Good post. Always did and always will. Figure this site is here to help us all enjoy fishing and boating more.

And I don't care if people sometimes call me a liar:
a. Been married 30 years and have been called worse.
b. Realize what worked for me on Monday at 7 am, might not work for a different person Tuesday, at the same time, the same spot, with the same techniques. It's the nature of the beast.

The biggest benefit I get asking about conditions and the bite before I go is:
a. Decide if I want to go.
b. Figure out a game plan so I know what I want to do when I get there.
c. Based on the game plan I set, figure out how to rig the boat, when to get there, where to go, how to set up rods, and what bait/baits to have available.
d. Start my trip feeling a bit more confident because I have a plan, know I'm set up to do it, and know I'm not going to waste a lot of time trying to figure stuff out. Sometimes just being confident means you try a little harder, are a little more persistent, and so, just get better results. If nothing else, and I zero for the day, it makes it easier to figure out what caused it so I'm in better shape to try it again next time.

Now, let me share with you what the best bait and rig is for catching squirrels this time of year. I bottom fish for them, and use acorns on a bait catser with 30 pound test. Tie the acorn to the line, and below it, attach a 8 x 8 inch of velcro. Cast into the back yard. When the squirrel gos for the nut and tries to get it off the line, his belly hairs get stuck on the velcro pad. Reel him in slow, but becareful when you land him, cause he will be angry and they do bite.