7-25 Night Fishing Trip

[hoglaw]

Thanks to Russ and (more particularly) Jean Anne for putting us on at 7:30 last night. Floated under cover of darkness from low water bridge to the city park at Noel. Was hoping to take advantage of the full moon but had heavy cloud cover with lightning in the distance instead. Spooky. Had a few drunken campers along the way who thought we were lost or in trouble. I had to convince them we were canoeing in the dark on purpose!

Anyway, fishing was a little slower than expected. After switching patterns a few times, we finally zeroed in on frogs. Probably had 50 blowups but only hooked 20 or so. Caught a couple of good fish but no monsters.

The strangest catch of the trip was a bat. They were out thick and dive bombing our lines every time was would cast. Had one get tangled about half way between my lure and me but couldn't see what it was - just felt him thumping around. I reeled it in and thought I had a big leaf or something on my line. Reached up to grab it and stopped short when I realized it was a sure enough bat! Anyway, I cut him loose and managed to salvage my popper that was about 20 feet behind him. I don't think he made it. All in all it was a fun trip - very spooky though.

Thanks again Russ. I left your paddle leaning up against the office. Hope you managed to catch up on your beauty rest.