Figured I could put this here too since that's what this forum's about. Considering we almost didn't go fishing because of the wind, I think we had a good day. I'm especially glad we decided to wet our lines.

Basically, we fished two ponds, TJ's and another we'd recognize an aerial view of. Caught 10 different species including 5 firsts for me. Not counting those firsts, 3 fish caught were personal bests for me. All in only about 2 hours of actual time on the water.

I'm relatively new to fishing, only been at it for real for a couple years now, so I have a lot to learn and haven't caught everything that swims like most of you have. These were 3 of the 5 firsts for me.







The other 2 firsts that are not pictured were HSB and GSH.

At the other pond we were only able to spend a little over a half hour, but the action was nonstop from the first cast. Caught this kitty...





...that spooked all the other kitties, so we had to "settle" for this...

9.5 inch HBG



17 inch BC



As TJ mentioned in Images Forum, the BC was a new lake record, which would be cool for anyone, let alone someone like me, so new to fishing and finally figuring out how to actually catch fish once in a while.

Sounds like TJ and Bruce are teaching you the tricks... Congrats on the great catches!

It was definitely the qualities fisheries here and not the guy holding the fishing rod.

Technique is everything my friend. You saw how well I was doing!

Scott, you taught me a few tricks I will be putting to the test tomorrow. I'm optimistic. Especially considering that I look like a 16-year old.

Is that a Red Sox cap I see on your head?

There's really nothing cuter than a baby smallmouth.

I am blown away my YP pulled off a spawn last year - and also amazed those fish are aleady 4-5". I have some new issues I need to adjust my pond management strategy to address - I have absolutely no idea how many YP are in the pond. I'm thinking I may be facing a carrying capacity issue. I was NOT counting on the YP spawning. Josh, the sooner you can get your pond built, the sooner I can unload excess CSBG and now YP.

If only tiger musky would just eat YP and not eat your SMB too...

I'm going to need to implement a very aggressive trapping program, but I need a facility in which I can hold these fish. PB guys can come get them whenever they want, I guess, or maybe I could learn to ship them.

I wouldn't worry about the YP overpopulating at this point. I do realize that you might not have predator fish large enough to eat the smaller YP yet, but it's coming.

Those small YP are easy to eat for predator fish.

Your holding facility is coming off the tube shortly. I'll PM you in the next few weeks and we can continue our discussion.

TJ:

You need to make a few holding cages like Cecil has. Just float them out from shore a bit and leave the tops open. Toss what you catch in them and forget about 'em 'till someone comes to pick them up. If you're worried about food, put the cage where some of the pellets land in the cage when the feeder goes off.

And just have Rainman bring me all of your CSBG.

And what if it is?

I'm glad to see that there are other Cornhusker Red Sox fans. My son went to school at BC and we saw some games at Fenway and became part of Red Sox nation.
I was wearing my Red Sox sweat shirt at the state basketball tournament this year, and Joba Chamberlain's dad yelled at me.

Awesome. I have not had the pleasure of visiting Fenway yet. We do catch a game every year in KC though. Dare I admit that we are bigger Red Sox fans than we are Cornhusker fans. Just because I enjoy baseball more than football is all.

I'm afraid this season is looking like a long one.

I can be there in 20 minutes.

TJ...perhaps you should take some orders for those excess csbg and yp...I'll ship em for ya.