When watching fishing shows on TV you hear the “PRO’S” say “It’s a Giant” only to land a 2 pound bass. Man that aggravates me. I would think they would know from years of fishing what a big bass feels like. Also on the local level you hear someone say “ I got a 5 pounder”! Then when they get to the scales they underestimated the size of their fish! I always get a chuckle out of that. Well yesterday I was a victim of that embarrassing offense. While out fishing yesterday I told a few friends out on the water I had caught a “5 lb smallmouth “ early in the morning. The word got out pretty quick and I was getting all the congratulations and way to go etc. as the day went on I checked on the bass and the doubt started creeping in. As the day winded down and I put the boat on shore a few buddies had beached as well. I was anxious to show my “ Giant “. It weighed 3.88!! How could that be! I was ready to crawl into my livewell. I couldn’t even get a job at a carnival guessing people’s weight. On a positive note, maybe I have reached PRO status! LOL. Happy New Year!

With the new year and new 5 fish limit brings new strategies to my tournament plan. I typically fish grass in the morning to possibly get a quick limit ( hahaha) then move to areas where I can upgrade my catch! Again insert laugh here! This year to me,scouting big fish areas as well as trusting my electronics to see the fish and catch those fish! Also do I just slow down and fish an area more thoroughly. I can also run farther where typically the better fish are caught! It is easier to catch 5 than 8 right? Lol. I look forward to adapting to the changes of this season! The old saying “Lead, Follow or get out of the way” I only like the first option! I hope everyone has a great and safe new year!!

I finally got the chance to get the boat out for the first time this year!! I spent yesterday going over the final inspection of boat, tackle, rods and reels!! With daylight savings time starting Sunday " 1 more hour to fish right? Sunday morning I get up and hook boat to trailer,and as soon as I lock the padlock on trailer tongue I realize I had lost that key about 2 weeks ago. I would deal with that later though ( have spare key at shop) so after trying every key I had in the boat and in the garage I head off to Prettyboy to fish! I get about half way there and there is a car sitting in the middle of the road and the driver is reading the morning paper!! I think I have seen this in a scary movie so I do not get out of the truck and just tap the horn and he pulls in the nearest driveway. I forge ahead. Now at the ramp I get everything ready without a hitch, even remembering to check all pumps and hoses for no leaks before leaving ramp area!!! Now push the boat out and get Ray motor keys right? Wrong can't find them anywhere ( sitting on shelf in garage when trying to find trailer lock key) but that is not going to stop me, I'll just use my trolling motor and learn more about the boat ramp cove! Ok now I will enjoy my 24oz coffee and get busy catching fish! Wrong!!! Coffee spilled all over floor while looking for Ray motor keys!!! I continue ahead. After fishing for about 2 hours I mark a big ball of bait to run my Silver Buddy through. I get my lure to show on my depth finder running right through them and below them as well!!! White perch are the "bait" and I catch 2 of them and zzzzzzz my drag starts screaming,Yesssss! This is the big one! But every time I hit the trolling motor pedal it takes off again. You guessed it, line wrapped around prop! OK now I get the hints, I'm not supposed to fish today! Now as I struggle to put the boat back on the trailer without falling in,swearing why do I do this?
1 hour later I am home with everything put away thinking I can't wait till the next time I go fishing!!! It's a disease.

Lots of great fishing and boat songs. In case you haven't heard it," Buy Me A Boat " is another they recently started playing. I'm sure you could list a bunch of others.