I thought I was meeting Jeff (old SCSF guy from the EDC this morning, so I just walked in with a rod and got my permit instead of waiting in line to drive in. The morning was brisk and the moon was full!
(https://i.imgur.com/AjXuhJE.jpeg)
I realized I didn't have his number in my phone and forgot my messenger app wasn't connected to my Latimeria FB page, so there was no way to get a hold of him.
I walked to where I was catching fish first and it was a desert. I actually saw one being chased by pelicans, but it was so sketched out from trying to be eaten that it was impossible. I kept casting at a big boil and thought I hooked up! It was sort of moving.... WTF!?!?
50# braided line someone cut off....
(https://i.imgur.com/tNLEyVu.jpeg)
I got a little by little in before I could finally grab the braid and the huge ball of weeds. Inside was a 2 oz catfish weight and hook, so I at least made up for losing my spoon yesterday.
I tied on one of my spinner flies, a super-secret weapon from the east coast days. I think Squatch has seen me use them before, but they are super light and making a real cast is near impossible. Good thing is I only have to cast out about 12 feet to get in the zone.
I found multiple trout now but they were all getting followed and harassed by big bass. I'm talking 4-6 pound class bass. The trout were all spooked when out of the blue on one of my blind casts, I think I snag weeds.... Until it starts tearing out line! Woohoo! Steelie!
(https://i.imgur.com/4jw4lrt.jpeg)
So all is not lost. I work parts of the next lake for nada and keep looking for Jeff. I was on my way back when I saw a few trout milling about and made about 20 casts at them. Out of the blue, one decided it finally wanted to eat it! This was a nice typical triploid stocker rainbow!
(https://i.imgur.com/CQfmsvv.jpeg)
I keep walking and casting when I ran across a lightning trout. He was boogying, so I couldn't get a real cast at him. Then as I'm walking, I come across a bunch of people fishing. I could see a dozen trout swimming in front of them, and they couldn't get them to bite on anything. Then a saw a decent lightning trout swimming with them and the one guy said "We can't catch them and you got a couple. See if you could make them bite".
I walked down to the side of them and said I'm sure they won't, but I'll make a few casts for the hell of it...
Well, I was just as surprised as they were when the lightning trout pounced on my spinner fly! They were pretty confused on what just happened and I landed a decent mid-grade golden ruby!
(https://i.imgur.com/czyXo5L.jpeg)
I had to show them the lure at this point and they all immediately switched to spinners to try and land a few. I was done and needed to get home to continue the job hunt. Pinoyfisher was kind enough to send me a position opening in his company, so I'm pretty hopeful something might work out soon.
Well, here is a great picture of the 3 types of trout they stocked for the opener. I can't believe I got all three in one 2-hour session! (or actually 4 in the last week because of the Cut-bows!)
(https://i.imgur.com/7aMZnHO.jpeg)
The most impressive thing about all of it was the quality of meat! I'm guessing they feed these guys something different because look at the two filets!
(https://i.imgur.com/LVB6yXk.jpeg)
Well, I have a Dr appt tomorrow for a previously repaired Sx... getting old sucks. I still might run out to meet Jeff tomorrow since he actually couldn't make it today. I have to fast until my appointment at 11:00 so I need to do something so I don't think about food and coffee.
Thanks for reading!
If you think getting old sucks now, just wait til you start getting old.
You are lucky to live so close, that place has served you very well !
: sasquatch November 07, 2025, 06:37:58 pIf you think getting old sucks now, just wait til you start getting old.
You might be getting your "Senior Citizens Discounts" a bit early, but you don't need to be sounding like one now. hahaha
: Tim524 November 07, 2025, 07:15:52 pYou are lucky to live so close, that place has served you very well !
I used to mostly refuse to fish them for about 20 years (minus the catfish and carp trips during renting the cabins) until I met some dude that literally gave me a "key" to the lakes. He said it just randomly in passing, but unlocked the riddle of the puddles and I've been fishing it ever since.
Geting on a roll! Nice quality, that meat looks great too. Getting me all hyped up to try harder this season.