First day back in the Everglades. Threw an SMH most of the day. Was an unusually slow bite today. Got a decent amount of Largemouth. Then I threw a Jerkbait on and landed this Gar. Measured with a marked stick at about 28”. Don’t even think about handling these. Nothing good can come from trying.

We have heard BLat say a few times that he believes the cold water fish mouth seems harder than when the water is warm. While I’ve been touring the frigid northeast from my home warm waters in South and Central Florida, I have to say I completely agree. Not kissing butt. I’ve noticed it during hookset, especially on a jig and even release. It is an adjustment. BTW: the layers required to keep myself warm is insane!!!

My brother in law got me this for the Barde friendly tournament.

Why can I never find the link to the lives? I need to revoke my own IT card

Quick recommendation needed. For those who fish rivers, any recommendations on a basic fish finder / system that would replace my brother in laws’s 20+ year old unit? Nothing high end, just a reliable upgrade that doesn’t break his wallet. Thanks in advance.

The locals are losing their mind that this was caught in the Delaware river on a crankbait. 1.65 lbs. 2nd day of season.

SUF Retreat: Pulling Back the Curtain (The long version)

I was fortunate to attend the 2025 SUF retreat. Many would liked to have made it but couldn’t. Here is a breakdown of the experience from my perspective.

I arrived a day early to get a lay of the land. First thing I noticed is that it was truly the perfect setting for a retreat. The lack of cell service, while admittedly annoying, it gave me the ability to detach and concentrate on the whole reason we were there.

In my opinion the best part was having the chance to meet and spend quality time with the like minded people that is our community. Let’s be honest here. A very small percentage of people who “fish” have our level of passion, enthusiasm, and pure love of the sport. We are a different level of commitment. Where else could we find others as engrained as us? We are a warm, friendly, and yet very competitive group of individuals who collectively help each other instead of holding secrets. We care about others growth and success in others personal development. Not one person there (or in the app) goes against this guiding principle that I met. The retreat was an event that magnified what the SUF community is at the core. People helping people.

The format was structured to be intentional about information and communication yet free to do as you wished. It was the polar opposite of a grind, which is what most conferences are like. I never felt as if I HAD to do something. Instead, because of the way BLat presented it, I felt the desire to engage in the events. I looked forward to them.

The seminar was long but worth every minute. As usual BLat was his relatable self which is a portion of his drawing power. Mix that with Gene’s similar way of sharing knowledge and storytelling, it was the perfect chemistry to touch each one of our brains and tickle our passion in one fashion or another. I felt a part of it instead of just some uncomfortable dummy that was in way over my head. I was never bored or felt like I was wasting precious time tossing a line. The minutes flew by faster than one could imagine. It was perfect.

Thank you to all who organized and participated. For this old soul it was energizing and I feel a stronger sense of family with the SUF community. I walked away with so much more than just another fishing trip. It filled a part of me that I had lost for many years.

I highly encourage other members to take the first step and be active in the app. To start to get to know others in a more personal level, attend the weekly round tables online and participate in the conversation. Then, to ultimately make plans to attend next year’s retreat. That was the process I used which provided exponential personal returns for me. I am so glad I chose that path.

In closing I can easily describe it with one adjective. AMAZING!

I am grateful to all.

Warmest Regards,

Ray Brunetti

Just warched the latest video. Summary= $4000 per ounce cull. Very poignant! It is a game of ounces. Nicely explained.

Good morning from the boat ramp at Calhoun.

Just crossed into GA