The smiles.

The title will be explained as I go. After reading Jeepjocks post about Harney, I got to thinking about how long it had been since I was there. Had to be a couple of years. That was enough of a nudge for me to revisit one of the lakes that’s semi local for me. After prep and coffee and a couple of stops along the way, I put in about 8 and the wind drove me off the lake about 11:30. I hadn’t gotten all the rods out, and I run 8, I had a rod go down with a short that thought he was big. And so it had begun. This picture was taken at 9:15 and I just didn’t take any others. The wind was very low early on and I was just enjoying the near 70* temps and flat water that gave up an occasional fish.
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Everyone I spoke with was also in good spirits. Hollering from boat to boat with folks I didn’t know was very friendly, enjoyable. But as I said, the wind built and an occasional shower brought a bit of stiff wind with it that made boat control tough. Along the way I got a few better fish, 2 or 3 were better than 13”. I finished the day with ten solid keepers after boating around 25 and I could’ve kept more but I didn’t keep and borderline or just little looking fish. I boated the rods and with another shower looming close by, I’d had enough. I fired up and had to run into the wind doing like 6mph until I got to the upwind side of the lake with less chop before getting up on plane and getting to the ramp. Now what to do with all these fish. I only give fish to a few people and I started making calls. Chucker hasn’t been fishing for a couple of years and his last trip was with me, I think. He agreed to meet me along the way home. My friend Benny that I recently introduced you to is another friend that asks for nothing, just an all around great guy without a boat but with a hearty appetite. These are pictures from the past trips with them.

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And now the man that needs no introduction, Chucker himself.

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Both of these guys are always welcome in my boat, and so is Slab and a few others. Schedules are the big obstacle and me still working doesn’t help either. So I kept a couple for my Queen and I, and Chuck and Benny both took home four fish for their dinners. I got to visit with Chuck some while we waited for Benny to come across town. It’s always good to catch up on things. After we all three visited for a few minutes I had to go take Joni to lunch, it was almost one o’clock. It was a pleasant finish to a good day. It could be a late Christmas present for the three of us. I hope to get out again soon and if I listen real close I can hear Mosquito Lagoon calling my name. I may have to answer. I leave you with a wish that you visit with an old friend that makes you smile as I did today. Come tell us about it when you’re all done and sitting back. Til then…..Skeet.

Someone please straighten out my pics, thank you.

Good story and post. Sounds enjoyable and very memorable. Thanks for sharing

So happy you got out and caught dinner. Great pics. 2025 is going to be a great year. They are catching some monster slabs in the Saint Johns River. I can't wait to try and land a wall hanger.

Tight Lines.
JJ