03-23-2010, 09:00 AM
<br /> Well for all the great weather we had Saturday, today was just my day. Finally get to go fishing. First time out since June of last year and the weather just could not have been better. emoBang For some unknown reason it has either rained, sleeted or snowed every time I have been off since Nov. and today was just another day with my name on it. emoLaugh <br /> Started out of Hwy 58 ramp and headed down river. First thing to happen was the temp jumped up on my boat. I guess setting since last June has been a bad thing and put a set in the water pump. Got cooled off and headed on down to our first spot and Eddie catches a huge crappie. WOW! Great! Only thing is we are fishing a bass tourny. We wanted to keep the fish to weigh anyway as we figured it was almost 2# and well over 15&amp;quot; long. Didn&#39;t have my camera with us, so we were gonna see if anyone else brought one and send off for him a TARP award. <br /> Start to put it in the livewell and guess what. Pump started and then locked down. Removed the cartidge and fixed it and it locks down again. Threw on the other livewell and it works good. OK we are getting somewhere now. Started throwing a rattle trap around the bend and up on the flat and BAM! Nice 2# fish. 14 1/2&amp;quot; long. Too short. Oh well. Fished a little further and it starts snowing and sleeting like crazy. They are pulling the lake like crazy and fish are jumping everywhere! Caught anothr one and it came unbuttoned at the boat. emoHoppingmad Fished a while longer and caught another one that looks like it is ready to pop and its only 14 3/4&amp;quot; long. <br /> It stopped snowing and the wind gets up. BRRRR! Caught anothr one and he is running to the boat and just as I was getting ready for the net. It opened its mouth and the plug came out and the fish actually laughed and went back down. Now I know it is my Day!!!! <br /> Fished a little further and wind is getting better! Almost white caps. Then the unmistakable sound of a trolling motor dying as it gives up the last cough and sputter of the day. Wind is pushing us just right. Right on top of a two ft deep flat. Had to start the big mototr and eased back out and let the wind carry us a little furher down the flat. One more good solid thump! OH WOOWWW! This is it! The big one of the day! Get it to the boat. Fighting the wind and snow and its a nice one! Looks to be around 5# and brown. WOOHOO!! Plenty long enough, just the wrong shaped mouth. Big ole drum! Can it get any better than that?<br /> Anyway, we had a lousy day fishing but had a great time with my partner and the other guys. Great fellowship and a lot of gouging at the ramp afterward. Namely at me..emoLaugh Great time but no win this time. <br /> <br /> Took 4.30# for big fish and I think some where around 7 to win. Great day to be alive and walking. Oh well, It was untill I tried to thaw out and then the pain hit. Was so cold I couldn&#39;t feel my fingers but thats alright. We had a great day anyway....