Does anyone else hear B.A Baracus saying,
"I pity the fool who isn't fishing". Maybe I'm hearing voices or maybe I've got fish brain. Whatever, it was April 1st...time to fish. There's no disputing I'm a
"fish fool" so guess what I did?
Only real decision was if I should see a Psychologist before or after I go fishing. Not really, I know I'm not right. I left the fly rod last trip but never saw any bedding activity so the thought entered my crowded mind...make room voices! It's pre-spawn and the bass I caught were mostly chasing. Good situation if you like throwing streamers. That idea was quickly isolated and quarantined. As a kayak angler, I always check the weather forecast before getting on the water....for obvious reasons...if it's not obvious...you probably need to take up golf or scrabble or something equally lame. No storms today but the wind was predicted to be SSE @ 15 mph.
Casting can be done in 15 mph winds if you're walking a stream/river or if you're in a boat with trolling motor or oars. But I don't have a trolling motor and w/o my extra arms to work the paddles...loaned those to Yhsifnkool (means fishnfool in German) standing and casting a fly from a kayak in high winds is reserved for people who like to visit Emergency Rooms or like taking long leisurely swims beside their kayak. Not this guy!
Picked another location on the opposite side of the lake to launch. That side offered some protection from the wind but meant a longer paddle from the launch. Covered around 5 miles today (round trip) and caught a mixed bag of fish.
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| Thumped a soft plastic bass bait |
Highlight of the trip. Guy in a 40K bass boat drives up on me and starts fishing 30 yards ahead of me. I paddle ahead of him. Eventually, we're fishing the same water. I'm on the inside of the cypress trees and he's fishing the outside of the trees. Fish gods reward me....the guy in the kayak hooks into a fish while the guy in the fancy boat, with the fancy electronics, throwing fancy baits from fancy rod/reels...ok, we probably have the same baits...catches nothing. A few minutes later he cranks up and leaves. Have a good day, hope your motor blows up, and you're late to work! If you get fired and have to sell that fancy gear, even better! Dude I'm in a kayak and somewhat restricted on the water I can fish. Yes...I suffer from boat rage sometimes. Just something a kayak angler has to deal with but I'm getting better. Well, I tell myself I'm getting better.
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| 2 stayed but 3 dropped in the water as I got closer - I wanted to grab a few and toss in the 40K bass boat |
It was another great day on the water, some fish, lots of sun, and I avoided court fees. Planning an adventure down to SELA...I have redfish fever in a bad way.
Drew
ReplyDeleteNice collection of fish, especially the crappie. The old saying where there is one crappie there is another, could be true there. When it comes to eating fish the crappie and the bluegill are the Cadillac of the table fare. We all run into nut cases on the water and you found one in the dude you encountered. Thanks for sharing
Thx Bill. You better believe I know where I caught that crappie. I'm CPR on most fish...but not catfish or crappie. They taste too good! Aside from the 1 nut, everyone else I came across was very polite and gave me some space. In fact, Monday a guy did the same thing. However, once he saw me (I was almost under a dock) he waved and said, "sorry, I didn't see you" Started the motor and moved on...very cool of that guy!
DeleteWhat species of frog is that?
ReplyDeleteIt's a Green Tree Frog. They like to hang out on the window beside the porch light at night. Kind of neat to watch them from the couch.
DeleteI to am a fan of the crappie. Love the color and lines.
ReplyDeleteThey have many frenemies. But that's what happens when you taste great and travel in packs.
DeleteNo matter what anyone says Drew, you're no April Fool. Nice outing with the exception of the smarta** in the big boat. Carry on buddy.
ReplyDeleteThx Howard, I knew you'd have my back. Won't be long until my small oxbow lakes are Back to normal pool and I won't have to deal with the big water guys.
DeleteDrew
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention, I bet there are some super size bluegill there, you might want to check the area out during the spawn.
I'm sure there are...I'll give it a try. I can use some of the ugly nymphs I've been tying...gills won't care!
DeleteNice fish Drew! Nice report! Can't fix stupid people and glad you and the Fishin gods sent "stupid" and his boat packin! Tightlines
ReplyDeleteThanks. The good news is, after a few days all I remembered were fish. That's why I love fishing!!
Delete