Black River 12/20

Attachment 182763Attachment 182764Attachment 182765Attachment 182766

I donned the rain gear and was on the water at daylight. I don't know why I do that because they never bite till the sun's up good. Anyway, fished some familiar areas, wanted to try a new spot but water was too low :banghead. Threw back four or five small ones, kept 7 crappie, 2 chain pickerel, and one nice redbreast. Also caught 4 pretty nice bass and one blackfish, which is always a hoot on the long rods. Would not even bump a jig today, so I switched too all minnows (I usually run half and half). It was cold. It was wet. I love fishing so none of that mattered. But really, it was cold. 'Bout to head out again after I post this, batteries are charging now. I have no idea where I'm going today. The truck and the boat both have gas, I've got bait, guess I'll just see when I get on the road. Good luck to everyone else fishing today.
Here's the sizes of the fish I kept.

Crappie:
1 - 13"
3 - 12"
2 - 11"
1 - 10"

Pickerel:
1 - 18"
1 - 19"
And there are plenty tutorials on youtube of how to get the "y" bone out. I learned an easier way last night. The meat is as good if not better than crappie.

Good pictures and good fishing. I've always thrown the pickerel back. Caught one in Harris lake last year. If I ever catch one again, I'll bring it home and learn from the video.

I like pictures!

Here's a link on how to clean a chain pickerel. It's kinda the opposite of how I learned to do it, but I tried it and it works great. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjcelLOjh1E

Here's the other way, that I'm more familiar with. This is a northern pike, but they're anatomically identical as far as bone structure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGJhLfWLRx8

I'm telling you, don't throw these guys back. They are first class table fare. Not oily at all, flaky, perfect for cooking any way.