T-Billy

Does the new job involve a brass pole? 😁

Thanks for the heads up. Sounds like I better get to Wallyworld. The OX is my go to flippin hook. I hope they're not on clearance because they've been discontinued.

I've never kept records. I just consider seasonal movements, and fish the conditions.

That's one seriously impressive bag of crappie @Team9nine. Nice work brother.

Said the pot to the kettle. 😂😉

Thanks @AlabamaSpothunter. The extended forecast is looking good, with highs in the 40's to low 50's starting tomorrow. Water's already up to 40 in some areas. Hopefully they'll start staging on the breaks soon. I put together a new toy this morning for this summers night excursions. It's a single Mag 12 blade, with about 1oz of weight on the shaft. I tossed it around a bit today to see how it runs. Just as I'd hoped it runs pretty shallow, even slow rolled. Lots of thump at a slow speed, two 5/0 4x strong VMC trebles on the business end. That sucks. Hopefully y'all get that situation remedied soon.

Ain't much of one, but it's one, and gets me on the board for Feb. I could only get out for about four hours today, and that'll be it until next Friday. I caught this chubby 32" and had a mid 40's follow, but it wouldn't commit. Lake's fishing weird right now. The shad have left the deep basins and moved up toward the creeks. The big schools have broken up, and the muskie have scattered with 'em. Just marking an isolated fish here and there. I can't find them concentrated anywhere.

Congratulations Katie!!! I'm so happy for you!!!

Nope. Some of my earliest memories are of fishing. I've never lost the passion for it. If anything, the obsession burns hotter now at 54 than ever before.

Absolutely. This applies to everything in life.

#STRAIGHTBRAIDBRIGADE!!! 🤣

Hmm.... I've bought four Zillion HD's and seven Lexa HD's in the past year and a half. I didn't get no stinkin free shirt. I did get 11 great reels though. 😉

They're certainly a curious fish. I've twice had them come up vertically and raise their heads above water to look at me. I've also had them swim up and hang around the boat many times while I was working along a bank fishing for bass. At least one complete 8 EVERY... SINGLE... CAST...

Muskie seem curious about the transducers. Followers that don't bite will sometimes suspend directly under them. Sometimes for several minutes.

@AlabamaSpothunter livin on a little slice of Heaven. Congrats brother.

He won't be mad at you. He won't believe you!!! 😂 Nice fish brother. Congrats.

https://www.amazon.com/Luhr-Jensen-Original-Hook-File-Handle/dp/B003KHC9MW/ref=sr_1_5_pp?crid=TF0XQQ5UV6KY&keywords=fishing+hook+file&qid=1707596674&sprefix=fishing+hook+file%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-5 Good file at a fair price. Easy to learn to use, and it'll pay for itself. Give it a shot of WD-40 now and again to prevent rust.

I've missed you around here cyclops2. Welcome back. I'd wager the clear bill is the least off-putting thing about a crankbait.

Falling overboard into frigid waters, with air temps that will also take you to a state of hypothermia rapidly is a big concern for me, as I fish in these conditions a good bit. I always keep a pair of insulated coveralls in a dry bag under the deck in these conditions. A recent addition is a Striker Ice, Trekker Series coat and bibs. I can't recommend them highly enough. Lightweight, very warm without being bulky, and the insulation also provides flotation to keep you afloat for up to two hours. They also function as cold weather rain gear. I've fished comfortably in a steady 40 degree rain while wearing them.

I'll use braid to a 20# mono leader when fishing jigs deep to make breaking off easier.

I have one. I prefer a faster rod for jerks, but the Jack is great for grubs, small swimmers, and small cranks. It's an outstanding choice for a day of wading after river smallies.

Mega Strike fan here. I can't say it's ever got me more bites, but I don't think it's ever cost me any, and fish definitely hold the bait longer with a good attractant. Kick'n Bass is also very good but kinda messy.

Of the tackle you listed. I'd go 7' MH F and either Daiwa. Start with the braking set pretty high.

I ran into a similar situation last summer. The guy wasn't swearing at her, but a woman was struggling to back the trailer in and was very frustrated, and getting no help from hubby. I had her pull up and get straight, then walked next to the drivers window and coached her in. She got it in one try with a bit of coaching. She and I had a pleasant conversation while tying down. Hubby didn't even wanna look at me. Lol.

I'd run 65# if you're gonna throw the swimbaits a lot. If it's gonna be mostly the other stuff with the swimbaits mixed in occasionally, then I'd go with the 50#.