Believe it or not, but this is my first set up on spinning reel and baitcaster using braided line. I have always used mono but decided to try braided after watching some of the Straight Up Fishing videos. I lost 3 nice fish in 2026 due to me failing to tie a knot properly. (I think 🤔) I want to be better in 2026 so I’m trying the braided. I also tried using a crank bait yesterday that did surprisingly well. It was a day of trying new things for me!
in 🎣 suf
January 18
• Edited (Jan 18, 2026)
Life Lesson:
Yesterday’s club tournament on Lake Okeechobee didn’t go as planned. I have a BFL derby there in 6 days. I’ve won big bag and big fish before on that lake. Quite frankly I got my teeth kicked in and skunked. I could blame the weather, the lake, the launch site, etc. As Jocko teaches, I take extreme ownership.
At this point I have 2 options.
1. Sit around today and lick my wounds agitated.
2. Go out today and practice making some adjustments.
I choose door #2. It’s cloudy and warm. Let’s fish and overcome unexpected results.
in 📷 fishpics
January 17
I'm proud to announce that I'm now on the Pro Staff at Trash Panda Decals...
They make some awesome aluminum identifier card for your ketchboard. You can design it, add whatever background you want, add your sponsors, Steve Billington does some awesome work..... check them out at www.trashpandadecals.com
in 📷 fishpics
January 17
Finally... got a break from the hustle and said screw it.... time to get out and forget everything else! First fish of 2026!! 🎆 only caught two but it felt good 👍. Good eating size though.
in 📷 fishpics
January 17
Solid tournament on Lake Norman today. Next stop the Big O.
in 🎣 suf
January 17
Urban Fishing Creek
Caught 3 1.5lb bass in about a foot of water.
In a Ned rig first time using a Ned and having success( other than the rainbow trout that I caught on one). First time sight fishing.
in 📷 fishpics
January 17
You guys should enter the Marty Hughes/Kayakjack year long "tournament.. it's a great way to keep up with all of your bass during the year and get a chance to win a nucanoe unlimited kayak, plus a kayak cushion, and plenty of achievement stickers along the way.. I'm 13th place out if 162 anglers... and it's only $10.!!
in 📷 fishpics
January 16
I've filled up two 64gb SD cards of pictures of bass catches... I just might have an addiction..🤣🤣
in 📷 fishpics
January 16
• Edited (Jan 16, 2026)
Brother in Law came to town since the Guntersville mini-retreat. Some Mack Toon type shennannigans occurred. Purple Rain SMH strikes again! Also included a few other catches including a rare Clown Knife from a Jerkbait. These things hit hard and actually swim backwards.