If you ever think it is too hot to dress heavily under your waders, do not make the mistake of wearing no-see-um socks. They don't hurt when you're walking around out of water, so they will fool you. Once you get in the water and the pressure starts building, them little sissy socks offer nothing in the way of protection against blisters. My ankles are wore to the bone. I'd have blisters if there was any skin there to blister. Just don't do it.

I hooked my several fish today, and I lost every one of them. Two were crappie for sure because I laid my eyes on them. The rest came off under the water so I don't know what they were. My problem is this: I have a 12 jig pole and it is a little more than inconvenient to carry my ego net out there. I usually keep my little dipnet hooked on one of my wader's o-rings, but I didn't have it with me at the time because I have not been needing it! Today I needed it. I tried every stinking thing I could think of to get them fish to me. I tried bringing them out of the water while pushing my pole behind me. I tried leaving them under the water as I pushed the pole behind me. Nothing was working. They were coming off a lot easier than they were going on. I was setting the hook good. Maybe too good? I don't know.

How do y'all manage this? I'll appreciate any tips, ideas, or suggestions.