Just a day late

[skeetbum]

As I said yesterday, the Boss put the squash on me joining in on the fun chasing whisker trout. I had looked forward to that for a while but it is what it is. I did finish early enough to get a few things done and prep the rods and get ready for a date with the other woman this morning early. The pleasure traffic on the river is enough for me to stay home sometimes so I thought of where to go with some deeper water where I could pull some cranks like I did in TN in years past this time of year. Mr Greenjeans and his friends are checking everyone and their brother at the river and I didn't want to play that game either. So I went north. I knew from our past get together at Crescent that there was water over 10 feet and I headed out early. After a short stop at Hardee's for one of their stellar breakfast platters topped off with a biscuit and gravy, that in itself was worth getting out of bed for, I headed out of town just before 6. No traffic, straight shot up 17, my mood was improving as the miles fell behind. I got to Crescent City and found the ramp we had used before with out any trouble and found 2 other trailers in the ramp and a glassy sunrise to greet me. Prepped and dropped the boat in and tried yet again to put the fender liners on that didn't get done last time. Murphy got the memo and I only got one screw in to finish the one started last time out before BOTH batteries said tough *&#@!! I'll get em done. One day. So off I went, with high expectations, to search for water deep enough to ply my trade. Rod holders up, one by one I got the rods rigged and the speed set and got comfy waiting for the first fish to bend a rod. An hour and a half and a few crank changes later, I was still waiting. I would be lying if I said the thought of a nap didn't go through my mind. The clouds kept me under just enough cover to keep the intensity of the heat from building and a light breeze made for a comfortable time. Finally a rod doubled over. literally, and I knew right away that it was no Crappie. Thrashing back and forth I knew this fish had whiskers. About the same size as the one Flycaster had in the Mud Marlin post, this one put up a respectable fight. A little surgical expertise removing the treble and off he went in search of something else for breakfast. I spotted 3 boats around the North east corner of the island and headed that way to find out what was up. Keep in mind that at no time were any boats running here and there and the most activity was a seaplane practicing his touch and go landings. These boats were in about 3 FOW and catching Bluegill and not setting the world on fire any more than I was. After exchanging a little howdy and good luck I made a loop and headed back for deeper water. Along this diversion a couple of smaller, eating size cats also came to visit and got to go compare notes with the one I released earlier. Long about this time a heard a low rumble that you wouldn't hear if you didn't pay attention. Back to the east a cloud bank had built and I was undecided weather or not it would be a problem, but all it did was add a few MPH to the breeze and drop the temps about 10* and suck all the humidity with it. They passed and the humidity came back with the sun. But the one to the north was no longer a low rumble and if you watched for a little bit, you could see a flash now and then. OK, point toward the ramp and make the best of it. No other fish came to the boat, though I did see a gar that was as big around as my knee. I prayed he didn't have an appetite for a fancy looking crankbait. Back at the ramp I met another Gent and his wife pulling out and he had about 8 long rods and Crappiemasters stickers on his boat. He was having outboard trouble so he told me to pull first. Before we parted he told me how he had gotten the 10 he and the wife had culled out of the smaller ones. Crappie guys are the best. All loaded and ready to travel I headed back south. I didn't catch any crappie but got the line stretched and enjoyed a pleasant morning and didn't feel like a baked potato. Only drank one bottle of water during the trip, but did stop to get a big ol drink for the ride home. The guys catching bluegill told me of an area that was giving up a few good crappie lately, and the gent at the ramp gave a show and tell of his favorites so I will be better prepared when I return. So I did get to catch some Catfish, just a day late. Below are a few pics of what I saw as the day went on, and as always, thanks for visiting with me today.......Skeet.

[crp4570]

Enjoyed the report. I find whiskers regular also.

[pescador]

Always enjoy your post Skeet, feels like I'm right there fishing with ya! Tried some small Rapala"s a couple times, don't think my trolling motor will go fast enough for cranks. About 2.1 mph is the best, and that's without any wind at all, never had any luck though.

Thanks again for sharing.

[skeetbum]

Thanks Marv.
I try to move between .9 and 1.5, but speed didn't matter yesterday. I was fishing where the crappie weren't.