And what makes it terribly sad Marty is that the first thing I always say when someone talks about lost fish is " Check your hooks, they must be razor sharp ".

Don 't know, those "rookie" mistakes must be Alzheimers or some sort of nasty stuff like that, ya know, like leaving the keys inside the SUV and closing the door with the safety on. ( done that too....several times )

Better than average year with quiet a few in the 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 range. Very rough summer here in Ga due to sweat and gnat factor. Largest boated was a 5 lb. Hooked a very nice one in the fall (fishing partner swears it would go 8) and had it spit the spinnerbait out at me right at the boat. Very sickening feeling. Partner and I fished nearly every trip this past year like a tourney in that we are going to fish FLW and club tourneys next year.

I had a great year.  I don't want to jinx myself because there are still 2 weeks to 2005 but I did not get skunked once this year.  I caught at least one keeper bass on every outing.  Caught an 8lber (estimate) and a weighed 6.2 lber.  many in the 2-4 lb class.  Also learned to use the jig/plastic effectively which is my biggest accomplishment for this year.  Developed some skill on other new techniques such as the tube bait.  Also really got over going to the Senko if no fish right away.  I was determined to lessen my dependence on that lure this year and did so.  I am really pleased with that.    Next year, I want to be able to pull more fish from the deeper water and rely less on the banks and shallows.   I also need to rediscover fishing the plastic worm.  I have lost some of my ability with that killer bait and I am determined to do better.

Have a great holiday everyone and an even more satisfying 2006.

avid.