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Yearly Archives: 2012

Lesson Learned

March 13, 2012
Fishing, Freshwater, Warmwater
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I read a story last week about a guy in Arkansas catching a largemouth bass that bested the old state record of 36 years by an ounce. It was 16.5 lbs, taken on a Mann’s Jelly Worm by Paul Crowder. I thought to myself, “Good for you Paul Crowder, that’s a heck of a bass.” Now we find out that he did it illegally, he didn’t have a license. A license which costs $10.50 annually to an Arkansas resident. Now his potential record is not allowed and he is looking at paying for it, with a fine and jail time.

Paul Crowder’s story went from “feel good” to “no good”, all because he ignored to purchase a license prior to fishing, even after receiving citations in the past. I see no excuse for this. None. What a tough way to learn a lesson.

I feel bad for the fish. Instead of having it’s rightful place at the top of the record books it is nowhere to be found, and dead too.

Hodges Gardens

March 11, 2012
Fishing, Food and Drink, Freshwater, Warmwater
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I went a month straight posting new content every day, but had to break that this past weekend. Amanda and I spent my birthday at Hodges Gardens State Park, near Many, LA. We booked a cabin a couple weeks ago, had second thoughts this past week due to the weather forecast, but it worked out in our favor and never rained Saturday. We walked the gardens Friday evening and Saturday morning, fished the lake Saturday afternoon. Now Hodges is no Callaway, not nearly the size or staff, and Callaway is private, but, the gardens are very nice, a unique part of the state park system. They boast an impressive array of camelias, azaleas, and some awesome water features. The lake is a reclaimed quarry, 225 acres, lined with aquatic vegetation. We rented a canoe for the day and started pounding the banks. The bass were pretty active and I caught enough to keep me interested.  We ate pretty well too, barbequed shrimp, grilled steaks, and Amanda made a fruit pizza in lieu of a cake.

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We made it back in town just in time for a crawfish boil with some friends. First of the season for us. Hit the spot too.

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It was a great birthday weekend, I really enjoyed it! I’d love to fish the lake again when it is a little warmer, it is one of the healthiest I’ve seen in Louisiana. Amanda ended up being a pretty good paddling guide as well, another good reason to get a Big Tuna.

Hooked past the barb?

March 8, 2012
Fishing, Fly Fishing, Video
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I have been pretty fortunate in my fishing past that I’ve only had a hook in my skin past the barb once. The fly was a small one and it wasn’t very deep. I was walking on the bank of a stream with a fly between my two fingers when I kicked a root and the fly slipped into one of my fingers. All I really had to do to take it out was yank really hard. Now I’ve heard of the mono trick when it comes to pulling a hook out, even seen it done on video, but I’ve never seen anything like what Louis and Kent posted up over at Gink & Gasoline. Check it out for yourselves:

Here is the rest of the post – http://www.ginkandgasoline.com/fly-fishing-tips-technique/unhook-thyself/#comments

Louis is a damn good photographer, and apparently a mad man too. I question the sanitary value of PBR, but if it’s all you got, why not? Aside from all that, the video is a good one in detailing the steps you will need to take to unhook yourself when you’re out fishing. Louis, a tip of the hat to you sir. Keep up the good work at G&G.