Mobasser

My dad retired from his job at the federal government at age 59. He had put in his years and was ready to retire. Within two weeks of retiring, dad started volunteer work. He organized food drives, winter coats for kids, and toys at Christmas time. His main thing was doing something to keep busy. He told me that when I retire, try to find something to keep your mind and body sharp and active. Now that I'm retired, I work a part time job at roughly 20 hrs per week, helping a friend with a small contracting business. We do plumbing repairs, small carpentry jobs and general home repairs. He gives a good discount to seniors, so much of our work is for older folks. Since I had years of experience in this work, and still have my tools, I was a good candidate for this job. He can't afford to pay me a huge amount of money, but it's not about the money. It's about having something to do. I still have plenty of time to loaf around, go fishing, and do other stuff, but keeping busy after retirement is a good thing to do. It can be anything. A hobby, a part time job, etc. If you can afford to travel and see some new places, that's awesome. Within the first month after I retired, I realized I needed this. I had become a couch potato, and boredom was setting in. If your a newly retired guy, I'd recommend doing this. If not a part time job, then something to keep your mind sharp, and your body in shape. Keeping busy is important, not just for young men, but for us older guys too.

Years ago my brother and I had a memorable trip to Bull Shoals. We found schooling fish in deeper water. Using Mr. Twister Sassy Shads, we caught and released around thirty fish in a three hr period. Some of the fastest paced bass fishing I've ever had.

Congrats on your retirement! It's a good feeling. Best of luck out there this fall.

This may be a little bit early yet, but, I'm ready for fall. By this time in the summer, Ive had enough of the heat and humidity. Fall can be a great time for fishing, and the scenery around the lakes adds to the experience. What's everyone say? Are you ready for fall bass fishing?

Try a Beetlespin

ABU 4600C. I have two. One is 25yrs old, and still going strong. It's my favourite

Never gamble. When I go fishing, I'm too focused on catching fish. Gambling would only be a distraction.

Agree. I have relatives in Wisconsin. They always take nightcwalers

I've never done this. On the lakes I fish, I see frogs only on the surface, hanging in thick moss or pads. When they move, they move very quickly! It seems like a frog dawdling around under water, going for a swim, has signed his own death certificate. He'd be an easy target.

A lightweight tube bait can work well under and around docks. Tubes have a spiraling fall and enter the water quietly.

Yesterday I was clearing out some small trees on my property. These were thorn locust trees. I was wearing long sleeves and gloves, but still managed to get poked in my left hand by the small thorns on these trees. When I finished my left hand became swollen, with patches of red all over my hand. I could barely close my hand in a fist. My wife insisted I go to the hospital. They gave me some antibiotic medicine for this. Feels and looks better this morning. As a kid, I remember getting poked by these thorns many times, and it never bothered me. The same thing with poison ivy, oak or sumac. As a kid these things never bothered me. Now, I get it if I even get close to it. It's true. When we get older, our system changes. I'll have to be more careful, or pay someone to do this work in the future. Has anyone else noticed this as you've gotten older?

Happy Birthday A-Jay. I'm hoping you had a good one. Thanks for all the good words, tips and encouragement.

I think sometimes, I get more worn out from plastics or jig fishing. Staring at your line where it enters the water, waiting for a light strike. It becomes mentally tiring.

I like polamer for most everything. Mostly using mono

You can easily get worn down from throwing big, deep diving crank baits also.

The same could be said about bass swallowing tubes, grubs, or almost any smaller plastic.

My very favourite are the large dark green Black Diamond water melons. My uncle grew and sold them years ago. Around here, good melons are hard to come by now. Mostly all I see are the small seedless type in the grocery store. It's a lucky guess which ones are good. We used to thump them and listen for a hollow thud sound.

This goes along with my early morning post. Overcast sky, humid, sticky early morning. Started very early with a buzzbait, with no takers. Came back to this area 30min later with the black Mann's worm. First cast to a big blowdown when this fish hit. The only fish I ever mounted. 8lbs 9 oz. I've been trying to beat my PB ever since then. I haven't yet. Yes she's pretty Mike. Beautiful bass!

April, early morning, humid overcast sky. Mann's Kelly Worm 6" black.

Happy birthday from a fellow retired carpenter. Best of luck to you and your family moving forward.

A friend showed me this bait recently. He picked up a new old stock Hubs Chub Rattle Lure in a green shad finish. I'd heard of this old bait, but have never seen one before. Large, approx 4" long single tail prop top water, with a slant cut face. Very good quality, and nice paint finish. The closest I've seen to this bait is a Dalton Special, similar in size and shape. These were endorsed by Billy Westmoreland years ago. Has anyone ever fished these baits, or do you currently use one?

Always plastic worm or craw. Buzzbait, popper for top water. Windy overcast days, spinnerbait or lipless baits.

I was used to getting up very early for so many years, it's not too hard for me. 4 o'clock does come early if you haven't had some rest. Breakfast is usually very quick, maybe some toast. I also set my coffee maker to start at 4 o clock. That way I've got hot coffee ready to go. I'll drink a cup as I'm getting ready.

Agree on enough sleep. I try to have my canoe ready the night before. Rig up some rods, water, and try to be prepared.

Even though we can catch fish at any time of day or night, my favourite time is at first light, in the morning. There's something special about launching my canoe when the fog hasn't left the water yet. It's too early for the party crowd, and most times you've got much of the lake to yourself. The bass are often ready to strike, and it seems like the perfect time to go fishing. I'll choose first light as my favourite time. Do you like fishing at first light also?