Understanding Why Braid/Superlines Last or Fail

It begins with understanding how they're created. All of these lines, regardless of brand, are made of gel-spun polyethylene, a material that is not harmed or changed by any chemical and can withstand pretty extreme temperatures (e.g., explains why most beakers and test tubes in chemical labs are made of polyethylene). The same goes for braid and superlines. Unlike monofilament, fairly high heat, chemicals and UV rays will not degrade braids and superlines.

As pointed out in the earlier post (see Some Things May Be Forever--Braided Fishing Line Isn't One of Them), these lines eventually lose their color because you only can put color on polyethylene, not in it. Nothing likes to stick to this material, but loss of color does not mean a loss of strength. So, if these lines are so tough, why do they sometimes break or degrade?

According to Joe Meyer, former product development manager (now chief mechanical engineer) for superlines at Pure Fishing, there are four main reasons, including the following:

Bad Guides. "When someone comes to me and says, 'I just put this line on, and it keeps breaking,' the first thing I do is look at their rod. Most of the time, I find a crack, chip or rough spot in their ceramic guides," said Meyer. "Braid and superlines are made of polyethylene fibers all woven together, so naturally if you start fraying those fibers, the line gets weaker."

Re-Tie Refusal. Some guys will say, "Well, it's a superline. It's so strong I don't need to retie." That's a mistaken notion, though. "Your first 3 or 4 feet of line, whether you're catching fish or not, will weaken the fastest," said Meyer. "Polyethylene doesn't like to bend, so just from hanging at a 90-degree angle off the rod tip, fibers can slowly fray over time. The line starts to look 'hairy' (photo above is a good example), as anglers often say. Abrasion is the worst enemy of these lines. You have to check it often."

Mismatched Gear. Meyer also noted that it's very important to match braid or superlines with the right rod and reel. "Because braid has no stretch, it doesn't handle shock very well. So if you have a rod that feels like a cue stick matched with light braid, and you set the hook hard," he explained, "you're not going to be happy. It's going to snap. I see it all the time with muskie guys. They backlash on the cast, and that heavy, expensive lure just keeps on going...and going...and going--you get the picture."

Hook Hangers. Finally, Meyer said, "I see a lot of anglers hook their crankbaits and other lures onto their reels when traveling between fishing spots. All it takes is one point touching the line or digging into the spool, and it'll start to fray."

In his words, "It's important to note that, just because all braids and superlines are made with polyethylene, they're not all created equal. If you are a firm believer that a certain brand is better than another brand you used to fish, check the fiber/strand count. The fewer the fibers, the faster fraying, on a microscopic level, is going to weaken the braid. However, in theory, a length of 30-pound braid with a lower fiber count should be as strong as one with a higher count, provided that line is in perfect, unfrayed condition."

What's the meaning of all this info? "Ultimately," concluded Meyer, "it means your superline will take as good care of you as you do of it. If your braid keeps breaking, check the rod guides and line roller on the reel before you blame the brand. (Note: A good way to check rod guides for nicks is to run a cotton swab around each one.) When you put the rod away at day's end, is the line or spool leaning on something that might cause it to abrade? These small details can help you get multiple seasons out of your braid and superlines. So take the time; you'll be glad you did."

Up, Up and Away

That 1967 tune had nothing to do with birds, but kayaker Ron's fishing report from last night did. If you read his report (as published in the post preceding this one), you know that the biggest thing he caught last evening was the seagull you see in the accompanying photo.

Unusual? Well, not exactly. A lot of fishermen have had some interaction with birds, especially when they're using topwater baits. If you don't believe me, just check out the Internet--in particular, some of the online fishing forums. A pesky bird has caused me to lay my rod down more than once, while waiting for the bird to take a hike.

Becoming entangled in fishing line can lead to injuries and perhaps death for a bird if the line gets wrapped around its legs, bill or wings. Even if the entanglement isn't tight enough to be fatal, it's still a serious and permanent impediment that can hinder a bird's ability to hunt, forage and fly.

For nesting birds, this can have disastrous effects for their chicks. When a chick's parent is trapped or killed by fishing line, the chick often dies of starvation because their parent no longer can provide food. Or, if the parent returns to the chick trailing fishing line, the chick could become entangled, too.

Precautionary Measures You Can Take. The best way to help the birds is to prevent these dangerous situations from happening. Always dispose of your fishing line properly. Many boat ramps, fishing piers, and beaches have receptacles for monofilament recycling, so make sure you locate one of them before you begin fishing. Place all braided line in the trash.

To be extra scrupulous, cut your line into short pieces before throwing it away or recycling it. Then, if it gets loose, it will pose less of an entanglement threat to birds in the area.

If You Catch a Bird. If you happen to catch a bird while fishing, it's important that you do not cut the line. Doing so might seem easiest in the short term, but the remaining line tangled around the bird could catch on something else and affect the bird's movement.

Start by gently reeling in the bird. Once you have it within reach, secure it with your hands or a towel by holding it firmly. To keep the bird calm, remember to cover its head. If you are helping a long-billed bird, such as a pelican or egret, be sure to control the bill first. Then fold the wings up naturally, without wrenching the bird's joints.

Pelicans are one of the more commonly caught birds, and though they may look large and imposing, they only weigh 8 to 10 pounds and cannot bite hard. The small hook at the end of their bill can scratch you but does not pose a serious threat. Always be gentle, and remember to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses or other eyewear.

After the bird is secured, determine whether or not it is hooked. If it is, push the barb through, cut the barb off, and carefully back the hook out, If the bird is not hooked, simply untangle it and remove the line. Look closely to find all line, as it can easily disappear under feathers.

Assess the Damage. When the bird is free of all hooks and fishing line, make note of the bird's condition. If it isn't injured, you can release it. However, if you're unsure of the bird's condition, or if there are injuries, call a licensed bird rehabilitator, who will treat these injuries until the bird is in releasable condition.

Prevent Fishing Line Fatalities. Fishing line is a serious problem for coastal birds, but following these steps will minimize the effects. As with any situation, though, it's best to stop the problem before it starts. If a bird starts to dive on your bait while you're fishing, stop and/or move to another spot. And next time you're on or around the water, be on the lookout for improperly discarded fishing line. Who knows? With every piece you pick up, you could be saving a bird's life.

Most of the "how to" information for this article came from Audubon North Carolina.

For the Week Ending Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018

Sunday, Nov. 25 (from Ron)...Back when I was on subs, often, while on the surface, someone would say, "I have a B One R D"  or a "G you eleven" at bearing xyz... It was a joke that the "contact" was a bird. Been tough at the HRBT of late. Got skunked Saturday morning. Went out Sunday evening and caught a few shorts, as well as a seagull. Was able to unwrap him from the line and safely release him. Hasn't been a stellar season for the striper.

Some Things May Be Forever--Braided Fishing Line Isn't One of Them

The braided line on most of my rods at the end of the current season was about three years old. I know that because they had been on the rods since I installed Lew's reels, which also was three years ago, with the exception of a couple.

As the 2018 season progressed, I started noticing some fraying in the braid (in some cases, a lot of it) on several of the rods. Then, near the end, I had multiple occasions when the line would break. In most of these instances, I would be tangled in some tough grass along the shoreline, and as I'd apply more pressure (causing the hooks to bury even deeper), several feet of the line would just snap off.

Don't mind telling you there was more than one occasion when I would set the hook on a decent fish and immediately start sweating bullets, wondering if I would be able get the fish to the boat. Fortunately, I never lost one that way.

So, why not just spool up with some new line? most of you are probably asking. The answer is because I knew I was going to get several of my reels serviced once the season ended, and I didn't want to spool on a bunch of new line, only to turn around in a few more weeks and have to toss it in the trash can.

Before starting this post, I went online and checked around to see what kind of mileage other anglers routinely get from their braided line. I found several who indicated they, too, usually have to or want to change their braid about every three years. At the same time, though, I also found some fellas who said they have used the same braid for 5, 10, or in a few cases, up to 15 years, and it supposedly still is going strong.

According to some online experts, "The only two things to pay attention to with braided line as you use it is discoloration and fraying. Over time, whatever color braided line you use will fade from sunlight and regular wear. That, combined with fraying along the line, usually easily visible, is a really good indicator of when to replace. Typically, two seasons is a safe bet, but if you fish harder than average anglers, you may want to replace once a year."

When it comes to monofilament line, these experts suggest that, with its ability to stretch, coupled with the degradation that occurs in the nylon when exposed to sunlight over long periods, users should change it out every season. And if you fish regularly many times a week, it might even be more beneficial to replace your line a couple times each season. "Use your best judgment, and be sure to inspect your line for nicks and stretching every time you're out," say the experts.

Finally, there is fluorocarbon line, which, because of its construction, lasts longer than monofilament. Some even suggest that fluorocarbon can last longer than braided line. "Its surface strength is strong enough to hardly fray or get nicks in it," say the experts, adding that users "should change fluorocarbon line every two years or more, depending on how hard you fish your equipment. As with all lines, be sure to visually inspect it before each outing to make sure you won't suffer any unnecessary breaks."

Fishing line, in general, is not something that you can maintain and extend the life of for years and years. But for some reason, whether it be ignorance or laziness, many anglers ignore obvious signs of problems and continue to use the same line year after year. Do yourself a favor and make it a habit to regularly check and replace your fishing line as needed, regardless of what kind you use.

A Look Back at the Last 3 Tourney Years

Decided to do a comparison of what kinds of weights it has taken each of the last three years to win money in the Dewey Mullins Memorial Bass Tourney Series. Here are the results of that research:

2016

The average weight of all 1st place money winners was 14.06 lbs. The range was between 9.87 lbs. and 20.39 lbs.

The average weight of all 2nd place money winners was 12.36 lbs. The range was between 9.13 lbs. and 17.47 lbs.

The average weight of all 3rd place money winners was 11.33 lbs. The range was between 8.47 lbs. and 14.95 lbs.

2017

The average weight of all 1st place money winners was 13.61 lbs. The range was between 3.49 lbs. and 18.40 lbs.

The average weight of all 2nd place money winners was 12.35 lbs. The range was between 3.34 lbs. and 17.77 lbs.

The average weight of all 3rd place money winners was 10.85 lbs. The range was between 3.34 lbs. and 17.47 lbs.

2018

The average weight of all 1st place money winners was 16.25 lbs. The range was between 4.23 lbs. and 23.87 lbs.

The average weight of all 2nd place money winners was 13.74 lbs. The range was between 3.18 lbs. and 21.45 lbs.

The average weight of all 3rd place money winners was 12.38 lbs. The range was between 2.87 lbs. and 17.56 lbs.

We've come a long ways from those tournaments dating back to 2010, when money winners often finished in the single digits, especially those in 2nd and 3rd place.

Looks Like It's Here To Stay

Whether you love it or hate it, looks like Black Friday is destined to be around for the long haul.

The continued growth of Black Friday sales have sparked controversy in recent years, with employees of some major retail stores complaining about having to work long hours on Thanksgiving Day. While those complaints have caused many stores to change their holiday schedules, the fact remains that you will find a lot of stores opening their doors early yet this Thanksgiving--among them, Bass Pro Shops in Hampton. Their advertised store hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving and 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Black Friday.

If you're among those who insist on going out there and mixing it up with the masses for those sales, this verse is designed just for you:

Black Friday, The Shopping Poem

By John F. McCullagh

The people crowd the entrances

at Malls all over town.

To seize the choicest bargain deals,

They'll gladly knock you down.

The retailers all hold their breath

As shopping gets in gear.

Will Santa fill his sleigh as hoped...?

Or lay off more Reindeer?

There are plastic toys from China

Colored with suspicious paint.

Whip our your last credit card

(When you see the bills, you'll faint.)

"The children must have Christmas!"

No request will be denied.

Never mind your youngest child

Has just turned thirty-five.

Don't forget a gift for you

Don't you deserve the best?

Shopping is such good therapy

For the financially depressed.

A Not-So-Funny Thing Happened...

Actually, it was much worse. As Jay Kumar referred to the situation in his latest issue of BassBlaster, it may have been the "grossest bassin' day ever?".

Seems there were these two bass anglers en route to the last big tournament of the season. They were traveling behind this semi when it hit a big doe. About half of the deer exploded skyward into about a thousand pieces, half of which bounced off the top of their truck and into the boat. The other half of the deer went under the semi and tore his brake lines loose. The majority of the semi's brake fluid subsequently also was deposited on the anglers' truck and in their boat.

Imagine then fishing all day, with blood, guts and brake fluid covering the boat and all the gear in it.

"Unfortunately," as Jay described things, "that tweren't all of it."

"On the way home," said the anglers, "we were passing a stock trailer loaded with about 20 heifers. And just as we were pulling alongside, one of them, with its butt strategically aimed out the side of the trailer, relieved herself. About a 20-gallon stream of poo completely covered the side of our truck...and also went into the boat."

Think we can all agree that's really b-a-a-a-d, but d'ya wanna know what the ultimate insult was? "We didn't get in the money, either," said the anglers.

"That whole fishin' day," as Jay aptly laid it out, "is a unique kinda #stout, kinda like:

P-e-e-e-w-w-w!!!"

Continuing a Holiday Tradition...

I've enjoyed poetry since I was a kid. And even though I figure I'm in the minority with those feelings, I've never resisted the urge to post some here on my blog, especially during the holiday season. Thus, it should come as no surprise that I'm continuing that tradition this year. Following is another poem by Edgar Allen Guest (1891-1959), whom I also featured last Thanksgiving.

A Boy and His Dad

A boy and his dad on a fishing trip--

There is a glorious fellowship!

Father and son and the open sky

And the white clouds lazily drifting by,

And the laughing stream as it runs along

With the clicking reel like a martial song,
And the father teaching the youngster gay
How to land a fish in the sportsman's way.

I fancy I hear them talking there
In an open boat, and the speech is fair.
And the boy is learning the ways of men
From the finest man in his youthful ken.
Kings, to the youngster, cannot compare
With the gentle father who's with him there.
And the greatest mind of the human race
Not for one minute could take his place.

Which is happier, man or boy?
The soul of the father is steeped in joy,
For he's finding out, to his heart's delight,
That his son is fit for the future fight.
He is learning the glorious depths of him,
And the thoughts he thinks and his every whim;
And he shall discover, when night comes on,
How close he has grown to his little son.

A boy and his dad on a fishing trip--
Builders of life's companionship!
Oh I envy them, as I see them there
Under the sky in the open air,
For out of the old, old long-ago
Come the summer days that I used to know,
When I learned life's truths from my father's lips
As I shared the joy of his fishing trips.

About the author...American poet Edgar Albert Guest became widely known as the People's Poet, a reflection of the optimistic nature of his life's work and his popularity. He was born in Birmingham, England, but came to the U.S. at the age of 10 and, soon after, became a naturalized citizen. A newspaper man by profession, Guest was one of the most prolific poets the world has ever known, writing some 11,000 verses in his 77 years, for which he was made Poet Laureate for Michigan. He was not always popular with his poetry-writing peers, who often thought he was too light of heart to be considered seriously. But his work endures to this day, and he has many fans around the world.

Happy Thanksgiving to One and All!

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food,

For love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

For flowers that bloom about our feet;

For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;

For song of bird, and hum of bee;

For all things fair we hear or see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee!

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wishing you blessings of health, happiness and success on Thanksgiving and always!

For the Week Ending Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018

Granddad's Old Fishing Trick When Fishing With the Zara Spook

While rummaging around the Internet late last night, I came across this tip that I want to share not only with Ron, but with all Spook fishermen in general. This is one you can try on those stripers you're going after at the HRBT, Ron.

According to the author (not sure who that is), "This awesome trick works." In any event, the advice is as follows:

Drill a BB-sized hole about 1/4-inch or so behind the eyes, directly along the Spook's spine (middle). Put in a teaspoon of cod liver oil, or add enough for it to float, with the head floating upward. Stuff a piece of cotton or cotton string in the hole, so it wicks out the oil. The extra weight will add an extra 20 yards or so of casting distance, and the stripers will blow that Spook completely out of the water.

If anyone decides to try this suggestion, please let me know how it works.

Wednesday, Nov. 14 (from Ron)...After two days without wetting a line, I had to get out before the bad weather arrives. Made a quick trip to upper North Landing. Only had one hit and one catch on the Heddon Spook. Decent little fatty to avoid the skunk. Chilly out there!

Friday, Nov. 16 (from Ron)...Low tide at HRBT was supposed to be at 2153 (nearly 10 p.m.). I launched at 10 to fish the incoming. Current still was going "out" at 12:30 a.m. Saturday. Even though the current didn't cooperate, the striped bass did. Bite picked up around 0100, and I caught seven, including two keepers at 21 inches.

Attention-Getters From the Latest BassBlaster

Jay Kumar often has some really interesting stuff in this publication, and today's issue certainly was no exception. The first item that captured my attention was this account of a couple very lucky dudes. Here's the story, as originally posted in a Texas forum:

"I'll clarify the facts, as I was driving the boat. We were running in a calm cove, and at 99.7 mph, the boat hooked, and we were both ejected. And before anyone starts on the 'I don't own a Bullet because of this...Bullets aren't safe...something is wrong with the boat,' I'll clarify and say that I was running a case with a modified skeg, at an extremely high motor height, and I pushed the envelope. It was my fault, it was in the setup, and I fully raise my hand and take the blame, because that's whom it's on. We are both totally fine, other than being a little bumped up...and freezing cold. We were both wearing lifeline race vests and straps, and I had a helmet on. Killswitch was worn. Because of these pieces of safety equipment, we are both virtually unscathed. With that said, guys, please wear your safety equipment at all times; it can be the difference."

And then there was this video of a guy, presumably from Brazil, handling a rod like I've never seen anyone to date come close to duplicating...with a baitcast reel mounted on it.

To see the video, click on the link below (NOT the arrow in the photo above):
 https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp3LEIFBgY5/.

A Peek at What Reportedly Lies Ahead This Winter

(click anywhere on the map for a larger version)

Above-normal temperatures are expected almost everywhere in the United States, except in the Southwest, where predictions call for a colder-than-normal season. It's still going to be wintery, of course, but it won't be an especially frigid year. This milder-than-normal forecast is due to the expected arrival of a weak El Nino, which will prevent cold-air masses from lingering in the North. Despite a decrease in solar activity, other factors that contribute to winter weather are expected to keep temperatures above normal.

For the Week Ending Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018

Thursday, Nov. 8 (from Ron)...Been chasing stripers at the HRBT lately, but weather isn't so good, so decided to wet a line at Lovitt's. Short trip after work, due to daylight savings. Lasted 1 hour 17 minutes from launch to recovery. Threw XTS Minnow and caught a dink and crappie. Switched to Zoom fluke and got two more dinks. Then tied on a Pop-R and caught another dink, as well as the best of the evening. In switching out gear between fresh and saltwater, I forgot my plastics, as well as my scale. My guess is that the best went at least 3 lbs. Sure was a fatty and a pleasant surprise on topwater. 'Twas really nice, even with the wind.

Friday, Nov. 9 (from Ron)...Fished Milldam this evening from 3:30 to 5:30. Spinnerbait wasn't working, so tried some plastics. Very odd...I would get a few taps and thumps, but they were not "taking it." Would get a swirl, a tap, then nothing. Caught two dinks and three bass (all 15-inchers) that weighed in at 1-10, 1-10, and 1-11, as well as a token crappie on the XTS. Never before experienced that weird noncommittal "tap" with no take. Should have caught about 10, but they just were not "swallowing" the plastics. Several of the swirls looked big, but they didn't commit. One bass did take the Whopper Plopper right at dark. Was a beautiful evening...glass calm, no bugs, very relaxing.

Saturday, Nov. 10 (from Ron)...Ken, I saw your post about the Zara Spooks, and it jogged my memory. Haven't tied one on in years. Glad I did! Fished Milldam this morning from about 8 to 11:30. Caught a 1-9 on an XTS en route to a favorite spot. Once there, tied on the Spook and had a few short strikes. Slowed my presentation, along with adding some pauses, and had a classic blow up, followed by a drag scream for a decent 4 lb. 10 oz. near 22-incher. Caught two dinks as well. Wind got a bit too strong (18 mph), so called it a day. Ran into two fellas in a boat (rarity in western Milldam). Think it was Rob and Dave, if I remember correctly. They mentioned you and the West Neck tourneys. Sunday looking good for HRBT and striper chasing.

Sunday, Nov. 11 (a.m.) (from Ron)...Fished PAWMA this morning from 8:30 to 12:00. Was finding bass and pine needles on the Zara Spook. The bass included a 1-1, 1-2, 1-5, 1-6, and an aggressive li'l dink. Because of all the wind, caught more pine needles than I liked. Followed some misses with plastics and got the same tap-tap-but-no-take again. Didn't bring the micro spinner, as it hasn't produced. Spoke with a fella in a boat who was slaying them on a micro spinner. Oh well, live and learn. (There's a lesson to be learned here, and I think it has something to do with following the advice you pass out for the benefit of others in your own blog posts. Another nice day's catch on the old-but-ever-reliable Spook, Ron. Good on ya.--Ken)

(p.m.) (from Ron)...Fished HRBT from 6 to 9 Sunday evening. Conditions were dead calm, and it was a bit chilly. Saw an amazing number of shooting stars. Caught six striped bass, including four shorts between 19 and 20 inches and two 21-inchers. All were fat and healthy and put up great fights. Nice way to round out Veteran's Day. They will be tasty!

A Dose of Rotator Cuff Tendinitis...

As it has worked out, that was my takeaway from our Dewey Mullins Memorial Bass Classic held Oct. 13-14, 2018.

After fighting the pain and lack of sleep for the past month, I finally threw in the towel today and went to see my family doctor. It didn't take him very long to figure out what the problem was...or, for that matter, what caused it. He subsequently sent me home with a prescription for a week's worth of methylprednisolone tablets and said I should see considerable relief within two or three days.

"Could have been worse!" was what I learned after getting home and digging around the Internet a little bit. For example, I read about an angler who was chucking frogs for bass on the Potomac when he saw a bass blow up in the distance. He gave his subsequent cast a little extra oomph to reach the spot, tearing his rotator cuff in the process. The surgery and recovery that followed were successful, but it cost him a whole year of fishing time.

When you consider the number of casts an angler makes on any given day, coupled with the weight of a fishing rig and the torque a rod generates during the casting motion, it's easy to understand the formula for shoulder problems that's created if one gets careless.

As the earlier Potomac angler learned, you're well-advised to make some changes in your casting technique. For one thing, he learned how to cast both left- and right-handed. Second, he learned how to use the rod tip to generate more distance when pitching or flipping. And finally, he learned to keep his upper arms close against his upper torso when overhand casting. Keeping elbows close to the body prevents anglers from using their arms and shoulders, forcing the rod to do the work.

Combining these changes allowed that Potomac angler to fish regularly, mostly pain-free, while waiting for surgery. He managed the little aches and pains after each outing with over-the-counter pain-relievers.

Here are some tips for both weekend fishermen and tournament professionals designed to help protect against shoulder injuries:

     * Let the rod do the work. Our arms never can generate as much torque as a fishing rod.

     * Learn how to cast, pitch and flip with a non-dominant hand. Make this a practice priority during the winter.

     * Review line options. A line with less stretch means anglers have to do less work with their arms and the rod.

     * If aches and pains in shoulders from wear and tear already exist, pre-medicate before a tournament or practice day. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever with breakfast, and stay on top of pain management with additional doses throughout the day.

     * Ice is a friend. A few minutes of icing can go a long way to manage pain. Keep some ice packs handy when you're on the water.

     * A simple, focused exercise regime involving light weights and lots of repetitions works wonders to strengthen shoulders and arms, enabling better endurance through the stress of casting. Stretching also should be a part of any routine.

Preventing shoulder injuries is much easier than recovering from them. A few simple adjustments to technique and equipment can save lots of wear and tear. Use the tools and let them do the work. Incorporate some simple exercises into a daily schedule to help prepare for the rigors of fishing. It's another instance where an "ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

And in case anyone has been wondering, this tendinitis is what has been limiting my blog posts for the last month. Trying to keep a heating pad in place while using a computer keyboard is an exercise in futility...at best.

It's No Accident This Partnership Clicks

I read here awhile back about a young man who had asked a veteran tournament angler how he should pick a tournament partner. With only a touch of humor in his voice, the veteran replied, "About as carefully as choosing a wife.

"Depending on how many tournaments you plan to fish and how much practice time you plan to devote," he explained, "you may spend almost as much time with your tournament partner in a given season as you do with your life partner. Needless to say, besides looking for someone who is a good angler, you also have to be able to get along with your partner. Remember that you are going to be spending eight or nine hours a day in the boat with this person during tournaments, plus the time you spend prefishing. That is more than enough time and opportunity to clobber each other, especially when the fishing's tough, so choose wisely."

The veteran went on to point out that when it comes to a tournament partnership, "You also need to have 'chemistry.' By that, I mean you should work well together as a team and be able to trust each other... . Come tournament day, each partner must be able to trust the other to only take them to spots where there is a good chance to catch good fish. You need to have as much confidence in your partner's spots as you do your own, or you won't fish effectively, and then you're just wasting your time.

"This chemistry also should involve the way you fish. For example, if both anglers only can cast a certain way or only from the front of the boat, they may find they're constantly getting in each other's way. Ideally, you want a partner who complements your fishing style, rather than mirrors or interferes with it. There is something to be said for a partner whose strengths, when it comes to certain fishing styles or techniques, are somewhat different from yours. This difference adds to your team's versatility, but in the long run, it's better if you both prefer to fish in similar ways, or one of you probably is not going to be very happy a lot of the time."

While some people prefer a partner with less experience than they have, the vast majority agree that the best situation is when partners are of basically similar or equal skill levels and experience. That's the case with Wayne Hayes and Al Napier (see photo above). Both have been fishing for a long time, and they've both had their share of partners over the years. As a result, they are "comfortable" with each other and work well together.

There's no denying that latter statement, even if based only on the success they have enjoyed since May 2017, when they started fishing the Dewey Mullins Memorial Bass Tourney Series as a team. That year, Wayne and Al racked up a total of three first-place finishes in the latter half of the season. And they put the cherry on top of their sundae by walking away with first place in the 2017 Classic, where they amassed a record-setting figure of 32.69 lbs. over the two days of competition. Did I mention they also claimed the seasonal lunker award last year as well? Their prize-winning fish tipped the scales at 6.82 lbs.

Wayne and Al once again proved their competitiveness in 2018 by securing three first-place finishes in a row during the latter half of the year.

Like a fine wine, a good team only gets better with age, and Wayne and Al make that point every time they hit the water together. They're short on dock talk but long on quietly winning.

A Sure-Fired Adrenaline Rush If I Ever Saw One

Let's face it: You just don't land a 7.68-lb. bass like this one every day you pick up your "sticks" and head to your favorite fishing hole. However, back on April 21, 2018, everything lined up just right, and Eric Killian (above) and his partner, Jim Crist (right), put together a game plan that ended up giving them a day neither one will soon forget. This fish not only earned them that tournament day's big-fish pot but also enabled them to walk away with the seasonal-lunker award. In other words, they made money off this fish twice in a single season, and I, for one, congratulate them on their success. A much deserved "Well done!" my friends.