Monday 10-1-18 Lake Monroe
I woke up earlier than normal this morning so I got to get to the lake a little bit earlier than I normally do. I was on the water before first light. But the forecast was for rain so I didn't venture too far out.
I got about half way to where I wanted to be when I decided to put the rods out any ways. I gad 5 out of 6 set when the first rod of the day bent. Fish on , skunk off, an 11" goes into the box. It wasn't that long when a 10"er comes on board and goes back to be caught again. This early morning thing might be OK. I make it out to my trolling line and start my pattern. I bend the rods a few more times but the all go back. ( dang this slot thing can be hard ).
The wind picks up and it starts to get dark. I look at the sky and wonder . I point the boat towards the ramp thinking that a short run is better than a long run if thing start to get worse. I pass back over the spot that I start at and sure enough, a rod bends. I throw the boat into a circle pattern and work the area. The rods bed a few more times. One rod takes a deep bend and the tip dives into the water. I lift up on it but there is no fight, just a heavy pull. I start think that I hooked a log or something than it starts to give a few pumps on the line. I having a hard time getting the line in. It comes to the surface and it is a fish and a good size one at that. I grab the net and bring on board a large ( about 14 " ) american shad. I had snagged it in the back. ( that was a first for me)
I look at my counter and I have 5 keepers in the box. One more will round out a second meal for me. One more pass to see if I can get number 6 in the box. It happened on the second rod bend. That's good for today. I pull the rods and head home.
See ya all on the water next time.
Jim
