’s Roar. 10” so far and still several hours of snowfall to go. At least it’s a light powder.

Usually early to mid November in my part of upstate NY. I went November 16th and that was my last trip for the year. There was some skim ice along the shore.

Big storm heading my way tomorrow. Calling for anywhere from 4” to up to a foot. I put all the patio furniture in the shed and got the Ariens out, fired up, and ready to go. Can’t believe it’s that time already.

The number one tip I have is something I learned from my Lake Baccarac guide, Sixto, several years ago. When a fish would come up to tailwalk, he would order me to “pull down! Pull down!”. Not only can that change the direction of the fish and make it decide against jumping, but it also can keep the tension in the line if the fish does jump. I now do it subconsciously and I believe it has saved me countless fish. Catches more fish than anybody on this forum and is still humble enough to ask everyone else for advice!

I share your exact sentiments Swamp Girl. Good bunch of folks that I’m lucky to have been a part of the last decade plus.

Happy thanksgiving yall

Finally put all the gear away for the season. Gotten several dustings of snow so far and windshields need scraping every morning. Been a typical November so far. I am hoping the trend of getting the majority of our snowfall in March continues. Worst part about the weather has been the wind. It’s been ripping 25mph+ every day and makes any kind of outside work difficult and very unpleasant.

One last hoorah for me. Boat is loaded and I’m about to start the cold trek into the mountains. Not even convinced the lake will be liquid. Air temps will be low 20s when I arrive. Hail Mary in hopes of a giant.

When the water gets below 33°.

And Nico Harrison has been fired 9 months after what is probably the stupidest move a GM has ever made in the big 3 pro sports. And almost undoubtedly will never work in an NBA front office again.

Got an inch or so yesterday. Glad I was able to get my garlic in the ground before the snow. I’m still hoping to get out on the boat on more time this year. Fishing in the snow is always fun and usually productive.