On the day just passed. First let me say that I didn't take near enough pics while on the water. In fact Zero. Maybe less. But I'll tell how it went for me.
Pitch dark when I got to the ramp. Usually that means I have to wait for the gate to be unlocked but not today. Seems there was a Bass tourney at the ramp and most every parking spot in the place was already full. Big difference. Dropping in without issue, and a little creative parking and I'm good to go. Still too dark for me to head out, several of us just float around and catch up on the everyday while floating around the dock. This alone is way out of the ordinary for me. Nothing but work for a couple of months has had my stress level kinda high, and things like this make it fall away at a rapid pace. Finally the sun has greeted us enough to get a move on so away we go. The only issue with that was that the Bass guys had the same idea. My good fortune was that I was near the front of the pack. Some feller in the front cleared the slow zone and stood on it in typical green fish style, and I couldn't resist the urge to chase him down. His extra 100hp made it a non contest but it was fun for a minute. Hollered at Flycaster as I went by, he was already fishing. Shut down by the tripod and waited for the crowd to go by before I even tried to move around the boat. Some of them guys were really covering ground, I need a bigger boat!LOL
.All settled down and I set up and began my day. Started a little slow and got all 12 rods out before a rod went down. 6 fish went in the box before a release. The day went along on mostly smooth water, the wind just enough notice.....but this would change. It's been a long time since I had to use a net as much as I did today, The fish were officially cooperating. Rods started going down, then another, sometimes a couple st a time. Clicking fish and moving beads on the fish counters was keeping me busy. It's great when a rod goes down and you reach for the rod, lift it, and the fish doesn't move. OOOOHH YEAH!! That always generates a big smile for me. By 9:15 I was culling out small fish, also a big smile. Fish after fish went into the live well and I began to notice the wind had started to make itself known. Lines blew off center and boat control was demanding a bit more attention, but the fish didn't seem to mind. One after another the upgrades kept taking the rods down. Some shorts were now mixed in but there were still big fish hitting my jigs. Jeff was on his way by, now after 11 o'clock, and stopped to say hey. I noticed the time, and after talking with him decided to call it a day. After boating 3 fish while talking with Jeff I rolled up and stowed everything I could and headed in. Always good to head for the house and leaving them still biting. 43 on the clicker and 16 in the box. Seems one snuck in while I was landing fish and untangling rods. I have to do better with that.
Everything tied down it was time to go, and go I did. A lot of the time the smoothest way to ride on rough water is to get on top and go, usually the faster, the better. That worked for a bit, but then I noticed the front end feeling light and three light bumps as I came down the lee side of the swell. Nothing good to come of that, I pulled back and trimmed down, then some more. then more yet. I knew folks in the lighter boats were getting beat up if they were still out. Finally past the worst of it, the bridge in sight, and sliding underneath it. Put things away, the other woman on her bunk, and off to shake hands and eat. Good food brought by all, too many deserts that I couldn't resist, and a great time meeting many new faces that I've never had the pleasure to meet. Weigh in done, and clean up complete , it's time to go....Lots to fish to clean.
I have to thank everyone for one of the best days that I have had for quite some time. Many memories for days to come. I can't thank Speckanator enough for all the effort he put forth to see that this gathering of friends went off without a hitch, and it did. He really knows how to burn a hot dog just right. Looking forward to the next time I can put the time together and see everyone again. Hoping everyone is safe when they do go, and pay attention to the wind. This lake can have a nasty attitude when it so chooses. Below are a few pics of today's catch, a few are genuine toads, one over 15 and a couple over 14. All kept to restock the frozer which has no fish in it I'll have a few good dinners before it needs refilled. Neighbor across the street had a good dinner tonight with a few of them also. Seems he loves to fish but health issues keep him from it. Didn't know that before I offered. Once again, everything for a reason. Thanks for visiting with me and taking the time to read my ramblings.........Skeet
