The Bassman

This is my go to when wind makes ned difficult to control. Very effective chara lure, too as per the picture.

I've had four Vanfords that got plenty of use this year. Sound is subjective to the individual. Keep in mind also that these reels have composite frames and are very light. These are the best spinning reels I've ever owned. I'm sure higher end models are more precise but I'm more than pleased with what I'm using.

Ted Williams comes to mind. Back in the 60's he endorsed Sears tackle.

I'm giving my knees a break from painting this month so our forecast is a gift. I've already put some numbers up for Dec. so this makes another year with twelve month bass. Would never have imagined doing this years ago.

This poor fish is going to have an identity crisis.

Gotta be the hat.

Cabin fever's settin' in early.

And who can forget Newbomb's rendition of Volare.

Early Mel Brooks; Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein. Also, I can watch Blues Brothers over and over. The sequel was an insult to the original.

Like @TnRiver46 said, it's a smallmouth. I've caught plenty that size during my creek wading days. Their markings tend to get more pronounced as they get bigger

He razzed me by saying we would have had a big problem if a busload of boy scouts had pulled up.

Many years ago I was working for a contractor that was doing remodel work in McDonalds around Indy. I was painting the redone restrooms in one during business hours when a familiar face entered the store with his wife. He hadn't noticed the sign to use the porta johns outside so I had to direct him. Couldn't help but ask his wife who quickly interjected "Yes, he's Bart Starr". This was probably 10-15 yrs. after he'd retired but I get a kick out of telling people that I chased Bart Starr out of a bathroom.

I enjoy this time of year in IN. Water temps are stabilizing after the quick drops of the last month. I find the fish to be more predictable now. Was able to catch a couple of good ones Sat. and got into some fast action on a tiny blade bait Sun. that @Team9nine got me on to a few years ago. Also, I fish small waters so location isn't a big factor. Obviously, your window of opportunity in Iowa is much narrower than mine as well.

Had that happen with a similar sized grass carp earlier this year on of all things a ned rig. The fish cleared water several times and stayed hooked until I got it to shore. These kind of incidents just add spice to our sport. Good job.

I've had an upgraded Curado 100B in the flea market since June that that performs as well as my new reels, just a little bigger in the hand. Figure I'll treat it as my "57 Chevy" that I drive only on sunny days.

I've caught some quality fish lately though my numbers have been way down. This one came from the same pond and shoreline location as one I posted last weekend. Thought it may be the same fish but could see some slight differences when I compared pics. edit: Just realized that top pic was one from earlier today, probably closer to three lbs. Six pounder may in fact be the same fish from last week.

When I was a teenager I would fly fish Muddlers at carp in our local creek. I called it poor mans' bonefishing.

I met Dan at our Boat, Sport, and Travel show several years ago. Just a down to earth nice man. I was quick to attribute the invention of the Muddler Minnow to him but he reminded me that it was his dad, Don who had done so. Ugly Bugs and Hairy Worms (I liked purple) were my go to creek baits in addition to Mepps spinners during my teen years.

Got two good ones on an otherwise slow afternoon, the bigger one on a ned and the other on a Rozante 77. Not sure of the weights because my scale battery had tanked.

Blotchy bass are pretty common for me. In Fisherman did a short article about it a while back and didn't really have any answers other than it doesn't seem to have any negative effect.

I find that the bait that works is the one that I'm keying on. Most of my success/failures can be attributed to my attitude about a given lure. Case in point: This time of year I'm typically throwing neds, bladebaits, and dark sleepers. This year I'm keying on jerkbaits and having a lot of fun. It's taken me time to gain confidence in them and now I really enjoy using them. Are they the best bait at the moment? Yes and no. I'm sure there are instances that I would be getting better numbers on my finesse baits but I'm enjoying fishing them so they get more game time.

I prefer ML for my ned fishing. I'll use M during the warm months out of necessity due to vegetation.

I know the feeling. Gonna try this afternoon with upper 30's but less wind than over the weekend. Cheap toss away hand warmers in each pocket are priceless. I'm optimistic that we're not locked in this pattern yet.

U-Tube has created a lot of youth tournament wannabes. Kind of funny to watch some kid walk a featureless pond bank and trying to flip or pitch with his Dick's combo. But it's certainly better than being parked in front of a phone screen all day.