Bird

Extremely clear lake in southern WV, 1st time fishing it. Very windy, water temp 63. Throwing Jackall Flickshake and Ned but tough to detect bite in wind but had fun.

1/16 for our clear water lakes.

Definitely in the prime years at 65. Retired 6 years ago and bought a bass boat and the trailer is ready for it's 2nd set of tires. Lol The driving is tiring for sure though.

Biggest change I've seen is fishing pressure. Many more local tournaments, night tournaments, even on some of the remote lakes I fish. Personally, Probably throw 80% finesse these days and it's been a game changer.

I've had a couple over the years. I'm a 9mm guy do to bulk ammo and ease of CC. As a pistol fanatic, like Sigs and Caniks right now. Got a few Rugers and a Taurus in 38. Be safe

Only time I can remember trolling was fishing for Blue in the salt. Never tried it for bass and seems like trying to keep at a certain depth and avoiding snags could be an issue. Trolling for Strippers and Crappie is pretty common around here.

Under $100 Shimano Sierra. Around $50 Okuma ceymor.

I honestly think 10 mastered techniques " baits " could get you through a lifetime of bass fishing. Spinnerbait Fluke Ned Flickshake " wacky " Jig Buzzbait Drop-shot Swimbait T-rig bladed jig

I fish only 1 lake that has a surplus of grass and it's a fun lake to fish. In the spring just as the grass is starting to tickle the surface, nothing beats a spinnerbait. Later in the year when the grass is really thick I mainly concentrate on the outside edge with a wacky worm. It's mainly Milfoil and Eelgrass and prefer not to get hung up 😁.

The desire for speed is the mindset of a careless person. Imo

Sorry for your loss, sounded like a really awesome friend. I'm going through it now with my 13 year old Border Collie and it's been a magnificent dog. It's had 2 complete knee replacements and is currently battling arthritis. We are currently going through the various drugs that are helping tremendously until they wear off. The good news, he eats and drinks well. The bad news, I personally don't handle the loss of a close companion well at all and end up shattered for quite some time. Today he's having a very good day.

Braid - Palomar Leader - Alberto Flouro - Fish-N-Fool Hate to be the bad guy here but unless you retie the Palomar knot often with flourocarbon " which I did " it ends up cutting itself and you end up with unwanted break-offs. This is with 8# line so can't speak of heavier flouro.

Thought it was on my end. Thanks @Glenn for the effort and successful fix.

Throw drop-shot often and have a dedicated rod pre-rigged. 90% of snags take the weight so easy to get back up and running.

Most of if not all of my hooks are Owner, Vmc and Gamy. If there's a significant difference in quality and sharpness, I'd like to be educated and willing to listen.

That's a tank, congratulations.

We've had the same weather, unusually warm for early April, early spawn. It seems like parental instinct takes over during post spawn and the bite slows somewhat as the parents are more interested in guarding fry but as the water temps rise the fish disperse and the bite picks back up. We have very clear water here so I rely heavily on soft plastics / finesse for much of the season regardless...... other than a spinnerbait.

My Sierra 693 is the most used rod in the rod locker, it's been a great rod.

From experience, yes but at a very slow rate.

The easiest worm to raise are red wigglers, they multiply fast. Coffee grounds and fruit peeling was what I fed them.

REALLY nice boat, be safe and enjoy.

Drove 3 1/2 hours to my favorite lake that has largemouth, Smallmouth and spotted bass. Water temp was 62* and the action was consistent throughout the day. Caught most on Flickshake and Ned.

Outside of spinnerbaits which I love to throw, I'll have 3 ML rods on deck throwing finesse baits usually 1/16. Ned, drop-shot, Shakey and Flickshake catch fish in clear water. Prefer it over " power fishing " .

Good to hear and to see you're in high spirits. Hope you have a wonderful and blessed year.

Ha Ha good ones for sure.