Fishing Bests of 2013

To be honest, 2013 wasn't the greatest fishing year for me with respect to tangible results.  I didn't travel much, I largely missed out on an incredible Lake Michigan Salmon Season, and I endured a very long slump while I pursued muskies.  I often fished alone, and I don't have that many pictures worth sharing.

And yet, 2013 was possibly my most Fishing-Filled Year ever.  My part-time employment in the Fishing Department at C's filled my schedule to the brim.  I've met many new friends (mentors, co-workers and customers) there, and I've learned a lot from them.  Hopefully I've shared a bit of fun and experience with them.  And while this effort has required some sacrifice (both personally and by my family), overall I think it has been a Positive Growth Experience.  These efforts are positioning me for better things in the future; not the least of which is largely financing our February 2014 Florida Fishing Trip.  And my thoughts are filled with fish as I practice my Internal Appreciative Inquiries.

As I review my photo files from the year, obviously some good things took place.  So here are my nominations for "Fishing Bests of 2013!"

*****

Best Part of Part-Time Employment - I met some new guys who are passionate and knowledgable about fishing.  I've developed new friendships and shared boats with some; and will do so with others in the future.  Some of their passion and knowledge has rubbed off on me; I've tried new waters and techniques and targeted new quarries based on this experience.  That's why I'm there.  It's certainly not for the money!

Big Nick loves to fish!  He's a Good Guy!

Best New Way to Spend A Spring Morning -  When I learned that our local musky enthusiasts were sight-fishing, I figured I should give it a try.  Blessed with perfect conditions and a little bit of luck, I successfully sight-fished my first outing; and most of my season's plans were de-railed as I quickly succumbed to a morbid Musky Addiction.  Seeing that first musky lying in the weeds, and watching her respond (positively!) to my pitched senko was more exciting and memorable than fighting and landing her.  

That first musky ignored the more traditional baits, but could not resist the Wacky Senko.  The Gliding Rapala at the left has since become a Musky Fave and may see some Florida duty in 2014.

Best Bass and Setting - Early one morning at the end of June I launched Arracuda for the first and only time all season.  The fishing wasn't great, but the conditions were; and this chunky bass ate my Silver Minnow weedless spoon in a text-book setting.  This fish was complemented by several other bass and a nice dog-fish, too.

Not the most giant bass, but she was caught on my Terms and Conditions; and look at those Bass-y Conditions!

Best Paddle-Powered Outing - What more could I ask for than a couple of canoes on the Connecticut River and some smallmouth bass?  How about all my girls and a chance at a giant?  Let's have Katie do all the paddling, too, while I concentrate on the fish.

I simply love the Connecticut River around Hanover, NH.

Best Shore Fish -  I've caught hundreds of stripers from my occasional shore position over the last decade or so.  Until August, the largest one I've landed there was the first.  That fish was a total fluke and was destined to be caught; I never should have landed her on the tackle I was using.  Since then, I've hooked many large fish, but moorings, chains, pilings and lobster pots have claimed most.  The occasional bad knot, thrown hook, and rubbed line have taken the others.  For whatever reason, this 37-incher successfully came to hand on August 1.  She makes me wonder about the others I lost over those few days of 2013 effort.   I could use heavier tackle and have a chance at these fish; but then I know I won't appreciate the more numerous, typical-sized bass I meet in this water.  All I know is that this fish on my tackle, in this setting, strikes the balance of success and frustration.  I could stand there all summer for the possibility of encountering others and landing a few.

My largest ever shore-bound striper ate a mackerel head on August 1, 2013.

Best Sunset -  A weeknight evening of fishing on Lake Michigan out of Port Sheldon was topped off by a beautiful sunset in extremely comfortable conditions.  We caught a couple of fish, too!

While the fishing wasn't great on August 14,  conditions were beautiful.

Best Hot New Lure - When proven patterns don't pan out and the clock on your entire season is ticking... it's time to try something different.  And so I broke out this Rapala DT20 late in the season when Reeds Lakes pike were not responding to my typical trolling presentations.  I've had this bait for years and have had some success cranking deep summer bass with it, so it's not really a new bait; but it was new to this situation.  It was also very different than the shad and smelt imitators I'd been dragging around the lake.  Long story short, this bait on a flat line, out in Reeds Lake's basin quickly turned the late-season outing around as multiple, nice pike fell for her.  Expecting more of the same during my next (and possibly last of the year) outing, I was surprised as she remained silent.  Time once again to try something different in an effort to save the day.  I was pleased to find that this lure, grinding bottom in 18 feet of water or so, triggered big bass and pike.  In fact, she then proceeded to catch the biggest bass and pike of Numenon's season within 100 yards of each other.

Rapala's DT20 caught fire for near season's end.

Best Bass - Simply put, she was the largest bass I've encountered in several years; she was verified at well over 6 pounds; she had the look of a true sow; and she swam away to be caught again (I hope.)

She was the first fish of the day as well as being Long! Fat! Heavy! and Bulgy! #NovemberBass!

 Best Pike -  Reeds Lake is an awesome urban fishery, and while I know a 36-inch pike is not considered to be "large" across much of the the pike's geographic distribution,  I don't encounter them all that often.  I've seen only one Reeds Lake pike larger than this (although I have heard stories of others), and my sample size is not inconsiderable.  This November 16 pike had the body, determination, and dentures to earn "Best Pike" honors.

36 inches and with good body condition.

Best Setting to End the (Open Water) Season - I was supposed to winterize the boats and do other chores on November 24, but taunted by recent success; better-than-expected weather; and the immediate availability of a partner with which to share the day, I went fishing instead.  Crappy, end-of-season weather turned bustling Reeds Lake into my own private 400-acre pond; and we notched a final 30-incher for the year.  I'm pretty sure Numenon was the last boat off the water for the season, as the next day the docks were pulled.  I got what I could out of this local gem in 2013.

Reeds Lake was my private domain at Season's End.

Best Fish Landed - I can't really argue with July 12's second musky of the day.  She wasn't quite as large as the one I subdued on July 6; as monstrous as the one I briefly struck on June 13; or as acrobatic as the first of the day, which somehow attacked my top-water PaceMaker from above.  But she was the first legal one that I held and photographed.  At over 43 inches and in the low 20's, she's the biggest-ever Esox aboard Numenon.  She legitimized my efforts and fueled dreams of more and larger muskies in my future.  I had acquired the Musky Itch from co-workers at C's; she legitimized my efforts there, too, as the expansion of my fishing interests, abilities and experiences was a primary reason I had taken that on.  If there's one symbol (numenon?) of my fishing efforts and experiences for 2013, here she is:

First legal musky in the net!  There were bigger ones, better strikes, and clearer memories; but she broke the ice and validated my efforts.  And, like every other fish pictured here (except for Nick's Salmon), she swam away, apparently unharmed!

*****

And so may I simply offer my "Thanks" to all who fished with me; motivated me; tolerated me; or shared in these adventures; and also to all who've read this and any other part of my blog!  Here's to a Fine 2013 and to an Even Better 2014!

Not half bad, by certain standards.

Gifts that Keep On Giving

My immediate family isn't too beholden to tradition; about as close as we get is a semi-required annual viewing of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  In this holiday classic, Cousin Eddie was sincere with this reminder to Clark regarding his subscription to the Jelly-of-the-Month Club; "It's the gift that keeps on giving!"  What could be better than that?

Cousin Eddie- from the web!

My home and life are filled with such gifts, and I just want to remind all that you never know when that small item of appreciation can grow into something really important to the recipient.  A few that come immediately to mind are a Grouper-head vase and a "Bathtub Angler" sailfish picture from my brother; and a modest sculpture of a fisherman, bank fishing from the rocks, but captured forever in the very moment of snapping his line while fighting a fish.  (Thank you, Mom.  And while I was initially bummed when the line first snapped, I think with time this has enhanced the sculpture's dynamics and meaning to me.). There are many others; and as I review these in my mind, I realize that much of the "art" collected in my home pertains to these gifts.  Once again, thanks for these gifts that keep on giving!

Much of my outdoor gear falls into the Perpetually Giving Gift Category, too.  That includes a fair portion of the stuff that I have coveted, but wouldn't purchase for myself.  Just this past year I can recall the addition of my StormR neoprene jacket and Bogs muck boots to my arsenal of outerwear; these became instant classics!  I look forward to many more adventures in these.

Back in 1980 my Dad gave me one of the most influential gifts ever when he provided unlimited access to a new Bass Tracker III.  I was no longer stuck on shore or limited to smaller waters and paddle power.  While we probably could have done a little better with our catching, I was then able to expand my experience and techniques; and we ran into a few hawg bass, pickerel and panfish.  We travelled a bit and this all fueled my fishing dreams.  When I arrived in Michigan, I had a solid foundation for bass fishing, but I knew there were other fish to be caught.  I've been building on that foundation since.

One the more recent,  meaningful gifts was an unexpected replacement pole.  On a beautiful July day, young K was battling, and had almost bested, what would have been the largest salmon in a few seasons.  Near the boat at last, the salmon panicked and took one last run.  The rod torqued in K's hands and the braided line burned his thumb pretty well.  This was, literally, a blistering run!  K's natural reaction was to release his grip, and I helplessly watched the salmon and my gear swim off behind the boat.  After an awkward silence, we re-set lines with determination to put this event behind us; and shortly there-after K's dad landed the season's best salmon.  The trip was  a success.  Losing gear is part of the game, and we had a pretty good story to go along with our day.  But I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised to later receive a gift card from K and his dad; this gift substantially subsidized an improved replacement set-up; and I can't use, see or think of this setup without thinking of the fish, the day, the story, or our friendship.  Thanks, guys.

You should have seen the one that got away!

But I'd really like to think I'm not a "thing" guy.  The stuff isn't as important as what you do with it.  And so the particular gift of which I've been thinking is "The Trip."  I'd hit rock bottom in 2009 when I fell in the driveway a month after back surgery.  My family recognized my need to get away from our Michigan Winter, at least temporarily, and so for Christmas, they arranged a trip for me;  airfare, a place to stay, three days of guided fishing, cleared work and family schedules, and even a fishing companion to share it with.

Double digit seas were no problem for Reel Busy out of Stuart.  

3 for 6 on sailfish, when most other boats wouldn't even try!

The sailfishing was grand, the kings were awesome, and we did have one day of comfortable conditions; but mostly I've held onto memories of surf fishing in big seas and freezing conditions on an abandoned beach.  It was, after all, the best blue-fishing I've ever stumbled upon.

Things have simply just gotten better since that fall on the ice.  I can't thank my girls enough for recognizing (and acting on!) my needs.  They're better at that than I am, for sure, but I'm learning!   And so they are accommodating my current employment situation, which entails a fair amount of (selfish) time away from home.  But it's helping to finance my future adventures, because they've taught me that you can turn day-dreams into reality.

This was supposed to be about little things; maybe simply my Tilley, a hot-spot and a thermos.  But little things add up, and I clearly have little control over where these entries go.  As we enter the peak of our holiday season, let's simply remember that little things do make a difference, and these things, tangible or not, are best shared with others.

Analysis, Catalysis, or Paralysis

“Hey, Jackie Chiles, what do you have to share with us today?”

Jackie Chiles - from the web!

“All my clients are victims of Analysis, Catalysis, or Paralysis!  Give me the green light and I’ll figure out the best angle to get this lawsuit started!”

***

Jackie sees Victims, but “The New Steve” sees possible Beneficiaries.  What’s the difference?  None, just perspective and which side of a transaction you happen to be on.  Just be aware that these three states moderate our (in-)actions and outcomes.  Each can save your life, or leave you there, holding an empty bag.

·       Analysis!  I’m an analytical guy.  I depend upon and thrive in the presence of Data.  I need information.  I need a basis for decisions and to be able to envision how things work, and to anticipate probable outcomes and associated consequences.  I need a plan.   I don’t just start fishing; each cast or trolling spread is a calculated attempt at maximizing my contact with the fish of choice.  My fishing attempts are a well thought-out process under constant scrutiny.   But I can spend so much time and effort thinking about it, that I run out of time or energy to do it.

·       Catalysis!  Let’s get something going!  Recognizing a desire for a nice Striper Boat or multiple Tropical Bluewater Fishing Trips in my future, but not really seeing the means to secure these sorts of things, I took on a second job.  Some Fish Cred should spin off from this effort, too, and I should be in position to act on certain future desires.  Similarly, you can’t catch them from the couch; given the chance to fish, go!

·       Paralysis!  But it’s so easy to just stay on the couch!  There are so many reasons to do so!  Ease!  Inertia! Fear!  Lack of Information!  Warmth!  Dryness!  Laziness (?)  OK, I won’t accept laziness, but I could certainly disguise my lack of enthusiasm for certain endeavors as arising from a lack of pertinent information.  Of course, not doing sometimes makes more sense than actually doing it (think “safety”); but the opportunity cost of not acting is unknown.  Rarely are there Accidental Heroes and you’ll never know what would have happened on a trip you didn’t take.

Now I really like fishing, and one aspect that I appreciate the most is simply figuring the day’s situation out.  Given available time, access and materials, what’s my best bet to catch some nice fish of choice?  And since I probably won’t get it right with Plan A, what are Plans B and C?  What tools do I need and when’s the optimal time to switch gears?  I’m motivated by all this; I’ve taken on a multi-dimensional, dynamic puzzle and I Iove seeking its solution.

And yet, don’t certain of my friends and acquaintances still catch fish and enjoy themselves, without really knowing what the “H” is going on?  Haven’t they saved themselves a ton of effort, angst and expense?  After all, haven’t I largely taken care of that?  And aren’t they occasionally better off, maybe sipping a beer in the comfort of their homes instead of battling the elements and unwilling fish?  Don’t they “win” when I’m dark, cold, wet, lonely, broken or fishless?

Let’s consider a recently planned trip to Lake St. Clair.  Analysis quickly indicates that the cure for my Muskie Fever ain’t “More cow-bell!”, but rather access to some quality fish; and that the greatest numbers of fish with the radius of a reasonable day trip reside in this world-class fishery.  With quality smallmouth and largemouth bass as Plans B and C, respectively, a day off work and a seemingly good weather window, it appeared as though I’d finally launch Numenon on her waters.  But I wanted to share the day with Katie, and while she likes fishing a lot, she doesn’t really embrace extreme fishing; and faced with an all-day effort, a long drive, unknown waters, and a mildly marginal forecast of sea conditions, when I noticed an atmospheric ripple sweeping across St. Clair from the southeast (the most unprotected direction from our access point) the night before our trip, it was all too easy (even though Numenon was fully loaded for each anticipated St. Clair scenario) to fall back on Plan D, which called for a continued, joint muskie quest on local Lake M. 

And so we enjoyed a full day’s effort, casting and trolling for muskie without a single fish encounter.  It was, truthfully, a beautiful and pleasant day, and just undertaking the effort provided a great deal of satisfaction; but the day still did little to cure my fever.

Imagine my trepidation when Mr. H (who previously appeared in February’s “Twice in One Night!” entry) approached me the next night with the enthusiastic greeting, “Let me tell you about Lake St. Clair!”  It turns out he’d been to St. Clair the day before; conditions were comfortable; and while the bass fishing wasn’t great, it was fun.  At least he hadn’t crushed muskies in my absence, but now I knew I’d missed an opportunity.  And yet I know I can’t really belittle the Lake M experience I’d shared with Katie.

I see this battle every day, and at both jobs.  I find myself often “damned if I do and damned if I don’t” at my primary work; and I have customers every night who, while obviously shopping, are unable to buy an item based on lack of information, too much information, fear of being screwed, or their private  internal demons.  I have other customers who are probably dooming themselves to a life of debt and bad credit, and yet others who seem to have substituted consumerism for substance abuse.  I’ve pretty much decided that “doing” is better than “not doing” if the analysis hangs in the balance; there’s always some comfort in appreciation of the process and effort in lieu of poor results – if it comes down to that.  And you just never know what might happen.  It could be something good and memorable!

These thoughts have all sorts of other fishing implications.  One that is crystallizing for me over the last few years, is “If it’s not working, change it!”  So whether it’s a trolling spread, speed or direction; another presentation; targeted species, technique, location or water body, I’ve developed an openness to changing my tactics.  These could be sweeping changes or minor alterations.  After all, even if I’m operating with the latest and greatest equipment and information…if it’s still not working, I need to change something.  To continue otherwise would be insanity.  And yet, I also have to recognize, that maybe what needs to be changed is my timing; and that my efforts, similarly executed at the right time, will be properly rewarded.  Crap, re-reading this paragraph, maybe this isn’t about fishing after all!

Can I think of our lives as an ongoing War between Catalysis and Paralysis, as moderated by Analysis?  We’re either acting on information or not; and we may or me not be utilizing that information properly.  I was recently told at a work In-Service that our effectiveness might be based on 85% soft “emotional” skills and 15% hard “technical” skills?  What am I supposed to do with that; are my strengths really that marginalized?  I know I have an uphill battle if that’s the case.  I know I’d at least like to argue that the proper ratio is more like 60/40. 

But maybe I should just cut right to it.  As the main character in Pain and Gain asks; “Are you a Do’er or Don’ter?”

So...are you a Do'er or a Don'ter?

I’m not sure he was too burdened by analysis, and things didn’t work out so great for him.  So maybe there’s hope for me and my path.  In the mean-time, I’ll take credit for the things I figure out, keep trying, stay safe, and merely enjoy any good results that I stumble into.  I have to believe that catching a giant fish intentionally, as planned, is better than catching the same fish by accident; but those happy accidents are also acceptable.  They too, are worthy of celebration.

Resolutions II

Resolutions II (on Thanksgiving Day)

Resolutions don’t mean much if you don’t check in on your progress every so often.  I’ve got a hint of a breather here between the boating season’s end and Black Friday, so I thought I’d review the list I’d prepared for myself with respect to this year’s fishing.  While I published some thoughts on this last January, I’ve also maintained a running list of ideas for experiences that I thought would enhance my season.  Here I think I’ll address some of my stated resolutions that I’ve successfully acted upon.

·       I resurrected an old rod.  My 6.5-foot Shimano Aero from about 1990 is a fine rod but is generally just a little too soft and slow for soft plastics and top-waters.  By switching from mono to Nanofil, this rod has become a staple for my bassing.  I’m a big fan of Nanofil.  It handles great on light spinning gear, casts long, and doesn’t stretch.  It seems to last forever, too, and its presence on my roster of spinning reels is expanding.

·       I successfully trolled over 3.5 mph.  Trolling is occassionally simply about covering water and finding fish.  Going faster means doing more of both, and sometimes speed kills.  I’m much more comfortable at faster trolling speeds (up to at least 4.5 mph) as now I’ve taken Great Lakes salmon and multiple muskies at these speeds.

·       I released a 5-pound bass.  I was especially pleased when I landed a tank of a bass on Reeds Lake on November 16, because then I did not have to rely on the previous “Palm Beach Release” of my largest ever Connecticut River bass.  At over 21 inches and undoubtedly over 6 pounds, fat and bug-eyed, she was the largest bass I’ve caught in years.  I was pleased to watch her swim back into the local depths after a little photo session and some recovery time in Numenon’s live-well.

Bucket-mouth!

The picture does no justice to this bass...

·       I netted a legal muskie.  Muskies received much of my attention this year, and the season would have been less meaningful without a legal muskie in the boat.  Fortunately, I got mine on July 12.  I had others to the boat and either chose not to net them or they slipped away while boatside.  This included the biggest one of the season, estimated at about 46 inches.  All this happened while I was alone, so I’ve still not netted one of these for somebody else, nor have I gotten pictures that do these fish justice.  But I’ll keep trying, and I’ve decided that these fish are definitely worth travelling for.  So maybe there will be some new scenery in the background of the picture with my first 50-incher.

Muskies in the 'hood!

Legal, netted, released.

·       I released a Master Angler fish.  Certainly each legal muskie qualifies for this, and that November bass might have too, although she was short for her weight.  There were many Master Angler salmon to be had this year, too, but somehow I missed that season; let’s hope for more of the same opportunity next year.

·       I caught a new species and so therefore captured a personal best.  Kind of.  I’d caught a few incidental, smaller muskies while bass fishing in the past, but now I’ve successfully targeted them.  And while that 46-incher was right there for the taking, I’ll consider my current personal best to be the netted, measured and documented 43-incher.  I should also remember the 37-inch striper I took on August 1, because that’s the biggest I’ve ever landed from shore.

This striper ate a fresh mackerel head, and I was lucky to land her.

·       I switched targeted species to save the day.  Switching from muskies to pike on November 16 turned a skunk into a show-worthy hound.  When I suddenly lost confidence in muskies, I took advantage of the remainder of the day by targeting pike.  It turned out that they were snapping, and I took a “season’s best” specimen among the five I landed that afternoon.

·       I pond-hopped on that same day.  I launched Numenon on multiple bodies of water on November 16 to maximize my effectiveness.  Drastically switching locations let me deal with fishing/weather conditions, and after a slow start, I had a nice window of activity including “season’s best” bass and pike, on the same lure and within about 100 yards.

This Rapala DT20 was hot for a couple of trips!

·       I used heads as bait.  The mackerel that were available to me from shore this season were generally too large to use as live bait, but it’s probably not a coincidence that my largest stripers of the year fell to fresh mackerel heads.  At the same time, sandworms and chunks just weren’t working.

·       I caught the end of pike season.  Just locally, but it was my best, most dependable piking of the year.  Other lakes beckon, but it’s often difficult to drive past Reeds Lake.

Weather like this can turn Reeds Lake into a private pond.

KS was ready for ice fishing, but had to settle for a trip on Numenon.

Likely the last open-water fish of the season, this 30-incher ate a Purpledescent Rapala TailDancer.

·       Ollie came fishing with me.  I try to be careful about when to take him.  It can’t be too long, hot, cold or sunny of a trip.  But he’s a good companion when he comes along, he enjoys it, and I have to remember to include him when it makes sense to do so.

·       I took a special trip with Marie.  When I first conceived this resolution, I was thinking of a fishing trip, but our quick, Labor-Day trip to Florida was fun, if not surreal.  She’s something really special, and I’m glad we shared this trip.  She deserved it, I provided it, but mostly I need to recognize just how unlikely a trip of this nature was to me.  And yet it was all good.

Lazy River snorkeling.

Walking around the Sea's Bottom, Hermit Crab in hand.

·       I shared time in my boat with loved ones and expressed my feelings to them.  In a literal thanksgiving, I recognize and thank each of you.   I hope you enjoyed your time with me. 

There are still plenty of ideas to act on, and I’ve left many unarticulated.   Fortunately, ice season approaches. 

End of Season Efforts

2013 has clearly been my Year of the Muskie.  Or more precisely, my Year of Muskie Pursuit (since my success rate has been pretty low.)  Regardless, I recognize my muskie fishing (addiction?) as a good thing in my life.  It has provided renewed motivation to my fishing efforts and I view it as a real gift from my new acquaintances.  I’ve encountered (and even caught) some beautiful, large Esox specimens, and certain experiences have been permanently etched into my psyche.  I simply like the equipment  involved in the pursuit, and I love taking on the new learning curve.  It’s a new-found, viable  local option for me, is the basis for a couple of new friendships, and has provided for some new, future aspirations. 

All of these are good things, and they came about because I love fishing.  Given just a bit of information, I was willing to challenge my previous assumptions that muskies weren’t a viable quarry around here, and I was open to trying some new techniques for myself.  I did what I knew and I had some initial success; that experience motivated me to keep trying!  Those continued efforts included an enthusiastic review of available literature, discussions with friends and co-workers, acquisition of appropriate tackle, and embracing the effort through some very lean times. 

All this was driven by Appreciative Inquiries’  Provocative Propositions, “What would it be like to catch one of these beasts locally, from my boat, with my tackle?” and “How awesome will I feel when I release her, knowing I finally got a good picture; and not just a picture, but a picture worthy of her beauty and freshwater might?”  These propositions symbolize a real shot for my envisioned success; of which I am still in pursuit.

First legal muskie in the boat!  But not the picture I'm looking for...

43 inches of muskie, released unharmed.

With West Michigan’s boating season coming to a close, my Year’s End Efforts were directed towards muskies.  My local muskie fishery was very generous in the early season, but it has been doubly stingy from late summer through the fall.  Only a single (although sizeable) muskie has been sighted in months, and there’ve been no hookups or catches.  But if the comfortable conditions of late summer and early fall weren’t productive, then surely the miserable conditions of November should offer more opportunity (?)  At least, that’s what I convinced myself into believing, and so I launched at dawn on Veterans’ Day for seven or eight hours of casting and trolling in the rain, snow and wind.   I still believed when I re-launched at dawn the following Saturday with 25 mph winds in my face.  But as lunch approached, fishless again, I watched several other boats leap-frogging unsuccessfully between muskie haunts.  I suddenly lost my faith.  For the first time, I didn’t believe I was going to catch my next muskie.  I had a choice; burn through the last few hours of boat fishing of this season on this lake, but without confidence; or hop over to another, more friendly lake to troll up a couple of pike.  “Wouldn’t it be nice to catch a fish?” became my adopted Provocative Proposition, and shortly thereafter Numenon was re-launched on the local lake of choice.

Although the biting pike had been suspended in deep water during my previous trip on this lake, I went fishless for quite a while as I plied these waters through several lure changes.  The clock on my season’s end was still ticking, and I was considerably relieved when a rod started bucking in the holder.  This bass had eaten a Rapala DT20 that was rooting bottom in 17 or 18 feet of water, and is this season’s largest bass at just over 21 inches and at least 6 pounds (as measured on my conservative Boga scale.) 

Largemouth Bass!  Finally, a fish in the boat...

Porker.  Pig.  Sow.  21 inches and over 6 pounds.

This lure was a recent introduction to my set, and had really turned around my previous trip on this lake. 

Rapala's DT20 has been hot the last couple of trips and took top honors for bass and pike in 2013!  Both in the same trip!

I was even more impressed when shortly thereafter and very nearby, the drag on this combo screamed out and I came tight to the season’s largest pike, a rotund 36-incher.

Not a muskie, but 36 inches of pike!  I don't often choose to use the net on these fish, but I wanted her in the boat!

Impressive jaw structure and teeth

Beautifully marked pike, released and ready for winter.

There were four other pike of “30-inches, plus” and a nice four-pound bass thrown in, too.  It’s not often that such fish get over-looked (in my experience); the same for the performance of an emerald green Reef Runner presented off two colors of lead on this day.

My season ended with a bang, and I appreciate that.