Bird

This year's onslaught of boaters has forced me to be on the water at Dawn, fish for a few hours and off, been working out well so far. Fish are off and on in any water.

I'm goofy but not in that way. Lol 2 years ago I bought a brand new 2500 pickup truck. My brother has a sawmill and firewood business who I often help on Saturdays. I volunteered my new truck for the day and hauled 8 loads of firewood to various clients.......it needed a good break in. Have friends that will show me their truck and claim " never been on gravel road " or a firearm " never been fired ".......not me. I worked hard for my stuff so it's gonna work hard for me.

Yes, ready for fall, been hot. It's also a busy time of year between sitting in a boat or sitting in a treestand. October is also the wife's favorite time of year to go camping. You all can keep the artic blasts up north this year.

You almost certainly need a trolling motor to have a better chance at success. Positioning is critical.

Time on the water is # 1 for me, it allows you to toggle through baits until you find something the fish want. #2 I simply don't allow myself to be overwhelmed by the zillions of tackle options that are available today, stick with proven baits and adjust with the season. Perhaps closed minded or limited resources between the ears but a good example of how simplistic I am. Next spring, cool water temps I'll be exclusively throwing the same baits I have for years. If the fish are hitting them, keep throwing them. Betting I put over 100 miles on a pearl Jerkbait in clouds. Lol Enjoyment creates success.

If I'm throwing weightless Senko it's going to be med......no way am I throwing MH unless I wanna see them dance off. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Probably the most insane thing I've ever watched.

I did practice skipping and got REAL good at pulling out back lashes. Can skip a fluke a very long ways with spinning, like skipping a rock.

SLX over the Crush anyday. LFS is one of my favorite under $100 casters I've owned.

Setting the hook promptly eliminates the need for special tools. Lol Just kidding, yesterday had to go through gills to unhook a 3lb bass that swallowed a 5.0 hook on Senko. I actually carry a tool that cuts the hook in half if need be.

What's going on around here ? Who's on first ?

Only time I use leaders is for finesse fishing in gin clear water, straight braid " Power pro "for everything else, spinning and casting gear. My preferred method of catching bass during hot summer months is weightless Senko on straight 20lb braid. The braid floats and is very sensitive and you can actually see the line burst forward as the fish inhales the bait. Using straight braid does however require a fine tune of the drag system. Braid complaints: Guide wrapping - line screech during retrieve - attraction to front treble - avoid getting hung or have scissors ready. Find your preferred line and have fun.

Winter bass fishing is slow here so I've went several trips without a fish.

Welcome neighbor. Curious what part of Va your from ?

Had better than average spring then the HORDES hit the water in full force, way above average pressure so took a break. Started fishing again this week " going in morning " and been doing ok on plastic worms texas and drop shot, pumpkin chartreuse. I fish year around so looking forward to some solitude in the cooler months. Good fishing be safe.

I'd just move on without saying a word as confrontation does nothing good. It happens out on the water also.

The way these fish are equipped, it's a good thing attacks are minimal.

Similar scenario here and been doing respectable with early morning top water , buzzbaits and whopper 90. And mid day searching with drop shot, Robo worms.......most fish have been coming in the 20ft range. Weekends are a wash due to crowds.

Some days I feel like a veteran and some days I feel like a novice......it's an endless cycle. An old song by John Denver just popped into my head " some days are diamonds and some days are stone " lol.

That's up to him. Lol Those big ones get quite elusive, I've found.

Owned way more shimano's over the years than any other brand, bullet proof. Quite the mix now. 2- Lews 2 - Kastking 2 - pflueger 1 - shimano 1 - Abu " favorite " And 1 quantum that never made it through a season of fishing.

This is 3rd year in a row for this buck on my property. 10 different bucks in total.

Yep, my guess as well. I've used nail weights in the past then replaced with softer shear pin once I got home.

Hope you have great weather and most of all.....enjoy.

I take everything thing I need and nothing that I don't.