rsimms, Chickamuga, Catfish Fiasco, 1-23-2010, Hearne and Beema

[FishNews]

Had the first official "guide trip" of 2010. It was a fiasco. Clients no-showed at pre-arranged meeting time & place. After 30 minutes and no answer on their cell phone, I say "Oh well..." and head for the water anyway.<br /><br />Launch boat and get to first fishing spot. Cell phone rings... clients call apologizing profusely for over-sleeping and ask if they can still come. I say sure, give them directions to the ramp and return there to wait, and wait, and wait.<br /><br />They arrive and we're finally fishing on EricM's Super Secret Hole... and the general area where Puddle pounded 'em a few days ago.<br /><br />Again we wait, and we wait, and we wait. Nary a nibble, not a bump, not a bent rod of any variety. In spite of warning, clients are ill-prepared for how cool and windy it can be on the water. It only takes about an hour or so before they say "Uncle."<br /><br />My first trip of 2010 ends without a single catfish boated... only the second time that's happened in my guiding "career." emoBawl Ugh! <br /><br />I return to the water determined to catch a catfish... fished hard for three more hours with nary a nibble, not a bump, not a bent rod of any variety.<br /><br />I say Uncle!<br /><br />You know how when you go fishing, you really hate to catch a fish on the very first cast because that often means bad things are ahead. I am hoping that a horrible first trip of the year means there is nothing but good things ahead. emoFish emoAngler