Rucksack

The video game industry used to have our version of this called E3. Conference organizers insisted on opening it up to the public, despite heavy resistance from membership. There's no longer an E3. Keeping specific trade shows industry professional only is the right move.

Welcome! Glad you've got a world class lake near you! That's awesome

Update on the thread. I took all of your advice and tried to treat it like bank fishing while focusing on boat position. I also stripped down my rigging, so off went the anchor and the fish finder so I could focus on fundamentals. I also invested in an inexpensive shorter rod (6 foot) so I could do what I love (pitching and flipping cover) more easily while seated. I did well this morning! Four bass in the 2-3 lbs range, which isn't world beating, but felt like I was getting back on track. Doubly difficult, because our heat index has been in the 110 degree range and our bass buried deep in cover. Was true combat fishing wrenching them out of vegetation and getting my yak dragged around. Covered in muck by the end, but great time.

I've never read this term, but love it. I'll be using. @DitchPanda some people just haven't developed introspection and leads to them hurting others. Sorry you're effected by it. Glad you found out early this was the case though, not after things get expensive emotionally and financially.

Welcome! How is the fishing in Scotland and England? The only part of England I've been to is London on business, which I imagine gives me pretty much zero insight into the place. I'd love to hear more, particularly about the outdoors. Glad you got to experience some of our bass fishing!

That's a bummer to hear. The path forward there might be somebody opening up a substack dedicated to long form angling adventure writing and essays. It feels like there is a niche, but just not a big enough one to support a large publication's operating costs. My day job eats up most of my creative energy or I'd do it myself. I've done substack before. It's exhausting.

In addition to observation, excellent anglers and writers share a woodshed mentality. Both pursuits require repetition, tolerance for consistent failure, and a burning need to improve. Musicians are this way as well. I used to practice guitar eight hours a day, then I went to school for literature and wrote that much a day, and I now fish with the same fervor --responsibilities allowing. I don't personally know any excellent anglers who write. Outdoor Life scratches that itch for me with the classic articles they're surfacing on their website consistently. I also collect angling books and essays.

I'm not a first responder or military so my stories are a little different. I make games and once worked on a TV show (more on that later). My dangerous moments are mostly around video game fans having some real unhinged folks lurking in basements. I've had multiple people make credible threats (FBI assessment) against my colleagues and my life. It's a big reason why I try to stay anonymous on the internet. I'm NOT famous, but I am easily Googleable. I've had people doing contracting work show up at my house knowing who I am with questions about my work, etc. Funny moment! I worked on the Apple+ steaming show Mythic Quest and got to write some dirty jokes for them. I wrote a joke about "TTP" (you'll have to Google that yourself) that Rob Mcelhenney said was one of his favs in his career which is a personal highlight. Also the current owner of Twitter tweeted about that one, but not sure how I feel about that dude these days 😅.

A bad day for a picnic is a great day for fishing. My best bass days are when it's cloudy, raining, or windy. Ideally all of the above. Less people. More bites.

This post made me double check myself, because I thought I was positive there were no smallies within a few counties of there and NC wildlife agrees: https://www.ncwildlife.gov/fishing/black-bass-north-carolina/smallmouth-bass So depending on how you define near, looks like the Jacob Fork or Uwarhie rivers are you best bets, but don't know any specific spots. Mostly posting so you have access to the official distribution map because it might be helpful for trip planning.

The palomar knot was my go to go for a very long time. While not a double line through eye knot, I moved over to the Uni-knot and haven't looked back. I don't lose fish due to break offs at all and it's quicker to tie. I can also easily teach it. Reading about this fish n' fool knot being a double line uni, I'll try that next time I'm out just for something new.

I used to think I was always going to be the guy enjoying fishing the most in my buddy group. Then I saw one of my buddies, whom I'm teaching how to fish, catch his first bass ever. The pure joy there is something I'll not be able to match.

I second the paying the ticket and moving forward. Not worth engaging. People like that want the drama.

That's wild! Luckily my part of NC is gator free, but I'll keep that in mind down by the coast.

I still can't tell, even from these comments, if it works better than any other soft plastic. Sure looks neat though. May need to try.

Welcome back!

Feel like I'd either use it like a soft plastic fluke with an EWG or bladed jig trailer

In addition to the vibrations suggested above I say try some flash and color. Spinnerbaits, underspins, pearl white soft plastic flukes all have helped me. With really murky water I find working a slow retrieve is good, as it seems to give the bass time to notice, locate, and bite your lure.

Welcome! I've never trout fished, but I think you're going to really enjoy bass fishing!

Lifetime southerner and never once heard of that. Pretty strange idea 🤣. We usually do half strength Gatorade.

Update. 106 heat index in Michigan. Ended up getting on the water mid-day due to a series of events. Caught around 30 fish in two hours (four bass) fishing micro jigs around a lillypad field. Fish were suspended about eight feet down.

Ha! Was literally just reading an article about how hot it's going to be. Pretty bummed. Up seeing the inlaws.

I think the correct answer is to take a week off during the heat dome and enjoy the HVAC. I won't be doing that, but it's the smart play. My plan is carolina rig in the deepest part of the water or punching weed mats/lily pad fields. I'm leaving my southern lands and going to the upper Midwest this week, so I'll see how it goes.

I don't think that's heretical at all. It's what our forebearers used, it's probably what we all started with, and it's what fish naturally want to eat. I'm curious about this comment. I don't fish top water. Any idea what might be causing this shift? Climate? Pressure?

Glad you're here! What an interesting backstory. Do you have access to any of your dad's old tackle and reel stock? If so, you might be set for life on using rad retro bass gear.