Bird

I remember last year forgetting my fish grippers when I jumped on a buddies boat. This eliminated throwing jerkbaits that day even though it's a high confidence bait for the water we were fishing. With age I've become less of a risk taker...,..I refuse to bury a hook in my hand. Lol

5mm - 6mm are the ones to use for tricks and Senko's as said.

Keen water shoes, wear them in the bass boat as well.

Beautiful fish ? Hope you catch another one.

Oh, when I take the wife, there better be action so gotta wait till water temps climb out of spawn because I won't let her keep a bed fish. Lol

A pay particular attention to water temps every year so I have an idea what to expect and what to throw. This year like so many past years, my biggest largemouths came with water temp at 55*. The fishing is slow and morning temps can be cold but the anticipation of big fish always trump's. I prefer a slower day and bigger fish so give me 55*.

That fish is an absolute TOAD !!!

Here's some more info regarding ethenol that was gathered from personal experience. Years ago about the time ethanol was introduced into our fuel, I had a small engine repair shop in my garage. Just partime and no advertising. A year went past and the following spring when people were trying to use their lawnmowers and weed eaters after they sat all winter, problems arose. Chainsaws were actually the worst. What I found was pitting in the carburetors and moisture being drawn into the fuel and the culprit being ethanol. Ended up replacing a bunch of carburators and shutting down shop, to much equipment being dropped off. The local loggers who used their saws year around didn't have near the issues that homeowner saws that sat for months did. My advice would be stay away from ethanol in 2 - 4 stroke engines all together if possible.

Caught everything today on Spinnerbaits and Keitech 3" easy shiners. And of course my buddy with a cigarette, what's new.

2 words...... ethanol free.

Yes, after you factor all that in, you could go eat seafood every night for several years. Lol

No, it's the only hobby that I actually have to spend on anyway. Now $6 per gallon will likely make me rethink though. We're at $4.29 currently.

Me likes it.?

Every time I upgrade a rod it's always a shorter version that I go with. I simply can't cast a long rod with much accuracy, especially docks and tight cover. Seems like every year, rods get longer and longer, I ain't biting. Lol

I always trim and mash the weed guard down closer to the hook. My go to swim Jigs are 3/8 and can't recall loosing a fish this year. Oh, I'm only using a 6'10 med with straight 20# braid. Hope you get it resolved as they're great baits.

Many varieties of snakes here in the mountains. They really don't bother the wife and I but feel obligated to dispose of the poisonous ones. Here are a few in the yard.

Channel cat are everywhere in our river and love anything Yamamoto.

This rural lake in WV was on fire today and beautiful, blessed.

Lol, well that's pretty bold. Give me an SLX for anything and I'm smiling.

Not very tolerant for scars and deformity on any soft plastics, especially swimbaits and trailers. If they require adjustment to hold on they get replaced promptly. I'm constantly inspecting and doing test swims. Lol Wish I was more tolerant but Oh well.

If you haven't yet, I'd delve into finesse fishing as it's a skunk preventer year around. Get a 6'6 med fast that's on the lighter side, 1/8 - 3/8 for greater versatility. It's what I use for many lighter techniques.....3" Keitech, drop-shot, even 1/16 Ned's. How's that for a direct answer ? Lol

All the bass that I've lost due to foul hooked end up floating but I'm no biologist and have no idea why some would sink to the bottom. The fish that I'm responsible for killing, end up in the frying pan, best I can do for not paying attention.

Someone else just recently posted about getting Covid. I'm confident you'll be fine, just do what is suggested.

Welcome to BR ?