Alex from GA

My buddy and I walked over a mile for this fish both ways up hill in a snow storm. Just kidding but it was all up hill on the way out and I'm old and out of shape. It's a Shoal Bass.

As often as the weather and my health allow. I don't usually fish on weekends; mow the lawn, etc. Usually 3-4 times a week and not for a full day.

I usually don't travel at all but there are 3 ramps within 5 minutes of my house. When I go for the GA Bass Slam in a kayak I'll go up to 2+ hours. When I'm in Central FL there are 5 lakes, 2 rivers and the gulf within less than an hour.

Congratulations ol'crickety. Keep catching.

Had a pretty good afternoon yesterday with a good LM and Alabama both caught on worms shallow.

Fished in the kayak yesterday trying for the Bartrams bass for my Georgia Ball Slam. First time in the kayak in several months, winter and cancer knocked the crap out of me. Tried top water and worms with worms winning. My 2 buddies also caught all their fish on worms.

Me too. The winds are over 15 and when I drive over the lake it's all white caps. Not for my small boat or me until it calms down below about 10.

My finesse spinning outfit weighs 9 oz with the bait. I've had shoulder pain, arthritis, for years and had steroid shots and took lots of ibuprofen until it didn't work anymore. Had a shoulder replacement 2 years ago. Took 3 months until I went fishing for the first time and had to cast with the other hand. The worst thing was learning to wipe with the wrong hand. Had to use lots of soap. Lighter equipment helps me out with the amount I can stand to fish. BTW I'm also old and weigh 145 lbs.

If you can buy a shop manual.

Yes.

Agree, they're great to catch. My largest was 24-12 on a worm with 6 lb line while bass fishing. Trolling motor on high.

I thought you meant the lures also. I have 3 Lucky 13s hanging in my shed.

My main finesse rod is 6'2" mxf for 6-15 lb line and a 2000 size reel. I use 6 lb mono or 15 lb braid with a 6 lb leader. 1/16 oz or 1/8 oz bullet weight and finesse worm. This outfit has caught bass over 6 lbs with no obstructions.

If you want to get frozen/rusted nuts and bolts off, buy, borrow or steal a 1/2" cordless impact with 6 point sockets. Either loosen or tighten to break the bolts. I have an 18v Ryobi and it has 250 ft lbs of torque.

I also used bait casters pre spinning reels with no drag and don't miss them at all. I do have several 80s Shimano bait casters with switches that disengage the anti reverse and can back reel.

I recently bought a Diawa Tatula and it's by far the smoothest spinning reel I've used. I use it 2-4 times a week for 3 months and it hasn't changed. The drag is very smooth also.

I live where I see many boats on lifts and most have the bunks fitted to their boats.

I use the diamond file on my Leatherman. File with the point on all 4 sides at 45*. Takes 30 seconds.

I've caught the same bass an hour later and the same snook a week later.

I'm in the same boat as you. The lightest leader I tie is 12 with the FG knot. I tie a triple surgeons knot other wise.

IMO the boat is a tool to get me to the fishing spot. If I hurt the tool it usually can be fixed.

Try braid with a mono or fluoro leader.

There are 9 heron nests on an island and when they all hatch you're right. Sometimes I have to move when it's too loud.

Wednesday for the first time this year I heard Great Blue Heron chicks squawking in the nest. There are several pair of Canada geese nesting near also.

I have several old, 80s, Shimano Bantams with back a reeling switch. Don't know what it for but it's there.