What's a Little Fishin' Gonna Hurt? I Gotta Run the Boat Anyway

Those evidently were "Doc" Murdock's thoughts as he was getting ready to make a trip to West Neck Creek Marina earlier today. Here's why I say that.

Seems Wayne recently had done some much needed maintenance on "Doc's" outboard, and he had settled on today for dropping the boat in the water to see if everything was working OK.

"I really wasn't out to fish," he said in the email note I received from him afterward. However, don't you know he just happened to have his fishing gear in the boat when he ran the checks. Furthermore, he even found enough time...three hours, to be exact, to make a few casts...and, yes, he also managed to catch a few fish. There were a total of three, including two small ones and a 14-incher that weighed 1 lbs. 6 ozs. His lures of choice were a crankbait and a swimjig.

I would just say this to you "Doc"...You really don't have to sell me. After all, I've been there and done the same thing a few times. As it has been my experience, the only person you might have to sell is your better half, but they all usually understand we fishermen are addicted to our favorite pastime. Just in case, though, if you have an old football helmet laying around somewhere, you might want to keep it handy.

Actually, "Doc," I'm just kiddin' ya, but I feel sure you know that.

On a different note, "Doc" asked me to relay his special thanks to those West Neck fellas who have proven to be such good friends over the years. He mentioned guys like Wayne, Skip, Gary, Ray, and yours truly.

"You're always looking out for me," he said, "and I'd like to thank all of you."

That's easy to do, "Doc," when the guy we're helping is someone as nice as you.

Couldn't Pass Up a Chance To Hit the Water Today

Was surprised to find a topwater bite in the first place I stopped this morning, but when that bite continued at the second stop, I nearly had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I had begun thinking we might not have a topwater bite at all this year.

Even after the sun finally made an appearance, the fish kept hitting a topwater lure, so I stayed with it right up to the time I called it a day this afternoon. Also threw a worm this morning, which yielded my first keeper fish of the day. But everything after that came on the topwater bait, including three small keepers and a whole bunch of missed strikes. I lost track of the count after the seventh blowup.

The final tally on today was four bass in the boat, the biggest of which weighed 1 lb. 7 ozs.

Ran across Rob Peppers at my second stop, and I saw a couple other boats as well but didn't talk to anyone. Just kept my head down and kept chunkin' and windin'.

Don't plan another trip to the water until after the 4th of July holiday, 'cause those typical crowds this time of year give me a giant pain. If I'm lucky, I may get in a couple of days next week after the crowds are back to work. That's the beauty of being retired.

A Boy's Dream Comes True

It's no secret that young folks often dream...in vivid color, no less...and soon-to-be-12-year-old Junior Vaughan (left) is no exception.

In his case, a dream has come true, courtesy of his dad, Jimmy Vaughan, new owner (along with his wife, Bethany) of West Neck Creek Marina. Jimmy recently presented his son with a completely remodeled 1964 Star Craft boat.

That's the gist of this photo story, which I learned about in a series of texts from Junior's dad. When asked how much use the boat likely will get, the response I received was "a lot."

Not a Big Turnout, But As Always, the Show Must Go On

Only one signup sheet was more than sufficient to register the 13 anglers in seven boats who turned out for today's event. Don't know if we've just hit some kind of early summer doldrums, people perhaps are starting their vacations, and/or maybe they're losing a bit of interest as a result of some tough fishing conditions.

Despite the low turnout, the group overall weighed 29 bass for a combined total weight of 71.55 lbs., which translates into an average weight per fish of 2.46 lbs.

Winners at day's end were as follows:

Finishing in 1st place, with five fish weighing 18.43 lbs., was the team of (from left) Rusty Girard and Gabe Himmelwright. They also claimed the 1st sidepot.

Garnering 2nd place, with five fish weighing 14.41 lbs., was the team of (from left) Mike McCluskey and Rob Peppers. They also claimed big fish honors, with a 6.19-lb. bass, as well as the 2nd sidepot. I should note here as well that their big fish today propelled them into the lead for the seasonal lunker pot, which won't be determined until the two-day 2022 Classic tournament is complete.

Here is how everyone else finished today's competition:

     * The team of Wayne Hayes and Ken Testorff, five fish, total weight 10.45 lbs., no big fish.

     * The team of Dave Anderson and Gary Coderre, five fish, total weight 9.37 lbs., no big fish.

     * The team of Craig Jones and Rob Chatham, three fish, total weight 8.38 lbs., big fish 5.56 lbs.

     * Jim Crist, four fish, total weight 5.53 lbs., no big fish.

     * The husband-wife team of Andy and Diana Morath, two fish, total weight 4.98 lbs., no big fish.

By virtue of having fished their seventh regular tournament of the current season today, two more anglers joined the group that has completed the requirements for fishing our Classic tournament. These two anglers are Wayne Hayes and Gabe Himmelwright.

Congratulations to all of the winners, and thanks to everyone who came out to participate. Our next event is scheduled for Saturday, July 9th. We'll shove off from the boat basin at safe light...likely about 5:30 or 5:45...with weigh-in at 2 p.m. Here's hoping you can join us.

One Last Cast

'Twas one of those mornings when everyone had to deal with an abundance of fog when it came time to begin the tournament day. Some chose to try running in the "soup," but Wayne and I were among those who stayed put in West Neck Creek until it was safe to start running the North Landing River.

During today's weigh-in, I heard more than one comment that the foggy conditions had affected the game plans of some competitors. In the final analysis, though, all hands returned on time for the 2 p.m. weigh-in, and that, after all, is what's really important here. It's crazy to jeopardize people's lives, especially in tournaments like we fish, where the stakes are, for lack of a better way of putting it, nothing more than chicken feed.

I would imagine that most anglers have a story or two of their own that would exemplify nothing short of bad judgment when it came to decisions they may have made in the face of foggy conditions like we had this morning.

Even though it has been about 50 years, I still vividly recall a club tournament I once fished on the Chickahominy River. Our tournament director at the time, for whatever reason, had decided we would launch in the wee hours at one site and then run to another site that served breakfast. It truly was a miracle that we all made the trek to breakfast safely, thanks in no small part to the fact that we at least decided to band together for the fog-filled journey, rather than having the occupants of each boat try to get to the breakfast site on their own.

The return trip that afternoon to the launch site also wasn't without its own fair share of hazards...not from any fog, but for the fact we learned that the chosen launch site was a club's private ramp that we did not have permission to be using. Imagine our shock and concern when we returned to find the club members having a big booze party. Fortunately, they proved to be understanding and forgiving, and even extended an invitation for us to join their partying if we so desired. We simply thanked them for their hospitality and hurriedly trailered our boats for the return trip home before they had a chance to change their minds.

Current Overall Statistics

If You Store Your Boat at West Neck Creek Marina, You're Paying More As of July 1

Just when most of us are still trying to figure out how we're going to, among other things, deal with the current price of gasoline and groceries, the new owners of West Neck Creek Marina have decided they must hike the prices of boat storage at their facility as well. According to the email notice others and I received this week, "This increase is absolutely necessary for the sustainability of the marina that we all enjoy. Our commitment is to ensure that the property remains open as a marina for our community to enjoy while offering boat storage and access to the water for all at the best rate possible."

A map attached to the email shows the new rates going into effect July 1 for the various areas where boats are stored. These new rates are as follows:

    * Back Left and Right Storage: $80 per month
    * Front Storage: $100 per month
    * Boat House (limited access trailer parking included): $100 per month
    * Water Slip: $200 per month
    * Water Main: $250 per month
    * Oversized boats will be charged per rental spot taken

The email from the new owners went on to say that "many of you already have taken advantage of our new credit-card-payment option. We offer this service with no additional charge to you, and it is the preferred method of payment going forward. Any advance payments received by our office or the previous owners have been recorded and will be applied to your July 1st invoice. After reviewing the new pricing, if you wish to relocate your boat from its current spot, please respond as soon as possible, and we will work with you to find a better fit for your needs."

In closing, the new owners said, "We greatly appreciate your continued business and support through this time of growth and change. If you have any further questions or concerns regarding this price increase, please do not hesitate to respond to this email, and our team will respond back in writing as quickly as possible."

Should you wish to contact Jimmy or Bethany Vaughan, you're advised to use their mailing/billing address, which is as follows: 2129 General Booth Blvd., #103-192, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. Their office cellphone number is: 757-323-7439. And finally, their marina email address is: wncmarina@gmail.com.

Trying Some Different Tactics

In the interest of being able to scout out more possible spots to fish in this Sunday's tournament and to do it faster than we could otherwise, Wayne and I have spent both pre-fishing days this week in our own boats at different sites but staying in contact by our cellphones.

When first we talked today, Wayne had called me with a report that he already had boated some keeper bass but nothing of any size. My only fish at that point in time had been a channel catfish...probably about 2 lbs. worth...that I had caught on a spinnerbait. Just as my phone had rung with Wayne's call, though, I had felt something pick up my soft plastic, but knowing it was Wayne on the line, I just had laid the rod down to talk to him.

Imagine my surprise following our phone conversation, when I picked the rod back up to still feel that fish there and to see my line flying through the water. I quickly took up the slack and set the hook on a bass that weighed 2-3. Only three casts later, I nailed another bass that tipped the scales at 2-2. Rather than sit there having all the fun to myself, I tied off my boat to a fallen tree, called Wayne, and asked if he wanted to join me.

He arrived on the scene post-haste. Unfortunately, though, the action already had gone dormant, and we couldn't find another fish that would commit like the two I had boated. I felt some more fish showing some interest but none in which I could bury a hook.

We collectively ended the day with a total of nine bass but nothing bigger than the two 2-lbers.

Gotta confess a moment of anxiety that I had while waiting for Wayne to join me today. I had just boated my second bass and wanted to take a picture of it, as I had the first one. However, my camera was nowhere to be found. For a few minutes, while waiting for Wayne to show up, I truly had to consider the possibility that I accidentally had tossed my camera overboard after catching my first decent fish in weeks.

Just as I was about to give up and write off the camera as a total loss, I went through my boat one more time and discovered that I absent-mindedly had tucked my camera in the wrong bag after taking a picture of my first fish. By that time, however, I already had released the second fish, but that's OK, 'cause they basically looked like matching bookends.

No Fishing for a Week...A Real Bummer

Had an email from DMac sitting in the que of my computer this morning. Seems he had an invitation to fish West Neck Creek last Sunday morning and said yes.

Low water from continued NW winds, however, made for a very tough bite. Nevertheless, he managed to catch nine or ten bass on a mix of topwater baits..."nothing worth a selfie," though, as he noted. He had come off the water by 10:30.

Seems DMac is now confined to quarters, having somehow contracted the Covid bug. "Gotta work from home and stare at email for a week," he lamented. "Aside from a minor headache and sore throat, all is good, though," he concluded.

"Doc" Murdock Knows How To Git R Done

He headed to his "little spot on West Neck Creek" at 6 a.m. this morning. And just three hours later, he had boated a total of seven bass, among them the three keepers that you see in the accompanying photos.

This trio of bass came in as follows: 13 inches, 1 lb.; 15 inches, 1 lb. 6 ozs.; 17 inches, 1 lb. 14 ozs.

Productive lures included a crankbait, swim jig, and a topwater bait.

I also should point out that "Doc" caught one white perch this morning as well.

"Good on ya!" my friend.

Whether It's Carp or Those Toothy-Critters, They're All the Same in My Book

There's a joke dating back to at least my early childhood and likely beyond. It describes how to prepare and cook a carp for eating.

According to the instructions, one should clean the fish, put it on a wooden cutting board, season, and bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees. Then throw away the carp and eat the cutting board.

In reality, there are several fish species that I never would consider eating. Carp is only one of them. I also wouldn't sample any of those toothy critters. That's just me, though.

Received a note today from my kayaker buddy, Ron, who told me that he now has sampled snakehead.

"Unlike most fish," he noted, "they are not 'flaky' when cooked. The texture is more 'meat-like.' Very tasty with only light seasoning and a bit of olive oil. Yummy! Right up there with flounder."

Reckon that's why we have that saying which goes, "Different strokes for different folks." Doesn't matter if it's snakehead, bowfin, gar, or any other such creature. All you'll hear from me is: PASS!!!

Another Frustrating Day

My plan this morning was to cover lots of water (albeit most of it skinny), and I did just that. Unfortunately, it was all for naught.

After stops in West Neck, Pocaty, Albright's, Straight Creek, the oxbow across from Straight Creek, and the pilings at Pungo Ferry, the only thing I could say was that I didn't get skunked. However, all I had to show for the day was a white perch and a gar.

The lone bait that produced those two fish was a shallow-running crankbait. The baits that didn't even elicit a strike included two spinnerbaits, two topwaters, and a weightless worm. However, I'm not the "Lone Ranger" here. Talked to some other fellas who basically had a similar or the same type of experience.

Am thinking perhaps I should try throwing all my baits into a pile, blindfolding myself, and then grabbing three or four to use each day until I find something that works. The way I see it is that the results couldn't possibly get much worse than they already are.

After talking to my tournament partner this afternoon, there's a new plan afoot to try and get a few more hours on the water Wednesday morning before the predicted rain and/or thunderstorms arrive...that should allow me enough time to locate some dynamite. Desperate times call for desperate measures...right?

A Day to Remember Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,

The majesty of a tree,

The warmth of a summer sun,

The calm of a quiet sea.

The generous soul of nature,

The comforting arm of night,

The wisdom of the ages,

The power of the eagle's flight.

The joy of a morning in spring,

The faith of a mustard seed,

The patience of eternity,

The depth of a family need.

Then God combined these qualities,

When there was nothing more to add,

He knew His masterpiece was complete,

And so, He called it ... Dad.

"Thanks for the Memories, Dad"

With another Father's Day nigh at hand, it seems only right that sons and daughters everywhere, who owe their love of fishing to their dads, should pause and pay a little tribute. I found a fella online who, although his dad has been gone 32 years, still stops and remembers dear ol' pop each and every Father's Day.

"My dad didn't take many vacations when we were kids," he wrote, "but he did take a few days off in early summer to go fishing and a few days in the fall to duck hunt. Dad grew up in the Thousand Islands area of upstate New York, and he never missed opening day of bass fishing, which was always Father's Day weekend. In 1965, when I was 10, he took me with him for my first-ever fishing trip.

"We drove all night from northwest Indiana, through Canada, and back into the U.S. at Alexandria Bay, NY. I remember the morning when we arrived just after daybreak. The skies were clear, and the sun was bright when I had my first boat ride from the dock in Chippewa Bay out to Oak Island, where my Uncle Bill was the caretaker of an estate. Right after we pulled up to the dock, Uncle Bill gave me my first rod and a Zebco 202. A short time later, I caught my first smallie.

"Dad wasn't a great fisherman, but he knew the spots around the islands where we could find 'em. As I recall, about the only artificial lures we used were Abu Reflex spinners. Dad also had a fiberglass fly rod with an automatic fly reel he used to throw poppers with. The upper half of that rod weighed more than an entire graphite rod weighs today.

"He taught me to row the boat my uncle loaned us to keep him in position while he cast the popper along the rocky shorelines. On Sunday, at lunch time, we pulled up onto a small island where Dad would cook up a shore lunch of smallmouth fried in bacon grease, a can of beans, and new potatoes. While he got the fire going, cleaned the fish, and cooked, I cast that Abu from shore to add to our catch.

"I joined Dad for several Father's Day opening days after that until my job kept me from getting the time off. Right around the time I was able to get vacation days, Dad got sick and passed away.

"Those four or five days back in 1965 have had more influence on my life than any other time. I fell in love with the water, the woods, road trips, and smallmouth bass fishing during that short trip. Today, I spend a lot of time working for the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance, my home is decorated with items that remind me of the St. Lawrence River and the Northwoods, and I always am planning my next smallmouth-fishing road trip. I never will forget that first trip as long as I live.

"Thanks for the memories, Dad. I miss you."

Spinnerbaits More Than a Century Old

Every once in a while I get a hankering to delve into the history of some aspect of bass fishing. This time, I decided to research the history of spinnerbaits. As it turns out, these baits date back 105 years to 1917, when the W. J. Jamison Company of Chicago, Ill., came out with the Shannon Twin Spinner.

Following is part of an early Jamison promotional write-up for the Twin Spinner that appeared in the April 1917 issue of the National Sportsman:

"This wonderful spinner has taken fishermen by storm wherever shown, as its merits are apparent at first glance. It is an entirely new idea in spoon baits, and its principle is the only correct one. It is a most extraordinary weedless device and comes through any kind of weeds clean, no matter how thick they are. It has the blades placed in such positions that no fish can strike at them without getting caught. This means many more fish will be taken, as fish very frequently strike at the blades, and with all other spoon baits, it means a lost strike, but the Shannon gets them. No matter how slow you run this bait, the blades are bound to spin, making it great for deep-water fishing and also for trolling. It is very beautiful and attractive in the water and is a sure winner."

A year after the Twin Spinner came out, the Shannon Porker made its debut. Collectively, these two baits were the "Sensation of 1917 and 1918." Jamison Company went on to describe them as being snag proof, thereby allowing you to "fish where the fish are."

It also should be noted here that Jamison Company was a big lure company at the time and made both baits under J. P. Shannon patents. As a result of this arrangement, Jamison sold the baits under their own name, as well as that of J. P. Shannon Company out of Lake Geneva, Wis.

Over the years, I watched Dewey Mullins come out with his version of a host of different baits, one of which was a small twin spinner. Somewhere between my garage and the house is a bag full of these baits that he made for me, but as luck would have it, I'm unable to lay my hands on them at the moment. Would have included a photo here if I had found them.

Keepin' the Skillet Hot

Hadn't heard from my kayaker friend for a spell but figured he must be getting in his licks somewhere, and true to form, I found a note in my email inbox late last evening confirming my suspicions. As he's often prone to do, Ron has been sampling saltwater holes here lately and, as he noted, "having some good meals." Take a look for yourself at what dinnertime at the Ameika household has looked like in recent days.

Takes More Than High Gas Prices To Discourage Our Bass Anglers

Why do I say that? Because one year ago, on our first June tournament of the 2021 season, we had a total of 21 anglers in 12 boats, compared to 19 in 10 boats today. And yet, according to an article in this morning's The Virginian-Pilot, gas prices rose 4 percent last month alone and...get this...nearly 50 percent since this time last year.

Therein, however, the numbers diverge sharply. For example, today's competitors collectively brought 40 bass to the scales, for a total weight of 78.94 pounds and an average weight per fish of 1.97 pounds. Meanwhile, June 5, 2021 anglers brought 59 bass to the scales, for a total weight of 140.93 pounds and an average weight per fish of 2.38 pounds.

Walking away today with 1st place money, as well as the first side pot and lunker prize was the team of (from left) Dave Anderson and Gary Coderre. They had five fish for a total weight of 14.27 pounds, anchored by a 5.76-pound bass...the biggest of the day and the year, thus far.

Finishing in 2nd place and also taking the second side pot was the team of (from left) Gabe Himmelwright and Mark Ingram, with a five-fish bag weighing 12.89 pounds and a big fish weighing 3.46 pounds.

Claiming 3rd place prize money was the husband-wife team of (from left) Andy and Diana Morath, with a five-fish limit weighing 11.01 pounds and a 2.66-pound big fish.













Here is how all the other competitors finished the day:

     * The team of Bobby Moore and J. P. Twohig, five fish, 10.75 pounds total weight and a 4.20-pound big fish.
     * Jim Calhoun, five fish, 8.94 pounds total weight, no big fish.
     * The team of Rob Peppers and Don Carter, five fish, 7.78 pounds total weight, no big fish.
     * The team of Wayne Hayes and Ken Testorff, five fish, 7.56 pounds total weight, no big fish.
     * The team of Rob Chatham and Craig Jones, five fish, 5.74 pounds total weight, no big fish.
     * The teams of Dennis Dean and Steve Bailey, and Kevin Versprille and Austin Cox did not weigh any fish.

With seven qualifying tournaments under their belts as of today, the following seven anglers now have become eligible to participate in our season-ending two-day Classic tournament on Oct. 15th and 16th: Dennis Dean, Steve Bailey, Dave Anderson, Gary Coderre, Andy Morath, Rob Peppers, and Ken Testorff.

Congratulations to all of the winners today and thanks to everyone who came out to participate. For planning purposes, our next event is scheduled for Sunday, June 26th. Hours will be from safe light (about 5:30) to weigh-in at 2 p.m. I hope you can find time to join us.

One Last Cast

I think I speak for all the anglers who showed up at West Neck Creek Marina today for the Dewey Mullins Memorial Bass Tournament when I extend a hearty thanks to the new owners and managers, Jimmy and Bethany Vaughan.

Just a few days ago, I contacted Jimmy about the need to repair the lip of the boat ramp, and true to his hop-right-on-it nature, he had a man on the scene yesterday taking care of it. In addition, another man was power-washing the deck in front of the marina store.

It was nice being able to launch and recover our boats today without having to play dodgeball with the giant hole that had washed out just in front of the ramp's lip. We say thanks to Jimmy and Bethany, as well as to the fella who performed the actual repairs. Please know that we appreciate everything that's being done to return West Neck Creek Marina to a respectable enterprise...one in which the owners and patrons alike can take great pride and satisfaction.

Current Overall Statistics

It Was Short But Sweet...And a Heckuva Lot Better Than Tuesday

Wayne and I waited a bit longer than usual this morning to head to West Neck Creek Marina because of the lightning and thunder that was popping at our normal departure time. And I'll admit that the first couple of hours on the water had all the elements of what happened to us this past Tuesday.

That all changed, though...and very suddenly. In a span of about 30 minutes, we proceeded to catch seven bass...all keepers...and all on the same bait. But then, just as quickly as it had come, the bite went away, never to return for the remainder of our day. Wayne managed to pick up a couple more small, straggler bass, and I caught a small white perch, but that was the extent of our outing.

We heard a few rumbles of thunder during our time on the water, and the clouds appeared to threaten at intervals, but the only time we felt any sprinkles was when we had decided to run back to West Neck. A few drops of rain hit us just as we got underway, but it was gone in no time.

The only company we had today was a couple of kayakers, and they appeared just to be out sightseeing. Never saw another fisherman, and there was only one other trailer besides ours in the parking lot when we returned.

A Forgettable Day...For Certain

With another tournament on tap for this coming Saturday, June 11th, Wayne and I made plans to spend some time on the water this morning, looking for clues about where we might be better served to start Saturday morning. It was a worthwhile venture that simply failed ever to materialize once we got on the water.

We hit three different spots, with only very minimal results. After about five hours of fishing, the only things we had recorded were one bass weighing about a pound and a quarter or pound and a half on a topwater bait, a couple of swirls at a different topwater, and a couple of small white perch, which we shook off rather than take time to boat.

The water level was rising throughout the morning, which may have had some impact on our lackluster bite, and, of course, the annual spawning activity could have been a factor as well.

In any event, if all goes as planned, we will be back on the water Thursday morning for a few hours to see if we can improve on today's dismal results.

During a stop at West Neck Marina on our way home today, we found "Doc" cleaning up his boat after a morning outing, in which he caught one small bass and an 18-inch flounder.

"Just Nudge 'Em in a Different Direction If They Get Too Close"

That's the advice of a Virginia fella I read about online for those occasions when a water snake tries to take up temporary residence in places like the splashwell of your bass boat.

So, what brings this subject matter to the forefront of my current thinking? Just so happens that yesterday, while I was photographing a kids' event at Munden Point Park, I happened to spot what appeared to be a water snake fairly close by to a lady with a couple of boys who were participating in the event. I simply made her and one of the event organizers aware of the snake's presence, then swiftly went about my business.

Earlier, however...during our last tournament on May 21st, to be exact...I had heard about one of the boats involved having to deal with more than the usual number of snake sightings in close proximity of where the boater and his partner had chosen to fish. As he noted in a text to me today, "We had at least 10 snakes swimming around in one area alone.

"A few different times," he continued, "I had them crawling up the back of my boat and had to use the end of a rod to simply flip them back into the water. They were all just water snakes from what I could tell, so wasn't too worried about them."

The boater went on to add, though, that he "did see one big water moccasin pass by, but it thankfully kept its distance."

Only on a couple of occasions have I ever happened across an area where I found multiple snakes, and I assure you that, both times, I made a quick exit. The same could be said for the one and only time I ever saw a bear cross a stream behind me.

An Event Designed for Young Anglers

Virginia B.A.S.S. Region 7, in cooperation with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, the Sheriff's Community Fund, and Dick's Sporting Goods, sponsored a youth fishing event this morning at Munden Point Park. Rods and bait were provided for the young anglers, and Region 7 personnel made sure everyone had all the hands-on help they needed to straighten out hang-ups, keep the hooks baited, and you-name-it.

When the fishing concluded, prizes were awarded to the youth. In addition, they, family members, and event workers all were treated to pizza and soft drinks.

From my perspective as photographer for the event, it seemed as though everyone in attendance had a delightful time.

Here are some random shots of the festivities that took place (click anywhere on this photo collage for a slightly enhanced version):

Another Nice Springtime Bass

Don't have many particulars on this catch, other than it occurred after Craig repaired Dave Anderson's lower unit. When I asked the weight, the answer was "about 6 lbs." That's all I can tell you.

A Man Who Loves His Froggin'

Received an email from DMac...also heard from several other folks...yesterday, a day when what little hair I have left, in addition to the outdoor temperatures, seemingly felt like they were on fire. Rather than go into all the particulars, suffice it to say that it was one of those days when if it could go wrong, it did go wrong, and yes, there was absolutely no joy in Mudville.

All that aside, here is the gist of the note I received from DMac:

Mornin', sir, hope all is good. My 21-month summer vacation ended this week...courtesy of a furlough from my Navy contractor job.

Good news is mo' money for frogs. Bad news is limited time to "marinate" them.

I will find time to fish...and hopefully have some chunks/hosses to share with ya. 'Til then, in the words of Jeff Dane on the Friday edition of the Tackle Box: "Tight Lines, My Friends."

By the way, I was able to slip out to a private Suffolk lake this past Monday and did some froggin' in heavy duckweed. Yes, it was a hoot. My buddy and I caught 12 fish...a bunch at 2 lbs. and a couple right at 4 lbs. Big topwater fun fo' sho'.

And, as always, DMac included a couple photos of his successful pursuits, which I'm including with this report.

From Butt-Ugly Dirty to Good As New and, Moreover, Working Just Fine

That's the message I have for the unfortunate soul who, at some point in the past, lost a white Veritas rod with a Lew's baitcaster attached, along with a spinnerbait on the end of the line. In case you haven't read my post from Monday, May 30, that's the rig I happened to snag with a crankbait just moments after Wayne had boated a 5-8 bass.

Had a phone call from Wayne earlier today, in which he said the rod, as well as the reel, looked as good as new...and worked the same way. Said he had decided to spool up the reel and check out how it cast. Suffice it to say he had nothing but praise for it.

Told me I should have kept the rig for myself, but I'm not a fan of rods with a split grip, which is what this Veritas had. As for the reel, I didn't figure it ever would work right again, but then, I should have known better, considering how anal Wayne is about all his "toys." He's never satisfied unless it's working to a T, and he doesn't mind how much effort it takes on his part to make it that way.

I would venture to say that the vast majority of anglers everywhere in this land have, at one time or another, lost a rod and reel...or two...over the side of a boat. I know I have. Still remember the rig I lost in Albright's here two or three years ago when I accidentally bumped it while grabbing the net for a fish my partner at the time, Dave, had on. Got the fish but didn't find my rod that day, nor the next two times I went searching for it. Finally just gave up.

Also read an item online today about a fella...another writer, no less...who described the time back in the late 70s, when he lost his first baitcaster while fishing Lake Millwood in Arkansas with a friend.

"Just that day," he said, "I had bought a brand new Ambassadeur 5001C reel, and let me tell you: It was EXPENSIVE at the time.

"We had tied on big black worms, and on the first cast, I felt a tap, set the hook, and the fish immediately pulled the rod and reel right out of my hand. It was gone before I could jump for it. The water was about 15 feet deep and very cold."

This fella went on to explain that he borrowed a rod from his friend, 'cause he only had that one. They both subsequently tied on deep-diving crankbaits...Mudbugs, if his recollection was correct, and started reeling them as fast as possible, trying to snag the rod and reel off the bottom.

"Only thing was, though, we started catching bass...nice ones, at that," he noted. "We caught about seven or eight over the next 45 minutes, and then I hooked what felt like a really big one. I fought it for several minutes before finally getting a glimpse of it, and there was another bass right beside it. I managed to get it to the boat, and my friend netted it. The fish only weighed about two pounds, but it was wrapped around a fishing line that had made it feel bigger.

"I started pulling in the line by hand and soon felt another fish on it. At the end of that line was my rod and 5001C reel. We got the entire rig back, along with both fish."

Both fellas decided to keep some of the fish they had caught for table fare.

The one with the rod and left-hand retrieve 5001C Ambassadeur continued using the rig for many years, and still could today. However, he has elected just to keep it in his garage.

June 2022 Best Fishing Times