Bird

So So many great Rod choices today in mid range pricing and Fury series ranks high. Imo Our local tackle shop pushes Dobyns and I'm ok with it.

Very good post and one that shows empathy. I think like you but suggest you let your Dad be himself and appreciate the time you've spent with him. Plus.....he ain't gonna change, he's old school. Lol

Actually the money I'm spending above SS is the kids inheritance.

Have a Sharky ll and Speed Demon pro. The spinning reel has been fantastic, the Speed Demon caster works fine but has a complaining sound on the cast. Have other products from KK, scales, pliers and all appear quality. Note: The baitcaster with Heavy action 7'2 rod sees limited action. Overall give KK products a B, not bad.

Wow, very nice but can't say I share your ambition. Keitech easy shiner in 3" is the only soft swimbait I throw and have been dynamite in the clear water I fish. Using these 1/16th heads, I get about 5 fish before they tear, texposed that is. I certainly do see all the soft swimbaits that are available but these simply produce for me.

Here's another example of the price we pay to Bass fish. Yesterday a friend and I drove 2 hours to Lake Anna and fished. Gas $95.72 Breakfast $11.32 Marina fee $10 Boat gas $17 Baits that met their demise, maybe $10 Cost me $77.02 to fish for 6 hours. Lol

I camp at Brier point ( Stonewall resort) for a week every year and Bass fish. 80% of the fisherman I talk to are fishing for Musky. I've been bass fishing there for over 20 years and never once hooked a Musky. WV has a lot of deep clear water lakes that are able to sustain these toothy predators.

Gotta love his level of enthusiasm. Thanks for sharing ?

Mow it in the hottest part of the day with deck on lowest setting. It stresses the grass and stunts it some......what I do.

Great fish and an exceptional combo ?

Got up at 4:21 am, yes that was the exact time. Lol We drove 2 hours to Lake Anna but had to cut out trip short as my ole fishing partner got sick on me. Lots of Bass guarding fry this morning so I like to avoid that if I can see it. Bluebird skies, windy and water temp 65*. Caught all my fish ( 9 ) on Wacky finesse worms and Keitech swimbaits in wind secluded coves. my buddy with a cigarette.

I like a separate battery for graphs due to interference issues in the past. But a tiny lifepo4 10ah battery will run my graphs all day+. You'll appreciate 24v for trolling motor but I'd definitely go lithium for the weight savings......pay once, cry once.

Go early and start with top water then fish deep cover in the afternoon, works every summer.

Wow, cringing with memories. Nothing has devastated me more than the loss of mans best friend...... I'm talking crippling. AJ, hope you realize the life you've given to your buddy and use that to heal from this loss. Best regards

Mine lock similar to vise grips. I have them beside me everytime I throw baits with treble hooks.

Have you checked eBay, they always have that kinda stuff.

1/16 looks ideal for this bait. Will be giving it it's" fair shake " tomorrow ?

I have a couple of Speed Spool LFS and Speed Spins and a few of their Custom rods. They all perform very well coming from a guy who loves Shimano

Just in case someone may be curious here's a pic with a preformed bend in tail. I'll give them a go in the morning and perhaps defeat the bait monkey.

On moving baits like Spinnerbaits and swim Jigs, there isn't a hook set...... just bend the rod.

There was a learning curve when I switched to braid years ago. Gone are the days of back breaking, boat rocking hook sets.

Was talking with a nice bass fisherman this morning and we were sharing stories and techniques. He recently won a tournament and handed me a pack of flick shake worms and said try these. It's obvious that they are more of a finesse worm and ideally used on a light Wacky jig. I've yet to stray from the proven Senko but this guy was adamant, claiming they'd out fish a Wacky rigged Senko everyday. Lol Anyone use them ? The pack he handed me said Jackal 4.8 in Watermelon pepper.

Wow, 1500+ DD bass.

Alberto 7 and 7.

Still using baitmate classic as I have for over 35 years. Bait fuel does have my interest though.