Being in North Central Illinois, the fishing season has been over for me for a little while now. Looking back, I had a really fun season. For the first time ever, I largely skipped out on LMB fishing in favor of SMB fishing. I had the time of my life on the river.

 

First fish of the season. What a donkey:

 

 

First (and one of few) decent LMB of the season. I didn't go to work that day because I had Norovirus. It was my 28th birthday too. As it was my birthday, I mustered up some strength to go to the tiny pond a couple blocks away to fish for 20 minutes:

 

 

The season got juicy from there as I spent 99% of my time on the river chasing Smallies. 

 

My first big SMB:

 

 

I looked like a little kid after catching this fatty:

 

 

Another nice one on the Ned Rig:

 

 

Whopper Plopper fish? Whopper Plopper fish! This thing was a beast. I've never had a bass peel drag on a casting setup the way she did. Absolutely incredible to watch her fighting in relatively clear, green tea water, right in front of me:

 

 

I got this one on a KVD 1.5 right before the lightning struck. What was a promising night was cut too short, as was my season:

 

 

It was an amazing season and I can't wait for spring. My wife had a great season too, but she doesn't like her photos online. We've restocked our gear and have ordered some brand new kayaks. We're going to start the season with a river tournament with 2 other couples. Guys vs Girls, 3v3. Here's to an even better 2019!

 

 

 

 

This is what happens after you end a day long fishing trip with your wife and buddies at the bar. You end up passed out drunk in a shopping cart somewhere. Or maybe it's just me:

 

:)......at least your flexible....

Now...me.....I would be stuck.

Glad you had a fun year and seem like more awesome years are waiting for you and your wife. Keep us post on you big catch.

In every one of those photos it looks like you had fun. Especially the last one. 

This was another cool day from this season. One of my fishing buddies told me I can't crank. We were supposed to go out and he was supposed to lay it to me cranking. Well he dipped out and I went. I caught 5 good ones on consecutive casts and peppered his inbox with them. Can't crank huh buddy? Lol

 

 

 

Then I whopper plopper'd one just cuz I can

 

This little Larry fought like a savage. Like I said, it was a Smallie year. Not many lmbs.

 

 

Got a good release photo on a LMB

 

 

2 hours ago, Gundog said:

In every one of those photos it looks like you had fun. Especially the last one. 

I had a blast man. So the shopping cart photo needs a little explanation. We parked at my buddies a few blocks from the bar and walked up like smart people. I got lit up and on the walk back we came across a random cart in the road. I wasn't walking too well so they put me in it and pushed me. I don't remember getting back to his house at all lol

Looks like you had a great year. Smallies are the best!

 

GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!

Stuck drinking heavy stouts now til spring like a proper Lutheran boy

 

if you put me in a shopping cart, you'd have to call and get the jaws of life to get me out.    great pics. great year.