Bird

Wow, they really got ya'. What kind of Ants ? I got bit or stung by both fire ants and bullet ants, both hurt.

I had a very good stone mason teach me the basics on our very first house. So on our 2nd home I did all the masonry myself. Wow was it time consuming and found out quickly that the mortar "S-type" had to be mixed consistently to get the stones to stick. It was rewarding once completed but I wouldn't want to do it for a living. Nice work.

@A-Jay No short cuts on those pull-ups, that was full extension ? Great looking workout.

I may very well not have a big fish mentality, don't specifically target big fish. But as mentioned in an early thread , volume of casts, always being on the water will greatly increase the odds of catching bigger fish. Since being retired for close to 4 years I've caught 1 citation Largemouth and many 5+ fish, more than the previous 50 years of fishing. Not because I'm that much of a better fisherman, I'm always casting at something. #2 EQUIPMENT: Gotta have the equipment.

The 85 Bears was perhaps the best single season team I've seen in history......the ririgerator Perry. Well, I go back to Larry Csonka and the undefeated Dolphins but that Bears team was more impressive. Imo Gotta go through KC until proven otherwise. Hopefully not another Tom Brady deal.

Catch most of my cats when the wife and are looking to fill the frying pan with bluegill. We're throwing nightcrawlers and always catch a few nice cats. Yes, they go into the frying pan as well and are a top 5 fish as dinner fare. Imo

This is an 17.5 ft Lowe Stinger bought new for almost half of what a glass boat would cost, no wood anywhere. Easily fits in the garage with a fold-away tounge. Good luck in your search.

@gimruis Definitely agree regarding the Jets. Rodgers is at the tail end of his career and actually had some horrific games late last season. I don't consider the Jets contenders because of the addition of Aaron Rodgers.

Bleach ! But never had a bass bleed on my shirt. When I do occasionally deep hook them " mainly wind " , they go to the frying pan.

Had to run out to the garage and look at mine, only blemishes is teeth marks. Have to admit, a crack in the paint shouldn't compromise the performance of these baits, it's really the sound. See what they say but keep fishing them.

UPDATE: Bear showed up again last night, tripped my fishing line tied to a bunch of empty cans. Went out the front door with a 12 gauge shotgun armed with rock salt and at 15 yards shot him in the behind......he left in a hurry. DNR said it's a humane way to keep destructive bears away.

? That's insane but surprisingly you seem to be taking it in stride......but what can you do really ?. Glad to hear everyone is fine and insurance will restore everything.

Remember you talking quite a bit about that lake and how it's no longer a prized fishery, sad.

Sorry to hear that ?. I struggle with phones, either leave it in the truck and it shuts off from heat or leave under the boat seat for the ride home ?. I worked on industrial cranes before retirement, sometimes over 100ft in the air. They supplied climbing harnesses with zippered pockets which worked well when you zipped the pockets shut........I watched several phones spiral to their death.

Clint Eastwood

50 is a milestone, congratulations.

We have clear water so June bug or black & blue is not a preferred color....... compared to green pumpkin candy, watermelon red and Cola. Have really no idea but have caught more fish this year on cola " grape " .

Interesting ?

Ha Ha lost a heavy fish yesterday on a Brush hog, casted to a single standing tree in 20ft of water and wrapped. Am I skilled ? Most definitely at losing a few big fish.

Quality fish due to volume of casts. I've only caught 2 citation Largemouth bass in MANY years of fishing but since I've retired those 5-6-7lb Bass have increased simply due to time on the water. I don't specifically target big fish but it's a blast when it happens. I wouldn't necessarily say that a person who never catches a good fish is a subpar fisherman.

I keep 12 combos in the rod locker and rarely have more than 5 out at a time. Once I've found what bait the fish want I'll clear the deck and fish that one bait. 90% of the water I fish I've fished many times before a have some idea of how and what to start out with. Pre-rig everything the evening before a trip. Seems like every year a certain bait will make my life less complicated and out perform other baits that I consider confidence baits. So that particular combo is always stored at the top of the rod locker. If you don't already, get yourself some rod sleeves.....life savers.

Love to know who it is exactly that gives the local forecasts. Seems like every week " TAKE COVER " severe thunderstorms, 70mph winds, golf ball size hail and a possible tornado. Each time we've gotten a mellow rain of an inch or two. I'm not complaining but trying to fit 3 vehicles in a 2 - car garage is getting old. ?

You've been planning ?. Hope you have great weather and successful fishing but most of all....an enjoyable time with family.

3" keitech easy shiner on a 3/16 weedless head. Navigates grass very well and can hold a desired depth with a very slow cadence.

If I lose concentration and allow to much slack followed by a " snap " hook set......I break a leader. Fishing requires 100% focus.