I'd like to grow my arsenal a bit. I downsized to a bait caster and spinning rod but would like to add at least one more BC and another spinning rod.

 

Also, I just moved to Alabama last year and didn't do any fishing over the last summer. I'd like to find some spots. Pretty broad, easy to achieve?

2 hours ago, Scorcher214 said:

I'd like to grow my arsenal a bit. I downsized to a bait caster and spinning rod but would like to add at least one more BC and another spinning rod.

 

Also, I just moved to Alabama last year and didn't do any fishing over the last summer. I'd like to find some spots. Pretty broad, easy to achieve?

 Guntersville would be a great place to start.

 

https://www.alapark.com/parks/lake-guntersville-state-park/fishing-lake-guntersville

I added another goal- 25 lb bag.  The only way it happens is up north over the summer.  I’ve been 23+ a couple times.  

1) fish more often!

2) catch that dang 10 pounder !!!

3) book a trip to Baccarac !!!!! ( really want to do this before I die) 

4) Learn to skip better. ( bought a Dobyns spinning rod for this, when I try it with my bait casters I end up ruining 20 bucks worth of line in about 3 minutes !LOL ) 

5) get back in my fishing tube. got old and lazy and its a good workout. 

13 hours ago, Larry S said:

5) get back in my fishing tube. got old and lazy and its a good workout. 

i use chest waders, was interested in the comfort of a tube, can you tell me about its good points and bad such as comfort and mobility? Thank you.

My fishing goals? 

 

1 - Have fun

10 hours ago, throttleplate said:

i use chest waders, was interested in the comfort of a tube, can you tell me about its good points and bad such as comfort and mobility? Thank you.

Kinda a loaded question If you ask 10 people you are likely to get ten different answers .. 

For me I prefer a full round tube with that said i own a pontoon style and full circle and  when i tubed almost daily i used both about equal. for comfort they are great like sittin in the lazy boy only on water. Goof points of tube fishing are firstly there are very few places you cant go and fish.  Main lake structure on a big lake is a no go for me not because i cant get there but i would rather not be ran over by a half drunk dude in a bass boat going 70 mph . That does not rule out big lakes though. I have made probably 10-12 trip to lake fork with nothing but my tube and about the same since  in a boat and by far i did better out of my tube fishing coves like you fish a pond instead of worrying about whats around the next bend thats 3/4 mile away, instead you fish every tree every cut in the bank and even creek channels and drop offs. Mobility.... Well your not gonna get there fast but that slow pace to me makes for better fishing. I way prefer fishmaster style paddles over fins any day and by a long shot fins are faster but you move backward paddle pushers your motion is just like your walking in water. There are limitations mostly being some kind of access to the location or area you want to fish. if there is a road running along the lake that was always enough for me . Any bridge crossing a cove or even main lake is good access .. ok  enough of hi jacking ole boys post..  If you want any more info PM me or start a tread about tube fishing . Always willing to BS about it. 

1. Catch a 4lb Smallie

2. Break my Largemouth PB of 6lbs

3. I want to add spinnerbaits to my list of confidence lures

 

Outside of bass-specific stuff, I recently got a fly-tying kit and I've been tying small bucktail jigs in anticipation of ice-out smallies. They still look pretty wonky though, since I just started, so I'd like to make them a lot neater and better looking. I can't wait to feel the feeling of catching a fish on something I tied myself! 

I've added a couple new ones to my list.  Always wear my life jacket and kill switch when boating and always wear my inflatable suspenders when I fish big water in cold situations.  While I don't feel I have ever been reckless or careless, I don't feel I have taken safety seriously enough.  I have gotten complacent since I've never had an issue on the water but there's a first time for everything.   

A goal for me is to get better with my graphs. I have Lowrance HDS units, with SI/ DI. I want to be able to better utilize them, and actually make plans to catch fish when I can find them. I think I am secretly training for tournament participation here in the next year or so...or at least that is what I want to do!

 

I also want to upgrade my TM to an Ultrex, or Ghost this year. It may be late in the year, but I definitely want spot lock. 

 

 

 

 

6 minutes ago, InfantryMP said:

A goal for me is to get better with my graph

Ya, I got this one too - though my 'upgrade' isn't as fancy.

Old: Lowrance Hook 2-4 (not even GPS on that one)

New: Garmin Striker Plus 7cv (ya, only DI, no SI)

 

Still, it's a learning curve.

9 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Ya, I got this one too - though my 'upgrade' isn't as fancy.

Old: Lowrance Hook 2-4 (not even GPS on that one)

New: Garmin Striker Plus 7cv (ya, only DI, no SI)

 

Still, it's a learning curve.

Yea def a learning curve. I just cant get myself to idle long enough to learn more. I cant keep my lures out of the water long enough to go figure it out better. I need a weekend where I go graphing on my home waters.

1 minute ago, InfantryMP said:

I need a weekend where I go graphing on my home waters.

I plan on taking what time I can get on the water between ice-out (mid-April) to bass opener (mid-May) to just learn it and map out some spots that look good with the online maps.

Well, #1 on my list starts tomorrow afternoon, dropping a load in Athens Alabama, leaving the trailer at the company shop in Moody and handling a couple of paperwork items while there, and then it's off for a Tuesday afternoon through Monday morning fishing vacation with my brother, I think the current plan is to do the work we have planned in the morning and then fish our butts off the rest of the day until at or after dark, definitely hoping I can hook into a DD this week, depending on how things go I may be devoting one of these afternoons to grabbing some crappie for a fish fry, but either way I'm super pumped to get after it.

11 hours ago, Junk Fisherman said:

I've added a couple new ones to my list.  Always wear my life jacket and kill switch when boating and always wear my inflatable suspenders when I fish big water in cold situations.  While I don't feel I have ever been reckless or careless, I don't feel I have taken safety seriously enough.  I have gotten complacent since I've never had an issue on the water but there's a first time for everything.   

Even though you've never been careless or reckless, never underestimate the other guy...

16 hours ago, InfantryMP said:

Yea def a learning curve. I just cant get myself to idle long enough to learn more. I cant keep my lures out of the water long enough to go figure it out better. I need a weekend where I go graphing on my home waters.

 

I hear ya.  I made a goal a couple years ago that every time I am fun fishing I scan a new area spending 20-30 minutes idling around.  Actually, every time out I fish or check out one new spot.  Continually learning is what I'm trying to accomplish.  

Fish more. I'm guilty of not taking enough time off work throughout the year then using it all around Thanksgiving/Christmas. Weekends can sometimes be tough due to social obligations and needing to get certain things done around the house.

 

I need to take advantage of more summer nights, even if it means just taking a single rod to the local community lake for an hour or two.

 

I need to also take advantage of using my PTO more in my favor.

 

I struggled with LMB this past year. Caught quite a few crappie, cats, and white bass so I really want to hammer LMB this Spring/Summer/Fall.

 

I also want to try to catch a Walleye/Sauger on my own. Never targeted them specifically.

Another goal. Get my job boat on the water. This marks two years ive owned it and it's sat awaiting a few things worked on to be ready. Trailer tires, seats installed, but a trolling motor and battery. Ive about given up on it many times and I will probably consider selling it again. But maybe I'll actually get it on the water.