Hello! I know I haven't done one of these in a while. It's been a slow fishing year for me so far. And the rest of the year ain't lookin' all that great either. I'll fish when I can and report when I think I have anything interesting to say.
I only went out once last week. It was a cloudy afternoon when Hubs and I decided we both had cabin fever and needed to get the hell out of the house. We went to the recently opened park and had the whole place to ourselves. I decided to fish the cove by the boat ramp. And I was getting a lot of hits.
One interesting thing is that something kept taking my worm and not taking it down, per se, but moving it to one side before releasing it. I'd heard about this behavior. It's a fish removing annoyances from where it's bedding. Supposedly, you have to be really on your game to catch a fish right then because they're technically not eating it.
I was not on my game, but I did get a fish to finally hit it like normal and I reeled in a 13" smallmouth. Then the bite dried up and the sun came out.
We moved west to follow the clouds and ended up at my go-to spot. The sun came out there, too. And I got fried because I was too lazy to put on sunscreen. I also caught a 6" bluegill. And learned where they get their names - because this one had strikingly brilliant blue lining its gills. So cool. I'd never actually seen that before. Gotta love spawning.
Hubs didn't catch anything, but it was his first time out this year, so just being at the lake was enough for him. All in all it was a nice afternoon.
If you get a chance, go outside sometime this week and enjoy whatever's left of Spring.
Showing posts with label Fishing Report. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fishing Report. Show all posts
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Saturday Fishing Report - 2/10/18
Sorry, folks, but I'm suspending the Saturday Fishing Report until I actually go fishing again. There've been a few days here and there where I might've been able to go fishing (not catching anything, mind you, but fishing), but I've been busy with writing and other work and home projects.
Until then, go outside when you can. And I'll see ya when spring fishing lures me back onto the shore.
Until then, go outside when you can. And I'll see ya when spring fishing lures me back onto the shore.
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Saturday Fishing Report - 2/3/18
Hey All. This isn't really a fishing report because I haven't been fishing in a couple weeks now. The weather's been weird - cold cold and then unseasonably warm and then windy as all get out. And I don't feel like standing on the shore catching nothing for hours at a time.
Plus I'm pretty sure the worms I bought back in December are dead. I need to feed them to the rosebed. That's where I put all my leftover worm dirt anyway. $3 down the drain, but what's a gal to do. Expensive fertilizer.
Before I go fishing again, I need to either switch my Abu spincaster reel to my other pole or get the superglue out and fix the pole it's currently attached to. The top eyelet is loose. It kept coming off when I'd cast. We temp fixed it with electrical tape, but the line keeps getting hung up on the edge of the tape, which is annoying. I've been meaning to address the problem for months/ I even bought the superglue, but bleh. Of course, my Abu baitcaster is on the other pole and it's kind of color coordinated there - maroon/black reel, maroon pole. Decisions, decisions.
That's it for me this week, I guess. We'll see what the next week brings. And even though I haven't been fishing, I have spent a lot of time outdoors. Give that a shot, if you get a chance.
Plus I'm pretty sure the worms I bought back in December are dead. I need to feed them to the rosebed. That's where I put all my leftover worm dirt anyway. $3 down the drain, but what's a gal to do. Expensive fertilizer.
Before I go fishing again, I need to either switch my Abu spincaster reel to my other pole or get the superglue out and fix the pole it's currently attached to. The top eyelet is loose. It kept coming off when I'd cast. We temp fixed it with electrical tape, but the line keeps getting hung up on the edge of the tape, which is annoying. I've been meaning to address the problem for months/ I even bought the superglue, but bleh. Of course, my Abu baitcaster is on the other pole and it's kind of color coordinated there - maroon/black reel, maroon pole. Decisions, decisions.
That's it for me this week, I guess. We'll see what the next week brings. And even though I haven't been fishing, I have spent a lot of time outdoors. Give that a shot, if you get a chance.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Saturday Fishing Report - 1/20/18
Good morning and welcome to the Saturday Fishing Report, such as it is.
It was too cold and snowy to even leave the house this past week. The local anglers are spending more time debating odd things than talking about fishing. The water temp appears to be around 42F, which may or may not result in a shad kill which may or may not be a good thing. :shrug:
Today there's supposed to be a fishing tournament near one of my tertiary fishing spots. Good luck to those people. It sounds like the majority of the bass are deep and sluggish. A few might be coming up to the surface to enjoy the sunshine.
Last time I looked, the river was ice-covered. First time in 5 winters that's happened. But today's supposed to be 61F, so it should clear up soon. Hell, it's already 50F. Might just have to see what happens when I drown a worm. As long as I can get to my fishing spots without falling on my ass - no ice still doesn't mean I won't slip in the mud or something.
I'll let you know next week. Until then, see if you can't find some time to get outside this week.
It was too cold and snowy to even leave the house this past week. The local anglers are spending more time debating odd things than talking about fishing. The water temp appears to be around 42F, which may or may not result in a shad kill which may or may not be a good thing. :shrug:
Today there's supposed to be a fishing tournament near one of my tertiary fishing spots. Good luck to those people. It sounds like the majority of the bass are deep and sluggish. A few might be coming up to the surface to enjoy the sunshine.
Last time I looked, the river was ice-covered. First time in 5 winters that's happened. But today's supposed to be 61F, so it should clear up soon. Hell, it's already 50F. Might just have to see what happens when I drown a worm. As long as I can get to my fishing spots without falling on my ass - no ice still doesn't mean I won't slip in the mud or something.
I'll let you know next week. Until then, see if you can't find some time to get outside this week.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Saturday Fishing Report - 1/13/18
If you stopped by for a Saturday Fishing Report, please understand that it's mid-winter in the Ozarks and I have no boat I can use by myself.
I did go out once this past week. The water level is most excellent for bank fishing. I can walk pretty much to everywhere I've caught fish in the past. Unfortunately, nothing was biting. Well, actually I did have something hit my worm on a reel-back, but it didn't seal the deal and it never hit again. Then the wind started to pick up and I was freezing my buns off with nothing to show for it, so I went home and had a cup of cocoa.
I can't wait for spring to begin.
I did go out once this past week. The water level is most excellent for bank fishing. I can walk pretty much to everywhere I've caught fish in the past. Unfortunately, nothing was biting. Well, actually I did have something hit my worm on a reel-back, but it didn't seal the deal and it never hit again. Then the wind started to pick up and I was freezing my buns off with nothing to show for it, so I went home and had a cup of cocoa.
I can't wait for spring to begin.
Saturday, January 6, 2018
Saturday Fishing Report - 1/6/17
Welcome to the first Saturday Fishing Report of the year.
And I got nuthin'. It was colder than a witch's nose outside. I walked out of the house and it felt like my eyeballs were starting to freeze. Needless to say, not the best time to stand on the shore for any length of time.
The lake is at 909.73 as of 4am this morning. Which means that my good standin' rock is probably above the water. Another foot or two lower and it'll become my good sittin' rock.
In fishing news, a two-man boat competing in an FLW tournament went down on Lake Okeechobee Thursday. One of the competitors was found. Last report is that he's in criticial condition and suffering from hypothermia. The other man has yet to be located. =o( Be careful out on the water, folks. Right now, even FL waters are too frickin' cold to sustain human life.
The report is that it's too cold to even go ice fishing in Michigan right now. If you are ice fishing, please make sure the ice is thick enough to hold your weight. If you're not sure, stay the hell off of it - and keep your kids and pets off it, too.
I drove over the river (on the highway, not on the ice) on one of my few journeys outside the house last week. It was frozen over. The river. Flowing water. Frozen over. :shiver: Yup. Hubs went over a couple days after I did, when the temperature was up about 15 degrees and he said it was starting to break up with big sheets of ice floating down it.
Tomorrow, though. Tomorrow is supposed to get up into the 50s. The fish will probably still be too deep to bite near the shore, but I'm jones'n for some fishing time. Which means I might actually have something to say about fishing next week.
Until then, enjoy nature as much as you can in this winter chill.
And I got nuthin'. It was colder than a witch's nose outside. I walked out of the house and it felt like my eyeballs were starting to freeze. Needless to say, not the best time to stand on the shore for any length of time.
The lake is at 909.73 as of 4am this morning. Which means that my good standin' rock is probably above the water. Another foot or two lower and it'll become my good sittin' rock.
In fishing news, a two-man boat competing in an FLW tournament went down on Lake Okeechobee Thursday. One of the competitors was found. Last report is that he's in criticial condition and suffering from hypothermia. The other man has yet to be located. =o( Be careful out on the water, folks. Right now, even FL waters are too frickin' cold to sustain human life.
The report is that it's too cold to even go ice fishing in Michigan right now. If you are ice fishing, please make sure the ice is thick enough to hold your weight. If you're not sure, stay the hell off of it - and keep your kids and pets off it, too.
I drove over the river (on the highway, not on the ice) on one of my few journeys outside the house last week. It was frozen over. The river. Flowing water. Frozen over. :shiver: Yup. Hubs went over a couple days after I did, when the temperature was up about 15 degrees and he said it was starting to break up with big sheets of ice floating down it.
Tomorrow, though. Tomorrow is supposed to get up into the 50s. The fish will probably still be too deep to bite near the shore, but I'm jones'n for some fishing time. Which means I might actually have something to say about fishing next week.
Until then, enjoy nature as much as you can in this winter chill.
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report - 12/30/17 & Wrap Up
Welcome to the Saturday Fishing Report - the last one of the year and a bit of a wrap up.
It was COLD this past week. Which, naturally, drives fish to deeper water and drives me to want to stay home under a big blanket, drinking cocoa and reading books. Needless to say, I did so and didn't drown a single worm last week. Hubs read a fishing report earlier this morning from a dude who was way more committed to fishing than I am. The air temp was 17F and the water was 45F. :shiver: He caught some fish deep. :shrug:
2017 was an interesting year for fishing. When we started the year, the water level was way low - like 906'. It gave me all sorts of new places to fish and plenty of exercise walking around carrying my gear. Then in April, it started to rain. The lake was up to 918' by the time we got the deluge at the end of the month that ended up raising the lake to 934'. That seriously curtailed my fishing spots, lemme tell ya.
Once I finally moved enough flotsam out of the parking lot at my go-to spot, it was all good. Spring fishing in the parking lot netted me plenty of hefty bass. I had to let them all go because they were fat with eggs, but it was still a lot of fun.
In July, they finally opened the park again. Which was awesome. Except the people they'd hired to host the park were total numbnuts. Because of this, I spent most of my time at my go-to spot. I catch more fish there anyway. So there. I was really looking forward to the hosts leaving in October, and it was nice after they were gone. For a bit. They closed the park again at the end of November. Stupidheads.
So, here we are in December. The lake level is back down to like 910' and a lot of spots are opening up to me. Except it's freakin' cold. They aren't predicting a boatload of rain for January, so maybe by the time I get out fishing, my good sitting and standing spots will all be dry. :fingers crossed:
Anyway, I caught my first catfish this year. And my first sucker. I also caught my first fish on a lure this year. It was awesome, even if I didn't accomplish that goal until December. I'll probably still mostly worm fish because there's less work involved and I am, by nature, lazy. Unless the fish are biting good on lures and I'm up to the standing/casting/reeling.
Oh, and I caught one little unknown fish. It might've been a darter or a chub of some kind. If it hadn't slipped out of my hand so quickly I might've had a better chance of identifying it.
Not sure what the coming year will bring, but I'm ready for it. As soon as the weather warms up to better than 'freeze your ass off and get frostbite on your feet' levels, I'll be out again. Until then, find some time to enjoy the outdoors - even if you have to do it from inside. ;o)
It was COLD this past week. Which, naturally, drives fish to deeper water and drives me to want to stay home under a big blanket, drinking cocoa and reading books. Needless to say, I did so and didn't drown a single worm last week. Hubs read a fishing report earlier this morning from a dude who was way more committed to fishing than I am. The air temp was 17F and the water was 45F. :shiver: He caught some fish deep. :shrug:
2017 was an interesting year for fishing. When we started the year, the water level was way low - like 906'. It gave me all sorts of new places to fish and plenty of exercise walking around carrying my gear. Then in April, it started to rain. The lake was up to 918' by the time we got the deluge at the end of the month that ended up raising the lake to 934'. That seriously curtailed my fishing spots, lemme tell ya.
Once I finally moved enough flotsam out of the parking lot at my go-to spot, it was all good. Spring fishing in the parking lot netted me plenty of hefty bass. I had to let them all go because they were fat with eggs, but it was still a lot of fun.
In July, they finally opened the park again. Which was awesome. Except the people they'd hired to host the park were total numbnuts. Because of this, I spent most of my time at my go-to spot. I catch more fish there anyway. So there. I was really looking forward to the hosts leaving in October, and it was nice after they were gone. For a bit. They closed the park again at the end of November. Stupidheads.
So, here we are in December. The lake level is back down to like 910' and a lot of spots are opening up to me. Except it's freakin' cold. They aren't predicting a boatload of rain for January, so maybe by the time I get out fishing, my good sitting and standing spots will all be dry. :fingers crossed:
Anyway, I caught my first catfish this year. And my first sucker. I also caught my first fish on a lure this year. It was awesome, even if I didn't accomplish that goal until December. I'll probably still mostly worm fish because there's less work involved and I am, by nature, lazy. Unless the fish are biting good on lures and I'm up to the standing/casting/reeling.
Oh, and I caught one little unknown fish. It might've been a darter or a chub of some kind. If it hadn't slipped out of my hand so quickly I might've had a better chance of identifying it.
Not sure what the coming year will bring, but I'm ready for it. As soon as the weather warms up to better than 'freeze your ass off and get frostbite on your feet' levels, I'll be out again. Until then, find some time to enjoy the outdoors - even if you have to do it from inside. ;o)
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report - 12/23/17
Hello! And welcome to the Saturday Fishing Report - now with actual fish.
I pretty much went fishing every day this past week. Sunday and Monday were more of the same. But Tuesday... Tuesday afternoon, to be exact... was awesome.
Hubs had read the fishing reports and told me he'd heard the fish were biting on topwater baits at the points in the afternoon. Me, being a doubting Theresa, was...umm... doubtful. But I thought I'd give it a go anyway. I mean, my old ways weren't working, so why the hell not, eh? So, Tuesday, I went to my go-to spot, that just happens to have a point where a creek comes into the river. Walked right out to where I could get a good cast at the point and cast as far as I could make that topwater jerkbait go. Jerk, sit, jerk, reel... BAM! It missed the bait and I missed the set. Cast again. Same action, different results. Pulled in an awesome 14" spotted bass. Then I caught a 12" spot. Then I called Hubs because it was a momentous occasion. I'd caught my first fish with a lure. Ever! I proceeded to catch 4 more on the same two topwater jerkbait lure - one in silver and black and the other in silver and chartreuse. All Bass. No keepers. One of the bass was a little one (10-11"), but as I almost get it to shore, I noticed a fat hog of a bass chasing it. Maybe 17-18", judging its size against the one it was chasing. Dang. Then I almost caught what had to be a 16".
The next day, my awesome fishing tales convinced Hubs to go out with me. Same spot. Same time of day. I throw the first cast out in the same place - BAM. 14" spot. Next cast, BAM! 13.5" spot. Poor Hubs hadn't even had a chance to get his groove on. Then the bite dried up, which really sucked. He did catch a 10" spot on a little diver, though, so it wasn't skunky monkey for him.
I went out again Thursday afternoon, but the pattern had changed. It was sunny and windy and the fish just weren't interested again. But those two days were freakin' awesome.
Friday had to be a no-fishing day. Man, all that standing and casting really put my feet and shoulders in a hurty place. That and a cold front came in. It went from 68F on Thursday to 45F on Friday. :shiver: No thanks.
Anyway, that's it for me. I hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas, and that Santa brings you something good. See ya next week.
I pretty much went fishing every day this past week. Sunday and Monday were more of the same. But Tuesday... Tuesday afternoon, to be exact... was awesome.
Hubs had read the fishing reports and told me he'd heard the fish were biting on topwater baits at the points in the afternoon. Me, being a doubting Theresa, was...umm... doubtful. But I thought I'd give it a go anyway. I mean, my old ways weren't working, so why the hell not, eh? So, Tuesday, I went to my go-to spot, that just happens to have a point where a creek comes into the river. Walked right out to where I could get a good cast at the point and cast as far as I could make that topwater jerkbait go. Jerk, sit, jerk, reel... BAM! It missed the bait and I missed the set. Cast again. Same action, different results. Pulled in an awesome 14" spotted bass. Then I caught a 12" spot. Then I called Hubs because it was a momentous occasion. I'd caught my first fish with a lure. Ever! I proceeded to catch 4 more on the same two topwater jerkbait lure - one in silver and black and the other in silver and chartreuse. All Bass. No keepers. One of the bass was a little one (10-11"), but as I almost get it to shore, I noticed a fat hog of a bass chasing it. Maybe 17-18", judging its size against the one it was chasing. Dang. Then I almost caught what had to be a 16".
The next day, my awesome fishing tales convinced Hubs to go out with me. Same spot. Same time of day. I throw the first cast out in the same place - BAM. 14" spot. Next cast, BAM! 13.5" spot. Poor Hubs hadn't even had a chance to get his groove on. Then the bite dried up, which really sucked. He did catch a 10" spot on a little diver, though, so it wasn't skunky monkey for him.
I went out again Thursday afternoon, but the pattern had changed. It was sunny and windy and the fish just weren't interested again. But those two days were freakin' awesome.
Friday had to be a no-fishing day. Man, all that standing and casting really put my feet and shoulders in a hurty place. That and a cold front came in. It went from 68F on Thursday to 45F on Friday. :shiver: No thanks.
Anyway, that's it for me. I hope you all have a safe and happy Christmas, and that Santa brings you something good. See ya next week.
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report - 12/16/17
Hello once again and welcome to the Saturday Fishing Report.
It was cold. Let's just leave that there. It was also sunny. One of the best places to fish when it's cold and sunny is the park, which has been closed for some ungodly reason. (Yes, I'm still griping about that.) Anyway, I went out a couple times and got skunked. Then Thursday, I went out early to a place that has finally become available due to dropping lake levels.
It was cold, it was windy, and I got nothing casting in amongst the submerged trees that have been so kind to me in the past, so I moved around to a cove out of the wind. I finally got some bites for my biteless week. Last cast down the grooved concrete boat ramp and as I'm reeling in, ostensibly to remove the worm from my hook and go home, it feels like my bite sinker is knocking the grooves. Then I see something at the end of my line, but it looks like I hooked someone else's lure. Then I'm like 'holy shit that's a fish.' I get it out of the water and it's wriggling all over the place. And I have no clue what it is.
It's 5-6" long and cigar shaped, like a sucker but without the suction cup mouth. Kind of a brown/bronze above with a bright white belly. I think it might be some kind of darter, but my fish book doesn't show any darters longer than like 3.5". Might be a chub of some kind, but the mouth looks wrong. I thought about bringing it home to investigate further, but there are endangered little fish species in this lake somewhere and since I couldn't positively identify it as a regular fish, I didn't want to take the chance. It took the decision out of my hands anyway when it wriggled free and dropped into the shallows. Away it swam.
I tried looking it up in my fish book. I tried researching it online. Not a single damn picture looks enough like what I caught to be able to say I caught that kind of fish. :shrug: Another one of life's little mysteries.
Better luck next week, I guess.
From the sounds of the guides around here, winter fishing has begun, though, and that means deep. Oh well. I'll just drown worms, hope for a fluke of some kind to bring me fish, and wait for spring fishing to begin again.
It was cold. Let's just leave that there. It was also sunny. One of the best places to fish when it's cold and sunny is the park, which has been closed for some ungodly reason. (Yes, I'm still griping about that.) Anyway, I went out a couple times and got skunked. Then Thursday, I went out early to a place that has finally become available due to dropping lake levels.
It was cold, it was windy, and I got nothing casting in amongst the submerged trees that have been so kind to me in the past, so I moved around to a cove out of the wind. I finally got some bites for my biteless week. Last cast down the grooved concrete boat ramp and as I'm reeling in, ostensibly to remove the worm from my hook and go home, it feels like my bite sinker is knocking the grooves. Then I see something at the end of my line, but it looks like I hooked someone else's lure. Then I'm like 'holy shit that's a fish.' I get it out of the water and it's wriggling all over the place. And I have no clue what it is.
It's 5-6" long and cigar shaped, like a sucker but without the suction cup mouth. Kind of a brown/bronze above with a bright white belly. I think it might be some kind of darter, but my fish book doesn't show any darters longer than like 3.5". Might be a chub of some kind, but the mouth looks wrong. I thought about bringing it home to investigate further, but there are endangered little fish species in this lake somewhere and since I couldn't positively identify it as a regular fish, I didn't want to take the chance. It took the decision out of my hands anyway when it wriggled free and dropped into the shallows. Away it swam.
I tried looking it up in my fish book. I tried researching it online. Not a single damn picture looks enough like what I caught to be able to say I caught that kind of fish. :shrug: Another one of life's little mysteries.
Better luck next week, I guess.
From the sounds of the guides around here, winter fishing has begun, though, and that means deep. Oh well. I'll just drown worms, hope for a fluke of some kind to bring me fish, and wait for spring fishing to begin again.
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report - 12/9/17
Hello again and welcome to the Saturday Fishing report... such as it is.
I went fishing three times last week. Spent about 6-7 hours out there total. Caught one fish. It was a 5-6" bluegill and I threw it back.
I have been seeing that other people in the area are catching fish, but they're in boats and going 30' deep or something. :shrug: What can I say? It's gotten cold and the fish went deep. The area skipped fall fishing entirely or it was so short a window that I missed it. No big walleyes for me this year, I guess.
I have been getting more experience throwing lures, though. And my arms are getting used to the constant throw and reel and jig, so that's something. However, with only a few weeks left, my goal of catching a fish on a lure this year is probably not going to come to fruition. Next year, maybe.
The days were beautiful here, if a mite cold. Boy, howdy, that wind on Wednesday afternoon was a pisser, lemme tell ya. We stuck to a sheltered cove for the most part that day. Out of the wind, but also out of the fish. I did catch the bluegill that day so it wasn't a total skunky-monkey.
The resident kingfisher at my go-to spot has been a constant companion. His scattergun, rapidfire call is a welcome noise. And seeing him swoop and dive is always fun. Sometimes he sits in a tree behind me. I think he might be hoping I'll scare some scad to the surface where he can snack on them. Hasn't happened yet, but we both can hope.
Well, that's it for me. Not sure what this week will bring. Tomorrow is supposed to be a bit warmer, so I might go drown some worms for a couple hours. We'll see. Hell, if I get the jones'n, I might go out today and freeze my ass off. Who knows.
Have an awesome next week, and if you do venture outside, bundle up.
I went fishing three times last week. Spent about 6-7 hours out there total. Caught one fish. It was a 5-6" bluegill and I threw it back.
I have been seeing that other people in the area are catching fish, but they're in boats and going 30' deep or something. :shrug: What can I say? It's gotten cold and the fish went deep. The area skipped fall fishing entirely or it was so short a window that I missed it. No big walleyes for me this year, I guess.
I have been getting more experience throwing lures, though. And my arms are getting used to the constant throw and reel and jig, so that's something. However, with only a few weeks left, my goal of catching a fish on a lure this year is probably not going to come to fruition. Next year, maybe.
The days were beautiful here, if a mite cold. Boy, howdy, that wind on Wednesday afternoon was a pisser, lemme tell ya. We stuck to a sheltered cove for the most part that day. Out of the wind, but also out of the fish. I did catch the bluegill that day so it wasn't a total skunky-monkey.
The resident kingfisher at my go-to spot has been a constant companion. His scattergun, rapidfire call is a welcome noise. And seeing him swoop and dive is always fun. Sometimes he sits in a tree behind me. I think he might be hoping I'll scare some scad to the surface where he can snack on them. Hasn't happened yet, but we both can hope.
Well, that's it for me. Not sure what this week will bring. Tomorrow is supposed to be a bit warmer, so I might go drown some worms for a couple hours. We'll see. Hell, if I get the jones'n, I might go out today and freeze my ass off. Who knows.
Have an awesome next week, and if you do venture outside, bundle up.
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report
Hello again and thank you for sticking with the Saturday Fishing Report through these dry weeks of nothing much. This, unfortunately, is another one of those weeks.
I went out a couple mornings last week and caught nothing. Hubs and I went out a couple afternoons last week and caught a couple panfish and one spotted bass - and that was right at or near sunset. He almost caught what we suspect was a 15-20 lb catfish, but it tangled the line in some submerged brush or something and Hubs had to snap it off.
Of course, there's more to fishing than fish. Part of the reason I go fishing is to enjoy nature. To that end, I saw a beaver this past week. It was just making its way down the lake near the shore. Last early spring, before the floods, I found a really awesome piece of chewed beaver wood about a mile south of where I saw that beaver. Maybe it was his. ;o)
I also saw a couple bald eagles. One of them was diving and swooping at the fish in the lake, which was really cool. Another one passed right over me - maybe 30 feet up.
Now that the water level is down a bit, I'm seeing tons of tracks along the shoreline - deer, raccoon, heron, etc. I keep my eyes peeled for mink or bobcat tracks.
Yesterday morning when I went out, it was kind of foggy. Then it got really foggy right down at the lake. It's a surreal experience, standing on the shoreline watching a bobber in the fog. It hangs there as if suspended in mid-air - gray above, gray below, with no discernible horizon. The lake itself was like glass, so there weren't even any ripples to break the solid gray plain. Like I said, surreal.
And that's it for the fishing report. Sorry there weren't more actual fish in it. They're predicting a cold snap here, so I'm not sure how much I'll be willing to freeze my buns off next week. We'll see. Until then, I hope you all have an awesome week ahead and can get out to enjoy nature a little.
I went out a couple mornings last week and caught nothing. Hubs and I went out a couple afternoons last week and caught a couple panfish and one spotted bass - and that was right at or near sunset. He almost caught what we suspect was a 15-20 lb catfish, but it tangled the line in some submerged brush or something and Hubs had to snap it off.
Of course, there's more to fishing than fish. Part of the reason I go fishing is to enjoy nature. To that end, I saw a beaver this past week. It was just making its way down the lake near the shore. Last early spring, before the floods, I found a really awesome piece of chewed beaver wood about a mile south of where I saw that beaver. Maybe it was his. ;o)
I also saw a couple bald eagles. One of them was diving and swooping at the fish in the lake, which was really cool. Another one passed right over me - maybe 30 feet up.
Now that the water level is down a bit, I'm seeing tons of tracks along the shoreline - deer, raccoon, heron, etc. I keep my eyes peeled for mink or bobcat tracks.
Yesterday morning when I went out, it was kind of foggy. Then it got really foggy right down at the lake. It's a surreal experience, standing on the shoreline watching a bobber in the fog. It hangs there as if suspended in mid-air - gray above, gray below, with no discernible horizon. The lake itself was like glass, so there weren't even any ripples to break the solid gray plain. Like I said, surreal.
And that's it for the fishing report. Sorry there weren't more actual fish in it. They're predicting a cold snap here, so I'm not sure how much I'll be willing to freeze my buns off next week. We'll see. Until then, I hope you all have an awesome week ahead and can get out to enjoy nature a little.
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report - 11/25/17
Hello again and welcome to the Saturday Fishing Report.
Well, it's a report. Not much to report, though. I went out twice last week. Caught doodley-squat. Unless you count a little green sunfish - one each time. They're little fighters and they're super pretty, but neither of them was big enough to eat.
I tried a whole bunch of different lures, as well as my stand-by worms. I did different retrieve rates. I jiggled. I shimmied. I set the worm at all different depths. Nada. And I could SEE the fish jumping, so I know they're in there. :shrug:
From the other local fishing reports, I'm not the only one having a rough time finding fish. Oh, sure, they're catching more than I am, but they're in boats and can fish at depths I don't have access to. And they're still not catching the fish one would typically find at this time of year.
I am enjoying the lovely weather, though. Except for the wind. The wind is a bit nasty. It almost took my hat yesterday, but I caught it before it went in the lake. I might've gone in after it. I love that hat and I don't think I could find another one like it after all these years.
Well, here's hoping the fishing is better next week. I'm not holding my breath, though.
Have an awesome week, whatever you're doing. See ya next time. =o)
Well, it's a report. Not much to report, though. I went out twice last week. Caught doodley-squat. Unless you count a little green sunfish - one each time. They're little fighters and they're super pretty, but neither of them was big enough to eat.
I tried a whole bunch of different lures, as well as my stand-by worms. I did different retrieve rates. I jiggled. I shimmied. I set the worm at all different depths. Nada. And I could SEE the fish jumping, so I know they're in there. :shrug:
From the other local fishing reports, I'm not the only one having a rough time finding fish. Oh, sure, they're catching more than I am, but they're in boats and can fish at depths I don't have access to. And they're still not catching the fish one would typically find at this time of year.
I am enjoying the lovely weather, though. Except for the wind. The wind is a bit nasty. It almost took my hat yesterday, but I caught it before it went in the lake. I might've gone in after it. I love that hat and I don't think I could find another one like it after all these years.
Well, here's hoping the fishing is better next week. I'm not holding my breath, though.
Have an awesome week, whatever you're doing. See ya next time. =o)
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report - 11/18/17
Good morning and welcome to the Saturday Fishing Report.
It was a busy week. I was mistaken about the fall fishing starting. Either that or it ended without my noticing. The temperatures took a turn for the warmer and the fish are confused, just like last year. Still, I had to keep trying.
I went out five times this past week, and didn't really have anything to show for it. Little bluegills not worth bringing home. I did, however, spend some time getting used to fishing with lures. Big lures, little lures, deep divers, topwaters, whopper ploppers (or whatever they're called). The works.
You see, I'd picked up some new lures at Walmart. Two to a pack for $3. I got a hit on this one that was silver and gold with a black stripe. Long and skinny like a pike minnow. Good thing I had two, though, because I lost that one pretty quick when it dove and got hung up on the rocks. I also got a hit on a fat black and white thing with a pink throat and a longer bill. (Hubs lost that one a day later.) One of the whopper ploppers attracted the attention of a big bass who blew up from underneath it, but I didn't seal the deal. I didn't know whether to stop reeling or keep reeling. I stopped. Hubs said stopping was the right idea, but then I should've jiggled it to let the bass think it was still alive. Live and learn.
Then I was at Walmart again. Still had lures on sale, so I bought some to replace the lost ones and a bunch more because buying lures is a sickness. They're so sparkly. I only spent $20 for 11 lures, though, so it's all good.
Anyway, it's all good because I was out at the lake and the area is beautiful, and I'm learning. Sooner or later, I will catch a fish on a lure. Guaranteed. Or I won't and I'll be okay with that, too. ;o)
See y'all next week, hopefully with some stories of the fat hogs I brought home.
It was a busy week. I was mistaken about the fall fishing starting. Either that or it ended without my noticing. The temperatures took a turn for the warmer and the fish are confused, just like last year. Still, I had to keep trying.
I went out five times this past week, and didn't really have anything to show for it. Little bluegills not worth bringing home. I did, however, spend some time getting used to fishing with lures. Big lures, little lures, deep divers, topwaters, whopper ploppers (or whatever they're called). The works.
You see, I'd picked up some new lures at Walmart. Two to a pack for $3. I got a hit on this one that was silver and gold with a black stripe. Long and skinny like a pike minnow. Good thing I had two, though, because I lost that one pretty quick when it dove and got hung up on the rocks. I also got a hit on a fat black and white thing with a pink throat and a longer bill. (Hubs lost that one a day later.) One of the whopper ploppers attracted the attention of a big bass who blew up from underneath it, but I didn't seal the deal. I didn't know whether to stop reeling or keep reeling. I stopped. Hubs said stopping was the right idea, but then I should've jiggled it to let the bass think it was still alive. Live and learn.
Then I was at Walmart again. Still had lures on sale, so I bought some to replace the lost ones and a bunch more because buying lures is a sickness. They're so sparkly. I only spent $20 for 11 lures, though, so it's all good.
Anyway, it's all good because I was out at the lake and the area is beautiful, and I'm learning. Sooner or later, I will catch a fish on a lure. Guaranteed. Or I won't and I'll be okay with that, too. ;o)
See y'all next week, hopefully with some stories of the fat hogs I brought home.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report - 11/11/17
Good morning and welcome to the Saturday Fishing Report. I did kind of a bare-bones report this week.
Saturday -morning by myself at the go-to spot. 5 little bluegills and one little green sunfish. Nothing to crow about.
Sunday - afternoon with Hubs at the go-to spot - We each caught a couple bluegills. Hubs caught a couple spotted bass too small to keep and I caught one 10" spotted bass. It was a gorgeous day, though.
Monday - it was cold and rainy all day, so I stayed home.
Tuesday - morning by myself at the park - caught 3 8-9" bluegills and one little green sunfish. Kept 2 of the bluegills. The first bluegill was easily 8" but as I was reeling it in, I noticed a sizeable bass chasing it, so I threw it back and concentrated on catching the bass. Lures, fake little fishes, worms... to no avail.
Wednesday - morning by myself at the go-to spot. It was blustery and cold with the wind coming out of the north, which made casting pretty gnarly. I did manage to catch a 13" spotted bass who was hanging out in a minor cove about 6' from shore and about 3' deep. I also caught a couple small bluegills. Froze my buns off, but it was a good morning.
Wednesday - afternoon with Hubs at the go-to. We didn't catch a ding-dang thing except one little bluegill, but Hubs did go wading and retrieve two of my lost bobbers (one with rig intact) and a lure he lost. It was a gorgeous afternoon and we had fun, so it's all good.
Thursday - I had adulty stuff to do.
Friday - I was going to go out in the morning. I mean, it was gorgeous looking out. Then I checked the temperature. 32F. Umm, no. I love to fish, but I am not prepared to actually freeze yet this year. Now, if it had been 40F+... ;o)
That's it for me for last week. I hope you all have an awesome week to come.
Saturday -morning by myself at the go-to spot. 5 little bluegills and one little green sunfish. Nothing to crow about.
Sunday - afternoon with Hubs at the go-to spot - We each caught a couple bluegills. Hubs caught a couple spotted bass too small to keep and I caught one 10" spotted bass. It was a gorgeous day, though.
Monday - it was cold and rainy all day, so I stayed home.
Tuesday - morning by myself at the park - caught 3 8-9" bluegills and one little green sunfish. Kept 2 of the bluegills. The first bluegill was easily 8" but as I was reeling it in, I noticed a sizeable bass chasing it, so I threw it back and concentrated on catching the bass. Lures, fake little fishes, worms... to no avail.
Wednesday - morning by myself at the go-to spot. It was blustery and cold with the wind coming out of the north, which made casting pretty gnarly. I did manage to catch a 13" spotted bass who was hanging out in a minor cove about 6' from shore and about 3' deep. I also caught a couple small bluegills. Froze my buns off, but it was a good morning.
Wednesday - afternoon with Hubs at the go-to. We didn't catch a ding-dang thing except one little bluegill, but Hubs did go wading and retrieve two of my lost bobbers (one with rig intact) and a lure he lost. It was a gorgeous afternoon and we had fun, so it's all good.
Thursday - I had adulty stuff to do.
Friday - I was going to go out in the morning. I mean, it was gorgeous looking out. Then I checked the temperature. 32F. Umm, no. I love to fish, but I am not prepared to actually freeze yet this year. Now, if it had been 40F+... ;o)
That's it for me for last week. I hope you all have an awesome week to come.
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report - 11/4/17
Good morning! And welcome to the Saturday Fishing Report.
Monday afternoon from 2-5pm. I talked Hubs into going out with me. We went to the go-to spot. He caught the first fish. A little green sunfish. And the second fish. A little spotted bass. Then he switched from worms to lures and caught the third fish - a spotted bass a hair shy of 15". After he threw it back, I finally started catching. Three little bluegills and a punkinseed. Then he caught another little spotted bass. And I caught a 13" spotted bass. Two more little bluegills for me and another one for him rounded out the afternoon and since we were both freezing our buns off by then, we went home. As Hubs proclaimed on the way home, fall fishing has begun.
Wednesday morning from 9-11:30am. Back to the go-to spot by myself. Not as cold or as windy. I tried some different things. Got bites on fake bait, but nothing was really taking it. They were hitting worms, but soft-mouthing them like a passel of underwater retrievers. Over the course of about 15 worms, I did manage to catch two small bluegills and a large stick. Right after the stick, I thought I got hung up on another stick. Except this one was fighting me. Landed a 13.5" spotted bass.
And now I probably should get dressed and go out to the lake. It's cool and overcast.
Have an awesome day and a wonderful week. See ya next time.
Monday afternoon from 2-5pm. I talked Hubs into going out with me. We went to the go-to spot. He caught the first fish. A little green sunfish. And the second fish. A little spotted bass. Then he switched from worms to lures and caught the third fish - a spotted bass a hair shy of 15". After he threw it back, I finally started catching. Three little bluegills and a punkinseed. Then he caught another little spotted bass. And I caught a 13" spotted bass. Two more little bluegills for me and another one for him rounded out the afternoon and since we were both freezing our buns off by then, we went home. As Hubs proclaimed on the way home, fall fishing has begun.
Wednesday morning from 9-11:30am. Back to the go-to spot by myself. Not as cold or as windy. I tried some different things. Got bites on fake bait, but nothing was really taking it. They were hitting worms, but soft-mouthing them like a passel of underwater retrievers. Over the course of about 15 worms, I did manage to catch two small bluegills and a large stick. Right after the stick, I thought I got hung up on another stick. Except this one was fighting me. Landed a 13.5" spotted bass.
And now I probably should get dressed and go out to the lake. It's cool and overcast.
Have an awesome day and a wonderful week. See ya next time.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report - 10/28/17
Hello and welcome to the Saturday Fishing Report.
Not much to say this week. Because of life stuff, I only went out once. It was 42F and windy as hell. I tried worms and lures, but nothing was biting. After about 90 minutes, I went home.
Hubs laughed and called me a 'die hard fisherman' when I headed out. We both knew I wouldn't catch anything, but that really wasn't the point. I needed to get out and sit by the lake for a while. Rejuvenation. He understands that, which was why he didn't try to discourage me. It was the first chance I'd had to get out all week and I was taking it.
And I do feel rejuvenated today. Yay!
That's it for me this week. Who knows what the coming week will bring. Warmer temperatures maybe. But too much warmer. I want the water to get cool, so fall fishing can begin and I can start catching keepers again. I need fish in my belly. ;o)
If you get a chance, get outside some time this week. And not just for trick-or-treating.
Not much to say this week. Because of life stuff, I only went out once. It was 42F and windy as hell. I tried worms and lures, but nothing was biting. After about 90 minutes, I went home.
Hubs laughed and called me a 'die hard fisherman' when I headed out. We both knew I wouldn't catch anything, but that really wasn't the point. I needed to get out and sit by the lake for a while. Rejuvenation. He understands that, which was why he didn't try to discourage me. It was the first chance I'd had to get out all week and I was taking it.
And I do feel rejuvenated today. Yay!
That's it for me this week. Who knows what the coming week will bring. Warmer temperatures maybe. But too much warmer. I want the water to get cool, so fall fishing can begin and I can start catching keepers again. I need fish in my belly. ;o)
If you get a chance, get outside some time this week. And not just for trick-or-treating.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report - 10/21/17
Hey All, and welcome to the Saturday Fishing Report. Sorry I didn't post last week, but there really wasn't much to talk about. Caught some bluegills a couple times and got skunked once. Woohoo.
Anyway, here we are again. I went fishing several times this past week with more of the same. Even though the air temps are dropping the water is still too warm to accomplish much from the shore.
I have been trying lures and fake baits again. Once this past week, I got what I thought was a bite, but since I didn't seal the deal, I can't be sure. I do know that I scared the crap out of a big bass who was hanging out in a hole in the ledges. He shot out of there so fast he didn't bother to take the under-ledge route and went over the top in about 8" of water. Off into the deeper water. Bummer. I want to say he was about 18". I guess he didn't appreciate the chartreuse worm I dangled in his hidey-hole.
Here's a picture I took of the spot June 2016 when the water level was about the same:
He was hiding in the lower hole and zoomed out over that rock.
Yesterday afternoon, I went out to the go-to spot in the afternoon. It was gloriously cloudy when I left home, but in the ten minutes it took me to get to the spot, the sun had come out. Which was okay. It was still pretty good and the wind was making delicious waves upon the water. I only caught two bluegills, but I had a good time. An osprey carrying a 7-8" bluegill flew right over the top of me, which was cool.
A curious thing happened while I was out there that doesn't have anything to do with fishing but a great deal to do with using public lands. As I was sitting on the ledges fishing, a couple arrived on their utility vehicle (heavy duty golf cart?). They apologized for bothering me and then the gal tells me she's almost finished with her fire pit and the flat shelf rocks there are just perfect. Then they proceed to load about a dozen large (12-24" diameter, 2-3" thick) rocks onto their vehicle and drive away, just as happy as clams.
Umm, steal much?
Public lands are just that - public. Which means they are for everyone. Not a single individual's personal use. Part of what makes these places so pretty are all the rocks. And now, instead of everyone getting to enjoy those rocks, they're sitting in her backyard somewhere. I wonder if she'll let me visit them, you know since they belong to me and everyone else who pays taxes and stuff. People like that are as bad as the ones who leave trash all over the place, in my opinion. Respect the land, people. Leave it like you found it, unless you're doing something to improve it. (Cleaning up after numbnuts, cutting deadfall out of the way, moving flood detritus, etc.) And 'public' doesn't mean you can do anything you want with it. Technically, that land belongs to the Army Corps of Engineers, and if they think people are misusing the area, they will close it down. Which would be a shame and seriously piss me off.
'Nuff said. Get out sometime this week, if you can, and enjoy the Fall.
Anyway, here we are again. I went fishing several times this past week with more of the same. Even though the air temps are dropping the water is still too warm to accomplish much from the shore.
I have been trying lures and fake baits again. Once this past week, I got what I thought was a bite, but since I didn't seal the deal, I can't be sure. I do know that I scared the crap out of a big bass who was hanging out in a hole in the ledges. He shot out of there so fast he didn't bother to take the under-ledge route and went over the top in about 8" of water. Off into the deeper water. Bummer. I want to say he was about 18". I guess he didn't appreciate the chartreuse worm I dangled in his hidey-hole.
Here's a picture I took of the spot June 2016 when the water level was about the same:
Yesterday afternoon, I went out to the go-to spot in the afternoon. It was gloriously cloudy when I left home, but in the ten minutes it took me to get to the spot, the sun had come out. Which was okay. It was still pretty good and the wind was making delicious waves upon the water. I only caught two bluegills, but I had a good time. An osprey carrying a 7-8" bluegill flew right over the top of me, which was cool.
A curious thing happened while I was out there that doesn't have anything to do with fishing but a great deal to do with using public lands. As I was sitting on the ledges fishing, a couple arrived on their utility vehicle (heavy duty golf cart?). They apologized for bothering me and then the gal tells me she's almost finished with her fire pit and the flat shelf rocks there are just perfect. Then they proceed to load about a dozen large (12-24" diameter, 2-3" thick) rocks onto their vehicle and drive away, just as happy as clams.
Umm, steal much?
Public lands are just that - public. Which means they are for everyone. Not a single individual's personal use. Part of what makes these places so pretty are all the rocks. And now, instead of everyone getting to enjoy those rocks, they're sitting in her backyard somewhere. I wonder if she'll let me visit them, you know since they belong to me and everyone else who pays taxes and stuff. People like that are as bad as the ones who leave trash all over the place, in my opinion. Respect the land, people. Leave it like you found it, unless you're doing something to improve it. (Cleaning up after numbnuts, cutting deadfall out of the way, moving flood detritus, etc.) And 'public' doesn't mean you can do anything you want with it. Technically, that land belongs to the Army Corps of Engineers, and if they think people are misusing the area, they will close it down. Which would be a shame and seriously piss me off.
'Nuff said. Get out sometime this week, if you can, and enjoy the Fall.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report - 10/7/17
Hello and welcome once again to the Saturday Fishing Report brought to you today by Folgers* and Misty*. Later this morning I might be sponsored by donuts.
Started the week out last Sunday. Fishing in the morning. Caught a couple little bluegills, but it was hard going.
Tuesday - Caught 3 bluegills and a punkinseed. All of them around 5-6". This was the largest punkinseed I've caught here. I had despaired of ever catching a punkinseed larger than bait, but the bigger ones have to be out there somewhere. The 5" wasn't big enough to eat, but there's hope.
Wednesday - Caught 2 bluegills and a green sunfish. Again, all 5-6". If you've never seen a green sunfish, they're kind of what you might imagine happening if a perch, a bluegill, and a punkinseed had babies. Pretty fish and good fighters. Can't wait to catch one large enough to eat. Last year I caught a 9" one, but I didn't know what it was at the time and I didn't want to keep something under the length limit, so I put it back. After I got home, I looked it up online and wanted to kick myself.
The lake water is still pretty warm and most of the bigger fish are deep. And the ones that aren't deep aren't interested in my worms or my lures. But I'll keep trying.
Oh! Almost forgot. I did go back to the thrift store and buy that rod/reel. It was $15, but they had a 25% off sale, so I got it for $11.25. The rod is a Southbend Eclipse and the reel is an Abu Garcia Cardinal ProMax3. Score! Spent time trying them out this morning and they work like a dream. Double Score!
See ya next week. In the meantime, get outside for a while. Go for a drive. Sit by a lake. Soak up the sun. Walk around your yard. Something.
*I am in no way endorsed by these brands, but without them I could not continue to be a functioning human being.
Started the week out last Sunday. Fishing in the morning. Caught a couple little bluegills, but it was hard going.
Tuesday - Caught 3 bluegills and a punkinseed. All of them around 5-6". This was the largest punkinseed I've caught here. I had despaired of ever catching a punkinseed larger than bait, but the bigger ones have to be out there somewhere. The 5" wasn't big enough to eat, but there's hope.
Wednesday - Caught 2 bluegills and a green sunfish. Again, all 5-6". If you've never seen a green sunfish, they're kind of what you might imagine happening if a perch, a bluegill, and a punkinseed had babies. Pretty fish and good fighters. Can't wait to catch one large enough to eat. Last year I caught a 9" one, but I didn't know what it was at the time and I didn't want to keep something under the length limit, so I put it back. After I got home, I looked it up online and wanted to kick myself.
The lake water is still pretty warm and most of the bigger fish are deep. And the ones that aren't deep aren't interested in my worms or my lures. But I'll keep trying.
Oh! Almost forgot. I did go back to the thrift store and buy that rod/reel. It was $15, but they had a 25% off sale, so I got it for $11.25. The rod is a Southbend Eclipse and the reel is an Abu Garcia Cardinal ProMax3. Score! Spent time trying them out this morning and they work like a dream. Double Score!
See ya next week. In the meantime, get outside for a while. Go for a drive. Sit by a lake. Soak up the sun. Walk around your yard. Something.
*I am in no way endorsed by these brands, but without them I could not continue to be a functioning human being.
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report - 9/30/17
Good morning and welcome to the Saturday Fishing Report.
This last week of September had temperatures start out hot and then fall almost into line with the averages for this time of year. We're still running above normal, but it's something. The water, naturally, is still warm. And the water is still filled with baitfish for the larger fish to eat. I walked by a little cove in the rocks yesterday and hundreds of little bluegills freaked out. The bass are eating good and don't want my measly worms and my fake food.
Having said that, though, here's how my week shook out...
Sunday - got out early. Checked the park, but it was full of people, so I went to a spot on the main lake. Caught one 8" 6oz bluegill I kept, a smaller bluegill, and a little punkinseed, and a whole lot of sun. Thank goodness for 50 spf or I'd be a crispy critter.
Wednesday - went out a little later in the morning to the park. Nobody there and I found a place to park that shouldn't get the authorities khakis in a wad. I ended up on my favorite ledges. Yay. I caught two big bluegills - 8" 6oz and 8.5" 7oz. I also caught a little green sunfish.
Friday - Nice cool morning, so off I went. Some clouds, too, which is always nice. Didn't catch a damn thing. But I saw an osprey. And I found some gal's smartphone. I eventually got it returned to her, so it's all good.
As an aside, how does a gal with ratty clothes, the nastiest set of teeth I've seen in a while, and a crap-ass pickup truck that took 5 times before it started afford a brand new Samsung Galaxy phone? And when she came to pick up her phone from me, she was holding another smart phone. Ummmm. I guess it's all about priorities. :shrug:
As another aside, I saw a really awesome fishing pole at the thrift store this week. $15. It wasn't in the budget, so I put it back. Which brings me around to a point I want to make - that doesn't have anything to do with financial choices, btw. If you want to fish, but you can't afford to fish, check out your local thrift stores. I've gotten two rod/reel combos at mine for under $5. This one here had a whole bunch of soft fake baits available. Sometimes they have tackle boxes and lures. Sometimes you can find coolers and nets and floats and lifejackets. It's all a matter of keeping your eyes peeled.
And that's it for me this week. If you can, get out and enjoy the cooler weather before it turns into cold weather. ;o)
This last week of September had temperatures start out hot and then fall almost into line with the averages for this time of year. We're still running above normal, but it's something. The water, naturally, is still warm. And the water is still filled with baitfish for the larger fish to eat. I walked by a little cove in the rocks yesterday and hundreds of little bluegills freaked out. The bass are eating good and don't want my measly worms and my fake food.
Having said that, though, here's how my week shook out...
Sunday - got out early. Checked the park, but it was full of people, so I went to a spot on the main lake. Caught one 8" 6oz bluegill I kept, a smaller bluegill, and a little punkinseed, and a whole lot of sun. Thank goodness for 50 spf or I'd be a crispy critter.
Wednesday - went out a little later in the morning to the park. Nobody there and I found a place to park that shouldn't get the authorities khakis in a wad. I ended up on my favorite ledges. Yay. I caught two big bluegills - 8" 6oz and 8.5" 7oz. I also caught a little green sunfish.
Friday - Nice cool morning, so off I went. Some clouds, too, which is always nice. Didn't catch a damn thing. But I saw an osprey. And I found some gal's smartphone. I eventually got it returned to her, so it's all good.
As an aside, how does a gal with ratty clothes, the nastiest set of teeth I've seen in a while, and a crap-ass pickup truck that took 5 times before it started afford a brand new Samsung Galaxy phone? And when she came to pick up her phone from me, she was holding another smart phone. Ummmm. I guess it's all about priorities. :shrug:
As another aside, I saw a really awesome fishing pole at the thrift store this week. $15. It wasn't in the budget, so I put it back. Which brings me around to a point I want to make - that doesn't have anything to do with financial choices, btw. If you want to fish, but you can't afford to fish, check out your local thrift stores. I've gotten two rod/reel combos at mine for under $5. This one here had a whole bunch of soft fake baits available. Sometimes they have tackle boxes and lures. Sometimes you can find coolers and nets and floats and lifejackets. It's all a matter of keeping your eyes peeled.
And that's it for me this week. If you can, get out and enjoy the cooler weather before it turns into cold weather. ;o)
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Saturday Fishing Report - 9/23/17
Hi All and welcome to the Saturday Fishing Report, such as it is. The weather took a major turn toward the hot and the fish are still deeper than I can go from the bank.
Having said that, though, I did go out on Tuesday morning. I fished for a couple hours. Caught 4 bluegills, one green sunfish, and two small spotted bass. Nothing big enough to keep, but it was better than getting skunked.
I'm seeing scads of bait fish and small panfish along the ledges. I'm also seeing a boatload of turtles - all makes and models. I'd also like to say it's been a banner year for seeing snakes in the water. I'm thinking it all has something to do with the flood, but I don't know that for certain.
Checking out the local fishing reports tells me what I suspect - the fish are deep and they really aren't that interested in the food I'm presenting them because the lake is filled with shad and the bass are gorging themselves on those.
I may go out today because I'm getting cabin fever. I don't expect to catch anything of note, but like I've said before that's not the only goal of my fishing excursions. Sure, I'd like to catch fish to bring home and eat, but if I don't, it ain't no thing.
Well, that's it for me. I hope y'all have an awesome week and get out into nature at some point.
Having said that, though, I did go out on Tuesday morning. I fished for a couple hours. Caught 4 bluegills, one green sunfish, and two small spotted bass. Nothing big enough to keep, but it was better than getting skunked.
I'm seeing scads of bait fish and small panfish along the ledges. I'm also seeing a boatload of turtles - all makes and models. I'd also like to say it's been a banner year for seeing snakes in the water. I'm thinking it all has something to do with the flood, but I don't know that for certain.
Checking out the local fishing reports tells me what I suspect - the fish are deep and they really aren't that interested in the food I'm presenting them because the lake is filled with shad and the bass are gorging themselves on those.
I may go out today because I'm getting cabin fever. I don't expect to catch anything of note, but like I've said before that's not the only goal of my fishing excursions. Sure, I'd like to catch fish to bring home and eat, but if I don't, it ain't no thing.
Well, that's it for me. I hope y'all have an awesome week and get out into nature at some point.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)