Bird

I carry vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to help eliminate the odor of skunk.....works on my dogs.

I completely understand where your coming from, there are those types of people. My post had more of a humorous twist to it as the wife and I are going to take advantage if a door is left open to be preyed apon. When I do catch my 1st fish of 2021, I'll be all up in her face throwing down some MC hammer " you can't touch this ". ?

What I find interesting is the wife's behavior when I return home and report a skunk. She's like " I thought you could fish " and " you seriously never got a bite " " why do you keep ordering tackle if nothing is working ". I've tried to explain the effects of water temps and lower success rates but 35 years of her being harrassed by me, a good ole' fashion skunking evens the playing field.....somewhat.

In the winter months, getting skunked is completely normal, especially when water temps are below 40*. Once the temps climb into the 50's.......getting skunked is unacceptable. Lol

Water quality issues, likely high nitrate.

I sure hope there's some truth to that theory as I've not seen grass for over a month and have not been able to fish because of the harsh winter. I'm going to be optimistic and say YES....the bass fishing is going to be phenomenal this spring, they'll be jumping around like Asian carp, can't wait.

Hmmm coincidentally I've been through the same situation with our river. Been declining rapidly for 10 years and use to be 100 fish per day. Farming chemicals are most to blame locally and several years of flooded waters during the spawn. We're also seeing growing numbers of Musky but a recent thread claims minimal effect on smallmouth.

?....I can't imagine what it'll be like when you have time to really get after it.

If I even look at a Chatterbait or say the word " Chatterbait "...... i won't catch a fish all day so imagine what happens when I tie one on. BUT, on days that I just want to enjoy the piece and serenity of a majestic day and not be disturbed by the sound of a bass tail dancing across the water or the pungent odor of fish on my hands.....I'll keep one on the boat for those special days.

Most of the lakes I fish are rural clear mountain lakes that are electric only but have many choices inside of an hours drive, several around 30 minutes. Don't be fooled by the term " rural " as these lakes in 2020 were absolutely pounded......for some strange reason. Luckily I live on the Shenandoah river where I've retreated from the masses but also watch thousands of kayakers pass by. Lol

Spinnerbait Suspending Jerkbait Weightless Senko Super fluke/assassin Drop-shot Roboworm

Never heard of that fish. Sure your not talking about the Arapaima which is indeed the largest fresh water fish in South America.

In the gin clear waters that I fish, throw mainly 3/8 double willow in blue gill or white for smallmouth......switched to KVD 2 years ago and wish I'd done it sooner.

That's a GIANT fish ?

Congrats on the giant. For future reference, simple way to make file acceptable and lowering the MB is just go to your gallery and edit pic a little larger.....works every time.

Unfortunately I did no research before posting and was just going by my own assumptions.......big fish with big teeth eat little fish. Lol BUT after doing some research my findings are as you say, repeated flooding during peak of spawn for several consecutive years " as I can attest " had much more impact on the declining bass numbers. Good news, witnessed a great spawn for upper Shenandoah in 2020.

Yes

Biologists have shocked up an increasing amount of large Musky from our local river " Shenandoah ". The article said this fish was 40 lbs from just a couple weeks ago and several other large Musky surfaced. I've noticed bass numbers have declined from the Shenandoah, makes sense.

Fishing the pre-spawn with regularity will greatly increase your odds. My PB came out of a local lake with minimal cover but did have a large submerged tree with easy access to deep water. Taking your time around that kind of structure will eventually produce a good fish providing they exist. That said, I fished on average twice a week in 2020 and only broke 6 lbs once so expectation of a given body of water comes into play eventually.

They really missed latest forecast but the ones they got right are still lingering. I refuse to use 4WD to go fishing but will for beer. ?

I'm overboard when it comes to PM and cosmetic care and surprisingly it's annoying to some. Idk Use a lot of Aerospace products for tires, interiors and even rub down the entire exterior of RV every 6 weeks with 303 UV protectant. The previous RV that I sold literally looked brand new with the continuous use of 303, absolutely no fading.....stuff works. Order there products by the gallon and goes on the boats as well.

I live in VA and it's still snowing here. Think you'll be fine as it's a little colder up here and none of our local lakes are frozen. FYI, Thursday looks real good weather wise. Good luck and report back.

Wind stands alone as my biggest nemesis when fishing. I'd rather watch whoopi Goldberg than fish in the wind.

I can see the logic but it certainly seemed liked a gift wrapped SB.

Yep Ajay, but wasn't that more on pete Carroll? With a monstrous running back like Marshawn lynch and decided to throw. Belichick was delighted by the call.