Nothing like getting bout on the water, only to……..
January 18
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!
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.
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.
January 15
• Edited (Jan 15, 2026)
Well I finally got out and about yesterday. Thanks to John Wilson I was reminded of and took it to a newish body of water... Only fished it once back in 2020 when I had zero clue what I was doing... Caught two pitching a drop shot into the timber! They are small but the first fish of 2026... I saw a bald eagle to boot! Seen more and more over the years, always pretty cool when you see them! (It's hard to tell but if you zoom in you can kind of see the white feathers on it's head. I saw it fly across the lake I'm not crazy... Well ya know.)
January 15
Hi all! Don't forget the Roundtable tonight at 7PM EST.
I know everyone is excited and ready for the 2026 retreat to come around!
Tonight's session will be an open discussion for members to discuss some lodging ideas/plans for the retreat!
See you all soon!
January 15
First round of MLF BPT on Guntersville live and Gville is showing out in the nasty cold and wind.
January 14
Question: I want to do some inshore fishing in Louisiana. I want to take my tracker 190 and fish out of it. Has anyone fished their aluminum boat in saltwater? What should I be mindful of?