Mobasser

Yes of course. Love his story. Guys like him are supernatural.

I had initially set out in the spring of this year, to catch a LM bass of 8lbs or better this season. I made two previous post about this topic. I took a break for two weeks in late summer, and threw all sorts of stuff. Over the season, I caught a good number of bass, but, the big fish eluded me. I spent many trips fishing very slowly over prime spots.And I caught fish, just not the new PB. Friday, we're getting a bitter cold front coming in. Morning temps in the teens, and daytime highs in the 30s. This will certainly shut things down, at least for a while. I may get a couple more trips in, but the going will be tough. What else can I say? I tried very hard, and it just didn't happen. I'm not the least bit upset or bummed out. I'll look at it as a learning experience. I received many encouraging words from several members, and I appreciate all of this. This is fishing. Not catching the huge fish is what keeps you coming back, in hopes of catching her. I'll spend the winter months reading and trying to learn things as I always do. And, as they say, there's always next season. To conclude here I'll say this: Anyone who would ever tell you that targeting and catching big bass is easy, is not being honest. It's hard. The biggest bass are a tough, worthy opponent. Thanks again to everyone who gave me tips, and encouragement. I appreciate it.

I think a good pro could take this challenge and do well. Most of us have tackle that's good enough, and, it's not about the tackle. The biggest thing for tournament pros is finding fish and getting patterns in place. Most of them are very good at it.

I have read that this was one of Hannons favourite rigs, and deadly on shallow Florida fish. A good read on the swimming worm is from Jim Porters guide to bass fishing. They sell some also prerigged with two hooks.

There was a worm rig years ago that was fished with a kink in the worm. It was called the swimming worm, and Doug Hannon marketed one. It was meant to spiral and corkscrew on the retrieve. I've read it was popular in Florida years ago.

Should be a good game. Go Chiefs!!

I remember in my 3rd grade year. I got chicken pox, and some other kids in my class got them too. At the time, I got to stay home from school, so I didn't care too much.

I would get the vaccine if you can. Might feel rough for 3 or 4 days, then your done. Well worth it IMO.

Enjoyed this article. Keep up the good work. Great read.

Looking good, and nice work.

You can still fish this one. Your drag won't make any noise. Otherwise I'd fish it.

Good idea throttleplate. I think in the long run you'll be glad you made that decision.

What I've learned about shingles. My mother in law suffered for four months with this. It was finally a strong antibiotic that cleared it up. As has been said, if you had chicken pox as a kid, your more apt to get them when you get older. Most people get shingles on the torso, around the waist band area. My doctor said it's almost always on the sides, but if the shingles sores connect, ( like a belt) around your waist, it can be fatal. Some people also get it on the face and neck area, which can be bad also. It's much harder for older people ( age 50 and above), to fight this off. At any rate, I'm feeling better this morning, and my flu like symptoms ( from the vaccine) are mostly gone. From what I've seen personally and what my doctor said, shingles are not to be taken lightly. I would get this vaccine.

A-Jay, your welcome sir. Best luck with you vaccine.

We're finally going to get some rain here in north Central Mo tomorrow. We need it badly. Expecting 2" or more.

My mother in law had shingles at 78 yrs old. It's a horrible thing, and took her four months to get rid of it. My doctor recommended that my wife and I get this vaccine. It's a two shot vaccine and you have to get these shots within a six month period. I got my first shot 4 months ago, with no effects, other than a slightly sore arm for two days. I got the second shot three days ago. I'm still feeling the effects of this one. Sore arm, slight fever, and general feeling rough. My doctor said don't worry, it's just a side effect of this shot, and it's better than getting shingles when you get older. I'm hoping I feel better tomorrow. Has anyone else had the shingles vaccine? And, did you have any side effects?

I've followed this thread. I tend to agree with A-Jay. We can take in what news is handed to us, and make our own opinions. This is really all we can do. Knowing this, it's easy to see why so many folks have become sceptical. If my dad were still alive, I think he would be saddened by how things have become.

I'll continue to fish untill our area lakes freeze over. It can get cold. For me, if I get too cold I can't concentrate on the fishing, which can be tough to begin with. I like Carhartt jackets, and dress in layers. Along with water, some hot soup, coffee, or hot chocolate can warm you up for a few minutes. Hand warmers in a jacket pocket help with cold fingers. I've beached my canoe, and got out on the bank, to walk around and stretch for a minute, which sometimes really helps, just to move around and keep your blood flowing well. What are some things you do to stay warm and comfortable during cold weather fishing trips?

I started years ago with only bait casting reels for bass fishing. I picked up my first spinning reel I think around 25 yrs ago. Ive used both casting and spinning since I bought my first spinning outfit. The past few seasons, I've fished a very clear lake. My spinning gear handles the lighter line and smaller baits, which work well on this lake. So, my percentage has become around 70% spinning, and 30% casting on most trips. What percentage of your fishing time is spent using spinning or casting tackle?

I think the older reels are cool from a historical view. Last year I restored a French made Mithcell 308. I got some good tips here on removing old grease and cleaning. It's a smooth little reel now. I'm not a reel tech at all, but I had no trouble taking this reel apart and servicing it. It could easily be fished again. What some of the older reels may lack in smoothness and other things, they make up for in durability. My 308 is fifty years old.

The only time I've quit is during winter freeze. Otherwise I've never quit. Fishing since the mid 60s. Bass fishing since the late 1970s.

I like good documentaries, but I'll pass on this one. Social media can be a good thing. BR is an example.

The oldest reel I still fish is an ABU 4600c, which is about 22 yrs old. It's been a good reel. I also have Mitchell 308 and 300 made in France. They were great in they're day, but feel like a coffee grinder compared to modern Shimano or Diawa. For many years I used an ABU Cardinal 4, the green color one. Another great older reel. I like using my newer reels mainly because they weigh so much less. But, the old reels will still catch fish too.

Yes. My grandkids have had something the last two nights, and a hayride this afternoon.

I'm left to right.