Tackleholic

I'm retired and live on a lake; I can go out whenever I wish, and that is exactly why I do not venture out in uncomfortable conditions.

No issues with the hitches coming loose since I began using Knot Sense.

If you are feeling adventurous and want to exploit other fresh water species than Bass, look up Reindeer Lake Lodge in northwest Saskatchewan; first class accommodations, huge Northern Pike, Walleye are so plentiful they can become pests, and Lake Trout for dessert. Action usually begins immediately at ice out in June.

7'11 MH rod, Daiwa Catalina reel with 4.9 gear ratio, 12# Tatsu fluorocarbon.

I've fished in those temps as well, but that's past history. Now days, by the date you are displaying, I'll have been wearing T shirts and shorts for about a month and a half (probably). Don't blame you for having an annual wintertime retreat to Mexico.

I lived in southwestern Michigan for about 5 years, right on the lake's edge. You are right about "certain" seasons being pretty nice, but I also remember the "not so nice"; mostly resulting from extreme snowfalls. After living in Arkansas for two years I sold my snowblower to a friend who was going to give it to his kids in Michigan.

Anyone but me lose tolerance for cold weather as the years go by? I've lived in 5 states, with my final stop being here, in northern Arkansas, the furthest south I've called home. Hunting, trapping, fishing, and partying, cold weather would not slow me down; until now. The winters here are shorter and more moderate than anywhere I've lived before, but I seldom place a rod and reel in my hand when the temps drop below 50, and never below 45.

Agree with you about the Bronzeback; I own 2 which I bought new. I keep looking at used Loomis rods, garage sales, and estate sales, but never see them.

I'm always searching for improvement, but you made a valid point.

Several years of frustration and failures, finally improvised a method that works for me. I lay the rod flat on my 8 foot billiard table and weight the tip down with a box of lures. Sitting on a bar stool with the reel end about 1 foot away, I tie a small knot in the braid and put it between my teeth. Now I am able to keep constant pressure on the braid and tie the knot right in front of my nose. My line no longer breaks at the knot and that little bump when it passes through the tip guide is eliminated. Like I said, it works for me.

I have Lowrance 5 year old Ghost trolling motor, 12 and 16 inch flush mounted Lowrance screens. All were newest and top of the line which I ordered with my new Vexus. I am considering an upgrade to all, but I paid a lot of money for the units and they really have nothing wrong with them. Not being willing to just retire them to a corner of my garage or give them away, what can I do to receive value for them? Anyone with the same experience?

Hopefully I just came up with my own solution. I was daydreaming about the 1950's and early 1960's when I was a competitive tennis player (nationally ranked in 1962). I would put new grips on my raquets with a product called Tennis Racquet Overgrip; still popular today. I have placed an order through Amazon and will comment on how it works out. I also noticed that similar products exist for baseball bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks.

Mine too; I wish more lure makers would get away from the round ones.

Social Media has become a backed up sewer for cowards, keyboard warriors, and troublemakers to show off without even revealing their real names if they choose. People use foul language, lie, and make remarks about others while knowing they won't get sued or punched, safely hiding behind a keyboard; I'm only scratching the surface. I applaud Bass Resource for having rules and enforcing them.

Texas Tackle.

and, so.....please walk us no-tech-training-dummies through how to clear our cache. There must be other Forum members like me whose only knowledge came from a 1956 manual typewriter class. Thankyou.

Just sayin', I believe some of us older and Tech Compromised forum members are going to be left behind with the new changes.

Correct on the Knotsense, I began using it about the same time you did.

I've worn the original steering wheel cover on my bass boat down to underlying felt. Searches for a proper fitting replacement cover yield no satisfactory results. One site said it is because they have a dangerous tendency to slip. I'm considering a certain tape which is advertised a lot. Does anyone have successful experience doing this?

Braid to leader except for 2 casting reels where I use 10# Tatsu. Mostly use 10# or 15# Invisx for leaders, may switch to mono for some topwaters. I've used an Alberto for quite some time, even keep an Uncle Jim's Alberto Knot Tyer at home and on the boat, but I'm always looking to improve. Following many attempts and frustrating failures I've finally developed my own procedure for the FG knot; it is stronger, smaller around, and does not give a little bump going through the guides. I am able to tie it in the same time period as the Alberto, and when I break off, it is no longer at the leader knot.

Have you inquired about Lasik surgery; I didn't qualify but know others with amazing results. Keep trying, friend.

Chumming for Trout is common on the famous White River and it does work immediately, mostly using corn for stocker size Rainbows .

You may look into cataract surgery, mine made all the difference; ask Swamp Girl how hers turned out.

Those Soft Shells have long necks, they will getcha'; I speak from experience.

If your partner is getting the new VXS20 or 21, you are going to be in envy of the looks and especially the ride. The Vexus plant is 10 minutes from my house. Spotted Cow is only in Wisconsin; good brew.