Mobasser

Very sorry to hear this news. Best wishes coming your way for the best outcome possible. I'll be sending positive thoughts your way.

I have one friend who goes fishing with me. He's older, and is a trusted friend. We always get a long well. I've never felt I was used by him, and I like having him go when he can. In the past, I had guys who used me for baits, line, transportation etc. I avoid them now. If you want to go fishing with me, bring your stuff and be prepared. As it should be.

High grade rods have better guides, handles etc, but for me it's weight. Higher end rods are lighter, which .makes the more comfortable to use and adds to the overall feel.

We could also include Bill Plummer with his Super Frog. He caught over 1000 bass over five pounds, many weighing six or seven pounds. He never used a big motor, and preferred to row quietly into casting position, with a small car topper boat. He only used four baits, but his Super Frog and jigs were his main lures.

My wife loves to mow so she usually takes care of the mowing. My job is to pick up sticks and run the weed eater.

Catt, sending prayers and positive thoughts your way. Hoping for the best for you Catt.

My older brother was my bass fishing teacher in the mid to later 1960s. We stayed at our grandfather's farm for a couple of months during the summer, to help our grandfather with chores around his farm. For entertainment, we fished two farm ponds almost every evening. We didn't have many baits of our own, and used lures borrowed from our grandfather. My grandpa had several red head, white body Lazy Ikes, and a couple of frog finish Helin Flatfish lures, which we fished with. Some were wooden, and some plastic. Casting to the edge of moss, these floated, and when reeled in, had an action akin to a spoon. A slow waiving, swimming action. My brother called them the boomerang lures, because of the curved shape of them. They caught fish, and we later realized that if we rowed to the center of the big pond, made a long cast, and trolled them behind the boat they worked better doing that at times. Does anyone remember these old timers? I never hear about them anymore.

I dont have a picture, but my biggest bass was 8lbs, 10oz caught in the spring of 1989. It was caught on a black Manns Jelly Worm 6" size, t- rigged with an Eagle Claw hook, and 1/8 oz bullet weight. I'm still hoping to beat that one.

Mine is not really a trick or secret. But, if a big worm won't work, downsizing to a smaller 4" worm will often catch bass, especially in clear water.

Catt, I know this area well, and have fished there several times.Its changed over the years, but still a good place. I still love going there

I've heard a lot of guys complain about mono on spinning reels, but I think it starts with how the line is initially spooled on the reel. And, if you haven't fished for a few days or a week or so, and you think your line may not handle well, take the spool off your reel and soak it in warm.water for an hour or so. This works, and makes the line handle better.

I've used mono going on 40 years now. I've tried several different brands. I have a heavy casting outfit with braid for frog fishing, but it's Big Game on my other casting reels. Ive tried Yo Zuri Hybrid on my spin reels, and ended up ditching that for P Line CX. Line choice is always a hot topic here. Guys should use what works best for them. We tend to forget that before braid became the " best" line for frog fishing, there were scores of bass caught on frogs with heavy mono. Mono still works for bass fishing, as it always has. I just spooled two light spinning reels with original Stren four pound, for crappie this spring. Been using it forever.

Good luck to you Pat Brown, and have fun with this too.

Sometimes, I can't establish a consistent pattern. On huge lakes, there could be a few different patterns going on. I read years ago that this was a common excuse when folks didn't do well in tournaments. They would say, " my pattern fell apart". I like to have a backup plan, and keep an open mind.

6'0 Irish

I try not to eat salty stuff when it gets hot. I always take plenty of water, and usually a half sandwich and banana for a six hour trip. I'm always conscience of what I'm eating, and keeping my fat/ calories in check.

The wind. " Wind from the east, the fish bite the least. Wind from the west, the fishings the best. Wind from the south, blows the hook into the fishes mouth". Heard this as kid. Thought it was dumb back then, and still do. I'm not a superstitious person.

Excellent news Catt, you can relax at home. Keep on keepin on Catt. We're all in your corner, and hoping the best for you.

I don't think there are a lot of lions here in my part of Missouri. There are some, and they've definitely passed through here. I think if deer and game are abundant, they'll hang around longer. If not much for them to.eat, they'll be moving to a new spot.

The almost silence of launching my canoe at first light.

A-Jay, your thread continues to inspire me. Besides working my part time job, Im still doing sit ups, leg lifts, and a light barbell workout on my days off. It's still helping me in a big way. Thank you.

I used to follow a couple of other fishing sites, but no more. I got tired of guys being rude, making stupid comments and smarting off. BR is the best. Our site moderators do a great job here, and make sure this site runs smoothly.

That's great news Catt. Good to hear this. Remaining positive.

When I was much younger, I had thoughts of becoming a pro anglers. I fished a few small tournaments when I was in my twenty's and gave up on the idea. We always here about the winners, and all the success they have. They don't talk about the guys who barely have gas money to get to the next event, then sleep in they're cars when the get there. They might grab some fast food along the way. It's not easy, and even with all the new gear and electronics lots of guys fail, and go back to working a job somewhere. You've got to win or place near the top in these events and do it consistently. Otherwise, your just another guy out there casting, and nobody knows you or cares- until you start winning.

Good post