Daryk Campbell Sr

Nothing of real concern. Just shallow water. Sorry for the confusion.

Today's weather started either rain. We slept in had a late hearty breakfast. Deer back straps perfectly cooked by Rick, along with crispy bacon, and some left over fish and potatoes as well as casserole. Had a great day on the water, doubled up many times. Ray caught a beautifully marked smallmouth, some browns and plenty of rainbows. Rick flat out was a fish whisperer. He was our (Ray and I) guide. He worked the motor while relaxing and allowing us to catch fish in the Shoals at Buffalo Shoals. We started off great. Then Rick decided it was time to show us up. After some issues with line breaking, we all seemed to have issues, Rick started catching and he never stopped. He became wore out and allowed Ray and I to catch again. Cody and DJ went over to the Buffalo and had a great time over there. They had an issue coming back from there, we came across them while Cody was pulling the boat. We all fished near the ramp for another hour or so, then came back to have dinner. Cody made an amazing gumbo that we all shared. WOW. That's all I can say about that. There may have been hints that it may make an appearance at Taneyfest 2025.

Friday night dinner. Fried blue cat, fresh cut Fried potatoes, potato casserole courtesy of Rick's wife, with creamy mac and cheese. Well, it was amazing! We stayed up and watched a couple movies, Cody and I fell asleep and the guys left us out in the living room.

I did not get it to start in time for Jigfest, but I plan to get it wrapped up for Taneyfest. I bought all of the OE parts from www.MarineEngine.com as recommended by Fishinwrench. I did complete the transom replacement, as well as installed a trailer hitch on my van. I had two blind nuts that were welded into the frame break, and had to drill them out. I had to remove the bumper to install the new replacement bolts.

The first day (Thursday) we went launch, but Rick @Terrierman realized there was a problem with his tiller. The throttle handle was missing. He and I didn't go out. Cody @gotmuddy, and Ray went out for a couple hours, DJ met up they caught a few trout, and a couple smallies near the confluence of the Buffalo. Food, well, amazing as usual. Cody brought trout dip, candied jalapeño dip that he covered a block of cream cheese and we had fried bologna sandwiches, until the red beans and rice was served along with smoked chicken thighs. Miles, the owner of Rileys Outfitter helped Rick out and got the motor fixed well enough to use. We got out today (Friday to fish. David ( @dpitt ) came out to play. Unfortunately I didn't get any photos of him or his cool boat. Rick and I almost doubled on each of our first fish, unfortunately while I was raising mine into the boat it came off. I didn't touch it, so it didn't count (Rick's boat, and his rules :-) ) we caught quite a few fish, I was throwing Lilley's Jigs, tri olive with a red wrap seemed to shine for me. Rick was using multiple colors of jigs as well as a Doty Signature Series Sculpin jerk bait. Fish of the day was a 20" brown i caught. My personal best. It fought hard, stayed deep for quite a while. Rick was very helpful in my landing of the big brown, I would have probably lost it had he not coached me and netted it for me. The bonus of the day was a sucker caught in the mouth on a jig, caught by Rick.

The new ones were installed. I'm not certain on the paper orientation. May have to find out.

I couldn't get all the pictures to load. Here's the fuel pump. Much easier than I expected to be honest. I gotta paint these and figure out a way to attach them permanently. I do worry they may become more of a hassle then they are worth. I want some eyes printed as well. Stickers that I'm getting made. the cracked linkage gear.

Most are she's, but this one has been designated as a him. LOL. I have completed the power head swap. I rebuilt the carburetor, and fuel pump. I replaced the water impeller and components. I have a new thermostat, and need to install it. I've removed the old one and cleaned off the old gasket materials from the outer head housing. Couple other projects on the boat with family duties have kept me from completing it this far. I also broke a steering/throttle linkage, and have received that, just have to install it as well.

I'm willing to share.

I can bring that as well.

I ate light at Thanksgiving, had to save room for Jigfest.

I'll be bringing a fryer and oil. Along with a 22inch weber and charcoal. Some brats and burgers.

I didn't care for falling off of the boat either. LOL. I hope all is well on your end my friend.

As Mr Babler says, I just ain't that mad at them. 40's with no wind, I can deal. I've fished and had ice in the guides on Tablerock during a One Bass Tournament. I didn't care for that.

So, she caught a keeper?

I was hoping someone took advantage of the opportunity.

I think the reference to honey was misinterpreted.

I've never used it, but it looks great. Thanks for the video, straight and to the point. I say you did good.

The last few weekends have been occupied with kid's events, so I couldn't do much to Frankenstein. I got busy this evening after work. I was able to remove the power head, as well as the lower unit. Tomorrow I will install the replacement power head, clean and rebuild the carburetor and the fuel pum, as well as replacing the impeller and housing. Gonna order the forgotten thermostat, then he should be ready to run strong.

Well, if the fishing is no good, we will eat good, and tell stories. Still a while out.

That's quite an adventure. Very cool.

@Phil Lilley Here is the most updated list. Per the recent comments @Terrierman and @fmcbrandon will be attending with 2 sons. @Ryan Miloshewski and Steinman are still deciding.

Just want to remind everyone, there are open spots or come down for a day. We eat good. We'll feed ya. I've got a good Stromboli recipe that I plan to make. I'll have to figure out a veggie option for DJ. I've got.some appetizer type recipes that I wanna try making as well.