Crappie.com - Brain surgery on St. Paddy's Day is

quite a title to explain/qualify, but here goes...Last week, I surprisingly crossed paths(after 10 years!) with an old friend/acquaintance from my pre-retirement career-commitment days. Truly is, no doubt in my mind, the Divine inevitabilities that seemingly occur quite frequently in my "good life" days. Meeting at neighboring gas pumps(40 mins. from my home!)...now, I'll explain WHY! I recognize AJ as he walks towards his vehicle that coincidentally(? = NOT) is parked on the other side of my pump(15 other pumps!)

After some Q & A yielding to the "Are you still fishing any"?

Proper response conveyed yielded his inquiry of a fishing invitation "coupon"(figuratively) he would like to redeem.

I easily replied-Salt or Fresh, what does your availability look like?

His instant reply "Only Tuesdays" and freshwater Specks became the target. SO, this Tuesday, after a non-qualified source(complete stranger) informed me of Lochloosa current hot bite his friend was experiencing(w/no details). That's fine, I enjoy an adventurous recon all the time(been about 8 years ago last time there). Game plan = leisurely start(8 rigs parked @845) L/l'g 10 rods w/building S10-15's yielded only 6 dinks after one hour, so I head to( ref. post title)...you don't NEED to be a Brain Surgeon to realize that on St. Paddy's Day you fish the PADS!

Problem is Lochloosa has Padapaloosa!

I pick a stretch (200 yards from shore) and I see a tiny chartreuse stick-bobber lodged in pads 10 yards from me(there goes that divine guidance). I drop my 11' ACC single 1/16 oz. monkey milk 2' tube(other good colors were pink head w/black/chartreuse tube, purple head w/bubble gum/chartreuse 2' twister) and instantly answered the thump to hoist a fat, healthy 11" sandwich ingredient(Mr. Speck)

He was the 1st ice- bath assignee, but more dipping enthusiasts were to be revealed. Now, these fish weren't wall hangers but they were fun, somewhat tight-lipped, but importantly recon intel. While fan-dipping(methodically 4-5 seconds) here then nearby spot there, the white caps disappeared into windless sun-swelter.

Lasted until 3 ish with 8 fish a-chillin'

and a goodly amount of tb's.

Caught a glance/photo of a few sun-bathing stalkers(long-nose Gar)

, trolling motor shaft full of blind mosquitoes(non-biting although swarm bothersome)

.

Game plan(even with 2day's recon) tbd as relayed to AJ & new bride for next week's barrel-o-fun. Met AJ on way back to help generate long-awaited taste bud satisfaction by easily yielding the lively 8 pack!