Hind sight

I would have liked to hit the water Saturday morning but I had an equipment trailer that needed to be rewired. The manufacturor needs a lesson in how to properly waterproof connection leads for electric brakes.

I left the house around 4:30pm and hit a bait shop for some minnows. I had two lakes in mind and decided to chose the one that I have the most early success at. That ended up being a bad choice. It isn't many days (I cannot remember the last time) that I get skunked. Not a bite, not a nibble, not anything. No fish in the canal that I normally hammer the giant gills and crappies. Nothing in any bays, nothing in the stumps, nothing. Notta, no marks on the screen, no fish seen in the water.

I left defeated at 8pm. I layed in bed and wondered "where were all the fish". The water temp was 67.7..... and then it hit me. Water temp is warmer than most lakes because the depth in this lake only maxes out at 7ft. Wait, we had a really cold winter. I heard reports about this lake having huge fish die off a number of years ago (the last cold winter). If I was a betting man, I'm betting this lake had about 36 inches of ice on it this year. That leaves very little water and oxygen for the fish. Hence the reason for no marks on the screen, no fish in the shallows.

Hopefully the fish make a comeback but I doubt it will be any good for the next few years. I fish very few areas where 8 and 9 inch blue gills are the norm. I kept this lake under lock and key for fear of people over fishing it. I guess I don't have to worry about that anymore!

Oh well, Rain this week in the forecast every day, fields are 3/4 done but not planted. I guess I try the next dry day and see what I can find.

My 1st two outings this year were a bust as well...just managed two dink gills. Gonna try again after work later in the week. I'm sure it will be better the next time.

Talked to a local fisheries friend of mine. Outlook doesn't look good for alot of these really small (shallow) lakes. This lake went down once and came back, it will do it again.

the few times ive been out have been fair for walleye, great for crappie, and excellent for perch this past weekend

We haven't been out since we got home from Sardis LK. Seems like every time we start to plan on going? It rains. Taking a long time to get straightened out from being gone all winter.

Don't feel too bad. I lived in Hawaii years ago and got skunked a few times and it never freezes there. haha

Perch? This past weekend? You have my attention Kevin!

hey Rich, im thinking about going back out this weekend

And I'm thinking of going with you!

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Hermin and I had a great day. The weather was great and the fish were cooperating I had a good time today with a fellow member.

Was great seeing you buddy. Was nice to finally have a day where the fish cooperated with both of us!

Them look like some clear water crappie, nice haul

I assume Kevin's trolling motor skills are a little better than your buddies on the river!

Nice mess o fish you two. Good you got that young kid back out on the water Kev.

It was some of the fastest fishing I have ever had the pleasure of taking part in. Once we found them we were really into them for a long time.