Saturday-Burnt Mills-56 crappie.

With the unexpected loss of my wife Christmas Day and still living in a state of misery I figured I could cry on the lake just as well as I can cry at home so I headed out to Suffolk. It was 36 degrees when I got there and only warmed up to 39 with west winds howling and gusting up to 26mph. I fished the west side of the main lake to minimize the winds effect and had good luck doing so. Of the 56 crappie the vast majority were around 10" but I was surprised to catch one at 1lb even and another at 1lb 1oz. (both close to 13")

http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps6d60d155.gif

http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/q...pse02cdcc3.gif

Almost all the crappie were caught 25' deep with a few 22' deep. I only threw Kalin's Money jig and had two poles with chartreuse/pearl wasshoppah's hanging over the side tipped with chartreuse crappie nibbles.

The only real break I had from my misery was when I was mad and yelling at the wind. I wish I could say that fishing was good therapy for me but I cannot. I used to hate leaving the lake and dreaded sunset but today I kept looking at the time and wishing that it would pass by faster. I had planned to fish until 4:00 but quit around 2:30.

My friend at work did not believe me but I always texted my wife when I was on my way home from fishing and if I was bringing any home, how many. When I walked into my kitchen she always had the cutting board set up on top of old newspaper, my electric and regular fillet knife sitting next to the board, and a bowl with water in it ready for the fillets. On cold days she always had something hot for me to eat. I was spoiled beyond belief.

This picture is from this past Oct. 5th at Buggs which was the last time I ever fished with my bride. (91 degrees and blue skies) She was such a sport as the picture shows. (this was the first crappie we caught that day) She always said that fishing was my thing but would go with me every once in a while. I really don't think that fishing will every be the same for me again.

http://i445.photobucket.com/albums/q...pse40731b5.gif

Glad to see you out on the water Tap. I know a lot about what your going through because I lost a son and every time I would even think about hunting I would think about him and break down. I gave up hunting and my hunting business because I couldn't cope with all the thoughts of going hunting with him. Hang in there, it will never go away but it will in time get a little better. Will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Sorry about your loss, Tap.
Glad you had good luck on the lake.
Funny, that down here in Ms, it's too cold to get on the lake.

I too am glad you got out and tried it Tap. Those are some nice fish. It's a shame that it wasn't any fun. I don't think it has anything to do with fishing. I would guess most everything is gonna stink for some time. Even hitting the lottery wouldn't be worth the trouble. Just keep going through the motions of life and see where things take you. Time. Nobody knows how much. We are proud of you and still praying.

Dayton

Once again I would it would be nice to know where the large Speks that a long time ago inhabitted B/M are now hiding.

George, thanks to you we sold a lot of "money colors today". Wishing you the best possible.

Monk and Mrs. Monk

Looks like you found some nice ones deep... Only crappie? I mean did you happen to snag any inferior species?

will keep you in our prayers

The next time you go fishing, stay till sunset. Look at the colors in the sky, and remember that GOD loves you. Prayers are still being made for you and your family.

I'm glad you got out George!!!!! Sounds like the crappie are growing back up to eater size again. Hey George did you catch them more on casting??