Decided to head out real early this morning. I was on the water when still dark. About 3/4 of the pond is covered with windblown algae and pine needles, making topwater difficult. The spot where I launched was in one of those areas. I tried a squarebill but after three casts, it was useless. Switched to a jig and craw (no bites) followed by a black Zoom Magnum Trick TR. Caught my first bass on that. 
 

Headed to the opposite (clear) end and tied on a Zara Spook. I haven’t walked the dog in a while and it looked like a good day for it. 4-5 casts later, it disappeared. I got the bass about 5’ from the boat and it threw the hook. Definitely a nice ol’ gal between 4-5 lbs. Tried it for several more casts but no takers. 
 

Switched over to the A -Jay Special. Caught two more bass. Nothing huge but fun catches. My wife texted me and asked if I wanted Chinese for lunch from the place around the corner and as it was slow, I said sure. That must have been the text the bass we’re waiting for, as all of a sudden they started slamming baitfish in the shallows against the bank. But…a promise is a promise, so I headed for shore (with a few casts on the way in). 
 

I had a hard time getting on shore. It hasn’t rained in weeks and the water level has dropped. After maneuvering the boat several times, I finally got on the bank. I almost lost my balance and went over the side once, so I tossed my pouch (with phones, etc. inside) on the bank, as well as my net and one baitcasting rig (that becomes important). After stepping on shore, I grabbed the anchor rope (I always toss the anchor on the bank to keep the boat from drifting off) to pull it tight to the bank so I could grasp the handles. I pulled the rope and the next thing I knew, I was on my butt in the grass, holding a loose rope and watching my boat drift away. The rope still had the carabiner on it. I must have hit it with my foot getting off the boat and it pulled free. So I’m watching my boat drift off and think how the heck I’m going to get it without a swim. It started heading for the east end of the pond, so I ran around through the woods, found a long branch, and when it got close, I pushed it hard back towards my launch point. It got about halfway there and the wind stopped it. Then it started to drift towards the center of the pond. So I picked up the baitcasting rig (the Kistler with the A-Jay Special) and buried the hook deep in the Rage Craw (my boat is an inflatable, so I was thinking how to snag the boat and not sink it lol). I had a jacket on the back of the seat and was trying to snag that. I made several casts without success, then made a cast and the line wrapped around an oar lock. Huzzah! I caught my boat! No holes, except in my ego lol. By the time I loaded up and went to the carry-out, the cashier wondered if I forgot to come. 
 

So, three bass and a boat. My fortune cookie said “Success is good, but learn from your mistakes”. Check the carabiner!!!

 

@throttleplate I see you 🤣. It wasn’t funny. 
 

Actually, it was hilarious. I had to look like such a doofus standing there, hands on hips, watching an empty boat just float away. 
 

But, I am proud of my casting ability! 🤣

So, you're saying you caught a 257-pounder? 

 

 

We’ve all done it.  Reminds me of an outing on the Wolf river in Wisconsin when myself and a couple of other “Bass” boats docked in Fremont, Wisconsin on the river to have lunch.  We got a lot of side eyes from the walleye fishermen that were in the cafe.  Just as our food arrived a couple of walleye fishermen walked in and said who owned the gold and black glitter sled?  It’s floating down the river….  Seems me buddy wasn’t as good at knot tying as he claimed.  All the walleye guys got a good laugh as we scurried out to retrieve my boat. 

Nice catch!! 

 

Last November, decided to fish just one more time...air temps in the 40's, light wind.

 

I jumped off boat on to the dock...and used the Ulterra remote to spot-lock the boat about 10 yards off the dock. Walked up to the truck...hopped in and drove around towards the ramp...and noticed my boat driving away from me across the lake(!)

 

I drove down the ramp, got her in park, set the parking brake...and scrambled down the dock, remote in hand, hoping and praying I was still in range....

 

Thankfully I was able to gain control and turn the boat back towards the dock. WHEW!

Just now, DaubsNU1 said:

Nice catch!! 

 

Last November, decided to fish just one more time...air temps in the 40's, light wind.

 

I jumped off boat on to the dock...and used the Ulterra remote to spot-lock the boat about 10 yards off the dock. Walked up to the truck...hopped in and drove around towards the ramp...and noticed my boat driving away from me across the lake(!)

 

I drove down the ramp, got her in park, set the parking brake...and scrambled down the dock, remote in hand, hoping and praying I was still in range....

 

Thankfully I was able to gain control and turn the boat back towards the dock. WHEW!

 

You saw this commercial didn't you.  Bad move soldlier.  Use a rope.

 

 

@gimruis....Yes. I. Did!

 

I've had to swim once : )

 

And I do use a rope...unless there are other boats at the ramp...who might be able to assist if things go south.

 

Otherwise, yes, I use a rope.

I was hearing the Benny Hill theme in my head while reading this...

 

If the ramp is very busy I've been know to shoot my boat off the trailer, park the truck, walk back to the ramp and hitch a ride to my boat.  

At least you didn't drop anything into the lake while trying to snag the boat.

No, but…😂

 

Yesterday I got back to the bank. A young (to me) man was fishing with his teen son and tween daughters. He asked if I needed any help and I said sure. Let me toss the anchor on the grass then pull the boat tight to shore. He did, I went to step out, the boat moved backwards and I stepped into 1.5’ of water. And another foot or so of muck and mud lol. Only damage or loss was my ego lol. 
 

We really need some rain.