Taking a shot in the dark here, but I'm thinking that the bottom of those lakes are probably littered with tons of plastics that were discarded by throwing them into the lake. I'm thinking hatchery trout, being fed by pellet, get conditioned to eat random stuff that they consider might be food. I could see pieces of colorful soft plastic getting picked up off the bottom and being consumed.

If anyone is interested, google earth has updated all the satellite images along pch showing all the devastation from the fire. It's horrible seeing the swaths of burned houses along many beaches I have personally fished. My heart goes out to everyone affected.

I actually think you should do 2 land-based and boat. Certain species that can be caught either way, land-based anglers would be severely limited. The 2 biggest I've posted were my 35.5" halibut from the beach and a 23" calico from the beach.

I feel you Tom, I had a herniated disk in my lower back about 10-12 years back. Opted for 6 months of physical therapy over surgery. Luckily I was able to alleviate 95% of the pain. Still get some pain sleeping, but changing positions resolves that. About 20 years ago I had an mri when I had some back pain that showed a bulge in my lower back and neck.

Verne's Obituary and Memorial information.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/verne-disney-iii-obituary?id=56519938

RIP My dear friend Verne.
You were a great friend and fishing companion. You will be sorely missed by all that knew you. 

I was going to make an official post, since Verne's wife Theresa txted me just a little while ago. Verne passed peacefully at 5:30pm today. He suffered lung failure then heart failure. Theresa said he ended up oxygen deprived for over 20 minutes and he had been in the hospital on life support since Wednesday before finally passing this evening.

Congratz Tom. Way cool read.

Makes me want to create a new account just to see the question. Lol

No, the company isn't going anywhere, they have business units across the US, they just transitioned pretty much all the remaining IT positions to an outside company last year. Honestly, I believe it was in preparation to more downsizing that is coming. One of the perks of outsourcing and transitioning employees to an outside tech company is saving on severance for every employee they might eventually lay off. So far at least I'm still working, the commute just leaves a lot to be desired now. Will hang out at this new position for awhile to pad my resume with different IT exp while I monitor the job markets.

Oomph. I've been dealing with a similar story over here as well Tom, so I feel ya.

Last June, my company of 18 years decided to outsource 330 IT positions. I found out about a month ago, that my position was going to downsized. I only found out early because my new outsource company had a IT position that needed filled for a different project. So Luckily, I was able to switch to this new project. Downside is now I have a 55 mile commute to/from work instead of a 2 mile one. It's taking some getting used to an extra 2.5 hours of commuting everyday, but at least I'm still getting paid and have my benefits and some time to continue looking for a closer job. I'm also considering trying to move out of this "sh!t show" state and move closer to my family in PA.

Been a rough month or so with horrible anxiety attacks about being unemployed. 

Had the opportunity to hit the midday low tide for a reef walk on Saturday for a couple hours. Water was still pretty dingy. Not much going on, but did see a 10+ pod of dolphins cavorting near me for about 10 mins. They came in almost within casting distance. I only got one bump, but it ended up being the right kind and my first legal Hali of the year.

Lol Pics or it didn't happen.

Just kidding, Don't really wanna see Toms hairy budda belly

Surprised you didn't get a bunch of bananas. 

I too love the red label for surf fishing and wish they made 25lb or 30lb in the filler spools. I use Seaguar STS flouro for 25 or 30 when I want something a bit heavier than the 20lb red label.

I need to start hitting the gym myself. I've lost a little over 40lbs since my heart attack but have hit a plateau. I'd like to lose more but think I need to increase some muscle mass in order to keep progressing.