Donna G

Slow catching day, but had a few keepers looking down. Got to show one to the camera with my Snoopy Santa hat on.

Merry Christmas, Bill. Thanks for the detailed report. You never fail to give a good one.

Yep, were going tomorrow and I just told Champ188, "It's Christmas and I'm doing what I want, which is NOT fishing 100' deep. LOL. Water must have warmed up a bit this week. We were at SK a couple of weeks ago and it was 48 degrees.

And a partridge in a cedar tree. 😁

I like it when I can say, "I caught the biggest one, right?"

I tell him all the time, "Thank you, Mr. Guide." I'm a true guide client. I like yanking on them. Take me where they are and set me up where I can get to them and I'm a happy camper.

I think the feller is on too many pain meds. He's made these for folks no-charge, but giving y'all the recipe? Feel honored.

I miss Uncle Josh's. They did catch 'em. Lots of fancy plastic trailers very realistic looking and with great action, but there's just something about those ol' chunks.

Geez, Bill. Sorry. Just went back and read all the responses. Didn't realize that your thoughtful question about Christmas turned into a whining poor-me session about boat buying and owning. Thank your for the original question and your incredible patience in continuing to explain...and kindly, at that.

I haven't read all the replies and I don't know if Champ188 has responded, but here's what we do. Our three kids combined range from mid / late thirties to mid / late forties. No spouses. No kids. They are spread from Alaska to Little Rock to east Texas. They like eGift cards. 😊 James and I don't exchange gifts. Same bank account. Duh. We do gift each other throughout the year with small fun or memorable items. I broke one of my two Christmas coffee cups. James knew that and he also knows I'm a little silly about donkeys. He surprised me with a new cup with hilarious donkeys in Christmas hats. I am nuts about Christmas. I love the lights, the food...all the sights, sounds and smells. Don't get me started on Christmas music, specials and movies. The old ones, but the good ones. Yes, yes, yes. The warm hearts and acts of kindness and charity. The Reason for the season. We decorate minimally. Just a few pieces with special meaning. No tree (six cats..lol). I repeat, I LOVE Christmas. I have zero stress and it doesn't cost us an arm and a leg. Merry Christmas all my fishing friends. May your week be merry and bright.

Meant to mention, he'll also paint your baits, as well as painting blanks for sell in the box. I'll post some pictures this weekend of a few.

I work with Rick at his daytime job. I have a dozen or more beautiful baits he has given me and Champ188. Some unique colors and patterns with great attention to detail. Company name is Brouwer Baits. He sells direct and also has his baits at Hook, Line & Sinker in Rogers.

Nice. I'm a jig enthusiast and i really like some of your colors.

I'm sure Dave is already working on it. Question is, what will it be named?

You can't tell, but I'm giving two-thumbs up in the boat. Looks like I'm just making fists. LOL Short digits.

Thanks. I'll check that one out.

It wasn't terrible, but we have good clothing. I had Under Armour ColdGear Infrared base layer top and bottoms with fleece thermals over that. I couldn't make it without my UA ColdGear Infrared baclava, Thinsulite boots with wool socks, Guidewear bibs/jacket and Patagonia waterproof fishing gloves. Not trying to sound like an ad, but these brands/models have worked well for me. But yes, my fingers are splitting in the corners. That's what Super Glue is for.

Us, too. Didn't expect it to move in that fast and hard. However, we took it easy and had the low 4WD on it. No problems at all. Snow plow was BEHIND us for quite a ways. Boat and truck are nasty. Champ was going to hook up the pressure washer and knock the worst of it off, but both our water hoses were frozen.

I'm used to recognizing that spongy feeling since I jig fish so much, but darn it, there was no hint at all that I had a fish on until it was leaving. Glad they didn't swallow the Ned, however, that seems to happen rarely on the little guy, thank goodness.

Beaver, not Table Rock. Sharing for your viewing pleasure, though. A break from the shad kill thread anyway. Today's descent into madness. That's me in the red. Who can tell? LOL Really hard to fish in the wind and blowing snow. I managed to hook and lose two that felt decent because I was too STOOPID to set the hook. Dragging Ned behind the boat and line tightened up. Never felt a bite. Started reeling like an AM instead of popping it. First one felt like a good brownie digging. No love on the JB or crankbait. Normally Champ188 puts me in the water and then I get the trailer on the return. Due to the icy ramp, he went for the trailer and I drove the boat on. Made on the first try with the wind blowing sideways. I was pretty proud of that. Don't know if the pics will come out in order, but the one with the Merc showing and the ramp behind was as we were launching. Rig in the side mirror was the giving-up time. This post has been promoted to an article

I'm in. Just set my roster and joined the group. Champ188 says he's in and has his team set, but I told him I didn't see him in the group. Think he's sandbagging.

I'm not very far behind you, Vernon. I work in a an environment surrounded by engineers and techs. Me, I'm not very TEKNEKAL. Why do I have to be techie? I just ask those smart people at work and play COMPLETELY dumb. Shhhh. Don't tell Champ188.

Love me some WE Pond Scum Perch. I like a darker trailer than the one shown, though, when I'm fishing that color jig. Just me.

You are brave or dumb. However, as Champ188 will tell you, I have less shoes than most men. And, what aren't Crocs, are golf shoes and a couple pairs of insulated waterproof boots for fishing. I'm always amazed at the fascination / addiction my gender has with shoes.

How we spent our Christmas Day. 😁 Didn't make it to the Rock, but the crazy things were eating a blade in 51-degree water on the bank at Beaver. You know Champ188 was grinning. LOL. We had a nice little limit and this kicker.