A Little ‘Stress Reliever’ Lake

 

Just had to share these stress relievers with everyone.  This was a Friday evening, “after-work”, outing that I took after a very bad week at work.  The photos didn’t work out though.  Behind the Bass, up in the tops of the trees, I was watching 3 Bald Eagles when I caught this guy.  One had the white head and the other two must have been young still.  You can’t really see them but that’s what I was ’shootin’ for.  The other picture turned out more dark than it actually was. 

I wanted to relieve stress and get away so I went to this tiny lake my neighbor told me about that is a “stones throw” away from a lake that gets pounded by tournaments.  Even though the stench of cow manure was really strong, it was the perfect lake.  It only had 4 or 5 docks, is ringed with pads and reeds and has good bottom contour.  The point I’m trying to make is try those tiny lakes in your area.  They can be goldmines and your personal “Stress Reliever”.  Tell us about your ‘personal’ bass lake.

The Old Fisherman

 

A day fishing is not always about catching fish.  My last two outings are a testament to that.  The water is very low this summer, it’s been very hot and the fish have not been biting that great but being on the water can give you opportunities to meet some interesting people.  Yesterday about 6:50 am I was exploring a small bay that I had never been in.  The sun was warming the morning air, the water was calm and really clear and the sunfish were feverishly attacking my scum frog.  I had the bay all to myself.  Can you think of a better way to start the day?   As I was enjoying the peaceful setting a little old aluminum boat with a small outboard puttered around the corner and into my bay.  At the helm was an elderly gentleman.  As he pulled his boat up to the dock and killed the motor I ask how his day was going.  He said he caught about 15 bass and kept 3, motioning at the 5 gallon bucket in the boat.  I asked if he fished this lake much and he replied with, “50 years.  My friend usually fishs with me but he is sick and the rest of my friends have passed away.”  We spent a good 10 minutes or so talking.  I learned that he is a WWII Veteran and that he only goes fishing from 4:30 am to about 7 am.  He only uses topwater plugs because “they are the most exciting.”  When his grandson, from Idaho, came to visit he taught him how to topwater fish for bass and now that’s all he wants to do.  We talked about several other things as well.  As we said good-bye and I picked up my rod again I thought to myself, today has already been worth the trip.  If I don’t catch any fish today, just meeting this old fisherman with a lifetime of stories is as good as a livewell full of fish.  Take the time to meet your fellow anglers.  You will be surprised at where they have been and the things they have done.

Kid’s Fishing Hall of Fame

If you’re mentoring a kid, recognizing their accomplishments, no matter how large or small, is a great way to keep them interested. From first fish to catching the big one, you can post a photo, tell a story and create a custom certificate that commemorates their special day.    Visit the Kid’s Fishing Hall of Fame 

Do you have a ’special’ fishing buddy?  This is a great way to make a memorable day on the water unforgettable.