Alright, so the Florida heat… it’s a different beast. You step outside and it feels like you’re instantly wrapped in a damp towel that’s been microwaved. But that’s where we’ve been putting in work with my son, out on whatever patch of decent grass we can find.
Man, it’s a trip. Not that long ago, I was the one barking out instructions, pushing him through agility drills and teaching him how to read a defense. Now, he's showing me drills that we never would have dreamed up in the 1990s football game.
There's this real sense of gratitude that washes over me when we're out there. My body ain't what it used to be of course...Years of getting hit, twisting, and just plain grinding will leave their mark. But I can still get out there. I can still run routes (albeit maybe a lot slower 😀), I am fortunate to do some of the drills he was doing.
It’s not about trying to relive some glory days or pretend I’m still the same back I was. It’s about connection. It’s about sharing something fundamental, something that shaped a big part of my life, and now continues with him. Seeing him lock in on a drill, the same focused intensity I have… that’s something else.
Then of course we hit the gym. These workouts aren't just about getting stronger or faster. They’re about building something deeper. It’s about the unspoken language of effort, the understanding that comes from pushing your body to its limits, side by side. It’s about being there, not just as a dad, but as someone who gets it. Someone who knows the grind.
I don’t take these moments for granted. Stay after it!
July 22, 2025. The kind of day where the air hangs heavy and thick, partly cloudy but doing little to block the scorching sun. The thermometer was pushing past 90 degrees, making even standing still feel like an effort. While my son was working out at a college prospect baseball camp, I seized the opportunity to fish at a new lake I found not far from the college!
This particular lake was a completely new. I'd never cast a line in its waters before, and the anticipation of exploring new territory was a welcome distraction from the oppressive heat. I started on one side, methodically working my way along the bank, trying different retrieves, angles, and baits. An hour passed with nothing to show for my efforts. No bites, no bumps, not even a nibble. In conditions like these, it's easy to get discouraged, especially when you're fishing unfamiliar waters.
But I stuck with it. The allure of a new lake, and the promise of a potential discovery, kept me moving. I decided to pack up my gear and explore the other side of the lake, hoping for a change of luck. The decision paid off in spades.
Almost immediately, the action picked up. There was an area with great looking rip rap, and the current was being pushed directly into the bank. Before long, I landed my first bass of the day!
I caught three beautiful bass by the end...Each one fought hard, a testament to their willingness to fight in the summer. But the real surprise of the day came in the form of a truly crazy-looking drum. I don't remember the last time I caught one of these...
And the best part? Every single one of these fish, the bass and the drum, fell victim to the same bait: a Zoom Mag II worm.
The Zoom Mag II Worm: A Hot Weather MVP
The Zoom Mag II worm has been a staple in my tackle box for a long time, and days like yesterday just reinforce its effectiveness, especially in warmer conditions. This plastic worm is a true workhorse, and here's why it shines:
Size Matters: At 7 inches, the Mag II is a substantial offering. This larger profile can be key in attracting bigger bass, which often prefer a more significant meal.
Irresistible Action: The tapered tail provides a subtle yet enticing swimming action that mimics natural prey. Whether you're dragging it along the bottom, Texas-rigging it, or Carolina-rigging it, the Mag II has a built-in attraction that bass find hard to resist.
Versatility: This worm can be fished in a multitude of ways. I often Texas-rig it with a small bullet weight for fishing around cover, but it's also incredibly effective on a Carolina rig, allowing it to suspend and drift naturally. You can also fish it weightless for a slow, tantalizing fall.
Displacement: The thicker body of the Mag II displaces more water, creating a larger vibration signature that fish can detect from a distance, even in murky water.
If you're looking to add a reliable and highly effective plastic worm to your arsenal, especially for those hot summer days, I highly recommend the Zoom Mag II worm. It certainly saved my fishing day on that scorching July afternoon!
