crazy4fishin

Drug my feet and contemplated having my registration moved to '21. Said the heck with it and am planning on heading down to see what I can do! Can't be any worse than the other years for me🤔 C4F

Got out early - well before sunrise and headed up to the condos. As mentioned they were not running any water and the junk was starting to accumulate on the surface. I did hear a boat and I think that Babler was a bit farther up lake. I started with a 1/32 maribu jig with moderate success - not quite to the level of the Swift crew but respectable. The size of most of the fish was impressive and they were real fighters! I will admit I was bent pole watching and I was able to figure out that the Swift crew were working a micro jig, I mean it sounded like splash mountain over there with all of the fish they were dragging in - since the pink worm had lost it's luster I dug into the 'ole box and found an olive micro that I tied on....I had forgotten how not fun it was trying to get that 2lb line to work ! And then this afternoon after the rain I ran up a bit farther and parked in the muck throwing the micro....I caught this chunk - I could not get her to sit still for a picture but she was wide and long. And then there is the little guy that could video catch_Trim.mp4 So if you are going out grab a few 1/32nd jigs and if you are able a micro jig....you will not be disappointing.

I took this vid right around 6:45 a.m. 20200907_063955_1.mp4

I got up a bit early - I was excited to get on the water and see what the day had to offer. Filled the Yeti up to the brim with Dunkin Donuts coffee this morning for something different...made it a touch strong, you know the kind that coats your mouth.... so I was good to go. Hit the dock right at 5:47 a.m. pulled the rods out, strapped them down as I knew I would get up to 5.5 - 6.2 MPH running up river in the fog and I didnt want them to go flying out. Fired up the electronics to make sure that I could be easily tracked via government GPS satellite (I dont want them to work to hard). Fired up the big motor...I think that we can all agree that there is nothing like the smell of a 2 stroke in the morning. Headed up river to just beyond the condos - I was guided by the moon this morning. I started with the sculpin jig like yesterday - I found that if I popped it a bit more aggressive there were more and better bites. This worked for a couple of passes. Here is what happens when everything is wet and you are casting, catching, casting, catching using 2lb line...that stuff is a real mess!! One rod down, good thing that I have a backup Lilley's rod rigged with a similar color. Then I had to a pause as a family of Geese came swimming by - that was like the 2 minute time out in MLF!! Switched to the pink worm under the float and that lit them back up - but more and more of my friends were showing up! I am surprised that lines were not getting tangled up there were so many folks up there....I wish we had an underwater camera to see all of the offerings. I did talk to a guide friend and he was telling me that good ole night crawlers on a drift rig were working great if that is something you would like to try. Around now my stomach was telling me it was bacon, eggs and toast time....I did not disagree!! C4F

That must have been when it slowed down! 🙄. It is just as bad this morning! You know it is tough when a guide says this is crazy!! Overall everyone was pretty courteous except for the one guy in a center console that makes multiple trips up and back, I swear his goal is to make as big a wake as possible and get as close as he can....I feel sorry for those kayakers! C4F

Left the dock early this a.m. as I was in the hunt for the big 'uns. Supposedly there was to be NO generation but thankfully there was some to create a nice easy current I had everything rigged, my DD approved 8' rod loaded up with 2lb line with the right amount of twist and a float secured in place with an old toothpick that I found on the floor of my truck and of course the infamous pink worm...well used by the way! I have figured out how to hook those darn things every which way before I have to put another one on. Youtube video coming soon for that tutorial. Two (2) Lilley's jig rods tied with last years offering (sculpin) since I couldn't remember to see what the colors of the day were. Then I remembered the sculpin documentary that Phil shared here about the scuds and their life and eventual sacrifice in Taney waters. Very moving...... My Yeti filled with some coffee named gunshot or something like that, it is OK tasking but the name is pretty cool right? I can now tell my friends that I drank gunshot! The moon was peaking through the clouds as I worked my way up river, while there was some fog it wasn't too bad...a little cool though. I went up as far as the condos and I just had to start fishing, kinda like the message that Randy Howell received when he won the Bass Master Classic....got out the Lilleys sculpin jig with the dark head and it was game on for the first pass.....multiple fish, aggressive fighters and fat. I learned quickly that my tie jobs suck by the way - but hey we have to keep the economy rolling right? That slowed down so I pulled out the big gun....my DD approved rig (it is literally 2' longer - hence the size reference)....I quickly calculated the depth using my HDS Gen2 and made the appropriate adjustments to the float to worm distance....getting it within 1/16th of the optimum distance for maximum fish presentation / hook up ratio!! (app coming soon) All fish today were released back into the waters from where they came - mostly because I wasn't in the mood to clean fish. Around 9 more and more friends were joining me - at times it looked like party cove! Fortunately everyone kept their shirt on!! That is when I decided that it was time to go in and enjoy a package of those delicious chocolate donuts that were cooling in the Marina store. A true rib sticking treat for sure!!. C4F

All set - being at the bottom isn't all that bad......everything needs a good foundation right? C4F

So does that mean I won by default? We will all get a participation trophy and patch right? C4F

And underwear....always underwear....your shorts will thank you! C4F

Thanks moguy....I had almost forgotten as it seems like is has been forever ago that this started!! I am locked and loaded with my 19th place team!! I look at it this way the only direction is up from here! C4F

Thanks for trying, you guys do a great job in my opinion....this year has everything messed up. Now how do I still convince my wife I need to be gone in June.....pre fishing maybe?? C4F

Cool idea! I like the number concept..... Thanks Quill C4F

Man - makes me really want to be down there!!!!! C4F

They postponed the event until Oct....and I see that they are starting to postpone the events in the future farther out. I cant imagine how this will impact the resort industry...not so much the virus, all though that is bad, but the loss of income and the uncertainty in the job market right now. C4F

Quill - Here you go being socially responsible! 😵 sorry to hear but probably the right thing to do given all of the uncertainty and the daily updates. Prayers for all of you guys and your families that you are safe and blessed....remember to look out for others during these times. C4F

Best for you folks to stay safe..... Take care C4F

Only a couple of weeks away

So are we just using our hands to grab them out of the water then??? C4F

I am in - where do I send the PP? C4F

cheese if you are working let me know and I can bring chips.....also I will bring a sweet something!! C4F

Thanks Patlock - making the OAF tourney is the plan for 2020!!

I am trying to be happy for Quill.......but I am jealous of any that can get on the water.....I guess I could and just about WALK to "my" spot !!😪 C4F

May you have a blessed day - and may we never forget why we celebrate this time.... John 16:33 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. C4F

And a Happy Thanksgiving to all my internet friends .....you are all a great bunch.....and we are truly blessed beyond who we are most days. At least I know that I am..... C4F

Hillbilly - you have found the secret to a long and successful life of fishing...... maybe even a few new toys under the tree since she has caught the bug. C4F