On vacation, appreciative of the grind

 

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!

Beating the Heat and Finding Bass: A New Lake Adventure

 

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!

Ready to stock up on your own? You can find the Zoom Mag II worm at most tackle shops or online. Click here to purchase your Zoom Mag II worms and be ready for your next fishing adventure! (Note: This is an example link and may not lead to the exact product or best price. Please search for "Zoom Mag II worm" on your preferred fishing tackle retailer.)

Tight lines to you!

The Grill's Calling: My Go-To Flattop Seafood Boil for Summer Nights

There's something about summer that just screams for good food, good company, and outdoor cooking. And while I love a classic backyard BBQ, sometimes you just want to shake things up and create a truly memorable meal. Lately, my flattop grill has become my absolute favorite way to make that happen.

I've been experimenting with a recipe that takes all the amazing flavors of a traditional seafood boil and brings them right to the griddle. The result? A Flattop Seafood Boil with Creole Butter Sauce that's been a massive hit with everyone I've shared it with. It's less messy than a big pot boil, and that flattop char adds a whole new dimension of deliciousness. Trust me, the aroma alone will have everyone gathered around before you even call them for dinner!

This isn't just a recipe; it's an experience. We're talking tender crab legs, perfectly cooked shrimp, smoky Andouille sausage, sweet corn, and those adorable little potatoes, all swimming in a rich, spicy Creole butter. It's the kind of meal that encourages digging in with your hands, laughing, and making memories.

Here’s how I put it all together:

My Favorite Flattop Seafood Boil with Creole Butter Sauce

This recipe is all about maximizing flavor and making the cooking process as fun as the eating!

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30-40 minutes

What You'll Need:

• For the Pre-Cook (Boil or Steam):
  • 1.5 lbs small potatoes (red or Yukon gold work perfectly, aim for about 1-1.5 inches in diameter)
  • 4 ears of corn on the cob, halved
  • 1.5 lbs pre-cooked Andouille sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • 2 lbs crab legs (snow crab or Dungeness are great choices, thawed if frozen)
• For the Flattop & Finishing Touches:
  • 1.5 lbs large shrimp, in the shell (the bigger, the better for grilling!)
  • 1 cup (that’s 2 sticks!) unsalted butter
  • 4-6 tablespoons Creole seasoning (use your favorite brand, and don't be afraid to adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving (optional, but highly recommended for a bright finish)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional, but makes it look extra special!)

Your Tools:

• A large pot for boiling
• A colander for draining
• Your trusty large flattop grill or griddle

Let's Get Cooking!

1. The Prep Work (Getting Things Tender):

   • Potatoes First: Get a large pot of generously salted water boiling. Toss in your small potatoes and let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Drain them well.
   • Corn on the Cob: You can use the same pot of boiling water! Add your halved corn cobs and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender. Drain thoroughly.
   • Crab Legs: If your crab legs are frozen, a quick 3-5 minute dip in the boiling water will heat them through. If they're already thawed and cooked, you can simply warm them on the flattop later. Drain completely.

2. The Flavor Bomb (Butter Sauce & Sausage):

   • While your veggies are doing their thing, slice up your Andouille sausage if it's not already.
   • Now, for the absolute star of the show: the butter sauce! In a small saucepan, melt your butter over low heat. Once it’s liquid, stir in all that wonderful Creole seasoning. Give it a taste and adjust – want more kick? Add more! Keep this warm; it's going to tie everything together.

3. Flattop Time! (This is where the magic happens):

   • Heat up your flattop grill to a medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot!
   • Sausage First: Lay your pre-cooked Andouille sausage rounds directly on the flattop. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're beautifully browned and slightly crispy. Once done, push them to a cooler part of the griddle to keep warm.
   • Shrimp next: Arrange your shrimp in a single layer on the hot flattop. Cook for just 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcrowd the flattop; cook in batches if you need to. Overcooked shrimp are a no-go!
   • Bringing it All Together: Once the shrimp are cooked, add your pre-cooked potatoes, corn, and those gorgeous crab legs to the flattop with the sausage and shrimp. Gently toss everything together, letting all the ingredients warm through and start to meld their flavors for about 2-3 minutes.

4. The Grand Finale (Creole Butter Drench!):

   • This is the best part! Generously pour your warm Creole butter sauce all over everything on the flattop. Grab your tongs or two spatulas and gently toss and coat every single piece. Make sure everything is shimmering with that amazing flavor.

5. Serve it Up!

   • Transfer your incredible seafood boil from the flattop to a large serving platter or directly onto individual plates.
   • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like, and always serve with lemon wedges on the side for that extra burst of freshness.

There you have it! This Flattop Seafood Boil is truly a game-changer for summer entertaining. It’s vibrant, full of flavor, and creates such a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out for you! I'd love to hear about your flattop adventures in the comments below.

Happy Grilling!

My Take on Belt Squats: Everybody Should Do Them

 

As a bodybuilder and athlete pushing almost half a century on this earth, I've learned a thing or two about longevity in this game. Building a powerful physique is the goal, but doing it sustainably, without constantly battling nagging injuries, becomes increasingly crucial. That's why I wanted to share my thoughts on an exercise that's become a real staple in my leg days: the belt squat.

For those unfamiliar, the belt squat, typically done on a specialized machine, involves loading the weight around your hips rather than across your upper back. Now, at 48, my lower back has seen its share of heavy lifting, and while I still love my barbell squats, the belt squat has become a fantastic tool for continuing to build serious quad and glute development without the same axial spinal load. Trust me, that difference is noticeable.

The setup is straightforward. You step onto the platform, get that belt snug around your hips – right below those hip bones – and you're essentially ready to go. The movement itself feels surprisingly natural. I focus on pushing my hips back and down, keeping my chest proud and my spine locked in neutral. I aim for a good, deep squat, really feeling the stretch in my quads and glutes. The beauty of it is, because the weight isn't compressing my spine, I can often push a little harder and really focus on those target muscles. The controlled descent and powerful drive back up, squeezing those glutes at the top – it just feels good. And let's not forget the breathing: deep breath in on the way down, strong exhale on the way up. It's fundamental.

What I've found particularly beneficial as I've gotten older is the reduced strain on my lower back. It allows me to train my legs intensely, which is essential for maintaining that balanced physique we bodybuilders strive for, without constantly worrying about aggravating my lumbar region. Plus, I've noticed a real emphasis on my quads and glutes with this movement. Because I can often maintain a more upright posture, I can really isolate those muscles in a way that sometimes feels different from a traditional back squat. It’s like hitting the same muscle groups from a slightly different angle, which, as any seasoned bodybuilder knows, is key for complete development.

Honestly, I think the belt squat is a winner for a lot of us, no matter where you are in your fitness journey. Younger guys looking to build a solid foundation? It’s a great way to learn the squat pattern without the added complexity of managing a barbell on your back. Lifters with some mileage on their bodies, like myself? It’s a fantastic way to keep those leg gains coming while being a bit kinder to the spine. Even if you’re just starting out, the stability of the machine can make learning the squat movement feel a bit more secure.

The core difference, and it’s a significant one, boils down to where the weight is. That barbell on your back compresses everything downwards. The belt squat? It’s a direct pull from the hips. This changes the whole dynamic. While barbell squats are still a king exercise for overall strength and hitting that posterior chain hard, the belt squat offers a unique advantage in terms of spinal decompression and targeted quad and glute work. For me, incorporating both into my routine has been a game-changer for continued growth and, perhaps more importantly at this stage, for staying in the game long-term. It's about smart training, listening to your body, and finding those tools that allow you to keep pushing your limits, intelligently.

Now, if you're intrigued by the belt squat and looking to incorporate it into your own training, you might be wondering about equipment. While a dedicated belt squat machine is ideal, there are also belt attachments that can be used with a power rack or even loaded independently. For those interested in exploring belt squat belts, I've found a few resources that might be helpful. 

Spud Inc. offers a robust-looking belt designed specifically for belt squats, which you can check out here: https://www.spud-inc-straps.com/collections/belts Another reputable option can be found at Bells of Steel: https://bellsofsteel.us/products/belt-squat-belt?_pos=1&_psq=belt+squa&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Additionally, for a visual demonstration of various belt squat setups and techniques, this YouTube link provides some useful insights: https://youtu.be/iHDWaCo7jfU Exploring these resources can help you determine the best way to integrate this valuable exercise into your own home or gym setup.

May Magic: Unlocking Heartland Bass with the Floating Worm

 

ShakaOG here in the heartland of the USA...as May rolls along and the spawn bite is on, the waters get warmer many anglers turn to more aggressive presentations. I've found significant success this May by utilizing the nuanced approach of fishing a floating worm. This technique, focusing on a slow, deliberate presentation just beneath the surface, has been incredibly effective at enticing strikes from quality bass in our local lakes and ponds.

My preferred choice for this subtle subsurface action is the renowned Zoom Trick Worm. This slender, straight-tailed worm possesses a unique buoyancy and action in the water that bass find irresistible. Unlike lures designed to churn the surface, the floating worm suspends enticingly in the water column, often just a few inches down, mimicking a dying or injured baitfish fluttering gently. This less aggressive presentation can be particularly effective when fish are pressured or the water is calm.

Color selection plays a vital role in maximizing the effectiveness of the Trick Worm. This May, I've had success with several key colors depending on water clarity and light penetration. In clearer water with sunny skies, Watermelon Red Flake has been a consistent producer, the subtle red flecks providing a touch of realism. On overcast days or in slightly stained water, Bubblegum and Pink offer increased visibility, allowing the bass to track the bait more easily. For a more natural profile in clearer conditions, Green Pumpkin and June Bug remain reliable choices, blending seamlessly with the underwater environment. Experimentation is key to dialing in what the fish prefer on any given day.

An often underestimated piece of terminal tackle when fishing a floating worm is a swivel. The inherent twisting motion of the worm as it's worked through the water can quickly lead to significant line twist. Incorporating a quality barrel swivel, placed approximately a foot above your hook, is crucial for preventing frustrating line management issues and ensuring smooth casts and retrieves. This simple addition will significantly improve your fishing experience with this technique.

The benefits of using a floating worm are numerous, contributing to its effectiveness as a subsurface presentation. Its subtle and non-threatening action can trigger strikes when more aggressive lures are ignored, especially in heavily fished waters. The enticing flutter and suspension just below the surface present an easy target for cruising bass. Furthermore, the versatility of the floating worm allows it to be fished in various scenarios, from open water to around submerged vegetation and docks.

The key to effectively fishing a floating worm for big strikes lies in a slow and deliberate presentation. Gentle twitches of the rod tip impart subtle action to the worm, causing it to undulate and flutter enticingly. Crucially, pauses are essential. Often, the strike will occur during a pause as the bass moves in to investigate the seemingly vulnerable bait. Maintaining a semi-slack line allows the bass to take the bait without feeling immediate resistance, leading to better hooksets. Pay close attention to any subtle movements or tightening of your line, as these can signal a bite. A patient approach is often rewarded with quality fish.

For invaluable insights and advanced techniques on fishing the floating worm, I highly recommend checking out the wisdom shared by the renowned angler, Randy Blaukat. Randy has extensively discussed the effectiveness of this presentation and offers fantastic tips for success. You can find his insightful content on his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@RandyBlaukatFishing. For a specific video where Randy delves into the intricacies of fishing a floating worm, be sure to watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi446cVF0ys. His expertise is a game-changer for this technique!

Finally, let's delve into the history of the company behind the Trick Worm: Zoom Bait Company. Since its inception in the late 1970s, Zoom has become a dominant force in the soft plastic lure market. Their unwavering commitment to producing high-quality, fish-catching baits in a vast array of colors and styles has earned them a loyal following among anglers. The Trick Worm itself quickly gained popularity due to its unique, subtle action and its effectiveness in various presentations, including the enticing floating technique. Its simple yet incredibly effective design has made it a staple in tackle boxes for decades. To explore the wide selection of Zoom Trick Worms and other Zoom baits, and to find the best places to purchase them, I recommend visiting https://zoombait.com/trick-worm/ Tie on a Trick Worm, embrace the subtle presentation, and get ready for some exciting subsurface action in the heartland!