Angler Andy

Although my fat fingers are prone to make mistakes like that but it is 23.

Never cared for the product or brand. More marketing then anything else.

Although, earlier I just made a short comment of (^This^) I should have given the reasons as to why I use U40. I noticed one of my older fishing poles started to see small pieces of cork starting to come off. I started a search of how to repair and protect the cork. I came across many products and landed on U40 and now use it as a protectant of the cork on all my rods. I do not feel any difference in the cork myself. After reading the pros, cons, personal bias, etc., pick what suits your needs best. Cheers. P.s. Also, there is a fly in the ointment too. There are different grades of cork and not all manufacturers grade cork the same. Some of the more expensive rods "should" have a better quality of cork.

^This^

Everytime I drive to Boston, I don't know what I do but the other drivers wave at me 🖐️ and tell tell I'm number one!

Thursday, Nov 20, 2025 Air Temp: high 40s Water Temp: N/A Partly cloudy to sunny skies North winds about 5mph Time: 1PM - 3:45PM Since the marine vessels are covered for the winter, I decided on such a nice day to do some shore fishing at the local lake. Took only plastic (neko) worms and jerkbaits. As I walked along the rocky shoreline, I remembered how non-nimble I have become I looked at some places and said, "Nah, I'm not going down there. I'll look for a more friendly area." NO bites on the jerkbaits and only a couple of nibbles on the neko worm. The nibbles must have been small perch. If it was a bass, I would have got'em! 🙃 There was one spot I thought for certain I was going to get a bite but nope - none. However, it felt good to be out and fish for an afternoon.

I'm an outsider looking in on tournaments, and never really looked into what differentiates the organizations. However, I know some of the anglers. Generally, when I do watch, I am more interested in conditions, what tools are actually used and why. I can do without the drama and tune out when it happens. So, with that said, I came across the 2025 Black Bass World Championships Africa and watched it during lunch. I really liked the catch and release format, the comradery, as well as seeing the international flavor of the participants. They had some neat logos too. I chuckled when one of the warning in this lake was, don't wade or swim in the lake because of crocodiles 😲 Anyone see this tournament?

Perhaps these may help. I changed to these snaps recently: BKK Fast Snap-41 stainless-steel

You are a brave man. I would not eat any freshwater fish in Ma. except fish that were stocked. Here is a Freshwater Fish Consumption Advisory List for Ma.

I was curious and came across this: https://myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/sites-forecasts/ne/rodman-reservoir/ "The reservoir drawdown is scheduled to occur this fall until the spring of 2026. The reservoir will be seven feet below normal water level for over three months from the middle of November 2025 to the beginning of March 2026."

The last two appears to be a KVD Jerkbait 100 2 hook Sexy Shad.

Fish Tales: Small Pond Big Loss I launched the kayak into a very small pond (23 acres). I have never been to this pond so it was a new experience. Does this pond contain any fish? If so, what kind of fish? What would be the prospect of returning to this pond? It wasn't long before I started to catch fish. The largemouth bass were very hungry, however, they were all stunted, no real size to them. I can only guess the pond was not managed and the pond was left to it's own demise. Later I learned that downstream is an abandoned manufacturing site that used the pond as a water source and has not maintained the pond. The ponds dam is leaking and is being considered for demolition. So I'm casting away, having fun, and catching lots of small bass, when I notice this huge spider dangling off the brim of my hat. Naturally, being so close to my eyes, the spider was as big as King Kong. In a panic, I swat at the humongous spider. The spider is swatted right into the water. There is a problem. The hand I used to swat the spider, held my fishing pole. The spider AND the pole land into the water. I made a loud gasp and quickly reach for the pole as it hits the water. But it sinks fast enough to be mere fractions of an inch from from grasp. Much like in the movie where one is reaching for the keys to escape but it is just out of reach. I engulf my whole arm in the water and I cannot get it. I watch it gradually disappear. On a still calm body of water, with picturesque forest trees in the background, a lone person is sitting in his kayak, with his head bowed low. He has lost his favorite fishing pole. No, he's not coming back to this pond.

I just received the Kistler KLX Rod from the 50% off sale. I must say, looking at the workmanship I am impressed. I just might be a Kistler fan in future rod purchases. I can't wait to try it out. The bait monkey jumps for joy.

Fish Tales #2 Little Moby Dick So far, it's been a good day of fishing but there is this one spot I want to try. A small brook feeding into the lake. In some years the brook, which also feeds a cranberry bog, barely flows and becomes clogged with weeds. This year the water levels were near normal, we had a good rain a few days earlier, and the water was flowing good into the lake. One could see the clear path of the water flowing through the weeds and I was betting a fish was stalking nearby. My friend did not really want to venture into the weeds to get to the brook but I convinced him. "Look", I said. "There has to be fish there. I am convinced". My friend relented and we traversed through the weeds to get to the flowing path of water. We silently coast into position. I throw the lure into the flowing water, right on the edge of the weeds as the water slows. Then, BOOM! I got one. O, boy, it's a good one. "See, I told you!" as the fish makes the drag whine for a short time. Then it stops, does an about face and there is a run to the boat. I reel as fast as I can. KaThunk! My friend and I just look at each other. What the heck? The fish rammed the boat! The fish makes a run away from the boat and the same thing. It stops, makes an about face and runs toward the boat again. I frantically reel in and KaTunk! The fish rams the boat again. What a crazed fish. I think the fish was a little dazed after the 2nd collision, which allowed me to net the fish - a very nice largemouth bass. We never seen a fish behave in such a manner. If it was any bigger I don't think we would have made it home.

When I think more of survival than fishing for fun. I'm not going!

Fish Tales: Missed It By That Much In the state of Massachusetts there is a program called the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program that recognizes anglers who catch certain sized species of fish. Throughout the years of my fishing experience, I was somewhat aware of the program but never paid attention to it. Until about two years ago, my friend took me to this pond and he caught two monsters of a fish. I too caught some big ones but not quite as big as his. Like a light bulb that was turned on, the award program came to mind. I told him those fish must be fit within the award program specs. I think what triggered the brain was that we were catching big ones. Not just one, but multiple big ones. My friend caught the biggest of that trip. After that day of fishing I checked the award stats and I was convinced he would have received two awards for that day. Then what kept the program alive in my brain were the grandkids. I've taken my grandkids fishing a few times and left the measuring board home and wouldn't you know it. They have caught a fish that would have earned them a youth award. In each instance, they thought they ran into a snag. "Hey, Pepe' (I'm a Pepe), I think I'm snagged". I reply, "OK, let's turn to the snag and see if we can free you". As we approach the "snag", suddenly a fish leaps into the air. The grandchild cries out, "It's going to snap my line!" I'm astonished and exclaim, "O, that's a big fish". The fish swam in a helter skelter pattern but we land it. As a result, I printed out the award stats. I keep it and the measuring board with me. We don't chase or fish specifically for the awards, but when we come across a big one, we are ready. I whip out the measuring board and compare it to the stats. And maybe just maybe...

Just seen that. ^^This. There has to be consequences for cheaters.

@Swamp Girl It is a Gheenoe 15" 4". Very stable and runs in skinny water well. Much, much safer then a (checks spelling) "canoe" 🙃 When my uncle had property in Maine, it was used in the rivers.

I'd like to read the whole story of the day. Conditions of the day, where one caught the fish, what I was using, some unusual story line, i.e., a fish jumping into the boat as the lure was lifted for the next cast, or retrieving the top half of a two piece rod of some kid lost while casting from shore. What was your day like? I joined Bass Resource after reading about the general bite within my fishing area. It gives me a gauge of the conditions. As a result, I decided to join to help out other anglers on the conditions. If a majority of the anglers within my area are having a tough day, I might expect the same. I also like the tips, tricks, and sales. (Yep, bait monkey got me).

Look at the ad on the right. Or for an address from their web site https://siebertoutdoors.com/contact-us

That's a good idea. A nice centralized location and a chance to fish a new body of water.

I was hoping for just one more day in early November, but temps are dropping, rain and gale force to wind advisories have put an end to my season. I go to the fishing cave, rearrange and cull my tackle and listen to the Bait Monkey whisper in my ear. Determine what gear I actually used, liked, and then resupply. Then plan for the next invasion. P.s. I have a gheenoe and a kayak.