DADAKOTA

I heard Webb Elite does not allow A-rigs.

A lot of fishing techniques and finding fish can be learned. Much easier with today's electronics, mapping, and social media. But just like any other sport/activity there are those with an innate sense about finding fish, sticking to or abandoning a plan, etc. that I do not believe can be learned or taught. Some folks just have it and I believe a lot has to do with experience, time on the water, history on a given lake, etc. combined with the way their brain processes information. The best teacher, bar none, is time on the water. Second is having a network of good fishermen that you actually fish with, learn from, and discuss various techniques, theories, etc. Don't ever be afraid to experiment. Many times I have been on a solid pattern (not in a derby) and I'll change baits to see what I can catch them on in addition to the primary bait. Or I'll change locations/structure/type of bank/depth and see if they will bite my primary bait. Paying attention to patterns within a pattern are key as well. Fishing water willow you need to know are they on the outside edge, one opening inside of buried up further in. Is the willow on flat banks, steep banks, points, pockets, back ends, etc. Sometimes the type of water willow big bladed leaves or thin leaves can be a difference maker. Usually the thin leafed version is far more productive. More than once I have found fish on boat docks that are related to the ladders and no where else. Have you ever been pitching a jig and noticed that you get hit while retrieving your jig for another cast? Maybe they want a swimming jig over a normal jig retrieve? Maybe a chatterbait would be better? So many variables to process. Usually it is better to go spot to spot than pull long stretches of bank or fishing entire coves. The more variables one can isolate the better.

Funny how the wake boats and large cruisers don't do their maneuvers off their own docks. They always go away from their place. Bet they get real excited when their own dock is bouncing and moving around as wakes crash into it. Way too many inconsiderate folks out there in addition to all those that can't responsibly operate a boat.

Got a site where they are dumping them wrench?

thanks for the info.

Dutch - How hot do you get the oven to cure? Anyone have plans and parts list for a fluid bed?

How many of these school shootings have occurred at private schools? Offhand I can't recall one. A lot of private schools are are religion based. Maybe taking God out of the class room wasn't such a good idea. Seems more people and families used to make religion a higher priority. Don't recall having these shootings when I graduated in 78. Many times we had guns poles in our cars on Friday and leave for the outdoors right after school. Never concerned someone was going to shoot up the place. It is hard for kids to learn compassion, empathy, and respect when all they do is type into their phone and send things out on social media. Seeing how your comments hurts someones feelings requires you to be looking at them when you speak. Kids don't converse in person. Much harder to keep track of their conversations today than when you had to use the house phone.

Prayers for continued recovery and improvement.

Hey Phil - What percentage of the time do you catch a fish on one cast?

Still have to stack the rest of me dekes in the garage. Hunted more than I have in years. Might be my best season ever. Lots of memories laughs with my Son and various buddies made it a truly great season. C'mon snow geese.

Just seems more and more folks don't care what their actions while driving can do to them or others. The boozers and druggies cause way too many wrecks. Seems I see more and more texters and folks messing with their phones casually easing over into my lane, missing the green light, or blowing through a stop sign/light. This includes 18 wheelers. Put your dang phone in your pocket or pull off to deal with that must respond to text or call. Seen it all over the years folks reading the newspaper or a book, shaving, brushing teeth, applying makeup, plucking eyebrows, stuffing food in their face, watching movies, disciplining children, dozing off, putting clothes on or off, and some possibly x-rated behaviors. Folks need to pay attention and concentrate on what they are doing while driving instead of multi-tasking. If you proceed through an intersection without confirming cross traffic has stopped you are a fool.

LOZ is a weekenders dream fishery. One of the easiest lakes to catch fish. Now to compete with the locals in derbies is a whole nother thing. You best be spending a ton of time on the water to consistently compete with those boys.

Where is Prairie Hollow?

Great pic John. Looks like another awesome trip.

Ever get any cans or redheads down there?

Cured some skin on mallard breasts and then cold smoked them over hickory/apple/cherry for about 3 hours. Cooled, wrapped in plastic wrap, and put in the fridge for a couple days. The result was seriously tasty duck bacon.

Looks like an awesome hunt John. Can't believe green wings are still hanging around but they sure are.

Sunday was literally a case of being on the X. Flock after flock cycloning down into our spread. Non-stop action from small groups to 200+ trying to finish 10 yards from your feet. Quite possibly the most spectacular duck action I've been a part of. Definitely top 3. The poor sprig in one group felt the wrath of at least 4 guns. I'd of been the 5th, but he died before I could hit the trigger.

Great hunting with ya John. Wish they would have cooperated a little better. I totally agree with your thoughts on layout blinds. I'm usually last to the party when they say take em.

Kent is a good shell. I'll never run federals through my shotguns again. Dirtiest shells made.

Looking forward to it John.

As for this season it has been a strange one, but one of the better one's I have had recently. Spent many days in the field with my Son and friends. Lots of laughs, hard work, long hikes, and seeing the ducks work into the decoys. No complaints here other than some folks have no common courtesy in the marsh. Until this freeze up we have had several really good hunts. Now it is time to start dry field hunting ducks. Can't wait.

A pair of mallard drakes sailed into our spread yesterday and stayed with us. I went to pick them up and was surprised by the coloration of this one. I first thought it was an eclipse drake but have never seen the blondish feathers and white feathers on one. This oddball was much smaller than the other drake. Out of curiosity would this bird count toward your mallard harvest or is it an "other" duck. Sent pics to a duck biologist who said it is a hybrid with a "park duck" of some sort.

Love reading your posts John as I know I'll see pics of a yella dog.

Really good folks in that group. Kudos to all that helped make this a great event.