Mobasser

I took the test twice and have the reaction time of a 37 yr old. Not bad for a 65 yr old.

This is true. We've got guys from all over fishing here. A guy who's fishing deep clear lakes will fish a lot different than someone who's fishing shallow murky waters. Different regions produce different fishing styles.

My doctor is a bass fisherman, and when I have an appointment, we always talk fishing for a few minutes. I mentioned that I feel like I've missed more fish this summer than I ever have. He said it's very common for us to have a slower reaction time as we age, and, this affects hook setting. He also mentioned other factors. The heat, or, if you have any aches or pains that bother you. In my case, some aches and pains from my years doing carpentry work. These aches and pains are magnified as we age, and cause distractions which can slow your reaction time. It may not affect everyone. A friend I fish with sometimes is 73, and he rarely if ever misses a fish. He recommended things Im already doing. Drink plenty of water, get plenty of rest, and take vitamins, which can help you stay alert while your fishing. I'll be 66 in October. It's all part of getting older. Has anyone else noticed your reaction time slowing down, and causing you to miss fish?

A similar thing happened to me with a nice pond I had access to years ago. The property was sold, and the new owner didn't want anyone fishing there. It was a good pond. That was ten yrs ago, and just two years ago I gained access to another pond. It never produced very well, and I haven't fished it yet this summer. Good that you got to enjoy this lake while you did. It looks like a great fishing lake.

I caught fish on jigs early this season. Since early June Ive switched to plastic worms, because the jig wasn't working. Plastic worms have always been better for me in hot weather.

I'm wondering if any BR members have ever used the EZ Lap diamond hook sharpener? I just ordered two. I bought my first one in the mid 1990s. It's finally worn out. The one I like is about 4" long, and fits in your pocket like a pen, or can be carried in your tackle bag/ box also. This one works especially well for light wire hooks. The EZ Lap company has been making diamond sharpening tools since the early 1970s. Any other fans of this tool?

I rarely if ever use over 1/4 oz. I like 1/16, or 1/8 oz most of the time. I switched to mostly tungsten two years ago, but still use lead weights also. In the very lightest weights, I can't see much difference, other than the weight sizes.

I like the Roboworm straight shank rebarb hooks. I mostly use size 2/0. They are light wire, super sharp and easy to get a good hook set.

12poundbass, nice job!

I fish a clear lake that has bluegill as the main forage. I think size is more important than color. I do best on baits of 5" or less here. Soft plastics in blues, purple, and black work well. But, at times color makes no difference. Only the bass know why.

I usually use light wire hooks, 6 lb Co poly line. The Slider " spider"head is a great head for any of these small finesse worms. It's a killer with the small Roboworm.

Looking back on notes I've kept, a finesse plastic worm has caught more fish for me over the last four seasons than any other bait I've used. This includes all surface lures, mid depth lures, and other bottom fishing baits. Looking on the TW website, I counted over 100 finesse worms available. They carry every style. I'm sure at some point they could all work. I can't explain why they work so well. My guess is that in very clear water, bass can see your bait much better. They often shy away from larger baits, especially large flashy lures, and the small, thin worms work great. I'm using Zoom, Brewers Slider worms and Netbait finesse worms. I used to be concerned with colors, but now not so much.I think it's the smaller size that makes them work well. I t- rig them with a light 1/8 or 3/16 oz weight. It seems ironic because the first small worm I used was a Cream Scoundrel that my older brother trimmed down over forty years ago, and now I've come full circle, still catching fish with downsized plastic worms. The bass in my clear lake love em. What are your favourite finesse plastic worms, and, how do you rig them?

I'm an ABU fan. I still use a 4600c that's over 20 yrs old.

Happy Birthday Tom!

My son in law crop farms 2800 acres. He always sprays himself. Some larger farms in our area still employ crop dusters. Ive seen them a few times here.

My son in law Eric, is fighting depression and anxiety now. Eric runs his family farm and it's a large farm. He's currently going to group counseling, and one on one with a therapist. He's been prescribed medication which kind of flattens him out. He told me two days ago," I can't really laugh or cry". I never thought this would happen to him, but he's proof that this can happen to anyone. Talking with other people helps him. And, as has been said, don't be Mr Macho. Admit that you need help and seek it. There's nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about.

Try a spinnerbait. Brighter color and blades to put out good vibration.

I can't explain why, but I don't do well on the large size. I like the baby brush hog.

5 hrs from Springfield

On Feb 15th I made a post called I'm Happy. I told of a young man who was opening a new tackle shop in my area. Many BR members were very supportive of him, and wished him success. Ive been there several times, and have bought some stuff to support him. Here's how it's gone so far: He's already placed another order to stock up Zoom soft plastics, as well as hooks and lines. Live bait, mostly minnows, he sells out of each week, and has set up a weekly delivery for minnows. He also picked up many used reels, and refurbished them, and these have sold well also. The rod and reel repair has worked out good too. He's fixed rod guides, tips, etc for several guys. He told me he didn't really expect to make much profit his first year, until he can establish a good customer base. Now, he's stocking some fly rods, reels, and fly lines, as well as some bass and trout flies. We have to keep in mind that not all fisherman can afford the best gear, and by offering good qaulity refurbished tackle, he can offer a rod or reel for anyone. He gives very good customer service, and when folks come in, he always greets them, and is quick to get whatever they need. So far, he's done well. This young man went out on a limb, and took a gamble opening this small shop. I think he'll be successful here, and I wish him continued success. From what I've seen, I think he's going to make it.

Obvious over engineering here. I'll pass.

Sometimes you kind of " rediscover" an old bait you haven't used in years, and it becomes new again. I rediscovered Mepps spinners last summer. I hadn't used one in several years. I like the #3 Black Fury.

True. I raised four kids. If I had a dollar for every gallon of milk, or pack of diapers I bought, I'd be driving a new boat now.

I'll reiterate this: trade work is skilled work. 18.00 per hr is not great, but if your brand new and know nothing, it's not bad. If you owned a contracting company, would you send a complete novice to install a new hot water tank in a house? What about an expensive door? Of course you could never do this. He has no experience, will make mistakes, and could possibly ruin your company name. Have him come along and watch, help, and learn. When he can be trusted to do these things correctly, of course he'll make more money, possibly 30 or more dollars per hr. But, he has to learn the skills first. It's been this way forever. If folks can make better money from day one, working Wal Mart or fast food so be it. It's an individual choice.

Maybe it comes down to what people want to do. Be a skilled tradesman, or sell chicken nuggets. It's an individual choice. And, would you like fries with your nuggets sir?