Looks Like the Fishing Is Starting To Pick Up

Despite another chilly start this morning, 15 anglers in 10 boats turned out for the second tournament of the year. At day's end, they had caught a total of 32 bass, including four limits, for a total weight of 57.05 lbs. The average weight per fish was 1.78 lbs.

Competitors who claimed pay envelopes included the following:

Finishing in 1st place was the team of (from left) Red Bruun and Craig Jones. Their limit weighed in at 12.75 lbs. They also had the big fish, which tipped the scales at 4.26 lbs.

Claiming 2nd place was the team of (from left) Dave Anderson and Rob Peppers. Their limit weighed a total of 10.26 lbs. They didn't weigh a big fish.

Going home with 3rd place was yours truly (yeah, I'm still in shock, too). My limit had a total weight of 8.39 lbs., and my big fish checked in at 2.26 lbs.

Rounding out today's winners were (from left) Nate Fretard and his dad, Chris Fretard. They won the mystery-weight prize with four bass weighing 5.56 lbs., which was closest to the drawn weight of 5 lbs. even.




Here is how everyone else finished the competition:

     * Jim Wilder, five bass, 6.74 lbs. total weight, 1.79-lb. big fish.
     * The father-son team of Chris and Al Napier, four bass, 5.61 lbs. total weight, no big fish.
     * Bobby Moore, two bass, 4.40 lbs. total weight, 3.43-lb. big fish.
     * Skip Schaible, one bass, 2.47 lbs. total weight.
     * The team of Eric Killian and Jim Crist, one bass, 0.87 lbs. total weight.
     * Steve Bailey did not weigh any fish.

Congrats to all the winners and thanks to everyone who came out to participate. For planning purposes, our next scheduled event is Saturday, April 7, from safe light to weigh-in at 3 p.m. I hope you can join us.

Came real close to losing a nearly new rod and reel over the side of my boat this morning. The fingerless gloves I was wearing were allowing my hands to get colder (and number) than I like. All of a sudden, as I turned loose with a cast, the rod popped out of my hand and headed over the starboard side. I made three stabs to grab the handle and finally achieved success. Laid my rod and reel down for a few minutes then to warm up my hands. Fortunately, there were no repeat performances.

Tried some different culling clips today that were totally useless. When I went to get the fish out of my livewell, I quickly learned that every single one of the clips had come undone from their mouths. Am thinking that I'll probably make the plunge for a set of clips like the one of Rob C's that I tried out this past Wednesday. When the water is as cold as it was today, the last thing I feel like doing is chasing a bunch of bass around the livewell.

For the Week Ending Sunday, April 1, 2018

Wednesday, March 28 (from Ken)...Wasn't about to pass up the first decent weather forecast in a while. Launched at West Neck about 8:30 a.m. and had the first fish--a 1-6 bass--in the boat about five minutes later. "Hmmm, maybe today isn't going to be too bad after all," I thought, but that turned out to be premature. That fish was the only one I felt until about 1:30 this afternoon, when I had something take a swipe at my crankbait on a couple of occasions but missed both times. By 2:30, I was tired of looking at all that funky-colored water in the creek and threw in the towel. Talked to Rob and Dave just before I quit and learned they had caught five so far, weighing probably all of about 3 lbs. total, as Rob noted. Red was on the water today, too, but didn't have a chance to talk to him before leaving this afternoon to find out what kind of day he had had. Given the prediction for more rain Friday, I have to believe that the water conditions won't improve much, if any at all, by our tournament date this coming Saturday. Will sure be glad when some of that nice, black, tannic water returns. Haven't seen any in quite a spell now. Incidentally, I tried one of Rob C's new Cal Coast Clip-N-Cull tabs today, and it worked flawlessy with that fish I caught early this morning. He flopped around in the livewell throughout the day, and I even lifted him out of the livewell by the clip this afternoon when I got ready to release him, and the clip stayed put in the same spot the whole time. Haven't decided yet if I'm going to invest in a set for myself but very well may.

Amazing What Will Turn Up When You Do a Little House Cleaning

While looking through a collection today of old VHS tapes from which I plan to have a few converted to CDs, I'll bet you can't guess what surprises I stumbled across.Here's the first "jewel" I came up with (actually, I have two of these):

As described on the back of the protective box, "Roland Martin's revolutionary new Helicopter Lure is actually four lures in one--each fully equipped to help you catch virtually every kind of fish in any kind of water.

     "* As a topwater buzzbait, it crawls over the thickest cover without a glitch or a hitch!
     "* As an underwater spinnerbait, it bumps the stumps, prods the weedlines, and ticks the logs better than the best of them.
     "* As a deepwater lure, it 'copters down to where the big fish school up for a feeding frenzy!
     "* And on top of it all, it's a plastic worm--so you can cast it, jig it, troll it, or float it at all depths and speeds!

"Plus, the Helicopter Lure comes impregnated with an irresistible scent exclusively developed by Dr. Juice. To the fish, the new 'Helicopter Lure Scent' smells and tastes just like real food. So they strike it harder and hold it longer, helping guarantee you a surer set and a higher than ever cast-to-cast ratio!

"Now, sit back and see for yourself how to customize your 'copter for the catch of the day!"

The second surprise I uncovered was one of these VHS tapes about Alex Langer's infamous Flying Lures.

Besides being promoted as "the #1 selling lure of all time," Langer's invention promised to "get the biggest hits and bites--and catch the biggest fish. It's secret: Unlike normal baits, the patented jig head and flat lure surface propel the lure forward, which lets you cast where the fish are hiding and stay in the strike zone longer. You'll spend less time casting and reeling, more time fishing and landing the big ones! Perfect for fresh or saltwater fish!"

Incidentally, such a deal I have for anyone interested. You can have all three for free. Now no pushing or shoving--PLEASE!

Funny How Catching a Couple of Fish Can Alter Your Decision-Making

When I left the house this past Monday morning, en route to West Neck Marina, it was after closely following the weather and water level for a couple of days, plus checking some advice from experts on the Internet. I didn't expect to have a great day--only figured to catch a couple of fish--and that's exactly how it turned out for me.

How many fish I caught wasn't really important. This time of year, I'm perfectly content once I get a skunk out of the boat. The one thing that has been on my mind ever since that fishing date was what I caught both fish on--a spinnerbait. In particular, it was a spinnerbait that resembled exactly the one recommended for fishing cold, muddy water.

Understand that I routinely carry a small sampling of spinnerbaits with me on every trip, but it's only on rare occasions that I throw one anymore--it's been that way for years. Given the way that Monday turned out, though, I have to admit there's better than an average chance I'll be throwing a lot more spinnerbaits this year than I have in a very long time...for multiple reasons.

For openers, bass tend to love 'em, despite the fact that spinnerbaits don't closely resemble anything in the food chain. They also don't hang up very easily. Further, spinnerbaits are one of the most versatile lures around; they can be fished in any part of the water column. You can cover the entire spectrum in just one cast by buzzing the spinnerbait over a submerged log, then killing and slow-rolling it back to the boat. Finally, you're not nearly as likely to bury a spinnerbait hook in the tongue of a fish, as you are one of the treble hooks on a crankbait. Don't know how everyone else feels, but I think it's a bummer to see blood pouring from a fish with a treble hook stuck in its tongue.

In any event, I've been in my garage off and on the past few days, digging out a lot of 1/4-oz. and a few 3/8-oz spinnerbaits that, for the most part, never have been used. As I expected, that factor in no way spared me the task of removing many deteriorated skirts. Otherwise, though, they were fine. They're now bagged and ready to go for my next trip. Also have organized a collection of different replacement skirts and blades, along with a few plastic trailers, that should take care of most needs.

It's tough to go wrong with a spinnerbait. If you ever can't decide what to fish with, a spinnerbait is never the worst choice.

Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered...

That's the title for what originally was a show tune and popular song from the 1940 Rodgers and Hart musical "Pal Joey." It also describes how I've felt the past few years as I experimented with different culling systems.

I've always had a problem with using those old-fashioned shower-curtain type of culling tags. Each time I rammed one of those points through the lower jaw of a bass, I couldn't help thinking, "I wonder how I'd feel if someone did that to me."

With that thought in mind, I started trying various non-puncturing contraptions I had read about online or in magazines, or seen advertised on TV. My goal was to find one with which I could lift fish out of the livewell without having the clip turn loose of the fish. Unfortunately, I couldn't even find one in which the non-penetrating clip would stay attached to the fish in the livewell.

Recently, however, I've discovered that my goal was unreasonable. Anytime you use non-puncturing cull clips, experts advise that you should expect fish to come unfastened if you try to lift them out of the livewell with the clips. To a lesser degree, a few also will come unfastened from the clip while in the livewell. The secret is in HOW you use them. Users of the non-puncturing clips should take the floating end of the cull tag in one hand and reach for the fish with the other hand. Lip the fish, then lift it from the livewell, and remove the clip. Grabbing the floating end and snatching a fish from the livewell likely will end in failure.

That being said, let's now look at some of the different options available in fish-friendly cull clips.

First up, from Cal Coast Fishing is the Clip-N-Cull 2.0. This system locks on the bass's mouth when the handles are squeezed together, and the interlocking teeth hold pressure. The retail price is $49.99, which includes a culling beam.

Next up is TH Marine's addition to their G-Force Cull System. The Conservation Clips hold onto a bass by sliding a ring down over an open clip that forces the clip to close. This system can be found for $43.99 and includes the balance beam.

The Accu Cull E-Con Tags Culling System uses a clip that reminds you of an old chip-bag clip, minus the use of a metal spring. Simply squeeze to open and release to attach to the side of a bass's mouth. The $27.99 price tag includes a livewell mount.

Ardent Smart Clips are made to be an add-on to your existing culling system. After you've attached them to the old style metal clips or a new rope, they simply attach through a spring-loaded gripper. You can find six new clips for $29.99.

Moving to a totally different system, Zorro Baits has your fish lassoed. The Zorro Baits Tail Culling System does exactly as it sounds and wraps around the tail of a fish. You can find them for $11.99.

Another alternative to attaching a clip to a fish is the Pro Cull Fishing Conservation Clips. In spite of the name, there is no clip to go on the mouth of a bass. Instead, the tubing is threaded through the gill of the fish and out through the mouth, then locked to form a loop. A set costs $34.99.

Finally, Russell Marine Products has a system that doesn't involve clips at all. They have a new bag system that allows you to place a bass into a mesh, zippered bag, so that you no longer have to handle the fish. While no price is available from the RMP website, a similar system from Glory Bags runs $79.95.


There's still a few other options out there for you to check out. Each of the items listed have their own pros and cons. The book hasn't been written yet on the effect these options have on fish, so you have to be your own judge. Simply going without cull tags could lead to increased handling of fish.

And here are some common-sense culling tips:

     * Do not take the time to cull until you have a five-fish limit.

     * Once the fifth bass is caught, begin weighing, tagging and recording the fish.

     * Once the sixth fish is caught, weigh it, and, if it is found to be heavier than your smallest one, change the weight of the smallest from your livewell, remove the clip, and release that fish. It is important to cull before you tag the larger fish and place it in the livewell. You often can be penalized for putting a sixth fish in the livewell. And do not make another cast before culling!

     * If a fish of the same weight as the smallest fish is caught, it is still a good idea to cull the older fish, just for the health of the fish, if nothing else.

     * Remember to keep your fish healthy in your livewell, even if the tournament rules do not have live-fish rules. This is the characteristic of a true sportsman.

If you follow a proven culling system, you will increase your chances of victory in a sport where the difference between winning or losing sometimes only amounts to tenths of an ounce.

I invited local VDGIF fisheries biologist Chad Boyce to weigh in on this article, and, in his usual can-do attitude, he accepted my invitation. Following is a digest of his remarks:

"It is admirable of you and other anglers to consider these puncture-free types of culling products. Although I would not advocate a device that intentionally punctures the jaw in any way, I must admit that even I, as a fisheries biologist, have utilized fin clips on bass for various research projects. Specifically, I use these clips when I am working on a 'mark/recapture' type of project, where I am trying to determine whether we have captured a specific fish in previous events. Generally, we do not see any lasting effects from these fin clips, and all of the soft-rayed fins will regenerate.

"That said, let me now revert to previous discussions I've had with other avid bass anglers.

"I would be much less concerned about puncturing the lip of a bass than I would be about the water-quality conditions of the livewell itself. Studies have shown, time after time, that the water temp, O2 and pH (result of fish urine build-up) are the leading issues revolving around post-release mortality of tournament-caught bass. I also would urge anglers to refer to B.A.S.S. for some great recommendations regarding the holding of bass in livewells, especially during hot-water conditions.

"Again, as I've discussed with other anglers, even if the bass are kept in livewells in ideal conditions, such as icing the water and using additives to reduce uric acid and increase O2 capacity of the water, if the fish are released back into water with significantly different water quality, then they can still be susceptible to mortality. A good example of this is the Northwest River at Bob's Fishing Hole, where the O2 level tends to be much lower. Anglers fishing out of there often will catch bass downriver, where the O2 is high, and then keep them in excellent livewell conditions BUT ultimately release them at the ramp at Bob's. With the much lower O2 there, these bass still can suffer mortality. Water quality, especially in livewells, are very important to bass survival.

"In conclusion, if bass anglers would be as concerned about the water in their livewells, as they may be about puncturing the lips of bass with culling devices, then I think we'd end up with a lot less post-release tournament mortality."

For the Week Ending Sunday, March 25, 2018

Monday, March 19 (from Ron)...Caught a bass this evening and lost another one. Wasn't huge (1-2), but at least it was a bass. Fished upper North Landing from 3:30 'til dark. Bite was almost non-existent for the three-hour effort. Found 'em in the shallows of feeder creeks. Weather is going south again...O happy day!

Monday, March 19 (from Ken)...Closely followed the weather forecast and online water-level gauge all day yesterday, and figured I'd better take a chance today or perhaps face the reality of spending another whole week without a fishin' "fix." Fished both directions in West Neck from 8:30 to 2:30 with crankbaits, a chatterbait, and a spinnerbait. Only found two bass, both above the bridge. First one hit about 11 o'clock, followed about 45 minutes later by the second one. The first bass, a dink, fooled me for a minute while fishing a laydown log...I didn't realize he was swimming with my chatterbait until it was too late. On my second cast alongside the same laydown with a spinnerbait, though, he was mine. The second bass, a 1-15, hit the same spinnerbait as I was working it between a couple of knees in a stand of trees. I saw a swirl and felt it, too, as soon as the bait hit the water. From that point on, I was doing nothing but thrashing the water. Couldn't buy a strike on anything. Saw a lot of activity (swirls and a few splashes on top) in the middle of the channel above the bridge all day, which I surmised to be stripers. As I was motoring back toward and through the bridge, heading the other direction this afternoon, I stirred up a lot of swirls in the area where all the pilings from the old bridge are located...again probably stripers. 'Twas a nice day, given all the overcast and light winds I had. I love it when I don't have to fight the trolling motor all day.

For the Week Ending Sunday, March 18, 2018

Thursday, March 15 (from Ron)...Skunked Tuesday (howling wind), caught one dink chain pickerel Wednesday (in the howling wind), and skunked again this evening, but at least the wind was non-existent at sunset. Water was everywhere; however, it's all a murky mess, and the wind has been a bear. Not sure if the problem is these fluctuations in the water level, the wind, the murkiness, or all of it together, but something has to give.

Friday, March 16 (from Ron)... I am not fond of the saying, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." I am more of a "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again" type of guy. I was thinking of these as I launched into the howling wind (20 mph) at 3 p.m. After two hours of getting splashed from the chop, I headed to a protected creek. At the near-three-hour mark, I caught a 23.5-inch chain pickerel, and they seemed to start biting just before dark. Stuck it out for two more pickerel in quick succession (a 19- and a 22-incher), then called it quits. At least I caught something. It's been miserable lately.

Sunday, March 18 (from Ron)...I can only hope that the month of March goes out like a lamb and the fishing improves. Got skunked Saturday at Milldam and tried Tecumseh today in the wind. Caught four chain pickerel today to 21 inches, but it was awful. I don't like the wind.

A New Tourney Season Gets Off and Running (?)

Well...maybe not so much "running," but I think we all can agree the 2018 season is "off," considering the fact the first event was held today at West Neck Marina, and a total of 10 very hearty (but not so eager, in at least a few cases) anglers showed up in six boats to pit their skills against one another. The lack of zest could be directly attributable to the fact that, at start time this morning (a little before 7 a..m.), the air temperature was in the "balmy" 20s. All the boats, outboards, people, and their equipment were covered in a layer of frost by the time I cut them loose to go chasing those little green fish we all so love and adore.

By weigh-in time at 3 p.m., all the anglers appeared to have survived the frosty-morning start OK. However, they seemed to be a little disappointed in that they didn't have more and better-quality fish to bring to the scales. The final tally was 9 bass for a total weight of 14.07 lbs.

Standing atop the money-winners heap in 1st place was Steve Bailey, with three bass that tipped the scales at 4.23 lbs. His big fish weighed 2.20 lbs.

In second place was the team of (from left) Rob Peppers and Don Carter, who finished the day with two bass and a total weight of 3.18 lbs. They didn't weigh a big fish.

Here is the finishing order of the remaining anglers:

     * The team of (from left) Al Napier and Wayne Hayes, one bass, 2.87 lbs. total weight, which was good enough to claim the day's lunker award. They also won the mystery-weight envelope by virtue of having the nearest non-place finish to the drawn weight of 5.0 lbs.

     * Jim Wilder, two bass, 2.10 lbs. total weight, did not weigh a big fish.

     * The father-son team of Chris and Nate Fretard, one bass, 1.69 lbs. total weight, did not weigh a big fish.

     * The husband-wife team of Andy and Diana Morath didn't weigh any fish.

Congratulations to all of the winners and thanks to everyone who came out to participate. For planning purposes, our next scheduled event is Saturday, March 31, from safe light (about 6:45 a.m.) to weigh-in at 3 p.m.

By way of comparison, consider these results from our first tournament of 2017, held March 18. On that day, the field of 18 anglers in 12 boats weighed 10 bass with a total weight of 14.18 lbs, and the big fish tipped the scales at 2.50 lbs. The way I see it, there's a lot of similarity in those totals, except for the number of boats and participants.

Now go back one more year, to March 12 of 2016 (our first event that year), and you find we had 10 boats with 17 anglers, who weighed in 33 bass (including six limits). The big fish that day tipped the scales at 3.90, followed closely by two more nice ones, at 3.66 and 3.50, respectively.

I talked with one angler in today's field, who told me the best water temperature he found all day was 47 degrees (compared to the better than 60-degree readings anglers were reporting just a couple weeks ago). Coupled with the funky-colored water that was everywhere, I'm really not surprised that people were finding it tough-going today. My fervent hope is that things settle down a little bit before our next gig in just two more weeks...so that admitted wimps like Skip and me won't once again have to invent some plausible excuses that'll fool at least some of the folks.

Ya Don't Wanna Tangle With a Cottonmouth

If you've ever spent time on Back Bay waters, you probably have seen a cottonmouth or two. Just ask my kayak buddy, Charlie Bruggemann. You probably remember the occasion from Oct. 23, 2017, when he happened upon a couple of monster cottonmouths fighting for territory and mating rights in Back Bay. Here's his link to that video, which shows some of the "arm wrestling" contest, including the final "pin to the mat" by the bigger snake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qRvnbokfVg.

I also ran across an account of a Virginia Department of Environmental Quality agent who was testing the Back Bay water when he spotted a cottonmouth heading toward his boat. He didn't figure the snake had any harmful intent but started backing away from it, just to be safe.

"Given how comfortable cottonmouths are in the water, messing with one of them--even out in the middle of a lake--is a bad idea," according to Dr. David Steen of Auburn University. "Still, one of the reptiles will run through a list of threatening tactics before it resorts to biting. In addition to flashing its white mouth, the cottonmouth will shake its tail rapidly to make a warning noise (common in many snakes, even the ones without rattles), and emit a nasty-smelling musk.

"If a cottonmouth doesn't think you're getting the message to leave it alone," continued Steen, "it may very well resort to biting, and like its sister species, the copperhead, this is a dangerously venomous snake. But avoiding a trip to the hospital is simpler than you might think.

"Many, if not most, snake bites happen when people try to mess with the serpents," Steen cautioned. "Don't do that, and your chance of a snake bit falls to virtually zero."

Of course, there are times when you end up in a closer encounter with one of these creatures than you had planned. Take this incident, for example.

Seems there were these two guys (Gil and Paul were their names) fishing in the shade of giant, ancient cypress trees lining the banks of their favorite lake. It was a hot-weather tournament, and the cool shade was a welcomed side benefit of fishing for their prey.

Paul just had commented to Gil to be watchful and wary of "those long, skinny, tree-climbing water moccasins" that were common in their water. He barely had gotten those words out of his mouth before a 4-foot moccasin fell into the front of the boat where Paul was sitting.

He later would admit to instantly squealing like a little girl and vaulting to the back of the boat, where Gil was. "And darn, if that snake didn't follow me," said Paul. "It was staring straight at us and was in a striking posture. The thing had us treed. We couldn't go back any farther in the boat without getting wet.

"Finally, we gathered ourselves, looked around to see if anyone was watching, and together, using a dipnet and a jig pole, we were able to chase the snake over the side of the boat," said Paul. "We then went back to fishing in dead silence.

"After a couple of minutes, though, Gil said, 'Man, I sure hope nobody saw that.'"

This "Gettin' Older" Thing Is Kinda Hard to Figger Out

Some days, it makes you feel like a complete dummy. Others, it makes you look like you actually know something--perhaps to the point where folks might even look at you and say, "Now, there goes one really smart ol' dude." My advice, however, is to cherish all the compliments you can get, because you're likely to hear more than a healthy dose of wisecracks to the contrary along the way, too.

Here's what I'm talking about. Over this past weekend, the occasion came up where I was trying my darndest to remember all the duty stations I had served at during my Navy career and the dates I was there. Back in February 1982, when I hung my Navy dress uniform in the closet for the last time, and for a lot of years afterward, I knew that stuff like the back of my hand and could rattle it off in a heartbeat. The best I could do this past weekend, though, was to sputter like some of the old geezers I used to chat with in my youth and think to myself, "Boy! I'll never let myself get like that!" Suffice it to say I've already taken steps to get a copy of all that information, so I'll never have to look so foolish again.

Fortunately, getting older doesn't always involve varying degrees of forgetfulness. Sometimes, it sets the stage for making you look fairly intelligent. For example, I recently read about a fella who called his neighbor, an older friend, to come have a look at his new-to-him bass boat. It was a late-70s tin boat, probably 14 or 15 feet long (no way to quickly tell for sure, since the manufacturer's plate was missing). The boat was powered by a 40-horse Merc with Thunderbolt ignition.

The new owner had found the boat at a farm-road entrance with a phone number taped to it. The farmer promised the engine ran. After hooking up some water to the engine and trying to run it, though, the buyer learned that the engine only would run a little bit, then die. He was staring at the boat and looking pretty disgusted when the neighbor arrived on the scene. After glancing at him, he again turned the key, but the motor once more just cranked and coughed.

The neighbor then asked his friend if he had used the choke, and all he got was a blank stare. The neighbor subsequently choked the engine and had his friend crank it again, but it still didn't start. It was when the friend explained that he had put gas in the tank that a light bulb went on for the neighbor. He asked his friend if he had opened the vent on the 7-gallon tank. The friend didn't have a clue there was a vent.

The neighbor went to the tank, opened the vent, and, upon hearing air rush into the tank, told his friend to turn the key. This time, the engine started and ran perfectly. Only an old guy would have remembered you had to vent the gas tank.

In another case, a guy was getting ready to take his first boat on its maiden voyage. The engine was a key start but also had a pull rope. The key start worked fine, but the owner wanted to try the pull handle, just to make sure. After several attempts, though, he couldn't get it to fire by pulling the rope, so he tried the key again, and it started right now.

The owner decided to go through the same process one more time. Unfortunately, however, the results were the same. By now, he was really getting perturbed. Seeing the frustration, the owner's dad, who was along for the ride, took a cigar out of his mouth long enough to offer this advice: "Turn the key to the 'on' position, then pull-start it--genius." That's actually a cleaned-up version of what the dad really said, but the son still obliged, the motor immediately started, and the son thanked him for saving the day.

What's the moral of this story? One that I liked is this quote by Sara Gruen, author of Water for Elephants: "Keeping up the appearance of having all your marbles is hard work, but important."

The Bigger the Worm, the Bigger the Fish

After a lengthy layup, an angler finally had a chance to go fishing again. When he got to the water, he tied on a small black and blue worm and almost immediately started catching fish in shallow water. They all were running around a pound.

He then tied on an 8-inch worm and right away caught a 4-pounder. As luck would have it, though, that 8-inch worm was the only one he had with him, and it quickly came to pieces.

The angler dug through his box and finally found some huge 12-inch worms. In no time, he had caught a 9- and an 11-pounder. Then he hooked one that he said easily would have been a state record.

Said the angler, though, "Just as I got him to the boat...I woke up. From now on, I always will fall asleep while watching Major League Fishing."

If Electronic Gadgets Are Your Game...

The ANGLR Tracker from Dick's Sporting Goods may be one you'll want to add to your fishing arsenal. As advertised online, at https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/anglr-tracker-16au3anglrtrckrfsfel/16au3anglrtrckrfsfel, this device attaches to your rod and can be paired wirelessly with your smart phone to track fishing activity.

In addition, it keeps count of your casts and catches, records your casting direction, and pins locations of landed fish. It also marks your location with the press of a button and lets you review past trips. The ANGLR Tracker provides weather/water conditions and offers a virtual tackle box to determine the best tackle.

Here are other advertised features of the device:

     * Built-in compass records cast direction with precision.

     * Cast Count auto-detects casting and tracks cast-to-catch ratio.

     * Provides weather/water conditions (wind, temperature, moon phase, barometric pressure, cloud coverage, precipitation, water flow, water temperature, gauge, and tide).

     * The virtual tackle box helps determine the best color, sizes, pattern, and type of tackle for fish.

     * Affords the possibility to review past trips with easy-to-read charts in mobile and premium online tools.

     * Syncs wirelessly and automatically with Bluetooth smart phones.

     * It's small, light and waterproof.

     * Universally designed to fit any rod.

Specs of the ANGLR Tracker include a rechargeable lithium polymer battery. The device's dimensions are .39 inches high by .6 inches wide by 2.25 inches long. Weighing 6 ounces, its mount dimensions are .54 inches high by .64 inches wide by 2.82 inches long.

Included in the box with each ANGLR Tracker are two universal rod mounts, six rubber mount rings, one charging cable, and a one-year ANGLR Premium Xperience Membership.

The advertised price is $99.99, a 23 percent savings off the original price of $129.99.

Thus far, 14 people have reviewed the ANGLR Tracker online, giving it an overall average 4.5-star rating.

If I were into gadgets, I might check this one out the next time I hit Dick's, but seein' as how I'm the guy who lays on my horn when I get behind some dildo who would rather sit at a traffic light all day playing with his/hers, rather than drive, I can assure you the last thing I want is to buy an electronic gadget. As it is, one of the first things I did after buying my current boat was to have my mechanic remove one of the two fishfinders mounted on it. One serves me fine, and I only rarely use it.

Fishing in the Freezin' Cold

(Reprinted with permission of author, Glenn Busch)

Two friends and I had made plans to fish before Kathy and I had even left for the holidays. And by the time we got back from celebrating Christmas with our children and grandchildren, the temperature was colder than an Arctic freeze. The dogs' water bowl cupped a solid block of ice, and the ground underfoot when I crossed the yard to get the mail was so stiff and unyielding it could just as well have been concrete. It was cold...freezin' cold.

But the fishing date was on the calendar, and that's sort of like a commitment that you aren't supposed to break without a really good excuse, such as when you confirm a doctor's appointment or tell the chairman that she can count on you to give a report at the annual meeting.

This was reason enough to carry through with our recreational outing, despite weather that would make any outdoor activity a miserable exercise in bone-chilling endurance. But truth be told, there were other psycho/social dynamics in play, as there usually are when a group of men make plans to exhibit their brawny hunter/gatherer skills. It doesn't make one tidbit of logical sense, but most wives will know what I'm talking about.

So, it's cold, freezin' cold, if you need a reminder. But plans had been made, and I'm thinking that I sure don't want to be the one to say, "Gosh, fellas, do you think it might be too cold to go fishing?" No way. Besides, of the two buddies with whom I had made these plans, one is roughly the age of my son, and the other, had I been early at producing progeny, could have legitimately been a grandson. How could I disgrace fellow geezers by wimping out? The shame of letting down the geriatric side would have inflicted too much guilt and required hours of repentance to redeem myself.

When I called to check in with one of the guys, the conversation went something like this:

Me, nonchalantly: "Are we still on for tomorrow?"

Buddy: "It's pretty cold; are you up for it?"

Me: "Me? Oh, sure" (hoping he might waver); "how about you?"

Buddy: "Oh, yeah, but let me check with John and see what he says and get back with you."

Later that same day:

Buddy: "I checked with John; he's on if you are."

Me: "Great! See you guys in the morning." (pondering hypothermia, but with pride still intact)

The next morning, I showed up bearing more layers than a royal wedding cake. It reminded me of when my mother stuffed me into last year's snowsuit that was a size or three too small. And I imagine, quite accurately I would guess, that I looked like a green-and-khaki version of Frosty the Snowman--without the corncob pipe but topped with a ridiculous hat that covered my head like a woolen helmet. Then, of course, there were the waders into which I had to shoehorn myself and all of that excess cloth.

For those who don't fish, or more precisely don't fish in cold weather, you probably aren't aware that a defining drawback to the experience is having to remove all of that stuff when you have to pee, which, when you get to be a certain age, is a matter of no small concern. And because there is a tendency to wait until the situation reaches a point of bladder-bursting urgency, a frenzy of unbuttoning, unzipping, and pulling down is required to avoid the humiliation of wetting your pants.

After wrestling into waders and stringing up my rod, I shambled on down to the stream. Because we hadn't seen any rain to speak of in central Virginia for the previous couple of months, the water was unusually low and clear--clear as glass, as was the thin sheet of ice that extended several feet out from the edge of the bank. I never saw that ice sheet until I put a foot on it and went crashing through, weaving and waddling like a Saturday-night drunk, trying to stay upright and keep from taking an icy plunge. The splashing, thrashing and flying water would indicate that the effort was far from graceful, and I sure am glad that no one was there to witness. But it worked, except that my gloves were wet.

About then, the wind picked up, and I had to be extra careful not to lose any flies to low-hanging limbs. For those who claim they never curse, try knotting a fly to a wisp of gossamer-thin line when your fingers are wet and stiff as stones. Bet you can't do it.

As it turned out, there was no real need to worry about losing flies to the trees. I had to continually pause to remove globs of ice that kept clogging the rod guides and didn't get to cast all that much anyway.

But that's all right. Fish are cold-blooded creatures, and when the temperature dips below freezing, their metabolism slows nearly to a halt, and they become inactive, neither eating much, nor very often.

So I didn't catch any fish on that shivery day. But I sure am glad that I didn't tell my two buddies that it might be too cold to fish.

About the author: Due entirely to his father's military service, Glenn was born in Kissimmee, FL, just months before his dad mustered out, and the family returned to their Pittsburgh, PA home. There, he passed the growing-up years in a noisy, ethnic neighborhood, surrounded by the nation's once-profitable steel mills and, like so many of his mates, became part of a first generation to receive a college education. After graduating from Penn State University, he headed south for training and a couple more degrees, which added some additional letters behind his name and Rev. Dr. to the front. He began a career as an Episcopal priest in 1971, served churches in Virginia and North Carolina, and retired in 2008 as rector emeritus of St. Mary's Church in High Point, NC, after a pastorate of more than 27 years. It was during the High Point years that he also became a college teacher. While still serving as rector of the parish, High Point University asked him to become an adjunct faculty member, where, for 18 years, he taught for the department of religion and philosophy. Glenn and his wife, Kathleen, have two children and two grandchildren upon whom they dote as often as time and distance will allow. They retired to Lynchburg, VA in 2008, where Kathleen paints and he writes. "Thanks once again, my good friend, for allowing me this opportunity to share one of your blog posts with my readers."

For Week Ending Sunday, March 11, 2018

Monday, March 5 (from Ron)...With the gauge at minus-1.6, was very limited on where I could launch. Fished North Landing River and struggled to find two dink bass and a 1-2, as well as a 9-inch white perch. They were holding at the mouth of a feeder creek, near all the exposed stumps, and I couldn't access the creek due to low water. Very chilly out there, as well. On a good note, things can only improve!

Tuesday, March 6 (from Ron)...Fished from 3:45 'til dark. Wind and rain were light at launch but increased until dark. Trolled around and found two nice chain pickerel at 23 and 25 inches (citation size). Shifted tactics in search of panfish and found a few: six white perch at 10 - 11.5 inches, two small yellow perch, and two dink bass. Very odd because where I was, I always catch crappie, but none tonight. By the time I recovered, I was wet, cold and numb. At least I can have some tasty tacos! Also odd was that I caught everything on the XTS Minnow--nothing hit the beetlespins. Crazy weather, crazy bite.

Wednesday, March 7 (from Ron)...Fished upper North Landing from 4:30 'til 6:30 p.m. Bite was s-l-o-w, to say the least, but I managed to avoid the skunk. There was lots of debris from the stormy weather and an erratic river gauge. Was really tough to fish the XTS minnow on the surface because of all the debris. Tried a Zoom Fluke, and that found one of the two fish.  The 2-13 bass was the highlight on the XTS. Water was clear, and the weather was nice. Can't wait for daylight savings to open up some much needed evening time.

Saturday, March 10 (from Ron)...After spending two frustrating evenings, coming up empty-handed, I fished a favorite lake today in the very mild wind and light rain. Caught two chain pickerel, at 21 and 22.5 inches, as well as a 2-12 bass. It wasn't the best bite, but it sure felt better than another skunk. The XTS Minnow was what worked today. I tried Craws in areas where the grass is starting to come up (marked the most fish there) but had no hits.

Sunday, March 11 (from Ron)...Fished Oakum Creek from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to avoid the wind. Caught two dink bass and a small chain pickerel. Decided to try again at 5 p.m. and launched at Lotus Garden off Sandbridge Road. Was hoping to find some panfish, but boated another bass (weighing 2-13), and that was good enough for me. It was very cold toward sunset...brrrrr.

Water, Water...NOWHERE!

In case anyone has been wondering what things look like down at Bob's, wonder no more, because here's a picture taken just yesterday and forwarded to me by Don Mc. (Many thanks, my friend!)

"Water is down about 4.5 feet," he said before adding, "that ramp is a real tough situation right now."

Two fellas in a johnboat, as Don explained, just had come in from the boat's maiden voyage. He indicated they had one heckuva time getting the boat back on the trailer. Because the ramp drops off at such a steep angle at the point shown, he said, the trailer looked like it was hanging from the ball as they wrestled to get it loaded.

"We need to tell those Carolina folks we want our water back," quipped Don, and I feel pretty certain there are a lot of us who feel the same way. I did notice a little earlier that, according to the online river gauge, the level had c-r-a-w-l-e-d its way back to 0.18 feet, but it takes more than that to float most boats. Here's hoping things get better real soon.

"You'll Wonder Where the Yellow Went...

When You Brush Your Teeth With Pepsodent." That used to be the jingle for an old TV commercial. I've got a new ditty for ya: "No need to wonder where the water goes when a howling north wind just blows and blows and blows."

A check of the online river gauge this morning showed that the water level fell to more than minus-2 feet for a spell overnight, and it still is more than minus-1 foot now. While out driving around the area this morning, my buddy, Skip, captured these images to demonstrate what those readings make things look like at West Neck Marina.

Good ol' March! It sure knows how to ruin a man's fun.

If You Think You Had a Bad Day...

Check out some of the following photos. As Jay Kumar noted about a picture (next to the last one below) in his latest issue of BassBlaster, "I get it--ya gotta get to that bassin' hole, but...yikes!"

Of course, I don't know that all the folks in these incidents were trying to get to their favorite fishin' holes. Perhaps they had other pressing matters on their mind when bad luck reared its ugly head. Regardless, it pays to pause and ponder the potential consequences of all your actions--BEFORE s..t happens.