The Bassman

Weatherman's talking like things are going to be pretty raw tomorrow after the front. Gotta just do what we gotta do. lol

Waited out the drizzle until early afternoon and pretty much did a wash, rinse, repeat of yesterday. Caught three with two good ones over two lbs. All three bites came in a twenty minute window in the same general area that produced yesterday. Tomorrow's probably our last shot until sometime after the new year. (One of these days I'll learn how to take decent pics.)

A couple of my favorites were actually drawn down for drain maintenance with the anticipation that they would refill this fall. We're several inches behind and actually in moderate drought. La Nina keeps promising lots of moisture over the next few months so we're apt to go from drought to flood.

Same situation @Team9ninejust described. Worked hard just to catch a few, mine coming on a tiny blade bait. At least I got a few scores for Dec. As said, one more shot Thurs. I'll look forward to the Jan. thaw that we sometimes get. Ponds are very low so the rain tomorrow might help protect against any winter kill in case winter gets rough.

You have to understand it's all a con game. Now when I post a bigger one I can stretch the truth a little and you guys'll buy it. lol

Thanks for the encouragement. They were both under two lb. I'm just a weakling right now.

Managed to get out a little bit before it rained this morning. Bass showed some signs of activity after several days of little results. These two came on a jerkbait. Second fish was a "double" with a mussel shell along for the ride. Pics are still a bit shaky still but my doc assures me that it'll resolve as I gain more strength. Had no idea how much surgery takes the energy out of you.

I was scrolling this thread to see if any one mentioned Remember the Night before I chimed in. Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck. Not as well known as the others but one of the best. And for me it has an Indiana theme.

We're going to have some good opportunities over the next week. Maybe that 8 lbr. is still alive and put on some more weight.

Finally got a big enough one to count for December. Past week's been tough with rehab challenges. Picture is slightly distorted because my left hand has a bit of a tremor since my surgery two weeks ago. It's slowly getting better. I think it might have had something to do with the nerve block they gave me. Was supposed to wear off in a few hours but took 26. Might have affected some things. We're lucking into some fairly accommodating weather over the next week so I'm really anxious to get the mojo back on.

Exactly my experience. Praying for a breeze today. We're actually getting handed a gift with the weather right now. Frustrating thing is some lingering weakness and lightheadedness when I'm walking that really short circuits my ability to focus. Makes for a valid alibi for lack of success, though. lol

We're supposed to be calm today. Do you find that it affects the jerkbait bite? I ask because yesterday was pretty near calm where I was and your results go against my usual thinking. I drug a Dark Sleeper around and hooked and lost one. Pretty slow so I want to redeem myself today.

My current thoughts regarding gratitude involve my recent surgery. Just incredible what medicine is capable of these days. I've also had cataracts removed from both eyes in recent years. Had I been my current age before the 1970's I would be both legally blind and eventually orthopedically handicapped. Being careful not to enter forbidden ground let me just say that I believe those in the medical profession are enabled and blessed by something that transcends just education.

So I notice today that the long range maps keep moderating from previous forecasts. Guess I'm watching too many U-Tube meteorologists that keep the clicks coming on drama. I'm getting stronger and more mobile every day from my surgery, have no schedule, so I guess I'm going to have to fish. Tough life, huh?

I gained confidence with jerkbaits in recent years with Husky Jerks. The one drawback with the bait was casting distance which can be an issue since I bank fish. I now fish exclusively with Duo Realis Rozzantes (63 and 77). They have a weight transfer system which really helps distance. Not six bucks or so like a Husky but still in OP's budget.

I keep a sheet of paper under a calendar on my desk. Technology is great and I definitely benefit from it but this 68+ fart just refuses to let go of some things.

I've cycled in and out of favorite techniques but the past few months a Booyah one knocker has pretty much been my go to. Tomorrow looks like a good opportunity at a big one and I'll be throwing the lipless or possibly a jerkbait. This battle scarred Bling One Knocker could tell some stories.

I think I created a legend.

I fish HOA lakes in the area where I have connections by way of my trade, family, and friends. The 7.22 came on a chatterbait Jul '21. Also caught four others over 6 so it was an epic year. Our @Team9nine actually caught an 8 on New Years eve last year from the same type of waters.

I'm eating all this up right now but the truth is that they've got this down to a science so it's so much easier than it was just a few years ago. I really do appreciate all the encouragement. Now I have to try to crack the 6 lb. barrier before we lock in here.

Really nothing special about this bass except for one thing: I caught it just five days after my knee replacement surgery. My doc probably wouldn't be too happy with me now but nothing a little ice and rest won't take care of. Also lost a decent one. Damp, windy weather today with winter on the horizon after this week. I think I'm gonna get my December bass after all for another twelve months of bass award. (Still waiting on my last five)

I remember it being an old technique to handle pike. Makes no sense in this case.

You're going to be the reason I heal up quick from this TKR. I'm less than five days post-op, off narcs, and even driving. I figured I was out of commission for a while but am determined to get on the water before winter zaps us after next week. Thanks for the kick in the pants.

Your posts are always incredible. I gotta get one of those hats. Has to be the secret. in Uncle Buck John Candy said his hat made a lot of people angry. Yours works on bass and muskies.

Some of my favorite memories were from sucker fishing in early spring with my dad. They're very bony so lengthwise cuts in the meat are recommended to make them small enough to not pose a hazard. A local writer, Bill Scifres used to describe pickling them. Funny, before I started focusing on ponds creek fishing for suckers is what started my season until the smallmouth and rock bass bite got going. I sure missed a lot of good largemouth fishing.