NEW PRO STAFF OFFER

So, more than a few months ago, I was sent a direct message on Instagram.  The message was from "Keep It Reel Fishing."  I was not the only person this message was sent to, there were, I think 19 other recipients.  (Whatever the max per message is.)  

The message read as follows:

So, after reading that, you're probably super jealous that myself and those 19 others received such a tasty deal, and you didn't....AM I RIGHT?!?!?!

For real, after I read that message, I laughed, and read it again.  Now I know what you're thinking, there's no way that pitch worked.  I was thinking the same exact thing.  

Well........

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!

IT WORKED?!?!?!

I couldn't believe my eyes, and that's when it hit me.  All of the individuals that responded that were "interested" were young kids.  What a low low thing to do...that terrible sales pitch combined with the use of the term "PRO STAFF" just fooled these young kids.  They saw the term "PRO STAFF" and got excited, and bought a shirt, because, they're going to be on a pro staff.

I get it, you want to make money with your shirt sales.  I'm cool with that.  They should have just said, "the only way to be posted on our page, is if you buy a shirt, and are wearing that shirt in your fishy photo.  In turn this could lead to more likes and followers on your personal page." ...and left it at that.  Maybe I'm wrong about the message they sent, maybe some of you will agree with me, and some of you won't.

Just remember, I get it.  They're just trying to capitalize on the free and glorious open market that is Instagram, and I've got no issue with that.  I just disagree with how they are doing it, well in this case particular.

I did end up replying, and it went like this.....

Not a bad deal, right??  I was really hoping we could work out a deal, and Pro Staff each other, but Keepitreelfishing, doesn't fly fish.  Boo hoo.  Not to worry!!  I am always prepared.  I've also got codes of my own, too!

Unfortunately, I was ignored by all.  I think I should have used the term "PRO STAFF" more, and maybe I could have hooked Keepitreelfishing to join forces.  Not the case.  Keepitreelfishing continued to "fish" for more sales the next day, and then I left a comment that was 100% true.

I received a new private direct message from keepitreelfishing sent to me, and me only soon after my comment.  Did they finally cave and decide to exchange Pro Staff titles????

Nope.

Unfortunately, they were not happy with my comment, because, it was the truth.

Apparently, I am a broke, jealous, hater, that catches half pounders....

Then why offer me such an amazing deal to be a part of the Keep It Reel Fishing - Pro Staff!?!?!  If you know I'm broke, why ask me to buy something.  If you don't like the 1/2 pounders I catch, why ask me to be on your "PRO STAFF"!?!?!?!

Well, after informing them that Pro Staffing was a competitive market, I was blocked, and could no longer communicate with them.  I was just trying to keep it real, but it's unfortunate, they were not.

SAD FACE.

Spin For The Win

This weekend was a bit strange for me.  Part of the strange was me fishing exclusively with my spinning rod.  The other part was hooking into a yellow bullhead.  One of the reasons I decided to go with my spinning rod was, I wanted to catch the fish in the backyard utilizing a different method.  I like variety.

On Saturday, I decided to use my spinning rod to toss out a floating Rapala lure with hopes of finding some bass cruising in the shallows.  15 minutes into my backyard outing, I hook into a fish.  At first I thought it was a bass, and as I was reeling it in, it was sort of barrel rolling on the surface of the water all of the way in.  I was surprised, because, that's a new species to my knowledge for the backyard lake.

I've handled quite a few catfish this year of all different sizes...I've lip grabbed all of them with no problem.  Did they bite down, yes.  Did they hurt, no.  All good, I'll just lip grab this little bullhead to better get the lure free.   OUCH!!!!!  Teeth like Velcro just like a bass, but I was not expecting them to have such a strong bite.  Whoa!!!  I was totally not expecting this little dude to have such a strong jaw.  While I was cursing the bullhead out, it bit down even harder, and I just couldn't wait to get my finger free, so, the lure had to come out after me.  Haha

Note: The short video is silent.  There were some curse words and laughing, but the GoPro case doesn't have good audio.  I hope it works.  If it doesn't, you'll be able to play it on my Instagram page - ( JUSTINCARF )

***Click on the center to get it to play***

Tossed a lure tonight looking for some cruising bass. Instead I hooked into a yellow bullhead. This little fucker had the strongest jaw, and actually drew blood from my finger. That fucker! #fishing #bassfishing #bass #swampdonkey #slouchmob #trophycatch #catchandrelease #catfish #bullhead #yellowbullhead #bitch #cat #fish #gopro #ouch #punk #rapala

A video posted by Justin Carf (@justincarf) on Sep 26, 2015 at 7:11pm PDT

After quite a few curse words with laughing in between, I was finally free, and then the lure was, and this little guy was free to swim and terrorize me, again, in the future.  I'll be better prepared for him.

Oh yeah, he drew blood.  What as asshole! Haha

Sunday morning, I tied our little dog Bo Marley's leash to my belt and went into the backyard.  I brought my spinning rod, again, but this time I tossed a Mann's -1 in the firetiger color scheme.  Bo barks at my lure whenever he see's it and I can see it in his eyes that he want's to chase it out into the lake.  

I've caught fish with him tied to me before, but he's never seen a big fish.  I hooked into a decent little guy and Bo tried biting at it's tail while I was trying to get the lure out.  After getting the lure out I let him make a fishy friend....and he licked him.  Is it weird for new friends lick each other? Daisy is visiting with my Mom, but I'm curious how she would react to a fish.  We shall see.

***Click on the center to get it to play***

Good morning bass! Tossed a Manns -1 on the spinning rod this morning for 30 minutes. Note - I did not kick the dog haha. #fishing #bassfishing #bass #bucketmouth #largemouth #largemouthbass #gopro #topwater #swampdonkey #slouchmob #lunker #monster #fish #spinforthewin #goprofishing #goproeverything #catchandrelease #midwestfishing #midwest #outdoors #catchandrelease

A video posted by Justin Carf (@justincarf) on Sep 27, 2015 at 8:31am PDT

Bo Marley meet Bass.  Bass meet Bo Marley.

It was a good weekend.

#SPINFORTHEWIN

I'm a sucker for t-shirts.

I'm a big fan of t-shirts. Especially, ones that you really cannot find in stores, and if you're a small business or someone that I follow through social media, I'm all for supporting what you're doing. I'd much rather wear a t-shirt that has the logo or name of something that I enjoy reading or viewing, rather than a shirt that says "Old Navy" or any other type of store. Boring!

Here are some of my most recent purchases.

The first 2 shirts are from the artist Ryan Sharpe of Dead Weight Fly. I've been following his work for quite a while now, and his art just keeps on getting better. If you like what you see check out his website - Dead Weight Fly.

Front.

Back.

This next shirt from Dead Weight Fly is my favorite. The headpiece the skull is wearing is made up of streamers (looks like the Game Changer pattern). It's very creative and unique.

Front.

Back.

This "Bass Bum Diaries" t-shirt and stickers are from a friend I follow on Instagram. His name is, Hiro, and his Instagram name is @bassbum. Hiro, is from Japan, and is a very creative graphic artist who enjoys fly fishing and fiberglass rods. Definitely, one of my favorite people to follow on Instagram. ---- www.instagram.com/bassbum

I should also note, that if you're insterested in, Hiro's, stuff shoot me an email, and I could possibly hook you up with his contact information.

Front and 2 stickers.

And here is a shirt that my lovely GF gave to me as a Christmas present. I just love this shirt, because, it has 3 of my favorite animals on it....a shark, bear, and wolves. In case you're wondering where the wolves are, check out the t-shirt the Tommy gun yeilding bear is wearing. HA! I love it!

I love stuff like this!

And speaking of t-shirts and animals riding sharks. I have just added t-shirt to my collection with the purchase of a Troutrageous! Tenkara Sasquatch T! Shirt. I just ordered it, so, I have not received it, yet.