Brain surgery on St. Paddy's Day is

quite a title to explain/qualify, but here goes...Last week, I surprisingly crossed paths(after 10 years!) with an old friend/acquaintance from my pre-retirement career-commitment days. Truly is, no doubt in my mind, the Divine inevitabilities that seemingly occur quite frequently in my "good life" days. Meeting at neighboring gas pumps(40 mins. from my home!)...now, I'll explain WHY! I recognize AJ as he walks towards his vehicle that coincidentally(? = NOT) is parked on the other side of my pump(15 other pumps!):yikes After some Q & A yielding to the "Are you still fishing any"?:Rofl:Rofl Proper response conveyed yielded his inquiry of a fishing invitation "coupon"(figuratively) he would like to redeem.:biggrin I easily replied-Salt or Fresh, what does your availability look like?:juggle His instant reply "Only Tuesdays" and freshwater Specks became the target. SO, this Tuesday, after a non-qualified source(complete stranger) informed me of Lochloosa current hot bite his friend was experiencing(w/no details). That's fine, I enjoy an adventurous recon all the time(been about 8 years ago last time there). Game plan = leisurely start(8 rigs parked @845) L/l'g 10 rods w/building S10-15's yielded only 6 dinks after one hour, so I head to( ref. post title)...you don't NEED to be a Brain Surgeon to realize that on St. Paddy's Day you fish the PADS!:highfive Problem is Lochloosa has Padapaloosa!:Rofl I pick a stretch (200 yards from shore) and I see a tiny chartreuse stick-bobber lodged in pads 10 yards from me(there goes that divine guidance). I drop my 11' ACC single 1/16 oz. monkey milk 2' tube(other good colors were pink head w/black/chartreuse tube, purple head w/bubble gum/chartreuse 2' twister) and instantly answered the thump to hoist a fat, healthy 11" sandwich ingredient(Mr. Speck):cheers2 He was the 1st ice- bath assignee, but more dipping enthusiasts were to be revealed. Now, these fish weren't wall hangers but they were fun, somewhat tight-lipped, but importantly recon intel. While fan-dipping(methodically 4-5 seconds) here then nearby spot there, the white caps disappeared into windless sun-swelter. :banghead Lasted until 3 ish with 8 fish a-chillin'Attachment 396636and a goodly amount of tb's.:biggrin Caught a glance/photo of a few sun-bathing stalkers(long-nose Gar)Attachment 396634, trolling motor shaft full of blind mosquitoes(non-biting although swarm bothersome)Attachment 396635. Game plan(even with 2day's recon) tbd as relayed to AJ & new bride for next week's barrel-o-fun. Met AJ on way back to help generate long-awaited taste bud satisfaction by easily yielding the lively 8 pack!:ThumbsUp Oh, by the way, he unexpectedly but appreciably, reciprocated by handing me a container of fresh-smoked pork butt w/custom sauces.:highfive He just opened( 1 year ago) a new Ocala eateryAttachment 396637...thanks for enduring the post, hope you feel my excitement- Stay tuned, hope you enjoy the pics-

u2s

Looks like a good mix of males & females Doug, seams most lakes find the spawn @ it's height right now.....

Sent from my moto e5 go using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Looks like a fun trip. Pounding pads is always fun. I’ll have to give em a shot this weekend.

Cool report, and story. Thanks for sharing.

good day of catching. some nice looking fish that you got. enjoyed the tail.

I recently bought an 8’ ACC, my first one of those. For the way i fish the 8’ rods are easier for getting them into the boat.
The longer they dangle on the rod the more apt they are to shake loose imop.
The guy at the Fast Break tackle shop told me i would lose less fish with the ACC, and in fact i have.
I really believe the ACC is even more sensitive than my Sam Heaton.

Well built, nicely balanced, sturdy and lightweight. Mine is the rear reel seat.:ThumbsUp
u2s