T-Billy

Nope. They're one of my longer casting reels. I'm sure there are lighter spools available for them also, should you feel the need.

Prayers for a successful surgery and a fast recovery Bankbeater.

If I were to start over today, I'd pick up a half dozen JDM Zillion HD's and be set for a LONG time.

I like the traction that x-wrap shrink tubing provides. I've covered the cork on all my muskie rods with it.

I always use a trailer with a chatterbait, and I prefer one with some bulk to it. Fish seem to eat it better when it's got some meat on it's bones.

We currently have ice in some of the shallow parts of our lakes, but they're mostly open and we have a warm up coming. I'll be out Sun, Mon, Tue.

Yeah, most years they freeze over in late December or early January, and thaw in March. Last year we only had ice for a couple weeks in Jan.

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I have nine days off remaining this year. If the forecast holds, the lake should remain open through December. The surface temp is currently at 40, and we have another cold front coming through the next few days. I expect the bite to remain tough, but there will be opportunities.

Well...... That didn't work out like I'd planned/hoped. 🤦‍♂️ The past two years, the week after Thanksgiving was the best week of the year for the A-rig bite. So... This year I scheduled a week vacation for it. We had an Arctic blast blow through last week, and I figured the crashing temps would have 'em putting the feedbags on. NOPE!!! 😂 It shut 'em down. I couldn't get bit on live or dead crappie or shad, let alone lures. I'm talking 2-3 dozen fish per day coming up and looking at my baits, often for several minutes, then swimming off without touching them. I fished 8 of 10 days, a few with highs in the 20's, got blown off the lake for 2, and took 7 strait skunkings. Grrr... Today is my last day of vacation and I was blessed with a bit of redemption. I went 2 for 3. I bagged a 37" on a live gizzard shad, a 36" on the rig, and lost a mid 40's on a live shad. That one stung. Time is running short and I'm still 7 fish shy of the century mark. Looking like I'll get to fish three days next week, so it ain't over yet. 🤞 37" 36" Not biggins, but they're a couple of beautiful fall fatties.

The only thing on my list is spending quality time with my family celebrating Jesus birthday.

I'll second the Freedom Fuel. It was my daily brew before I found the SM Direct Action.

Stocking Mill Coffee, Direct Action. It's a medium dark roast. The flavor reminds me of dark chocolate and caramel. Not bitter or burnt tasting, just perfect IMO. It's my favorite ever by a long shot and I've tried quite a few. Low acid also, so I can drink a whole pot without getting "coffee belly". 1 Tbs per cup, run through the Bunn. I drink it black. https://stockingmillcoffee.com/

I'm in the thick and looong camp.😎 OK... I know the question was about bass, but I can't help myself. When you have critters like this available to ya, going from them back to bass is like going from bass back to bluegill. No interest in it, with the exception of chasing giants. I think that applies to most species, because no matter the species, giants are hard to come by.

A legendary bass artist at work.

I'm with you on this one Tom. Not art or science, but it is my favorite thing to do with my clothes on. 😂

Easy decision. Dad for the win!!!

No weights needed or even preferred on the top two arms. I use center pin screw locks. Edit to add: Cut the swivels off the top wires and attach the screw locks directly to the wire loops. If you attach them to the swivels without a jig head for keel weight, the baits will twirl and not swim right.

XT if I'm running mono. Low stretch, abrasion resistant, strong, handles well, affordable. Co poly? YZH. All the attributes of XT with a bit better feel.

Congrats on the awesome day!!! Congrats on the baby on the way as well!!!

Heck Yeah!!! Preach it brother!!! 😂 I've been loving my Striker Ice, Trekker coat and bibs these past few days. Mostly in the 20's and I've been comfy cozy except for my fingers. Now, if only I could get a few of those infuriating muskie to bite......

I don't know man... For a free crappie dinner? I'd at least have to consider it. 😂

High 40's at least. Top five I've ever seen on down scan. It sat there right under my transducer looking at the crappie for a few minutes after it dropped it, but decided not to bite again.

I'm looking forward to getting to fish with my wife more. My new schedule allows us to get out together more often than in the last few years. Aside from that, I have zero goals. I've been fishing hard on a quest to catch 100 muskie this year. Current count stands at 91 for me, plus 13 for Tammy. Next year, no goals other than to chill out and enjoy my time on the water.

Not a chance. I've been out in high teens to low thirties the last couple days muskie fishing. 17hrs over the past two days with zero fish to show for it. I thought this cold front would get 'em fired up, instead they've been unbelievably lazy. I had one HUGE fish bite a live crappie, but drop it before I could get to the rod, and two others of unknown size do the same with dead shad. Tons of lazy follows on artificials, but no bites on them.