First Tourney For 2014...brrrrrr

Had our first qualifier for Heartland series here in east Tennessee yesterday and i'm tell ya I have never fished that long in chilly conditions. To start the day the ramp almost took me out as it had turned to ice and was a bit slick but no one seemed to have problems with their rigs. Anyway I don't think it got above freezing all day as I had ice on the guides most of the day and my reel would lock up once in awhile due to ice build up. First thing in morning you could only make about three casts before you had to dip your rod. It was amazing. I had two handwarmers and a lower back warmer on and ohhhhh they were awesome plus several layers of clothing.

Fishing was actually pretty good for water temps from 42 to 44 on average. We used mostly reaction baits and had our limit in about an hour and culled, but my poor partner volenteered to manage the livewell and his hands payed!!!

Here's hoping the next one is a little warmer.

Oh...it took 15 to win. We had almost eleven but needed that all important kicker.

Tight Lines