Fished today from 6:30 am until 1 pm. This looked like the only day this week that didn't have strong winds. Today was the 1st day ever I have exclusively used my left arm for casting & gripping the rod for hooksets. Been practicing in the park. I am curious for those of you that fish a spinning rod what grip you use ? Do you grip the rod with your middle finger & index finger between the reel shaft or middle finger & pointer....or something else ? Middle finger & pointer seems most comfortable for hooksets for me. Not sure if it will work the same for bass, but the sunnies is a go. Overall, the lake was not as busy today as past weeks. Pretty much had my spots to myself. Water temp was 82-85 in most areas & the wind was light...very foggy early & I like that. Ended the day with 143 total. Tried for Rios at the Rio rocks, but no takers yet. Tried to coax Doc into going with me, but family matters showed up at the last minute. Wanted to get him out for one last trip b4 he goes under the knife to have the second knee replaced.

Awesome day and bigguns too !

This is my spinner grip. Going on 62 years with it. . .

As always. Solid post and fish. Good job Steve.

Side note. I use my index finger on the line.

Beautiful fish. I would say 143 was a pretty good day. Although I don’t use a spinning rod much, when I do I usually use the same grip as above.

Thanks Doc, Chuck & Barry...The grip shown above is the same one I have used my whole life as well right-handed. It feels very different using the non dominant hand. Casting this way feels ok, but the hookset feels way better moving one finger over so that the reel shaft is between the middle & index (pointer) finger. I make the hand transition after the cast when closing the bail...

Solid fish as always!

Pretty good haul Steve. There're some nice gills in that group. I wanted to go yesterday but something else came up. Winds are expected to be high the rest of this week, so it doesn't look good for me getting out there.
How many spots did you fish?

Thanks Sean...

Zane...I saw the forecast & figured yesterday was the only option for this week...next week looks pretty good all week but will pass on the Monday Holiday. I fished what I call 5 spots...Two of the spots are pretty close & could be considered one.

Side note/question...The guy on the TFF cover is wearing a sweatshirt with the TFF logo. Does TFF sell merchandise, or did he maybe win it for some feat?

Ha ha, I thought the title meant the sunfish gave you the middle finger

Great catch, Thanks for posting.

Thanks Jamie...That will happen, but not til mid to late October...

Nice post and gillz Vogey

Thanks Yesenia...I miss those south Texas reports...Are you guys flooded out ?

I miss putting them up. We haven't fished in forever it feels like. Our honey holes are low. Weekends are to windy to put in Amistad.
I WISH WE WERE FLOODED IN!

Between Ringman & Mr Pink for me.

Thanks Fishbonz...I guess we all learned things a little differently when we started out.

Yesenia...Some areas sw of SA I thought got a lot of rain this spring...sorry you guys missed out....I know it's gonna be summer from now on, but maybe consider renting a cabin on Fayette County lake for a few days...I could meet you there & give some pointers...