I got in touch with Mike Leggett, the Outdoor writer for the Austin American Statesman, and he agreed to go fishing. The night before, my 2 youngest nephews called to see if they could come up. I invited them to go with us,(trying to get them off their games,they're 13),and they acccepted. We started bass fishing, just Mike and I, no luck after 15 mins. On the way to my 1st crappie hole, we spooked at least 125 pelicans. I stopped so Mike could get a picture. My nephews were impressed, I was happy to help them appreciate what the Lord has given us. 1st hole-1or 2 keepers, I can't remember #'s with all the 8-9 inchers we caught. The white bass start coming up 300 yards away. Now I have to make a decision. Do I untie and move and chase whites when I don't trust Cole and Chance to cast? Well they got within casting distance once and I hooked one, and let Cole reel it in. Probably 15", I didn't measure because he was over ten. Then, equiptment malfunction. Oh well. Hit 3 more spots, caught 14 keeper crappie, 1 white. Now....for the "one" that got away...The 3 guys are fishing on top of a brushpile. I'm on the other side of the boat thinking there might be something on the outside edge. I'm watching them, and look at my rod. Dang, I'm hung. Pick up my rod to try and jiggle the rig off the "brush". No movement. Time to break off. I only had 10# test. I grab the line to break off, and I feel a subtle movement. Uh, oh. I know what this is. How big is the question, and can I get him up without breaking my line? I hand the rod to Cole. I wanted to see him land it. That wasn't gonna happen, he kept reeling against the drag. I took over again, and had to "pump" him up like a 300# halibut. I get him up and could not believe how big he was. Yep, just like I thought, a flathead at least 15#. That got everyone's attention! He takes drag. 5mins. later I get him up again and try to lip him (I will invest in 2 nets, 1 for crappie 1 for Walters) ,barely go my thumb in, he takes out drag. 3 mins later I get him up again. This time I try to go in through the gill plate, rod in left hand trying to control the fish. I'm almost there and he breaks off. I didn't cuss or break things, but I sure wanted to. My nephews ragged me all weekend about it. Overall, any day is I wonderful day when I can fish with an expert and kids. I did catch a 14" crappie, we went through 6 dozen minnows, and were done in about 3 hours. Just wish the fishing gods would have let 70% of our fish be keepers. Hey, I fed 6 people.
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Philip SandersNothing Finer than Fishing Archives
June 2019
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