Mobasser

I've read about John Powell. He fished in many early B.A.S.S. events and did well. His method was cast close to shallow cover, hop the worm 2 or 3 times, and reel in to make another cast. He fished the worm about as fast as you could fish it. He was looking for the quick strikes, from more shallow bass. The Texas rig is such a good, versatile bait, it's hard to fish it wrong.Slowly swim it in, hop, or drag it. All can work on any given day. It's my very favorite bass lure, for over 25 yrs now.

I like to cast, let the t rig hit bottom, and keep my rod vertical, slow hopping the worm. Most all strikes have come on the fall, but some bass may hit at any point. I fish them pretty slow, and don't peg my slip sinker

You might contact your Conservation Dept, and see if they may know what your main forage is in your lake. You don't need to match this perfectly. As has been said, bass will eat many different items.

My first casting reel was a red ABU5000 that my older brother gave me. I retired that one years ago. It's a classic reel that I'm sure many others have used also. Nothing wrong with still fishing it, but there are so many newer lighter faster reels on the market for good prices these days. For the cost of upgrading it, you could probably get a new reel. I would keep it for sure, being a gift from your grandfathet

If you catch a really big bass, is it a big old good one, or a good old big one?

I can't stand a meth head! Horrible d**n stuff! There's no way they can be trusted, nor keep a job.

Yes. Sadly drugs are a rampant problem in all trades. Im almost positive that the guy we fired for trying to steal the hammer drill was dopey. I'm glad he's gone too

Here's something I think applies to many of us. If you had a father, or grandfather who came from the depression era or WW2 era, you probably grew up with a good work ethic. This was a tough, non quitter group of Americans. For many of them, hard work was all they knew. Laziness was not accepted. My own grandpa and dad were this way. What can we do about this problem? Is there a way to solve it?I'm only one out of thousands who are effected by this. It's bigger than we would all like to admit. In other countries many young guys work- and work hard! Maybe because they don't have any other options?

It's a shame he didn't have transportation. Sounds like he could work on his own too, which is always a good thing. Had he gotten a truck, I would have worked him on a couple more jobs and bumped up his pay a good amount. Hard to find guys like this for sure

Well said J Francho. Accountability is such a huge thing, in any line of work. Set your alarm, get up and be there on time. If you make a mistake, learn from it and move on. Show some interest in the job and try to do the best you can. If you can do this, you'll be successful in any line of work you choose. Employers will notice this too. I know I do. When it comes time for a raise, these guys will be first- always.

Around age 57, I started to notice some knee pain, and a little hip problems. My wife encouraged me to get out of the commercial work. I was off work about a month, when my daughter got her first house and asked if I could help out. Been doing it now for almost 3yrs. And yes, working for my daughter has its benefits. If I want to take a day off for fishing, it's not a problem. As long as it doesn't become a habit. She knows her dad loves to fish

About a year ago, I hired a young guy to do some plumbing on one of our projects. This involved copper 1/2 inch pipe, basically replumbing much of the basement of an old house. I delivered his pipe, fittings, map gas, solder and flux at 7:55 that Monday morning. He was already there ready to go. He came in with a brand new tool bag, and all new tools. Usually this might be the sign of a beginner, so I was a little bit skeptical. He told me his dad loaned him the money for his new tools, and he was paying him back weekly. I went on to another job to work that day, and when I came back to check his job later he was finishing up. He did what was probably the best plumbing job I've ever seen. Every sweat joint looked perfect, not one leak. He had cleaned up after his job too, swept up any trash, and layed the scrap pipe neatly out of the way. I was so impressed with his work, I added a cash bonus on to his estimate when I paid him. So you never know. This young man did a great job. Now he's so busy I can't get him back. He's in big demand

I worked commercial construction for several years. Now, I actually work for my oldest daughter. She buys older homes, and we rehab them. We just finished one that is on the historic registry. 113yrs old. We do everything.

Well said. If you ever move to Missouri I can get you a job. We could use a guy like you! And I also agree that not all youngsters are lazy either. It all depends on how their brought up, and their attitudes about work in general. Wear that sweat badge with pride.

I agree. I received a Magellen fishing shirt for Christmas and it's worked out great. It would be hard to not find an outfit and baits/line to fish with. Our Academy has a great selection.

The reality is that these young guys need to get out there and get moving now. Not only for themselves, but for their country.

A-Jay, even though I do carpentry work, it seems like lots of youngsters bounce from job to job and don't seem to care.I don't know exactly why, but it is a real problem for us.At some point in life, you have to buckle down and stick with a job, regardless of what type of work. I think most of this starts at home. Young guys never need too much time to.loaf around. It's not good for them

Well, in 3 weeks time the company I work for has been through 2 plumbers, 1 carpenter, and 1 painter. What's happened to our work force? Guys start the job, and quit shortly after. One was fired for theft on his 3rd day, caught trying to steal a hammer drill. My foreman is a very easy going person. Just show up, give an honest days work, and you'll have no problems. I'm 61 now. I've been doing carpentry work since I was 28 yrs old. I often wonder who will do these jobs in the future? It's like going to school. You start out at the bottom. As your skill and speed increases, so does your pay rate. The work is not glamorous. It can be hot/cold and physically demanding, but pays well. It's a sad state that more young guys won't learn the trades anymore. Young men, get out there and get to work! If college is not for you, then learn a skilled trade! A strong workforce is the backbone of our country! The jobs are there, what are you waiting for?

We had an Academy Sports go in not far from us about 1yr ago. It's become my go to tackle shop. Good selection of Zoom plastics, hard baits, line and tackle. The H20 line of rods and reels looks well made and hard to beat for the money. My grandsons H20 Mettle reel he got for Christmas is working out well for him. Also, some good sales at certain times of the year. Internet shopping is ok, but I still like going in and getting my hands on something before I buy. The staff is helpful too, and gives good service. Anyone else an Academy tackle shopper? My new favorite tackle store.

I agree. We've caught many more fish with the slow lift/ drop style retrieve.

Both of these companies make good tackle.

Trends come and go in bass fishing. Right now paddle tails are popular, curly tailed grubs not so much. I'm really just getting in to paddle tails, but I've caught quite a few bass on Mr. Twister, and Zoom fat Albert grubs over the years. Maybe pick up some of each, and experiment to see what works best for you.

I agree with A Jay here. We could stand to keep seeing some improvements in lines. Most other things have been " innovated" to the max.

I've gone back to straight shank worm hooks for a general plastic worm fishing too. I feel.like I hook more fish with them.

I've used Baitmate spray quite a bit over the years. I like the shiny, slippery finish it gives my plastic baits. Still not sure if it really " attracts " fish or not, but as others have said it may help mask odors on your hands.