No, I ain't talking about that! But lately I've been under some stress with some stuff going on, and just had to find some way to break it down a bit. My usual outlets are fishing or golf, but ain't been able to do much of either for some time now due to weather, work or other commitments. Well, for a while now I've been watching a little retainment pond just outside the building where I work. I see fish striking all the time, and just knew I had to give it a try. Last Sunday I bought one of those little lightweight Zebco spincasters that hang under the rod like a spinning reel on a lightweight Ugly Stik rod. I also picked up some Beetle Spins. Well, I never took them out of the truck, and when I remembered that today, I knew what I was gonna do! I was one of the last to leave at about 6:45, and I figured I could spare a few minutes just to see how that little spincaster worked.
I put snap swivel on that line and attached a yellow beetle spin with a silver blade, and walked over and started casting. Wind was blowing 10-15 knots, a bit chilly after the front passed over today, but I knew a change like that sometimes makes them bite!
Took a couple casts to get used to the little reel, but soon I was firing it across the pond. On about the 4th or 5th full cast, as I reeled it over some tilapia beds, something nailed it good! He jumped three times and made a couple quick runs, and I just enjoyed the little fight. Got him up and it was about a 8 or 9 inch bass, prettiest green sides with dark stripes. Gorgeous little fish! Dropped him back in and made three more casts, then BAM! another one took it hard!
He made one good jump, then swam side to side for about 30 seconds, even pulled a little drag (4lb line, had it set real loose). This was actually a keeper if I'd been inclined, about 13 inches and just as pretty as the other one! I was grinning like a fool as I let him go, and felt a relief that's just hard to explain. I knew I had to get on home, but those 15 minutes were well-spent, and the highlight of my day!
I'm gonna keep that little rod/reel in the truck, and put together a little tackle box to go with it. A couple of top-water lures, the beetle spins, some hooks and bobbers in case worms or crickets are handy, etc. And I'm gonna get me some stress relief at least once a week, at least the kind I can get without getting in trouble!
I had a set up just like that when I had a company truck. I told my boss I was doing it to so it was not a surprise. I was salary, so I wasn't milking the clock. If I had a spare few minutes in between stops, I would stop anywhere and throw a few times. Can't tel you how many fish I caught during the work day
There's a bigger pond just about 150 yards north, and it has some nice cattails and such along one side. I'm gonna have to go try it sometime. Might have to get up early and be there just after sunrise with a hula popper or Zara spook. Fish an hour or so, then go in to the office early and leave earlier than usual to do some more evening fishing!
i carry a small fanny pack for a truck tackle box.hook it around ya and fish.
