Crankbait with active target through baitballs in 15 foot of water is a blast! No giants but 7 in the boat in 45 minutes kept me giggling. Was a great time while water testing after changing fluids to prep for my month long tour.

I spent the past 2 days on boat upgrades for Guntersville mini retreat and something really special in November. Added a 2nd graph to the bow for efficiency and accuracy with my workflow. The time consuming part was running isolated and dedicated power lines to the bow and console. 8 gauge to the bow and 10 gauge to the console. Perfect crimps and shielding. Second fuse bus on the bow, harnessing, etc. Lots of pride in the craftsmanship getting it done properly with the right hardware.

One other thing I could use opinions on. I have a point one gps puck to install for quicker response and waypoint accuracy. I’m contemplating on bow or stern mount. I have nmea network access in both. The bow seems obvious but it has to stay away from the trolling motor at least 3 feet even when stowed due to magnetic interference. Recommendations are welcome and appreciated.

Before and after pics included.

Learn from this: We fished a private tournament today. Multiple large fish were caught. A 7lb’er won the pot. Here is the lesson learned. When a co-angler, who fishes a lot of BFL’s, opens the livewell on the way to weigh in, don’t let a 5lb fish jacked up on G-Juice jump out and escape over the transom. As the boater I just shook my head and giggled to myself. As Brian mentioned in the “keep your fish alive” session… leave the livewell closed. Still had a fun day and stacked the experience ladder further.

I saw a little cove off the main lake and idled back to escape a wake boat. I noticed a slight water flow. Found this 25.25 inch in 5 feet of water tucked up against a concrete wall.

I heard an interesting quote today related to the forage of a fishery. “Forget studying the cat. Study the mouse.”

Sitting in the boat prepping for a private last minute tournament tomorrow. 2 Fish team deal with no prep allowed. Only know the general area of The Everglades. The decision process starts now. I figure a frog and popper with a spook as a backup for the morning. Square bill and jerk for mid morning, then try to clean up with Shakey and Texas rig for the afternoon. Keeping it simple. Only using 5 rods. No clue what the clarity or depth will be like. My mission is to just have fun.

I just watched a YT video released today from Get Your Fish On. Steve, who I had a good conversation with at ICast addressed the topic of real versus fake personas in the industry. The first angler he mentioned was Brian as a genuine likable person who doesn’t make his videos with selfish intent. Well, we already know that about him. That’s what originally drew me here to the SUF Community.

It’s freaking hot on the Butler Chain in Orlando. Was able to draw some out from under the docks first thing this morning as I threw SMH as a tester to feel the bottom contour and whammo. Not a huge catch but nothing wrong with a 2.5lb. Dammit, I can’t get the Purple Rain earworm out of my head all Summer!