I think FS makes a great case and summarizes my feelings better than I could. I really don't mind occasional company but I don't hesitate to go alone.

Welcome, Rhythm. Although I live in Arizona I've never fished Lake Mead so I can't help. Good luck!

Hopefully by September I can fish. If you are ever looking for a partner I have a sweet little Ranger aluminum that is perfect for the Salt River lakes. I would love to go out sometime and make a new friend. I agree fishing is tough here. My kids brother walks out his back door in Florida to fish the local pond and sends me pics of eight pounders.

250, I absolutely apologize if I in any way came across as condescending in my earlier reply. I am the first to admit that I am an average fisherman at best and I constantly try to learn from others and from local reports. I have been unable to fish myself since June due to family health issues and am very jealous that you are on the water. And once again, best of luck to you.

I was told Apache was nearly 100% fish kill from golden algae but this week's Game and Fish report pictured a gentleman holding a monster largemouth claiming to be out of Apache. I suspect that is a fairly good indicator of the value of fishing reports. I suggest get out there and try it rather than depend on someone else's reports. And best of luck to you.

I have been using the Berkley Lightning rods with Pflueger President spinning reels for the past two years. They seem to have more body than the Ugly Sticks which I replaced, but they can break at the tip. Overall I prefer the new set up.

I have a 14 Ft. aluminum with a 6 horse outboard and an electric trolling motor. I use the electric almost exclusively for the trout lakes in Arizona. I have two batteries. When one gets low I simply change to the backup battery and I know it's time to head in.

Buck Knives makes a diamond impregnated honing tool that has made me retire all other stones etc. It is three sided and called Edge Tek.