Sun drunk and stick boats

The 3rd installment of - Bored and going through old photos.

I cannot count how many times Bobba-Dood overstayed our welcome in the sun, and became silly sun drunk fools. We've all been there...am I right?..please tell me I'm not alone. Haha

Our fishing outings use to last all day. 6+ hours of baking in the sun fishing multiple times a week. There were multiple outings where we would reach a that point where we became silly, stupid, and laughed at everything. 1 part sun, 2 parts exhaustion. During those times, the creative side of my mind would get going. I distinctly remember 2 occasions where I just randomly started to make something that resembled a watercraft of sorts, not human size, but something you could put a lego person on. 

On the first occasion we were fishing at Mallard Lake. I made a small watercraft the size of a post card out of sticks, grass, leaves, and vine. Whatever was around. I set it out to sea. It floated. I was proud. I then had the grand idea of trying to sink it with small rocks, pebbles if you will. I didn't want to cheat and use a big ole rock, where would the fun be in that. My accuracy was terrible and eventually just tossed a big ole rock, and defeated my very own Eco friendly battleship.

The 2nd time we were fishing the Des Plains River, and catching a skunk. I decided that we both create stick boats, race them, and see which one will survive falling over the low head dam.

Bobba Dood started making a Mark Twain'esk type stick raft. As you can see in the picture below, it shows he has just started the frame. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate pictures of the final product. I do remember it was no match for my ingenuity.

Here is what my mind is capable of when I'm exhausted, and had too much sun. Pure genius! How can you not say to yourself, "Wow, that's impressive! Is it for sale?!?!"

I was extremely pleased with the outcome of this vessel, that I contemplated changing careers, and devoting all of my time building stick boats, and starting a stick boat river racing league, but I didn't want the fame and fortune that came with that territory. I'm a humble guy. Plus the world wasn't ready for that kind of excitement at the time.

...and there she goes on her maiden voyage. What a beauty. The only fixture that did not survive the fall over the dam, was the sail. She kept on going down river, and didn't miss a beat. She's probably made her way around the world a few times by now. 

I know everyone has a few stories similar to this one. I'd love to hear them, so, please, do tell!!!!

My first Northern Pike

Another installment of - bored and going through old photos.

My first Northern Pike - It was Spring of who knows what year. I could probably look it up on the photo details, but I'm lazy. I remember meeting up my buddy Frank aka Bobba-Dood, at a section of a small creek that forms a rather large pool. The pool is home to a plethora of fish that fall over the dam of a big lake in the area. Musky, Pike, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Walleye, Crappie, and other panfish. I wouldn't be surprised to find sharks and mermaids/mermen living in there.

I was tossing a white spinnerbait with my baitcaster.

Here's a little back story. I was just learning how to use a baitcaster, and all winter I was watching KVD (Kevin Van Dam) videos on YouTube. So, needless to say, I was pretty jazzed and inspired to get out there.

I took Mr. KVD's advice and let that spinnerbait sink to the bottom before I started my retrieve, slowly brought it in, hitting everything I could, and sure enough...I got a hook up! ...and to my surprise it was a Northern Pike! For me to say I was excited would be an understatement. 

Smile for the camera!

For so long pike and musky eluded me (musky much longer...until this past year). No matter how big or small your first fish of a certain species is, you'll always remember the story. I know that goes for me. Maybe that only goes for me, because, I'm not a geezer, yet. =) 

Night crawlers and Cats

Ah, the good 'ole days, baiting a hook with a fat juicy night crawler, casting it out to what you think is the deepest spot on the lake, and waiting. I was rummaging through some old files on an external hard drive of mine, and came across some old pictures.

I haven't caught a catfish in so long. Makes me want to set aside an outing to dunk some bait this summer. With the lake right behind my GF's townhouse, I just might have to do that, while I fire up the BBQ and grill some steaks.

Thee biggest catfish I have ever caught.
(No idea why I'm wearing a batting glove. HAHA)

I had a different system. I always thought adding the bobber helped keep the bait off of the bottom a tad. The fish never minded it. In Illinois, you're allowed 2 rods per angler. I used to soak some bait with my spinning rod, and cast lures with my baitcaster or other spinning rod.

Nice little Channel Catfish at Mallard Lake.

Catch and Release

Salad

These photos are probably 10+ years old, and they brought back some really good memories. If I find any more good ones, you can bet, I will most definitely share them!