Went lookin for a 6pack

And found just that. Some of these are a repeat performance as they were found during BlueGillgirls and Guppy’s recent visit. I went back to the scene of the crime today. Just knowing where they were and the quality of the fish have been on my mind to the point of distraction since that trip weeks back. I made a trip to the coast yesterday that was barely worth mention, no fish to the boat. Didn’t stay long either. When it doesn’t work I put it in gear. Worked around the house the rest of yesterday but never disconnected the boat. I knew I was going somewhere today, just hadn’t quite decided yet. I know where some crappie are, and know where I can dodge traffic, and I know where I’ve had a good day In past trips. Just had to decide. The work week made the choice for me. Slept til 8 which is sleeping waaaaay in when you’re used to getting up at 5 every day. Feeling like a new man, literally, I figured on having some bluegill fillets over yellow rice for dinner, and I headed out. Now we used worms when I went with the girls to guarantee a bite for guppy but it turned out they wouldn’t have been needed.

Pulled up and grabbed the lightning rod with 2lbnanofil and an itty bitty slab slayer. I wAs going to find out if these fish would play. Didn’t take long. First cast the line came tight within seconds and it was on. Tight quarters and a light drag made this quite a tussle. Got him around the weeds and he was headed for an ice bath. The second one was just a touch bigger and also gave a good accounting of himself. The third was of the same class and joined his friends pretty quick. All three had hit the ice within five minutes of the first cast. Now I had caused a bit of a commotion with all of this and things slowed down a bit. I grabbed the box of worms I had bought and grabbed the slip float rod. Pitched it out and to my surprise, it didn’t go down almost instantly. It did , but it took a while. My goal was for 6 and it took about a half an hour or so to put 4 and 5 in the box with a couple of throwbacks along the way. One was a very pretty male red breasted sunfish. While he was close, he got a pass. Very slow after this, I decided to move a little. Pitched the slayer up under some nearby cover and it was on almost instantly. Hard pulling like all the others today I had a hard time getting him to come my way. So I had my six pack and felt blessed for being able to get what I came after. I pressed on and moved to another area close by and first cast was another hard take, but I never slowed this one down. He ran into some branches and my line parted about 15’ from the leader. I saw it laying on the water, Was able to get to it before it disappeared. The fish was gone but I got my leader and jig and was able to be retie for another round. I took this as a message that had been given what I came for and didn't need to be greedy. Pulled up to a nearby dock, hollered if anyone wanted any worms, and a young man headed my way. A thank you was offered and I headed for the trailer. At the ramp was a couple putting in their 21’ center console for the first time. Dad in the boat and Mom in the truck. Doing pretty good but getting out of shape backing in. I offered help, gladly accepted, and in just a few minutes they were off the trailer and ready to go. Put mine on and headed for the house, 5 minutes away. It was just 11:30. A 2 1/2hr trip.

A bit of lunch, the heat now oppressive, I backed into the yard and disconnected. It all stayed like that for a few hours. Wife and I got hungry so I went and cleaned fish while she made some yellow rice and green beans. A short visit with some olive oil in the skillet, seasoned with old bays and garlic I was quickly a happy boy. A great dinner after a very good day. I can only hope your day has been something close to mine as it’s been excellent. Hope to see you soon, and on the water where we’re all happiest. Til then, be careful and stay healthy.......Skeet Attachment 380672
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I was beginning to think you were taking the rest of the summer off. Those are some nice looking gills both before and after.

Great catch and even better plate. Panfish were aptly named, no better eating in my lakes, and the Gills lead the way in the taste department. Ours are deep now, at least the larger ones, and I do like the looks of those dark ones from the shallow warm FL waters.

Very nice read Tim and some beautiful fish pics too. Man, that plate looked so good... it let me know, I need to take a break from the green carp and make a few trips for some panfish.
Heck, I don't blame you a bit for sleepin' in on your day off. Thanks for sharing your much needed day on the water and your fine fresh fixin's with the rest of us.

Way to go Skeet! Congrats on a nice mess of fish! And I wouldn’t pass up a meal that looked like that either :D

Nice ! Thanks for taking us along with ya! Nothing like a fresh Meal!

What a great looking plate! You went looking and you sure found ‘Em. Thanks for the story!
Bob

that sure was a good trip, from start to finish. Thanks for taking us along.

Good fish, good deed, good story and a good dinner, can't beat that. Thanks for sharing.

Very nice Skeet, enjoyed reading your write up.

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Mission accomplished, good job.

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Man those look tasty!
Thanks for the story, I enjoyed it.


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Congrats....beautiful fish.

Regards


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Satisfying trip, that's what it's all about ....[emoji476]

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You're a fishing talent with that 2lb test Skeet. I fish around a lot of laydowns and logs around here. I use 6lb test and it's a challenge getting them out sometimes. I guess I'm chicken. Good job and thanks for the ride and pics.

Nice mess Tim, thanks for the post. August here already, November right around the corner. Hope things settle down by then.


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Amen Vic. I’ve had enough of this. I fish alone a lot but this is wearing thin. Hope y’all are holding up OK. Tell Eileen I said hey.