One of my favorite techniques for "cold front" or mi Summer fishing was to bring the bait or lures deeper and closer to channels and drop offs. One tactic I used was to take a 1/2 to 1 ounce walking sinker on spreader. Attach a 36 inch light leader on the upper arm and use a floating lure like a Rapala shad or similar bait fish top water. Sometimes I would tie a teaser malibu feather about 12 inches behind. I would then slowly troll the channel or drop offs. Often has success when others were skunked.

For years I had a used 16' Starcraft aluminum semi vee side console. I retrofitted with decking for and aft, marine grade carpeting, elevated seating, front trolling motor. I found a good condition 50hp Johnson motor . The trailer was a tilt, flits on. Always was able to cruise at 30 to 35 mph and handle rough water better than any "bass boat". That is the only way to get under your 10K limit.

I have been using with great success and comfort, polarized reader sunglasses. The reader portion of the lens is relatively small and doesn't interfere with distance and normal vision. It comes in 1.0 to 2.5 or 3.0 strengths. The visual clarity is remarkable. I get them through Amazon for less than $20. Worth trying before springing forcexpensive Costas.

True story: While hanging around the ramp at the end of my local bass club's tournament, we were watching a young father rowing a small Jon boat while his 5 year old son dangled and splashed a tiny blue gill at the end of a real short Snoopy type kids rod and spin cast reel. Right in front of all of us, a huge splash and the father grabbed the kids belt to keep him in the boat. They "hauled"in a 6 pound largemouth bass much to the humiliation of all of us with fancy boats and expensive accessories .

PS The clubs largest fish that day was under 2 pounds .

here, when and how are most important questions. What time of day? Was it sunny or was there a storm system on the way. Were you fishing near deep water? Did the lures match what was natural in the lake? AND, even though experts sometimes have answers to those questions, they still get skunked. Tell your self that you had a great day thinking of nothing else going on in the world and just enjoyed being out on the water. Next Time will be the charm!!!

Lots of local charter boats in area many accepting split charters.

I usually transferred the night crawlers from their larger bedding box to a cottage cheese container with some bedding to about 2/3 full. Added 12-15 worms and covered them with a wad of water wetted paper towels (use bottled or chlorine free water). The wet paper will cause the cover to fit snugly. Those worms will be fat and juicy on the lake.

CAUTION:: LABEL THE CONTAINER--- WORMS< WORMS< WORMS. A woman's blood curdling scream when she accidentally opens that cottage cheese container ios something no man should behold. Happened to me only once!!!!

Did same thing. Always had a difficult time in catching and holding the nightcrawlers. Then I learned that kids up until ten or 11 years are naturals. They don't have the hesitancy or vibes that adults have and just naturally are better at grabbing them with confidence. My son routinely could pick 2-3 dozen in a short while using a red cover over the flash light. Teach or hire a kid. LOL

I use a zip tie to keep the rigged lies from straying when being hauled with other ods and tackle in y hatchback. Easy to cut when getting ready to set up.

When my Mom went to the fresh fish store, there were always a few carpet swimming 8n a galvanized circulating water tank. That was so the fish would get flushed from the muddy taste they have from bottom feeding. It was sometimes common practice in even older days to let them swim in the tub a few days. In Europe, Carp, especially the head considered delicacy when prepped properly.

My personal best was 32 pounds from the Delaware River, just south of Trenton, NJ

In Florida there are no limits on Lionfish

That is exactly why it floats. Probably better to put a little of that "salmon egg oil" into the worm bedding container. The worm is natural, the scent may or may not attract but the natural worm will.

The important parts are using light line tied directly to hook and small hook. That small hook will hold a big bass. I caught a 4 pound bass with an ultralight on 4 pound line off standing on a boat dock. Aggravated the hell out of 2 guys in 20,000$ Ranger sitting 100 feet away slinging purple worms (which I admit have worked well for me also at times).

Have that too. Works well!

A medical needle larger gauge if possible will deter clogs or blockage. But I have used a small diameter metal cannula filed to a sharp point that works. It is a technique I first saw described in Fishing Facts magazine (mid 1970's and later) and later by Al Lindner.