A CRAZY WEEK OF FISHING

Matt had two on at one time, managed to land this fine channel cat.

For the past week or ten days, we have had some exciting big-fish action at some local waters that are public, yet under the radar. A few panfish, but mostly quality bass and channel catfish. I'll keep it short, and just toss up a few of the better fish we have been fortunate enough to catch.

Catties are long and lean, powerful fighters.

Matt's 27.5 incher weighs over 8 pounds...a good 'un!

Now, let's get that hook out!

Another lean cat at 26 inches.

Yes...I actually think these fish are purdy!

My best cat of the year...a powerful 30 incher that gave me the run around all over the pond!

Another look at the 'thirty'.

Check out the catfish cocktail...imitation crab meat with a chunk of nightcrawler.

Okay...enough of the whiskerfish...here are a few largemouths from the same water, mostly on small earthworms below a bobber and a few on live bluegills.

Bass before the storm on a garden worm.

Another 4 pound class bass!

Matt's best last week was 19.5 inches long.

Back she goes!

Chubby 17 incher is well over 3 pounds!

This fatso bass actually took a piece of crabmeat intended for the cats.

And this was the star of last weeks show...a 'near-five pounder'.

What a week of fishing! 15 bass from 3 to 5 pounds and catties running from 24 to 30 inches....wow! The cats like imitation crab meat and the bass just like worms...easy fishing and quality fish! It was a great couple of days to fish with my son Matt.

I am reminded of the scripture verse that says...' it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man, it is better to take refuge in the Lord, than to trust in princes'  ...Psalm 118:8-9.
The same can be said about trusting in a government, a government that increasingly denies and scoffs at the Lord, one that sees no need in honoring God. The further we separate ourselves from a Holy God, the more destruction and pain this nation will suffer...it's in the Bible, it's guaranteed.

The next time you enjoy a day on the water, think about who really blessed you with that great experience.

FROM ONE DAY TO THE NEXT...

I must admit it...I am getting soft in my old age. Everybody knows it. They can see it in my gait, my mannerisms and by my selective hearing. When I was in the work force, I was a 'tough ole bird'. But those days are gone now. For example...check out this torn and tattered thumb and palm...

Looks like someones an old softy.

Looks pretty nasty, huh? You can tell I'm a burnt out bluegill fisherman. Soft hands, soft heart...I just had to release all 14 bass I caught last Wednesday just ahead of that big low-pressure coastal storm that pounded the Mid Atlantic. I wasn't fishing for them, rather, I was out for bluegills and close kin. And I caught a pile of fish during the 4 hour tour at a small public lake that is way under the radar. 118 total fish altogether. Great fun on ultra light spinning and 2 and 4 pound test, and all on bobbers and worms with #8 Aberdeen hooks. Just let the wind blow the bobber along with a garden worm 4 feet down...pretty simple. Lots and lots of gills, redears, a few crappie and bullheads. But check out the 'by-catch'...

First big green fish of the day was this pale rider at about 5 pounds.

Followed up by another chubber largemouth!

Hey...this could get habit-forming!

You know, I'm willing to sift through a pile of medium panfish for a few of these!

And all I really wanted was a couple of these.

Been that kind of year...fish for one thing, catch another. Of course, I am not complaining in any way, even with the thumb thing and all. It's just like, well, what does a man have to do to catch a couple of decent bluegills around here? And even last week, when my bro-in-law Paul, hit the same water, the big green fish, and a few other surprises, came out to play...

Paul's 25 inch channel cat put the test to his ultra-light gear.

Paul with a foot-long black-nosed crappie.

Another crappie..this one's a black.

Check it out...black stripe across the head and back distinguish this as a 'black-nosed' crappie.

Fishing in shorts is just about over.

Yes, even the week previous, with temperatures in the low 90's fishing was pretty good for variety. Weather changes, as God always is in control of the heavens, the clouds, the wind , air and the rain. The Weather Channel has nothing on God...for he knows the weather for tomorrow, the next day and for all the days yet to come on earth. He knows the forecast...as pointed out in Psalm 19:5-6...

'In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun...It rises at one end of the heavens and makes a circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from it's heat"

Think about that...NOTHING is hidden from it's heat. Nor are any of our deeds or thoughts. That's scary, and runs chills down my spine. God knows it all, all about us, about the weather and about what we truely need... His love, His kindness, and His grace. Rocky shorelines and all, I want to walk with the King!