Asked a couple of guys that had spoken interest but all had other things going on so off I went. When I dropped in it was almost full light and the Bass guys were making their way out to the river. Perfect timing. All set and dropped in pretty quick for being solo I made my way to the grounds. Very low traffic and almost no wind had me bouncing with anticipation. No one showed up to visit either so I got to concentrate on the task at hand.
A new rod came yesterday, and with it a little disappointment too. I had looked at one in the store and it was truly a light action and what I got delivered was closer to a medium. Still had a little tip so I gave it a try, but knew right away it wasn't what I wanted for 4lb or less. I broke my own rule by letting them ship one to me that I hadn't handled. Going to try and return it. But even if they don't, it's a good rod. Very comfortable and sensitive and the balance is good too. So it was in my hand first thing, and it didn't disappoint.
First drop had a fish take it and that nine inch fish hit like a giant. And so it began and slow rolled thru the day. About 0800 the bite almost stopped completely, so into the bag of tricks and out came the little's. But even they were largely ignored for close to two hours, with only 2 fish in that time. One of those cleared a pound and went in the box, but mostly it gave me hope that I wasn't done yet. The clicker moved on and the beads on my counter for the box slowly added one now and then. Back and forth, revisiting sweet spots I had already gone through, and the sun was slowly driving the fish to cover. Better fish came along and my kicker fish of the day came along on one of the 2lb rods I carry. Almost 14 1/2 on the nose and 1lb13oz, I had to just look at it for a while before sliding it into the box.
I used 5 different rods today, partly because I was too lazy to retie a different jig or another leader. The tiny jigs don't generate a very big thump, so a longer rod makes a difference. The 5'ul was a challenge. I had to pay attention every second. And watch the line. This was a day for light bites and visual takes. I didn't set any records or set the world on fire but once the bite picked back up I was busy enough to stay a little later than usual. I had a request from a friend for a few fish, so I had it in mind to keep 5 good fish for them. Came time to think about the trailer I gave em a call that went unanswered. Left a message and fished a little more, one more went to the box and now it was getting hot and I was hungry. About 30 minutes later I still hadn't heard back from them so after a cameo appearance seen below, they all went back where they came from. Good feeling to slide a 1 3/4+ pound fish back with a thank you. It was 1230 and time for the house.
All totaled I had caught 25 with one catfish and two of what I think were BIG Gar, I never even slowed em down, no control whatsoever til the line parted. Headed for the trailer with clouds beginning to threaten and now no fish to clean, I was very different from when I came this morning. An all around comfortable day with a different rhythm than most recent trips. The sky was clear overnight and the moon was full. If I wasn't as close as I am to the launch, I probably wouldn't have gone. But I'm real glad I did. Below is the pic of the stars of the day, minus a couple that were dropped back right away. The one on top was the biggest and you can see how he dwarfs the others, all of which are over a pound but one. Thanks for taking the time to visit with me today and til next time.....Skeet.
