Macsimus Posted April 17, 2015 Posted April 17, 2015 Got out yesterday for one last time before packing up and heading home to MN. I was determined to relax, not worry about how I did, and just enjoy what the day had to offer. Between the weather and the fishing, I couldn’t have asked for anything more. The first three fish of the day were a 17” Smallmouth, a 16” Spot, and a 19” Largemouth. Quite the going away present, I’d say. Water temps in the morning were 58, but by late afternoon, I saw 65 in a pocket that had the breeze blowing into it all afternoon. I had 20 for the day, 10 keepers, all deceived by either a 1/16 or 1/8 Ned head from dtrs5kprs with either a PBJ or green pumpkin Zero, except for one LM that thought I couldn’t see her under a branch. She chomped on a tx-rigged green pumpkin Baby Brush Hog. The fish were spawning big time and all that I caught were released back to their bedchambers after a quick measurement and sometimes pic. To say that this lake and area have gotten into my blood would be an understatement. Over the last 16 years I have been blessed to fish all over the central part of the U.S., from Lake of the Woods to Falcon Lake, TX. I used to think that nothing could beat the natural beauty of the lakes in northern MN, but, Table Rock and the surrounding Ozarks have proven that to be wrong. Perhaps I’d feel different if I were ever to be here in the summer with the crush of people and boat traffic but late winter and spring cannot be beat. And while the fishing and natural beauty of this place are enough, the polite and unassuming local people that I’ve met are an unexpected bonus. Of course this includes meeting and interacting with several fine folks from this forum. The OAF fun tournament in mid-March was definitely one of the highlights of my stay this year and the fishing info and help I received pretty much revolutionized my fishing here. If any of you ever get to MN, send me a note and I’ll help if I can. There’s several lakes and chances are really good I won’t be able to help specifically, but, I’m working on that. I will be anxious this year to see how the Ned works on an outside weedline and have no doubt that it’ll fool more than a few smallies as well. Finally, a few pics and a quote if you don’t mind me getting a little philosophical. Robert Traver is speaking about trout fishing and the part about telephones is unfortunately no longer true, but to me, it is still the most eloquent statement on fishing that I’ve ever read and it came to mind as I get ready to leave. “I fish because I love to. Because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful, and hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly. Because of all the television commercials, cocktail parties, and assorted social posturing I thus escape. Because in a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing what they hate, my fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion. Because trout do not lie or cheat and cannot be bought or bribed, or impressed by power, but respond only to quietude and humility, and endless patience. Because I suspect that men are going this way for the last time and I for one don't want to waste the trip. Because mercifully there are no telephones on trout waters. Because in the woods I can find solitude without loneliness. ... And finally, not because I regard fishing as being so terribly important, but because I suspect that so many of the other concerns of men are equally unimportant and not nearly so much fun.” I’m already looking forward to next year. Lord willing, I’ll be back. I hope you all have an awesome fishing season this year. Phil Lilley, Sac River Jim, riverfish86 and 5 others 8 "There was a time that I didn't fish, but I cannot remember it."
fishingaddiction Posted April 17, 2015 Posted April 17, 2015 Excellent report, pics and darn good fishing. I would say you have certainly figured out a few things about the Rock. Glad you had a great trip and I really enjoyed the quote, that pretty much says it all about why I love to fish! Born to Fish. Forced to Work.
Quillback Posted April 17, 2015 Posted April 17, 2015 Good stuff, great to see you enjoyed your fishing and you certainly caught some great fish.
Quillback Posted April 17, 2015 Posted April 17, 2015 And, I think your comments about relaxing and enjoying the day are the best way to fish the Ned.
Macsimus Posted April 17, 2015 Author Posted April 17, 2015 Quill, thanks again for all your effort in setting up the OAF tournament. "There was a time that I didn't fish, but I cannot remember it."
Champ188 Posted April 17, 2015 Posted April 17, 2015 Macsimus, that's one of the best posts I've ever read on here. Downright moving, and I'm a writer/editor by profession. Was very glad to meet you at the OAF hootenanny (Southern word ) in March and look forward to when you can make it back. You have an open invitation to climb into my boat and perhaps see yet another aspect of fishing The Rock. Everyone does things differently to some degree. Love the Traver quote. If a guy/gal can read and ponder on that without it touching a nerve, I have to question whether they're a true angler. Unfortunately, there are too many out there who aren't. Travel safely and please stay active on the forum. And by all means, keep taking great care of that great-looking BassCat. See you soon. Ham and Sac River Jim 2
Members uptonfish Posted April 17, 2015 Members Posted April 17, 2015 That is a dandy Spotted bass. Thanks for the report.
Ham Posted April 17, 2015 Posted April 17, 2015 See, another great guy in a BassCat. Champ ought to run a BassCat Puma or Cougar. Every Saint has a past, every Sinner has a future. On Instagram @hamneedstofish
gitnby Posted April 17, 2015 Posted April 17, 2015 Table Rock giveth, and Table Rock taketh away! But, mostly, She Giveth! I say "She" because only a woman could be so ornery, yet so darn beautiful! Dewayne French, fishingaddiction and Champ188 3
Smalliebigs Posted April 17, 2015 Posted April 17, 2015 Wow what a report!!!! We need more people like you fishing down here.......thanks for posting your reports and pics they are absolutely awesome!!!
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