flyboy

My wife kinda did the same thing. As my story progresses, keep in mind that she cast well and can fish with most guys. We were at BPS and she decided if she was going to be the "girl fisherman" she needed girly things, so she picks up one of those Pflueger bait cast combos that is pink with pink guide wraps. I looked at it and said OK, thinking anything that will keep you interested. so we load it up with 12# Stren, tie on a blue and white spinner bait (her favorite) and she proceeds to slay the fish her first day on the boat. By ten a.m. she had worn out that reel; seriously wore it out. It still worked but it was squalling like one of the old Ambassadors from the 70's. A few days later we took the outfit back and told them it only lasted a few hours and we wanted to exchange it. To make a long story short she didn't want the girly stuff any more and is now the proud owner of around six chronarchs. That bait monkey created a monster, but a great fishing partner.

Wow, my wife does not have a shopping gene or shopping monkey, but it is amazing how the bait monkey got on her back and mine too and has made us do bad things. We got a letter from BPS informing us we were in the top 2% of their shoppers, gave us shiny new member cards and key chain tags and they invited us to stop by anytime. Of course our new boat was all outfitted by then, we have all the tackle we need for a while and the poor ole bait monkey is going through withdrawals. Anybody know a good facility we could send our bait monkey to? We were hoping for one as good as the one Tiger went to. He needs some serious rehab. He is having a sexual identity crisis and he has serious shopping withdrawal symptoms.

I filled out the survey; found it biased in some areas, but if they respect the obvious responses that most responsible anglers should have given, it will help preserve and improve the quality of our sport and reap tremendous revenue for the state. This provokes another question. What would bring more revenue for the state, a thousand jet skis or a thousand fishing license with the boats and equipment associated with those licenses?

A friend fished a tournament on John's Lake a few weeks back and loved it. He and his partner didn't catch any big fish but culled all day. Caught about five limits I guess and still finished twelfth.

So, what is the hottest lake in and around Orlando right now? Everybody has a favorite I hope.

What's the best way to get to the Chase Rd. ramp? I will be coming from east of Orlando near Christmas.

Where are the best boat ramps to put in for the Butler Chain?

A long time ago, an old timer told me, "The jig bite feels like 'Honey' when you pick up the jig to move it." That is the most frustrating thing when you don't trust that feeling. The next thing you feel is the fish dropping the jig or the almost hookup.

Great story Chris; nice writing--you should be able to sell that one.

Added note: I thought those were beautiful lakes and would love to fish them again. Please PM me if you get anything going and I will share info on the Harris Chain if you are interested. I am building a house up there and should have a lot going there in the months to come.

Last time I was there I heard the best place was in the extreme southeast side of Lake Hart. I tried Mary Jane from the dam up to the cross canal on the east side and did not do so great. Caught a couple there. Great looking place with a few deep holes but unremarkable vegetation. Heard that in the 70's those lakes were "the place." I have to believe that with a little effort you can be the hero.

Those were some great stories. I call myself an amateur writer--I hope you guys won't mind if I embellish your stories some day.

Fished Taylor Creek Reservoir today and had a decent day. Bass were eating white spinner baits with tandem willow blades. Only small fish, all relating to grass near timber in about four feet of water. Specks were on a rampage, eating 1/4 oz. gold rattle traps. Caught about 10 up to 2 lbs. Weird! Fished worms, flukes, jigs and jerk baits with no hits. Overall, great day. The wind even cooperated for a change with temps ranging 50 at launch and 72 when we loaded up. Water temp 61-65.

Stan Tell us a little about the fresh water fishing in Hawaii. I was based at Schoefield in the late sixties and got hooked on offshore fishing in Kona. I spent way too much on going over there every time I saved enough. A guy I knew talked about the reservoir by Wahiawa but I never gave it a chance. Do you have Peacocks there? What else? I feel bad I never explored the fresh water opportunities.

I was up there in November. Most of bite was down in the river and the locals were talking about the draw down planned for 2010. I don't know what part of the year that is going to happen but you may want to check on that. I guess that can go both ways. Some guys say the fishing is sensational during a draw down up there; others complain. I can't remember the name of the place we stayed, but if you google Rodman cabins it is the only place that will pop up. It is also a canoe outpost and the owner went out of his way to make certain I could get a cabin where I could park my boat and truck right by the door. It's about five miles to the launches on the lake itself but they have a private launch on the river. Have a great trip.

It sounds like the spring we were all hoping for is beginning to take shape.

Toho is a lot closer and it sound like they may be turning on. The weather report said this wind should lay down a little tomorrow.

Wow I thought a lot of guys would chime in on this lake; but nothing. I have heard a few good reports on this lake recently so we thought we would give it a try. Does anybody know if it is worth it or not? It seems like a great place but no action on reports.

We were thinking of going to Istokpoga for a few days next week. We have never been there but have heard good things about it. Anybody know about the fish camps down there? We're looking for a cabin with good boat space and hookup. Any fishing reports?

I just added a Power Pole to my Skeeter a few weeks ago and I love it. We have had a lot of wind in Florida the last few weeks and I drift along an area I want to work and deploy the pole every fifty feet or so. You can move the boat in an arch around the pole with the tolling motor on low and almost no effort--makes pinpoint presentations a snap. To count on a good deployment of the 8' pole you need to be in about 6' of water or less.

That's what the pros said at a recent seminar. They showed several ways to do it. It is nothing more than a wacky rig on most any plastic you want. Rig according to the cover you are fishing and you will be surprised Be very patient. They also talked about the Senko--similar principle. I have played with both and when the weather turns around I already have a lot of confidence in both techniques. It felt ridiculous at first, then, so did throwing a swim bait on a 4/0 until I felt it load up the first time. The 4/0 might have been an exaggeration.

Hope this topic is Okay for this forum. I have been setting up my "traveling kit" and have a dilemma about the type of jack to include. I have a 20' Skeeter and want input from different sources about jacks that work well on trailers of that size. Any other tips on roadside emergencies would be appreciated.

I keep thinking about how it will affect the future. Will the spawn be delayed and stronger? Will there be fish that miss the spawn altogether and affect future populations? Will the summer be unusual? Chime in with your thoughts guys. Hey George, you've been watching this longer than most of us; got any insights?

I read the story and have to give the guys the benefit of the doubt. 33 years ago...am I that frigging old...I caught three nine pound bass on three consecutive casts so I know incredible and unbelievable things can happen.

Good luck on the fishing but most of all remember the day. You are lucky to spend such important time with your buddy before entering the service. His life is about to change forever--savor the moments.