Monday, September 15, 2014

DPR Pike Float

It was a perfect day for some teeth. 65 degrees, sunny, with a light breeze, you just couldn't beat it. The pike on the Des Plaines River are a blast, and I enjoy chasing these toothy predators. DanK was the first to get the pike party started with one in the mid 20's. I joined in shortly after, but the pike that I caught could have been mistaken for a wet spaghetti noodle.

This pike got a hold of DanK's thumb and drew blood.
DanK was determined to catch one using a top water lure after he found a small panfish size buzz bait in his bag. He rigged a trailer hook on it, and added a plastic tube to make his offering look bigger. The pike approved, and it was truly a blast to see.


I was tossing a green spinner bait with a trailer hook, and that seemed to be the ticket for me. I did toss around a buzz bait, but it was getting no attention. I hooked up with a real nice pike on a super fishy bend in the river. One of the best pike I've personally caught on the DPR. 

My personal best on the DPR.
While we were sitting in the middle of the river changing lures, I noticed something floating down river towards DanK's kayak. I couldn't really make out what it was, but it kind of looked like the belly of a fish. I said to DanK out loud, "Is that a dead fish?" DanK turned to look and said, "Holy Sh#t! it's a big pike with another pike in it's mouth!" Right after he said that I was able to make out the 2 pike, as it swam underneath our kayaks and off into some weeds, and we never saw it again. The big pike was about 30 inches, and it had a pike in it's mouth that was about 19-21 inches. It was so freakin' awesome to see with our own eyes! (No pictures of it, because, we couldn't locate the cannibal after the sighting.)

DanK with another top water pike.
Catch & Release
Say CHEESE!

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Vehicle Modifications

I have been very very slowly planning out and making modifications to my new/used Subaru Outback. This is by far my most favorite vehicle to ever own. I cannot wait to see how it handles with the white stuff on the ground.

I've been doing some research and found a lot of people are using this stuff called Plasti-Dip. I am not an overly huge fan of chrome, so, I decided to start by using this $6 can of Plasti Dip that I got at home depot on my emblems.


I couldn't believe how simple it was to apply this stuff, and remove it. All I needed was a roll of a can of Plasti Dip, painters tape, and a few tooth picks.

Here are my end results. I'm really digging it!


Next - I will be blacking out the fog light housing, grill, rims, and adding some stickers to the trunk and rear windows.

......And a car wash. :)

Friday, September 12, 2014

Bald-Faced Hornet

Hiking around the Northwoods, I came across this small utility shed/building of sorts. Attached to it was the biggest hive I have ever seen with my 2 eyes. There were these huge black wasp looking things going in and out of it. Did some research and they turned out to be Bald-Faced Hornets. I knew it was a wise choice to keep my distance.

I wonder what's in there....