Mobasser

Sometimes you'll make a good cast to the perfect spot, and get a quiet bait entry. Then, you get that gut feeling that a bass will hit. I've had it happen. Not often, but it does happen. You've got to be really tuned in and focused on everything. The bait, cover, wind etc.

Bazoo, nice job sir!

I've been fishing that exact line on the same reel all season. I'd suggest try a polymer knot. Ive had zero issues.

I've thought maybe I'm a weirdo, because I love fishing so much, and, I'm happy being out there catching any bass. Small ones included.

I fish alone probably 90% of the time. I'm ok with it.

White

Over the years I've tried a lot of jig heads for rigging 1/1/2" and 2" tubes for crappie. I've finally settled on Big Bite Baits minnow head as one of the best. This is a minnow head shape, and has a good hook. But the best part of this jig is the keeper barb. Not too large to tear a tube jig, but big enough to hold them on, even after catching several fish. They come in several colors. I like the 1/16 oz in red most of the time. Available at Academy Sports.

I'm in agreement with A-Jay here also. The very best reel spooled with crummy line is plain no good. Your line is your connection to the fish.

I've never put any lures on sabbatical for the reason you mentioned Swamp Girl, but I've got a bunch of lures that I stopped using for various reasons.I also think in the type of waters you fish, bass won't learn to not strike the baits you throw. More remote backwoods swamps etc, don't see high fishing pressure.

Mine also. I think I remember one called Tennessee Shad which was good.

ol Crickety, your post are really good. I always enjoy them. Keep up the good work mam.

Last night's dinner: A piece of baked chicken a long with green beans cooked with some onion and small white potatoes. Really good.

Catt, I've had good luck on bright sunny days casting shallow around vegetation. The spook works. I like a clear or bone color.

They're probably my least favourite. My dad loved them, so I ate them as a kid. If probably like them grilled like you make them.

I'm a bean fan myself. Most any kind.

According to my doctor, I can eat as many steamed or boiled vegetables as I want. I grew up having vegetables as a kid, so I learned to like them. I always have veggies steamed or boiled, because my doctor recommended this way of cooking them. They're a regular part of my weight loss plan. Around my area, some restaurants serve broccoli, smothered in cheese sauce. I won't have this, and always order plain steamed broccoli, with no cheese sauce. Fried veggies are not great either. I've always liked corn on the cob, with plenty of butter, but rarely have it anymore, because the butter adds fat. My favourites are carrots, green beans, broccoli, and peas. A little salt and pepper are my only seasoning. Fresh asparagus cooked on a grill is really good also. I'm a big believer in having vegetables each day, and, I'm sure that eating plenty of veggies has helped me lose weight. My doctor told me that the average person doesn't eat enough vegetables, and should eat more. What are your favourite vegetables, and how do you like to cook them?

If you did everything you could to save the fish, you did the right thing. These things happen sometimes.

I really didn't spend much. I've already got so many baits. I did but new line.

Thanks J Francho. I'm pre diabetic, hence the weight loss program. I too limit carbs and overall portion sizes. I have to be careful eating sugar in any form. If I eat a brownie, piece of pie or other sweet, I'll feel slow and tired afterwards. So I lay off most sugars, and eat a little bit of things with Stevia. It's not the greatest, but I'm adapting.

I'm lucky because I fish a smaller lake with little fishing pressure. On busy lakes, the obvious spots get hammered a lot, especially on weekends. As a result, bass can become harder to catch.

Since I'm still on a regular weight loss plan, my wife has been baking things with Stevia, instead of sugar. So far, she's made oatmeal cookies, and banana walnut muffins. Both taste good, and I can't tell much if any difference in taste, compared to recipes which require sugar. Stevia is derived from a plant, has zero calories, and no sugar. There are all sorts of recipes you can make. You have to make your recipes from scratch, so you can't buy an off the shelf cake or brownie mix, which already has a high sugar content. I think it's a good product, and is safe to use. If your like me, and on a weight loss plan, Stevia may work well for you. You don't have to completely give up all baked goods. Using this product, along with regular exercise, is helping me take off the pounds. My weight started at 230, and is now at 197, which is seven pounds from my target goal of 190. And, like they always say, everything in moderation, especially as we get older.

If you do think that the bass are suspended offshore, rig a four inch plastic worm, and count it down for depth. I like to use an open hook jig worm, but you can go with a t rig if there's too much cover. I've done best with a 1/8 oz weight, a little more if there's some wind.

I love fall bass fishing. My favourite days are cloudy, slight wind. In these conditions I like traps and spinnerbaits. A light misting rain can be good also. We're not quite with you on our weather here in Missouri, but we're slowly getting there. Good luck on your trip ol Crickety, sounds like you've got a good game plan.

If your servicing a reel, and you hear a tiny part hit the floor, then have to crawl around for an hour trying to find it, servicing reels may not be your thing. I know from experience.

Catt, I agree. I'm still using the Phenom in motor oil. It's been one of my favorites forever.