2-3 months left since my USA fishing trip. I have been trying to decide on a schedule and route for my trip.
I will be in NY on the first of the June. I will rent a car there and i plan to go up to Indiana, to meet Esshup(if he is available by that time). Bob-O also invited me to his place in NE Indiana.
When i asked "where should i go?" to folks in another discussion board they all insisted me to go up to Michigan for fishing. They told me it was a paradise. What do you think? I am not really a trout guy . I am not a good fly fisher. I am more interested in muskies.
After Northern regions i will drive down to NC(to see my host family for a couple days) and then down to Florida for Southern Fishing. Now, i don't know if Florida is a very good choice for fishing(especially freshwater) . And i don't know where in Florida to go , as well.
I plan to buy in inflatable kayak. So i will be free to fish where ever i like without having to go on an expensive fishing charter. Good idea?
As to my fishing purposes, i just want to catch a lot of fish(any species) in a clean and heavily green environment, in fair weather conditions(well... not always) .
So guys, i need to hear some suggestions from you now, to firm up my schedule and purchase car rentals and flight tickets.
FWIW Inflatable kayak sounds like a leak and problem waiting to happen and perhaps ruin your trip. Just a thought, as it sounds like you will be driving everywhere, rent a small SUV. You then have space to carry all your gear and can rent or buy an inexpensive canoe you can carry around on top of the SUV.
Edit: Don't forget to buy a fishing license for every state you plan on fishing in public waters. Another thought, if you are planning on heading to Indiana first thing, you might want to consider flying into Chicago instead of New York.
Hey buddy, sent ya pm. I will be back in Indiana by June for sure. Lucky7s invite sounds too good to pass up. For southern fishing, you don't need to go clear down to Fl. If you're going to be in the Carolinas area I'll bet ya get some offers from some of those good ol boys out that way. Very good fishin in the eastern mnts. If the Mich guys don't chime in, there is some pretty good Musky fishin right around Cecils place at Lake Webster and Loon lake. My son has a place on Loon and if ya don't mind tents you would be welcome there for a few days. Scott and Cecil should be able to suggest other nearby places. Keep us all posted as you finalize your plans. Hope to meet you. Bob
Fishing with ESSHUP will be a lot of fun even if you don't catch any fish! Unless conditions are really bad, he will make sure you catch some great fish. He is just a really wonderful down-to-earth person, and one of the best of the best, especially when it comes to fishing, hunting, and cooking. You couldn't find a better person have as a friend.
Going down to Florida should also be a fantastic experience. Florida has it all -- except maybe for muskies. They've got lots of fresh water, brackish water, and saltwater fishing. Fishing Florida is really exciting because you never know what might be on the end of your line.
Perhaps a stop in GA might be of interest. We've got some great bass fishing.
Regarding inflatable kayaks, I've taken one around the world because it is a heck of a lot easier to transport than a fiberglass yak. As well as repair. Consider researching Advanced Elements inflatable yaks. Specifically;
The Angler is designed for fishing with a nice wide open leg area and rod holders, while the AE1012-R is more sporty better tracking and you can use the top over legs for work area. Check 'em out.
If you come to the Washington, DC area let me know. I'll be glad to give you a tour of the city and show some great fishing on the adjacent Potomac River.
Fatih, please keep us all in the loop, and document, document, document. This could be an epic trip that many of us dream about. No boundaries of any kind is a vary rare thing these days.
LukkySeven and CJBS2003, thanks so much for your offers. It looks like Maryland and DC are not on my route, but if it changes i will definitely stop by.
Rainman and Pat... Haha . Is it really dangerous?
Bill, i don't know man. 35$ / day for a canoe sounds insane for me. And i might not be able to find canoe every place i go. I will get licences for sure. My flight is to NY. It is not a modifiable ticket. I will need to buy another ticket to probably Detroit.
Bob, you are amazing, man. How to refuse all the offers you have been making. No, i wouldn't mind staying in a tent as long as there is good fishing. Where is Loon? When i Google it , i see it is in the very southern part of IN. Webster seems to be full of lakes and ponds. Would love to be around there. I guess i will get in touch with Cecil, when the time comes Bob. I don't want to bother him 3 months in advance .
Ken , i thought that Florida had hundreds of species as you said but no one agreed with me . I will see... I have been corresponding with Scott for more than a year now. He is like a Pond Father to me. He is helping me so much with my impossible pond project in Turkey .
basslover , i always wanted to go fishing in GA. But never had a chance. I guess i will definitely stop by(can i have your email adress for further contact). Thanks so much for your kind offer. If i will pay more than 200-250 dollars for a kayak i want to take it back home. Not just leave it. How much space do they cover? Can i fit one in a large luggage? A luggage = 200 dollars extra on the airplane. So, i am kinda confused. Maybe i should look for smaller kayaks. Something like that would be great http://www.bicsport.com/images/YAKKAir1-Bag_Website.jpg . I guess you are experienced on kayaks. I might send you a message, before picking one.
FireIsHot , when i see someone excited for my trip, i get even more excited. When i saw people wanted to know how my trip would go, i decided to film a little documentary. I will bring some GoPro camera with me and film it. USA is a fishing paradise for Turkish People. Because there is nearly no fish here. I want my people to feel the excitement i will have with every cast. It is like a virgin left in 50 ladies , ready to jump on your lure . Ehehe.
A great place to fish in NY is on the St. Lawrence river in Alexandria bay. Some of the best Muskie and Pike fishing that I know of is done there, and a very beautiful and unique area. However it is vary far Upstate NY so probably out of your way.
Please keep in mind that this country is enormous. I'd hate for you to spend the whole trip in the car. If you look at the driving times on a map you'll get the idea, for example NYC to Southern Indiana is at least 12 hours.
If you will spend most of your time in the middle of the country, I might suggest taking an additional flight to Chicago or Indianapolis and then renting a car there. You could then make a big loop through the midwest and south and fly out again from Chicago or take another one-way flight from some destination down the road and return the car there.
Something like this (http://bit.ly/17Rdsy6) would allow you to see a lot of PondBossers.
Just stretching it a little on the gators... You won't believe how large Texas is if you planning to come here. Sounds like you really gonna have a great time fishing your way across the USA that is a trip of a lifetime. Heck most here would love to do that!
Please keep in mind that this country is enormous. I'd hate for you to spend the whole trip in the car. If you look at the driving times on a map you'll get the idea, for example NYC to Southern Indiana is at least 12 hours.
If you will spend most of your time in the middle of the country, I might suggest taking an additional flight to Chicago or Indianapolis and then renting a car there. You could then make a big loop through the midwest and south and fly out again from Chicago or take another one-way flight from some destination down the road and return the car there.
Something like this (http://bit.ly/17Rdsy6) would allow you to see a lot of PondBossers.
Wow, Bocomo how cool is that! If it were warmer I'd already have my bags packed!
Fatih, just think, all you'd have to do is program addresses into your GPS and put your car on auto-pilot while you're setting up your tackle for the next stop! Just thinking of all the Pondmeister's along that route, the pond knowledge you would gain, the fish you would catch, and most importantly, the memories and friendships created. That truly could would be the trip of a lifetime!
Come to think of it, what if you had a driver licensed in the U.S. to drive you around? You wouldn't need to obtain a driver's license OR insurance? Hmmmmm, now we're talking the trip of a lifetime for two!
Please keep in mind that this country is enormous. I'd hate for you to spend the whole trip in the car. If you look at the driving times on a map you'll get the idea, for example NYC to Southern Indiana is at least 12 hours.
If you will spend most of your time in the middle of the country, I might suggest taking an additional flight to Chicago or Indianapolis and then renting a car there. You could then make a big loop through the midwest and south and fly out again from Chicago or take another one-way flight from some destination down the road and return the car there.
Something like this (http://bit.ly/17Rdsy6) would allow you to see a lot of PondBossers.
Wow, Bocomo how cool is that! If it were warmer I'd already have my bags packed!
Fatih, just think, all you'd have to do is program addresses into your GPS and put your car on auto-pilot while you're setting up your tackle for the next stop! Just thinking of all the Pondmeister's along that route, the pond knowledge you would gain, the fish you would catch, and most importantly, the memories and friendships created. That truly could would be the trip of a lifetime!
Come to think of it, what if you had a driver licensed in the U.S. to drive you around? You wouldn't need to obtain a driver's license OR insurance? Hmmmmm, now we're talking the trip of a lifetime for two!
Sounds like you have your mind set on a kayak. If you are not experienced with a kayak, I suggest you get one where your legs are not enclosed for when it rolls upside down.
I have never priced an inflateable kayak but $250 seems low for a good one.
basslover , i always wanted to go fishing in GA. But never had a chance. I guess i will definitely stop by(can i have your email adress for further contact). Thanks so much for your kind offer. If i will pay more than 200-250 dollars for a kayak i want to take it back home. Not just leave it. How much space do they cover? Can i fit one in a large luggage? A luggage = 200 dollars extra on the airplane. So, i am kinda confused. Maybe i should look for smaller kayaks. Something like that would be great http://www.bicsport.com/images/YAKKAir1-Bag_Website.jpg . I guess you are experienced on kayaks. I might send you a message, before picking one.
Fishing in GA rocks. The coastal areas have a variety of offerings and N GA is loaded with trout and the Piedmont (think middle to North GA) area is great for bass (largemouth, smallies, stripers and spotted). I've got a pond of course and access to another pond that I call "The Pen" because there are so many 5+ pound largemouth bass it's silly.
I will PM you on this forum so we can exchange email addresses and learn dates you are starting and ending your trip. To get an idea when you may be in the GA area.
With respect to KAYAKS if your funds can afford it do research into inflatables in the $400-700 range. You CAN pick up a much less expensive inflatable, but it is likely to be less stable, terrible tracking, less room, less durable, etc. To avoid losing yourself and or your gear in the drink I recommend looking at this YAK for your first inflatable YAK: The Straight Edge Angler http://www.amazon.com/Advance-Elements-A...ight+edge+kayak
It weighs 41 pounds and so it fits within the 50LB baggage limit?
It folds down into its own carry bag and the folded dimensions are: 30 inches by 17 inches by 10 inches. So that totals 57 inches which is less than the 62 inches suitcase check baggage limit. So in theory it fits dimensions and weight limits.
This yak is also an open yak allowing you the easiest and fastest means to escape for any reason. You can and will get wet(ter) in the open design, but for a newbie safety and stability are paramount so I think it is a serious contender for you.
Bill, get used to it from JerKB. If misery likes misery, figure it out. Hopefully Fatif is savy enough to not let one negative person(?) ruin this thread.
First of all guys. I will be charged extra 1000 dollars , only for being 24(under 25) . Anybody can help me with that?(Maybe you know someone to help me?)
BobbyRice , thank you. PM sent.
Liquid i will be landing to JFK. The place you mentioned is real far away from me.
Bocomo, thanks. It will really be the trip of a lifetime . I should use my chance very well. I will be flying to either MI or IN. No worries.
Bocomo, Keith, Pat and Dave please don't try to seduce me to be on your route . But danggggg... That's sounds delicious. Meeting all of you and casting to all your ponds. I wouldn't probably need to pay for hotels too. Hehe.
Let's make a little calculation: 7 days in MI and IN + 1 day driving + 7 days in NC + 1 day driving + 3-4 days in GA and SC + 1 day driving + 7 days in FL = Less than 30 days. I tell you what... I don't know if everything goes like this but unless i love a place and stay there much longer , i might have a good shot to be in Texas. I just don't know how to drive there? Too far away... Should be 3 days of driving for my sleepy eyes. Leaving the car in FL and flying to TX and rent another one there, will be little too costy for me but let's see...
Keith , would you seriously like to join me?
Bill and Basslover , if i will leave the kayak in the USA why pay 500 dollars? Extra baggage prices are just so sick. Guess i should find someone to sell it before leaving. Sure i would like to buy a decent one.
Basslover i know GA is very good for fishing. Can't wait to fish together. I definitely want to go with advanced elements. My researches say it is the best for this price range. I might consider leaving the pump and paddles in the USA, to get the weight down a little.
Fatih, I assume you're talking about $1000 extra for a car rental cause you're 24??? If so, I "thought" that enterprise had a lower age limit at one time. You may want to give them a look.
If you ae around Michigan during the summer I have a lake house very near the upper peninsula and you are welcome to stop in. It has great fishing and is a very beautiful place.
Fatih, fly into Indianapolis or Chicago vs. Detroit. It's closer to me. I believe that if you have an international drivers license it will make things easier. See what you can do about insurance outside of the rental car company vs. using theirs - it might be less expensive. I have a client here that I can ask.
I'd do more research in the inflatable kayak, and you can send it back home after your trip here, or see what it would cost as extra baggage.
Lake Webster is NE Indiana.
Definitely make it to Texas if you can, the area just east of Dallas is the LMB capitol - LOTS of places to fish. There's many PB members here too.
If you have enough money think about buying a car and then selling it before you leave. Had some friends of a friend from England come over for several months last year and buy a car while they were here. Something to look into.
Let's make a little calculation: 7 days in MI and IN + 1 day driving + 7 days in NC + 1 day driving + 3-4 days in GA and SC + 1 day driving + 7 days in FL = Less than 30 days. I tell you what... I don't know if everything goes like this but unless i love a place and stay there much longer , i might have a good shot to be in Texas. I just don't know how to drive there? Too far away... Should be 3 days of driving for my sleepy eyes. Leaving the car in FL and flying to TX and rent another one there, will be little too costy for me but let's see...
Definitely talk with anyone you're looking to meet up with and compare schedules, set out a tentative calendar, look at the traditional weather forecast for those areas during that time frame, AND (AND THIS IS KEY) look at what you're fallback plan will be if anything happens. Example; life. You're to meet someone, but there's a death in the family, an illness, etc. You can't plan for everything, but have an idea of what you can do if something outside of your control happens. I did this a lot for international travel. So if you can travel to an area wherein there are 2 or more things to do in the event that one falls through you're not left holding an empty sack.
Originally Posted By: Fatih
Bill and Basslover , if i will leave the kayak in the USA why pay 500 dollars? Extra baggage prices are just so sick. Guess i should find someone to sell it before leaving. Sure i would like to buy a decent one.
Oh I wouldn't leave the kayak unless it was cost prohibitive for you to take back with you. Find out what the airline extra bag fee is then find out what shipping will be, you may find it cheaper to simply ship it versus paying the airline extra bag fee(or vice versa).
Originally Posted By: Fatih
Basslover i know GA is very good for fishing. Can't wait to fish together. I definitely want to go with advanced elements. My researches say it is the best for this price range. I might consider leaving the pump and paddles in the USA, to get the weight down a little.
Advanced Elements is a solid choice. If you have to or choose to resell it you should be able to sell it without a lot of work. If it looks like you're going to need to sell it consider advertising it wherever your final destination is in advance so you have time to work a deal out.
djstauder , i check almost all companies. So far Alamo seems to have most reasonable prices. But even they charge 800 bucks for underage.
So Bobby, are you going to be in FL or MI during my visit? Confused...
And finally, Scott walks in. Scott, we didn't have a chance to really talk on my visit. Do you think you will be available by then? I don't want to make your busy life even more complicated. About car insurance, it would be great if you could ask that guy about it. Shipping the kayak back to Turkey isn't as easy as it sounds. When the price of the item is over 100 dollars, you have to pay taxes. And you might not even get your item, ever. Maybe i should sell my 500 bucks kayak for 250 dollars before heading back. I am sure there will be some buyers. I seriously started considering getting to Texas. Just can't figure how...
Chris , i considered this but an all right car shouldn't cost less than 8-10 grands. Plus insurance and all the paper work. I don't know if it's worth to try.
Basslover, you should set out a tentative calendar too, for my visit. You know... This overcurious man can be a dinner to a bear or gator anytime . What if i carried the kayak bag as a carry on bag in the cabin? Will they buy it? I can take 2 baggages with me in the airplane. If i don't have whole lot of items to fill up 2 baggages(which probably will) , i won't pay too much extra for the kayak. You can't find a decent inflatable kayak like this in Turkey too. Definitely wanna take it back.
Just a thought, a lot of places require life vests or other flotation device to be on public waters. You might want to buy one suitable for kayaking when you buy the kayak.
Fatih, I would learn more from you than you would from me because I would want to know all about you and your culture, but to travel a route meeting these folks, and the experiences along the way, would truly be,,,,, the creation of a good novel? .
A great experience!!!
PM me with dates as I'd love to see if I could work this out!
Fatih, depending on the dates, I have a 4 acre pond with lm and bg along with an extra room. If you travel through Missouri on your journey, you are very welcome to stay. So long as you share some of your adventures.
Your trip is certainly something most of us will never do. Enjoy!
Same goes for me as with CMM, Fatih. I don't have my own pond anymore, but could get you access to several very nice fisheries in the St Louis, Missouri area.
Yes sir, it can be! I was seining a pond in southern Alabama when the net hung up. I learned that I can run on water when a 5' long gator tangled in the seine lifted its head and snapped at me.....I sure was glad I had the excuse of being in water for my soaking wet pants!!!
Basslover, you should set out a tentative calendar too, for my visit. You know... This overcurious man can be a dinner to a bear or gator anytime . What if i carried the kayak bag as a carry on bag in the cabin? Will they buy it? I can take 2 baggages with me in the airplane. If i don't have whole lot of items to fill up 2 baggages(which probably will) , i won't pay too much extra for the kayak. You can't find a decent inflatable kayak like this in Turkey too. Definitely wanna take it back.
How do your authorities verify the value of an item you bring back? Do they go by the MSRP / Retail value, or a receipt showing payment?
In other words, if you had a receipt showing payment for a used kayak at $95 (or $150 if that amount didn't cost too much import fee) would that be sufficient "proof"?
Yolk Sac , i would really love to do that. Especially hybrid striped bass. Are we talking about Nashville , Tenessee?
Bobby, all right. I will let you know before i get to MI and FL and we will work something out. Thank you .
Bill, i didn't know that. I will. Thanks.
Keith, good to know someone is interested in my culture . PM sent.
CMM and Rainman, you people are great. I don't know why you are so eager to host a stranger, but thanks a lot. Once again, it is not on my route, but if anything changes i will sure stop by and enjoy your hospitality.
Pat and Rainman, i checked some statistics and in Florida only 26 people were killed by gators in the last 50 years. These numbers mean that dogs were responsible for much more fatalities than gators . I guess i am safe , hehe.
Basslover, the problem is that everybody tries to do that and custom officers are very experienced with that. They can smell the actual price of an item, easily. It's very hard to fool them. And this happens only if you ship the item. If the item is with me on the plane , no problem at all. Just too costy.
That yak will fit in a checked bag, but too large for carry on at 57 inches.
If your authorities will allow it in with you in checked luggage I would check it and bring it back. Even if that means you leave most of your clothes behind - because clothes are easier for you to replace than purchase this yak in your home country?
That is presuming you utilize only a single checked bag. If you can afford two, then the second bag will hold your new yak.
"Look at my user name again. You will notice , it is not what you think it is ."
I've looked it up and it means a number of things.
Just curious is all to the reference and what the meaning is.
I work with people from other countries from time to time and the translations usually don't come over that well. One word can mean many things. I guess that's how Lawyers came into play.
"Look at my user name again. You will notice , it is not what you think it is ."
I've looked it up and it means a number of things.
Just curious is all to the reference and what the meaning is.
I work with people from other countries from time to time and the translations usually don't come over that well. One word can mean many things. I guess that's how Lawyers came into play.
Best wishes on your trip!
Don't know for sure but I assumed a lot of us Americans were guilty of just glancing at his name and seeing it as "Faith." I know I did the first time I saw it.
Yolk Sac , i would really love to do that. Especially hybrid striped bass. Are we talking about Nashville , Tenessee?
Yes, Nashville Tennessee. You're welcome anytime. Efes and Efes Dark already in the fridge.
Originally Posted By: Fatih
Pat and Rainman, i checked some statistics and in Florida only 26 people were killed by gators in the last 50 years. These numbers mean that dogs were responsible for much more fatalities than gators . I guess i am safe , hehe.
Fatih, existing in close proximity to Rainman is far more likely to be dangerous to your health than any alligator. It makes me a little nervous from time to time that he's in the same time zone as I.
Pat and Rainman, i checked some statistics and in Florida only 26 people were killed by gators in the last 50 years. These numbers mean that dogs were responsible for much more fatalities than gators . I guess i am safe , hehe.
Fatih, I am sure those statistics were of deaths actually witnessed and verified. Who knows where all those missing hikers and swimmers out alone went. Not to mention all the one handed, one armed, or 3 fingered characters running around that survived....I AM joking with you to some degree, but the dangers of serious injuries are very real in many parts of Florida. A gator may not kill many, but they do bite many.
Pat and Rainman, i checked some statistics and in Florida only 26 people were killed by gators in the last 50 years. These numbers mean that dogs were responsible for much more fatalities than gators . I guess i am safe , hehe.
Fatih, existing in close proximity to Rainman is far more likely to be dangerous to your health than any alligator. It makes me a little nervous from time to time that he's in the same time zone as I.
That was just harsh!!!! One large explosion in central Missouri,, a slightly smaller one in northern Arkansas, a couple holes in a PVC pipe that improved flow capacity in Lincoln Nebraska, a few ruts near ponds (multiple states), a SMALL hole in Cody's Ohio home and a slightly skinned up Tennessee tree, and that makes me a danger?!?!?!? Okay...I concede your point, but it's still harsh!
JKB Bill is right- for a while people were calling him Faith
Pat W
I guess you guy's need glasses because I've never seen that.
It means quite a bit in Turkish language and most predominately as a conqueror, overcoming to the desired outcome.
People around the world think differently. Cultures are different, thoughts are different, what they expect and perceive are different to what they are communicating to you to understand.
Pat and Rainman, i checked some statistics and in Florida only 26 people were killed by gators in the last 50 years. These numbers mean that dogs were responsible for much more fatalities than gators . I guess i am safe , hehe.
Fatih, existing in close proximity to Rainman is far more likely to be dangerous to your health than any alligator. It makes me a little nervous from time to time that he's in the same time zone as I.
That was just harsh!!!! One large explosion in central Missouri,, a slightly smaller one in northern Arkansas, a couple holes in a PVC pipe that improved flow capacity in Lincoln Nebraska, a few ruts near ponds (multiple states), a SMALL hole in Cody's Ohio home and a slightly skinned up Tennessee tree, and that makes me a danger?!?!?!? Okay...I concede your point, but it's still harsh!
If you go to Texas first, be sure to keep some of the fish ya catch. You can use them for bait when yer Muskie fishin up North!
Just joking, please keep us up to date as you travel. If you are coming within a few hours of me, I know I'll make an effort to come meet you and maybe wet a line.
Nothing against Rex, just trying to avoid a Regretable International Incident with one of our NATO allies.....I don't think the Turkish Consulate would take too kindly to reports that one of their nationals had been vaporized while visiting the Amercan midwest.
I waited till esshup responded to a PM, and he is in!!
Looks like we will be playing on Lake Michigan, full day charter out of West Michigan, and I'm scoping out Captains at the moment, and it should be an event.
Esshup said he could probably get another person for the 4 person outing, but one slot may be open, if not, for about $200.00 for others to join. I have your costs covered.
basslover, 57 inches? What the heck. Yeah. Can't walk in the plane with such a bag.
JKB, folks confused my name with "Faith" . This was the reason. But i loved that "Faith" name either. Very classy.
Yolk ,hehe. I am still working on my route. Thanks a lot for the offer.
Rainman , i have been reading some safety instructions to not become amputated by a gator.
Dave i guess i am gonna do it. I assume that all the guys insisted me to be in Texas were actually inviting me over . Or am i too optimistic? Haha.
Bill D. , i am about to lose my mind. I have been invited from at least 10 states. I don't want to miss the opportunity to meet any of you and cast any of your ponds, but i don't have all the time i need. Thank you very much for your offer.
JKB , are you seriousssssssssss? My costs are covered? Thanks but i could cover all your costs , if you asked me. Because this is much more of a pleasure than i could ask for. Thanks for doing this sir.
JKB , are you seriousssssssssss? My costs are covered? Thanks but i could cover all your costs , if you asked me. Because this is much more of a pleasure than i could ask for. Thanks for doing this sir.
Totally serious! A day on the lake will be fun and especially want to do this again before I'm fitted for a pine box.
Faith Sometimes you can get a cheeper car rental outside of the airport
Call this one if it's cheaper I can pick u up at JFK and drive you over to pick up your car I live 5 minutes away
Are you visiting NYC on your trip ?? If so let me know I can give you a tour or instructions on how to get around via the subway
Also if it works out we can take you stripped bass fishing in Jamaica bay One of the best striped bass fishing spots in the world Believe I or not between the A train draw bridge and Kennedy airport is a killer spot
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If you go to Texas first, be sure to keep some of the fish ya catch. You can use them for bait when yer Muskie fishin up North!
Just joking, please keep us up to date as you travel. If you are coming within a few hours of me, I know I'll make an effort to come meet you and maybe wet a line.
Bill, How big of an ice auger do you need in June to be able to fish? Or do you just get on the icebreaker and head out to open water? I could see if you were talking about late August, then maybe you could safely use your boat before the lakes refreezes.
Nothing against Rex, just trying to avoid a Regretable International Incident with one of our NATO allies.....I don't think the Turkish Consulate would take too kindly to reports that one of their nationals had been vaporized while visiting the Amercan midwest.
orgeranyc, that would be so great. Thank you so much for the offer. I didn't know how to get out of the airport to rent a car. And i would actually love to go on a striped bass fishing trip. That would be so awesome. If you can PM me your contact info, i will soon be bothering you . Checking the prices at Ozone. Thanks.
highflyer, so are you saying there will still be ice on the lake in June???
Texas people have to pick on Northern people. It's in their blood.
But JKB the Yanks must like it...as many as have moved down here!
They were just bailing out when the economy collapsed up here.
When automotive dumped, a lot of people left the state. Companies were dropping like flies. One day you wake up and find the doors closed with no advance notice. Happened to quite a few people.
JKB I've worked with quite a few Northern transplants over the years. Most of the ones that I've met that fled the North are pretty good hard working folks. Except for talking "funny" when they first get here like calling a "creeeeek" a "crick" or a "roooof" a "ruff" they're mostly ok.
Michigan Charter is going to include Fatih, Lovingliving, Esshup, and myself.
It will be toward the end of the trip, so good timing.
Thank you, JKB! My bucket list is about to get much shorter! This is crazy, and I know Fatih is overwhelmed with the offers and generosity so many of you have shown!
Fatih and I Skyped (that is so cool!) for nearly an hour today, and what a neat guy! I'm also lucky enough to be able to travel with him for around 30 days of his trip, likely beginning in GA (unless he changes his mind after our Skype visit ).
This guy wants to fish!!! And catch as many different species as possible, making a documentary along the way to show his friends and family back in Turkey who don't have the same fish/fishing opportunities that we do.
There are many states Fatih would like to visit so once he has a list narrowed down, which so far may include NY, VA, GA, the Carolina's, FL (Miami for Peacock Bass), possibly TX (and who knows what in between), IN, IL, MI, etc., I may be asking for some help or direction from anyone willing to be on a calling list if we're in your area, for recommended fishing/fishing holes, and to be sure we don't end up somewhere we don't want to be!
This is Fatih's trip and I'm lucky enough to be along for the ride, and will not impose on offers any of you make with Fatih, but also want to help when and wherever I can!
Thanks in advance and I'm sure Fatih (or myself) will keep you posted!
Yep, there's a difference. Southerners think fast but talk slow.
Yankees? Well, never mind I can't hear as fast as they talk.
Us Yankees tolerate these slow talking crazies like Dave, but we also love them like brothers. They are amongst our closest circle of friends.
Faith -- I'm glad you got to spend time in our country before your upcoming trip. We may joke with each other over small things, and this has to include our very close Canadian friends and neighbors. No matter what the international news might say about us, we remain very friendly with all, and accept nearly every one.
Just a brief update as we will begin another thread about the "Cast-A-Ways across the U.S"., but Fatih and I have been emailing daily and have narrowed down the dates, and states we'll be traveling to, hitting various states and places in between.
Fatih will arrive in NY on June 1st, do some fishing and visiting with friends, and I will meet up with him June 11th or 12th in Georgia. From there we will travel to (possibly) Jacksonville, Miami and fish the flats and backcountry of the Florida Keys since we're so close. From there we will make our way to Texas if we can find enough places to fish, to justify the long distance. After TX we will make our way North stopping in Missouri, then to Illinois, Indiana and ultimately Michigan with Fatih needing to be back in NY around July 12th-14th. During our travels, we've decided to not set any dates completely in stone except when to arrive in MI, as we have no idea if we'll decide to stay somewhere longer than planned.
For the both of us, the excitement level is off the charts! And I wish I could be more of a fishing guide for Fatih, but we will be visiting states and places neither one of us has been before. Fishing the unknown fishes .
Once I can figure out a way to develop a thread showing a table or list with our tentative itinerary, I will get it posted. So any ideas on making or developing that would be appreciated.
Again, a huge thank you to those who have made various offers to help, and for any of those which are stops along the way, they too will be shown on the map/list/chart.
I'm really excited about meeting Fatih, let alone spending 30 days or more with him on this trip. So if you see that we'll be in your area, I hope you'll be able to meet him as well!
Thanks again and we'll get a new thread started soon.
Dates are narrowing down. Hopefully a schedule soon, but MI appears to be the last destination on the trip. Save the best for last
Spark, You want in on this? You can ride up with Scott and have my slot.
I'll be there keeping an eye on the pilot
Sorta cleaned my apartment and ended up with a box full of money, so the charter is covered for everyone.
Spark, it would be a pleasure!
Just saw this. Very generous offer JKB, and I thank you! But I have a confession to make. I don't do well when I can't see shore...and not that kind of shore that the mate points to when you ask him, either.
Shore, REAL shore, has rocks and trees and dirt. It's not a supermodel-thin sliver of brown, barely distinguishable against the horizon between the water and the sky.
Matter-of-fact, when on a boat I'm most comfortable when I can still easily identify the species of tree.
I have a confession to make. I don't do well when I can't see shore...
me2 sprkplug
2EachHisOwn but i took my last deep sea fishing trip a couple of years ago
I knew I was in trouble when the lady behind the counter stated "we really shouldn't be going out today but after being too rough the last 2 days we need the money"
it took about 3 hours to get out to where we were going to fish lots of people sea-sick puking luckily i didn't get sick but the all day trip ended with me not even wetting a hook
i'll take the bayou with gators any day over the deep sea stuff
The only time in my life that I have actually entertained the thought of committing suicide was during my one and only offshore fishing trip.................... Since that day, eating at Long John Silver’s is the closest I've come to offshore fishing, or suicide.
Good luck on your road trip, guys..... Sounds like fun.
I used to go out on long range trips where we'd leave the dock and not get back for days. Longest one was a 10 day trip. I liked those trips. No interruptions except for fish making drags scream.
That's a little more encouraging, and although I've never needed it maybe dramamine should make the trip! I guess one never knows until the time arrives.
Lovnlivin you should be fine but I took dramamine before my deep sea trip..and it worked I saw lots of people get sick..i think once you get sick its too late some of them were big bad-azz biker dudes heaving over the sides heck why not take it in advance...what can it hurt?
I was out with a buddy of mine that actually turned green. The old Thai boat captain, apparently use to tourists getting sick, had him put on a life vest and get in the water for awhile. It actually worked and my buddy felt a lot better. Problem was convincing him he needed to get back in the boat!
I think I read somewhere if you stare at the horizon it helps.
Many years ago I got sick as a dog just going out to Catalina Island off the Cali coast, but I was hung-over that morning and when I got on the boat I ate some donuts and fell asleep...OMG when I woke up from my nap was I sick! Once I got on land on Catalina I was fine and I didn't get sick on the return trip.
Excessive alcohol the night before played a role in a number of people getting sick, which probably would have otherwise been OK.
Clients were mailed info with what to expect, what to bring, medical conditions we need to know about..., about Dramamine, and about booze.
You could bring canned beverages on-board, and that included beer. Took out one group that was partying all night long. They had a different definition of what a can was, one big can! Well, that didn't happen, but they were well prepared with smaller cans. Three of those guy's were out before we got out of the channel, and the last guy wasn't standing very long once we cleared the pier head. That was our shortest trip, and these were big tough guys. I had to clean it up
Most people also got sick in the morning while it's still dark out. Not sure if the darkness played a major role, but you can't see too well what your body is feeling. If the lake is rough, you'll feel it going thru the channel. If you are getting queezy at that point, you might just chum the water. I can't remember too many people having a rough time on the afternoon trips, but there were a few.
I think everyone will be fine. Try Dramamine out beforehand to see how it effects you, but check with your doc first!!! Not everyone can take that stuff.
I've spent a lot of time on the Great Lakes, inland seas like the Chesapeake Bay and Mediterranean, and the Seven Seas. I probably started before I was 5 y.o. on Lake Superior. Also six years in the U.S. Navy and a lot of hours in my teens and 20s in small private aircraft. I'm probably fortunate because my inner ears became accustomed to such motion as a very young kid.
From my experience, most people do not have a problem until things get really rough. Even then, if precautions like Dramamine, or the newer patches are used, most people don't have problems.
As said in an above post -- no, or very minimal alcohol the night before, and a non-greasy light breakfast.
Take soda crackers with you to munch on. Stay outside and look at the horizon.
Whatever you do, if you feel like you might be getting sick, don't go below decks. It will only make it worse, and you will pay a heavy monetary price for any cleanup. That is what the deck railings are for.
I sure wouldn't worry about it on Lake Michigan in June. Unless a typhoon descends from Canada, the chances of heavy weather at that time of year are fairly slim.
If you don't get motion sickness in a car, on a commercial airplane, or in a kayak going down a river with lots of rapids, you will only have a problem if you let your brain say you should think about getting sick. Think -- "out of mind, out of sight".
We would tell people to sit down and don't think about it, which worked at times, but once you hit the cabin and laid down, that could be your detriment, and a miserable trip.
I've seen people recover after letting the genie out of the bottle and ended up having a great day. Sometimes, it's only that initial feeling and reaction that get's them, then everything is fine.
On occasion, I would let someone feeling a tad under the weather sit by me. Show and explain the electronics and what is really going on here with the hardware out and the conditions. Take their mind off of it, because it's in your mind.
I've tossed a new wet vac in the dumpster. Didn't even want to open that one up
It really is in the mind, but physical attributes, what you are feeling, plays a big role.
Hook into something, and it's pretty much gone. That is, if you are not suffering from a night of booze. That was the biggest problem we have ever had running charters.
Not that they were problem people at all, and never had a problem, but they just blew a wad to get sick on a boat
Years ago my wife and I were down in the keys and decided to take a tourist excursion out to do a little snorkeling. On he way out I got a little queasy, but once we anchored the unpleasantness throttled up full bore. When it came time to get in the water, I was afraid to move an inch for fear it would send my stomach over the edge.
My wife got in, swam with the fish, had a great time. I was too sick to even take a photo. At one point some dark clouds came in overhead, and I remember wondering if a lightning strike might put me out of my misery. No such luck.
On the way back I crawled as far out on the bow of that boat as they would let me, and rode with the wind in my face. Felt pretty good by the time we got back in, and an hour later I was hungry and ready to eat. Went great until we got back to the hotel and I laid down in bed. Wham...that bed would not hold still, felt just like the boat rocking. Barely made it to the bathroom in time.
Guys, we have a list of 5-6 states and 6-7 people from the PB we plan to visit. Soon we will come up with a schedule and since we decided to hit to Texas , we are expecting to hear maybe another one or to invitations. Or it will be a waste of time to drive all the way from FL .
Is the end of the trip in Indiana? Do you fly out of there, or head back to NY. Just wondering, you might be passing by our place along the Interstate. Don't have much to offer tho in the way of fishing.
No offence taken! Just saying that Texas is worth the trip but I agree, no place is worth the drive if the drive to and from takes longer than the time you will be there.
MDNR report from yesterday said the Steelhead are starting to move in.
Next should be Coho (Pacific Salmon) While excellent eating and top notch if smoked, I really don't want to get into a jack run. You could limit out with legal, but small fish. Not much fight.
We always targeted Chinook (Kings), and a good Captain will put you on them, despite what else is going on.
People want the excitement of a fight, and a King will give that.
July 7th is the date I am setting. It's the one year anniversary of my BIL passing away, and he was a Top Notch Captain!!! Always caught fish and took care of everyone.
2 charters for the same day are in the works now
Anyone else want to get in on this? I'm not paying for more than two charters, but if you guy's want to organize and hit the lake, not a problem. Need to know pretty quick tho.
Fatih, my area isn't known to be a muskie go-to spot for fishing, but I know the guy who makes the Musky Train lures. He lives, and his workshop, is very close to me.
I will be fishing at least 6 states, in South and North. As an objective stranger , let me see which part of the USA is the real KING in terms of fishing.
I will also film a documentary during our trip. Our lines will be cast even as we are sleeping in the tent. So we will take every chance to catch the largest one .
We're getting many things finalized and I'll soon have another thread started when we get an idea of when we'll be at each stop and who we're visiting and/or meeting up with. And although from day one we'll pretty much be flying by the seat of our pants we hope to stay somewhat on a schedule.
Here's a preliminary map once we meet up in Atlanta around June 8th and ending at Lake St. Clair around July 12th, where Fatih will fly back to NY and I'll head back to Lincoln .
And we're hoping to find some stops between the Florida Keys and TX to break up the long drive.
The support and offers we've received so far have been overwhelming and we can't thank you all enough! I know I couldn't be more excited but Fatih's excitement level is off the charts!
Inquired about a date today in late August and they only had 4 days open for the whole month, so I picked the 26th to take my brothers and a nephew out.
Spark would not like it tho. Could be far enough out that direct eye contact with land may be impaired.
I'll be able to bring you guy's up on the hill and show you around. The PLC 5 to Logix platform conversion turned out pretty well with the interns converting it over, and it will get better as time passes with the new system. They did a good job!
An airport behind my apt.
This is interesting, but they should have gone North and Out.
CMM - Thanks for letting us put you on the map! You'll be on our route from TX, after hopefully meeting up with Fireishot, Dave Davidson (and maybe others I'm missing?) and possibly Mr. Lusk as well, hopefully some Striper fishing on Lake Texoma, then after meeting you hopefully catch Rainman in St. Louis, then off to Illinois and Indiana to meet up with Cecil, Esshup, & Bob-O before heading to Michigan to meet up with JKB and everything he has planned including the charter on Lake Michigan with Scott (Esshup) as well.
Fatih will do some fishing in the Carolina's and GA before we meet up on June 9, then head to and fish Miami, the Keys and after leaving there, heading West, whatever else we can find off I-10 through AL, MS and LA before heading North from Lafayette, LA to East TX.
Lot's of planning, a lot of unknown's, all foreign areas to both of us and still wondering how we'll fit all our stuff in a Toyota Rav4 .
We'll know more about [tentative] dates as we finalize some things on Fatih's to-do list and get a little closer, and we'll also start a new thread as we begin our journey/adventure.
Thank you all so much for all of your various and generous offers! And any other ideas, tips, or suggestions are welcome!
Keith
PS - Fatih and I really want to eat some good southern crawfish so if anyone down south knows of a good stop off I-10 between Tallahassee, FL and Lafayette, LA please let us know!
I spoke with one of our quieter PBF members and secured permission for some smallie fishing if I am in town when you come through....just finished up a 3000 miles run, today.
Wow, that's great, Rainman thank you, and please thank our quieter PBF member as well!
We'll likely be in your area around the 1st of July and certainly hope we can work this out! And if not and you're on the road, maybe we can track you down and at least buy you dinner
Thanks again!
Keith
PS to Fatih - Fiji,,, dang, I knew I was missing something!
PS - Fatih and I really want to eat some good southern crawfish so if anyone down south knows of a good stop off I-10 between Tallahassee, FL and Lafayette, LA please let us know!
What an epic adventure...
Any plans for hitting walleye on Lake Erie while you are in town? It is the walleye capital of the world...
I have a buddy that has two restaurants in the Lafayette area. I'm not sure if he has crawfish, but his pizza joint is ranked as one of the best in the country. Deno's Pizza and Teak's Sports bar
JKB, i am so worried about driving , to be honest. What if the half of the trip is just driving? It would be horrible. But having 2 drivers will make you almost 2 times faster than 1. One drives while the other is sleeping...
Huntmaster, believe it or not but i was getting ready to tell Keith "we gotta fish for some walleye sometime". We have walleyes in Turkey but they exist in very few lakes and i guess they are not very resilient. It is really hard to catch one here. I really want to catch one there. We will have up to 7 days in MI and if Erie is the best one for Walleyes , we are up for it. What options do we have for fishing? Can we rent a bass boat maybe?
I'm not much of a fisherman, so the only way I've ever done it is booking a charter for the day. Most guys troll for them, which can be a little boring reeling them in since the don't fight that much. If you are here when they drift fish for them, it is much better.
Erie also has good SMB that can be accessed with a small boat.
JKB, i am so worried about driving , to be honest. What if the half of the trip is just driving? It would be horrible. But having 2 drivers will make you almost 2 times faster than 1. One drives while the other is sleeping...
Huntmaster, believe it or not but i was getting ready to tell Keith "we gotta fish for some walleye sometime". We have walleyes in Turkey but they exist in very few lakes and i guess they are not very resilient. It is really hard to catch one here. I really want to catch one there. We will have up to 7 days in MI and if Erie is the best one for Walleyes , we are up for it. What options do we have for fishing? Can we rent a bass boat maybe?
I'll see what I can do to get you on some Walleye. Probably Muskegon Lake on the east end.
A really good WE honey hole about 6 miles from here was converted into a LMB "pay to drop a line" gig. Membership...
Boat for LM is full with 'fish n chips' and 'Matt Rayl' on board. Welcome guys, and lets have some fun!!!
Hey, fish n chips and Matt Rayl on board for the Lake Michigan charter, this will be a blast! And by that time Fatih and I will have been on the ocean a few times so hopefully any motion sickness issues will be worked out by then (although I'm sure Lake Michigan can/will be much different!
Stay tuned for a new thread to begin soon as Fatih leaves Turkey on June 1st to arrive in NY and begin his 45 day fishing adventure in the USA!
Just a thought....I'm thinking this is a perfect opportunity for a documentary. I bet some Network would love to send along a camera crew if they knew this was about to happen.
Just a thought....I'm thinking this is a perfect opportunity for a documentary. I bet some Network would love to send along a camera crew if they knew this was about to happen.
Wow, what a thought! And although Fatih will be making a documentary of this adventure and is bringing plenty of video equipment to do so, how much better it would be if someone else were doing the filming!
I'm know I'm speaking for Fatih as well, but this trip has evolved into the most incredible adventure I have, and will ever have, the opportunity to be a part of! Which, by the way I am equally excited to meet Fatih as it has truly been a pleasure talking with him and planning this trip. A super cool guy who in about 6 months or so, will be a new daddy!
Fatih will have to fill in some blanks prior to he and I meeting in Atlanta on June 10th, but here's our itinerary at this point, with an * showing tentative dates and stops until fully confirmed. Everything else is set:
June 1st – Fatih arrives in NY then spends a few days with his host family in NC, then fishes SC with a friend.
June 8-9 - Fatih meets with Basslover for fishing
June 6th – Keith leaves Lincoln, NE to hopefully make it to Nashville on the same day.
June 7th – Keith meets Yolksac in Nashville and I will likely fish Percy Priest Lake in TN. And if Yolk's able to join me that would be even better! (Yolkie?)
June 10th – Fatih and Keith meet in Atlanta GA and start heading towards Key Largo.
June 12th – Florida Keys fishing charter with Capt. Ryan fishing the wrecks and reefs.
June 14th – 2-part Fishing charter with Capt. Thadeus for Peacock Bass in the canals near Miami the first half of the day, then we fish the Everglades the second half.
June 15th – 18th – We’re renting a houseboat for 4 days/3 nights on the St. Johns River in FL and towing along a bass boat for daytime fishing.
June 19th – Arrive in Pensacola, FL and spending the day fishing and exploring.
June 20th – We’ll be treated to a Gulf fishing charter in Pensacola by a forum member Fatih met on a Florida fishing forum.
June 22nd – Renting a small boat to fish and explore the Atchafalaya swamp river basin near Henderson, LA (yep, with the gators! )
* June 23rd – Meet with Fireishot (Al) in E. Texas * June 24th - Meet Dave Davidson and possibly Bob Lusk as well * June 25th - Guided Striper trip on Lake Texoma
June 27th – 28th – Meeting CMM in Windsor, MO
June 28/29 Possibly meet Rainman as we travel through St. Louis, MO
June 29th or 30th – July 5th – Scott's lake house in Indiana. Some time to fish and relax after a lot of driving! Scott is also hooking us up with a friend of his for a guided Muskie trip.
Prior to arriving in Grand Haven, MI we will also meet Bob-O, and hopefully Cecil and Bill Cody as well.
July 7th – Fishing charter on Lake Michigan compliments of JKB, including Scott, fish n chips, Matt Rayl, Fatih and Myself.
July 9th – Muskie Fishing charter on Lake St. Claire near Detroit with JKB, Scott, Fatih and myself, compliments of Fatih and myself for everything Scott and JKB have done for us!
July 11th – I head home from Detroit, MI.
July 13-15th Fatih will make his way back to Turkey
I apologize if I've missed anyone we were planning to meet, so please feel free to chime in as we would like to meet as many of you as possible, as our schedule permits!
Fatih and I have been communicating on daily basis for the past several weeks either online or on the phone working out details, changing and adding things on almost a daily basis with each day offering more and more excitement, and exciting things to do (although both of us exceeding our intended budget!)
To JKB, Esshup and countless others involved to this point, we can't thank you enough for all you've done, your support and your interest!
Keith and Fatih, the traveling Cast-a-ways
PS - As we are getting a few more things confirmed, a new thread will be started about Fatih's 45 days in the USA, where we will keep everyone posted throughout this adventure.
Guys , i have spent a couple thousand dollars on filming equipment so far. Gopros, an audio recorder and even a 4K shooting DSLR. Plus , tons of mounts , tripods bla bla.
But hoooooooooow perfect it would be if we had a professional crew.
I know there are some important people on this forum with big balls. Help us find a crew guys ! I could even pay for a cameraman. Haha. I still have 15 days for my first cast. It shouldn't be too late!
Faith, hiring a professional to edit, splice etc,etc all of your film into maybe an hr segment may be better than hiring a filmer. You know that every outdoor show you watch for an hr has been condensed from many hrs of film.
But Bob what's more important than hiring someone is finding a Tv channel willing to broadcast our documentary. Editing or shooting is not the big deal part. Even if i hire a cameraman and editor how will i get it broadcasted on a tv channel?
Wow, can I come?!? My wife may divorce me, but god that sounds like fun!
Heck, why not! You'd be divorced and I'd be unemployed, but man we will have a great time!
Originally Posted By: Bob-O
Faith, hiring a professional to edit, splice etc,etc all of your film into maybe an hr segment may be better than hiring a filmer. You know that every outdoor show you watch for an hr has been condensed from many hrs of film.
Ah, but if we had a film crew along we would then have a bigger vehicle to accommodate them and all our stuff (at their expense of course) which at this point will be piled high in our rented Toyota Rav4! Anything bigger was limited miles and half the mpg.
I wonder if we'll get charged more when I turn it in if it smells "fishy"
A while back I thought about contacting a local TV station to see if they would be interested in a "public interest" type show with LM Charter Fishing, the Pure Michigan theme, Catch and Cook and all that jazz. Might be worth a shot.
If anyone else is serious about hitting the lake on July 7th, and can find 4-6 people to split the cost's. I'll put the feelers out for another boat. They can usually arrange for large groups of 15 or more boats, but it may be too late in the season to nail down that specific day. Never hurt's to ask tho!
I was just thinking that the folks back home probably won't want to sit down and watch 20 or so hrs of unedited film. Heck, you'll probably have much more than that. The TV part I can't help you with. If you have public tv at home you could approach one of them as an educational broadcast.
Bill it will make a great series. And not necessarily a "mini" one.
I can't decide either to speak English or Turkish in our shoot though . Because i will use my shot to talk with Turkish TV channels. But if i speak English, whole world can watch it.
I' mot sure I''m going to be able to compete with all this! I was really hoping yolk would send me three of those new fangled fishing onesies, but I haven't heard from him yet. Maybe I can come up with something. What if Fatih and Keith can hijack an Amish buggy and head down the road with fishing rods hanging out the back? Cmm
I hope Fatih doesn't have the same number of bloopers. Bill Dance has a ton of them!! And they aren't limited to him - the camera guy was involved in a number of them.
Essup, I appreciate your concern for Fatih/Faith being naïve about American celebrities, regional terminology, customs and even the difference of pronunciation of West, East, North and South. I know nothing about Turkey except the fact that late Nov they are a prized bird. Not to mention early spring and fall. This young man is doing what most of us would only dream of. He is coming to a foreign country and entrusting himself to some insurance yo yo that he has never met and knows nothing more about than what LL tells him. Then one of his first mistakes is to befriend you and accept an invitation to swing by and visit, stay, and trust a hilljack like myself. I do believe from previous posts that he doesn't even realize what a flatlander or hillybilly is. Holy cow what is he gonna think when he meets a REAL redneck? I ain't gonna mention names but you know who you are. Everyone on this site should make an extreme effort to let him know that America is a hodge podge of greatness. We are all so blessed, we should try to share those blessings with him. Also remember he has no clue as to how crazy everyone but me is. To quote Forrest, "And that's all I got ta say about that".
Bob-O, out of everything you wrote, in a way only you could write it, I have to question the following statement:
Originally Posted By: Bob-O
This young man is doing what most of us would only dream of. He is coming to a foreign country and entrusting himself to some insurance yo yo that he has never met
I know of few people,,,, wait, I can't think of anyone who would dream of spending 5 weeks with an insurance yo yo !
And hitting mostly southern states before heading north, including the swamps of Louisiana, I can imagine Fatih (and myself) will run into our fair share of rednecks!
Back in '08 a buddy and I were travelling through Nashville at the same time Vanderbuilt Univ. was having their graduation and we couldn't find a hotel under $200 a night. So, we found the most civil looking person at a gas station and asked if he knew where we could find a cheap hotel. The guy looked about as normal as you could find, but when we asked, he said "My cousin Bubba is right over there, go ask him, he should know"... .Yep, and there he was, one strap down on his overalls, with no T-shirt, waiting and willing to help!
Yet, even once we travel north, if there was a chance we could spot Sparkie, donning his fishing attire while fishing the banks of his pond in the rain, I'm sure Fatih would think at that point, that we had seen it all! (although, that would be PRIOR to meeting you, Bob-O )
There is so much on this trip that we're leaving to faith, hope and chance; that the weather will cooperate, we will both remain healthy and safe, that we can meet so many of you along the way,,,,, and that he can tolerate an insurance yo yo for over a month!
Fatih's adventure begins one week from today, and I hope you will all join me in praying and wishing for him a safe and successful 45 day journey in the great USA, and a safe return to his home land!
Keith (insurance yo yo )
(edit @ 3:15 PM) Bob-O and I have shared many PM's regarding this trip (all respectful, pleasant and in fun), and although we have not personally met, I was in no way offended by his remarks. I wanted to add this as others may perceive it differently.
I have been watching this take shape for several months and I think it's cool that Fatih will be coming to America(never being here before now) and taking his chances traveling with and fishing with a bunch of Flatlanders, Hill Billie's, Rednecks and Yankees and while in Louisiana maybe with some Coonass. America a land of all types and Good People. In my travels around America, I have seen a few signs where entering a town and a sign on the outside of town, would say "welcome to a city of good people with a few old Grouches". I hope he only meets people like you good pond people. This Memorial Day makes me proud to be an American.
I had always wondered where "Windsor" Missouri was. I never realized it was the homestead farm land of a family I have known most all my life that was incorporated into a town just SE of my hometown of Boonville, Mo. The Windsor's gave me my first management job...before finishing High School.
I may have to come down and visit when everyone is there!
I had always wondered where "Windsor" Missouri was. I never realized it was the homestead farm land of a family I have known most all my life that was incorporated into a town just SE of my hometown of Boonville, Mo. The Windsor's gave me my first management job...before finishing High School.
I may have to come down and visit when everyone is there!
What a great story, Rex! How cool is that!
And that would be great if you could make it as we knew trying to catch you going through St. Louis would be a crap-shoot.
But we'll need to let CMM know so he can have 4 moo-moo's or "fishtitution gowns" (Sparkie's fishing attire) on hand .
Rex, you are more than welcome to come on down. I'm still working on the latest fishing fashion that spark showcased. That stuff seems hard to find😳. Anyone else in the area is welcome to stop in too.
Well, time is drawing near and we just decided to upgrade our SUV rental. When I started laying things out, cramped would be an understatement in a Chevy Equinox (no Rav4's available). So now it's a Chevy Traverse which has a ton more space!
So, I went to Hertz, took measurements of the cargo space and decided to build a rack out of PVC to accommodate all our,,,, shtuff and to make it somewhat organized and accessible.
I'm bringing pretty much all my tackle and 8 rods/reels for the different types of fishing we'll do. So on the bottom is the tackle, then I'll have a 1/4" sheet of ply on the PVC (the 2 cross pieces still need to be put in) with U brackets on the underside so it can be slid back for access. And our luggage will sit on that.
The rods and reels will be out of the way and easily accessible when we open the back hatch. And I will have grooves where the rods will rest on the front PVC. The tubes for the rods are notched on the underside to help keep them stable.
The frame has 1 1/4" PVC over the 1" PVC in the front, back and sides so I can adjust it width and length wise when I put it in the SUV.
Then we'll still have the back seat, upright or laid down for the camping gear, inflatable kayak, cooler, etc.
On the living room floor it looks like it will work but we'll see what happens when I install it in the SUV!
PS - The tape on the floor was the layout of the Rav4 which was too small. And please forgive the messy living room!
Also, grab a bunch of small elastic bungee cords. If you have to step on the brakes, what will keep the rods/reels in the holder and not sliding forward out of the holder?
On the guided trips, they furnish the rods/reels.
Oh yeah. Go to Goodwill and get a lightweight sheet/throw that will cover all the stuff that is in the vehicle when you aren't in it. Hiding from prying eyes is best. One more thing, get a windshield reflector. Put it over the dash and hold it in place with the sun visors. That will help keep the interior cooler when you aren't in it, especially down South.
My neighbor works for the railroad. He went to work last Friday, and not 10 minutes after he was there, someone saw the fishing tackle in the truck and busted out the side window, taking it all. $600+ worth of stuff gone.
Well, time is drawing near and we just decided to upgrade our SUV rental. When I started laying things out, cramped would be an understatement in a Chevy Equinox (no Rav4's available). So now it's a Chevy Traverse which has a ton more space!
So, I went to Hertz, took measurements of the cargo space and decided to build a rack out of PVC to accommodate all our,,,, shtuff and to make it somewhat organized and accessible.
I'm bringing pretty much all my tackle and 8 rods/reels for the different types of fishing we'll do. So on the bottom is the tackle, then I'll have a 1/4" sheet of ply on the PVC (the 2 cross pieces still need to be put in) with U brackets on the underside so it can be slid back for access. And our luggage will sit on that.
The rods and reels will be out of the way and easily accessible when we open the back hatch. And I will have grooves where the rods will rest on the front PVC. The tubes for the rods are notched on the underside to help keep them stable.
The frame has 1 1/4" PVC over the 1" PVC in the front, back and sides so I can adjust it width and length wise when I put it in the SUV.
Then we'll still have the back seat, upright or laid down for the camping gear, inflatable kayak, cooler, etc.
On the living room floor it looks like it will work but we'll see what happens when I install it in the SUV!
PS - The tape on the floor was the layout of the Rav4 which was too small. And please forgive the messy living room!
Love it....Tape on the floor! Looks like a well though out project!
I'm going to stick some velcro on the inside of the windows and use some old pool table felt to cover the rear windows with when we're parked. This is a big fear of mine with all the stuff we'll have in the vehicle!
I didn't think of the windshield reflector but I do have one. So thanks for that!
I'll also have velcro straps for each rod to keep them in place. I've designed the front PVC higher that the back one so the rods are basically wedged to the headliner but the velcro will keep them from doing exactly what you described!
I use Top Round when I can find it on sale, or bottom round works well too.
The butcher once asked if I had tried using ground beef, but when I told him it's $5.99 a lb for 90% lean, why when Top Round is better and on sale @ $3.49?
He couldn't argue with that .
But I'm new at this and I'm open for suggestions???
I've also been busy making beef jerky for the trip, and have another 4 lbs marinating now
I've also made some fruit leather, dried apricots, bananas, pears & apples. The meat slicer, dehydrator and food-saver are getting some heavy use!
If you're making that much, it's gotta be really good!
I'm a jerky nut, so I'll bring a couple spools of dental floss!
lol, no two batches are the same as there was a lot of experimenting taking place! And those plastic flossers work great!
All top or bottom round roast, some cut with the grain, some against, some batches thin, some thick, some a little brittle, some more chewy, and most with different spices. All with funky names because I don't think I could make the same flavor twice!
Hopefully I'm making enough to last the trip (there's another 4 lbs in the dehydrator now ) so we can pass some on to all those from the PBF helping us! So keep in mind, as Forrest Gump put it "you never know what you're gonna get!"
I want to do more fruit but it takes 12-20 hours to dry and I'm running short on time! (The apricots are explosive!)
And depending upon the interior material of the rental vehicle again, look to velcro to secure the PVC carrier, or alternatively, you can never go wrong using 2 cinder blocks to secure the carrier. And then you've got two seats or rod holders with them there cinder blocks as well.
What else? Dental floss, signal mirror, solid first aid kit with blood clotting agent (I once had a fairly significant hook removal event and the clotting agent was beneficial - http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-QuickClot-Silver/dp/B001BCMLWQ/ ), antibacterial soap for all those wonderful fish y'all will be removing from your hooks.
Depending on bodies of water and surrounding land you may consider a snake hook. http://tongs.com/p_snakehooks.aspx Multi-purpose they are and consider the 45" hook.
Depending on the states you're traveling through a firearm may not be on your to bring list, but you should consider some level of protection and deterrent. If you're unable to carry a firearm consider bear spray.
http://www.bearspray.com/ Quite powerful. I've had it halt a charging black bear and more than one "neighborhood dog". Invest in the bear spray, not the personal pepper spray. The bear spray has a higher volume of spray, is stronger than personal pepper spray, and shoots a further distance than personal pepper spray.
And depending upon the interior material of the rental vehicle again, look to velcro to secure the PVC carrier, or alternatively, you can never go wrong using 2 cinder blocks to secure the carrier. And then you've got two seats or rod holders with them there cinder blocks as well.
I figured with the weight of the luggage on the shelf (above the tackle) it would hold down the carrier, but you're right that it could still lift in unfortunate situations! Side to side and front to back it will be wedged in pretty tight. but I can also use what's being packed as some weight on it. As far as the cinder blocks, great (universal) idea but just don't have the room for them!
You taking a 5 gallon bucket? You should. And invest in one of these: http://www.amazon.com/Bucket-Portable-Toilet-Standard-Gallon/dp/B004KLY5CE A nice toilet seat to pop on the bucket. 5 Gallon bucket is on my list as well as a bait bucket, but never thought of a toilet lid for the bucket! Interesting!
What else? Dental floss, signal mirror, solid first aid kit with blood clotting agent (I once had a fairly significant hook removal event and the clotting agent was beneficial - http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-QuickClot-Silver/dp/B001BCMLWQ/ ), antibacterial soap for all those wonderful fish y'all will be removing from your hooks. Dental floss and first aid kit - CHECK But never thought of a signal mirror or a clotting agent! Great idea!
As far as removing hooks, I found this on Youtube! Probably not for the sqeemish! And personally I think the guy's nuts! https://youtu.be/zgfpsupmu98
Depending on bodies of water and surrounding land you may consider a snake hook. http://tongs.com/p_snakehooks.aspx Multi-purpose they are and consider the 45" hook. I've certainly thought about snakes for where we'll be and we'll likely be camping some nights so that's another great idea!
Depending on the states you're traveling through a firearm may not be on your to bring list, but you should consider some level of protection and deterrent. If you're unable to carry a firearm consider bear spray.
http://www.bearspray.com/ Quite powerful. I've had it halt a charging black bear and more than one "neighborhood dog". Invest in the bear spray, not the personal pepper spray. The bear spray has a higher volume of spray, is stronger than personal pepper spray, and shoots a further distance than personal pepper spray. We talked about a firearm but decided against it, but using bear spray instead of pepper spray? Wow! I doubt I could find that here in Nebraska but I would imagine as I travel through TN and into GA I may have better luck. Ordering anything now might be a stretch!
Thanks for the great tips and advice! Many of which I hadn't though of so thank you! And thanks for taking the time! (see below)
I figured with the weight of the luggage on the shelf (above the tackle) it would hold down the carrier, but you're right that it could still lift in unfortunate situations! Side to side and front to back it will be wedged in pretty tight. but I can also use what's being packed as some weight on it. As far as the cinder blocks, great (universal) idea but just don't have the room for them!
5 Gallon bucket is on my list as well as a bait bucket, but never thought of a toilet lid for the bucket! Interesting!
Gorilla tape, duct tape, electrical tape and a few tools - CHECK! Waterproof matches is a great idea!
Wow, never heard of such a thing! I'd be awful leery sucking up water from a puddle, but it sure got good reviews, and could certainly come in handy!
Dental floss and first aid kit - CHECK But never thought of a signal mirror or a clotting agent! Great idea!
I've certainly thought about snakes for where we'll be and we'll likely be camping some nights so that's another great idea!
We talked about a firearm but decided against it, but using bear spray instead of pepper spray? Wow! I doubt I could find that here in Nebraska but I would imagine as I travel through TN and into GA I may have better luck. Ordering anything now might be a stretch!
Thank you again for taking the time, basslover! I can't tell you how much we appreciate all this!
Keith
IF you have room and if you're camping you might consider a shower bag. You could fill it and that would help hold the carrier in place. I've used this one numerous times - fill it up, lay it on a rock or roof/hood of a vehicle in sunlight and in a short bit you will have a warm to hot shower.
The toilet seat bucket top is nice for when nature calls. Sure you can squat, hang over a rock or fallen tree trunk, etc., but this can be a bit more stable and comfortable. Set it up pondside and keep on fishin' while nature calls.
Regarding the matches - grab some cotton balls and coat them in vasoline then store in a ziplock bag. Vasoline is oil-based so it's waterproof. Cotton balls slathered in it will burn for 3-5 minutes easy. If you've not made these fire starters before make certain you get 100% petroleum jelly vasoline.
Again, if yer camping then you can't go wrong with having a water filtration system. I use small coffee filters as stage one, to filter out the large particles. Then I use the lifestraw or a UV filtration tool. Ya never know when you'll need clean water to either drink or wash a wound.
You can find bear spray in Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, Gander Mountain, etc. Even on Amazon with 2-day Prime shipping.
Basslover, man these are very well-thought-out advices ! Wow! We could need any of these at some point of the trip.
Keith especially that toilet seat cover is a must for us!
Guys i am sorry if it is inappropriate to ask but this is a pure men community . We use water to clean our arse . Using coke bottles isn't really practical. Any suggestions for this purpose?
I usually carry waterproof matches in a small waterproof container, plus I bought a number of mini-torches a while ago and keep one in my backpack when hunting. Not quite the same, but something like this: mini-torch
Fatih, there's ladies on here too. Maybe not a lot, but a few. Would a condiment bottle filled with water work? condiment bottle
Keith, you could always have the item shipped to one of your stops on your trip? You know your schedule pretty well, and probably have (or can get) addresses for where you will be at.
Fold-up camper chairs are packed, right? For silverware, a spork and a knife is minimalist. I usually have a knife in my pocket. spork choices
I have one or two coleman stoves, but to heat something one of these takes up minimal space. But then, you need something to hold water. mini stove
A friend has one of those refigerators or coolers that he plugs into the car and that keeps everything cool. That's a more cost effective long term instead of buying ice all the time. 12v coolers
I usually carry waterproof matches in a small waterproof container, plus I bought a number of mini-torches a while ago and keep one in my backpack when hunting. Not quite the same, but something like this: mini-torch I have one of these I can bring along with some waterproof matches: http://www.amazon.com/Culinary-Torch-Lig...nson+mini+torch
For a water filter, I have this: Katadyn Hiker Pro We'll be pretty mobile so hopefully having a water cooler/jug with us will suffice. But again, one never knows and those things are pretty cool!
Never used it, but I have it just in case.......
Fatih, there's ladies on here too. Maybe not a lot, but a few. Would a condiment bottle filled with water work? condiment bottle (I'm still up for the toilet paper or tissue idea )
Keith, you could always have the item shipped to one of your stops on your trip? You know your schedule pretty well, and probably have (or can get) addresses for where you will be at. The good thing is that we'll not be in any given place for more than a day or two so we'll be able to pick up things along the way.
Fold-up camper chairs are packed, right? For silverware, a spork and a knife is minimalist. I usually have a knife in my pocket. spork choices Bag chairs packed! Pocket knife, CHECK, Plastic silverware or camping kit CHECK
I have one or two coleman stoves, but to heat something one of these takes up minimal space. But then, you need something to hold water. mini stove When camping, I'm trying to plan for cleaning and cooking our catch. And a small stove and skillet would be much more convenient that a camp fire! And if all else fails?,,,,,, SUSHI
A friend has one of those refigerators or coolers that he plugs into the car and that keeps everything cool. That's a more cost effective long term instead of buying ice all the time. 12v coolers That would certainly be handy for as hot as it will get in the car, but I don't have one and they're a little pricey at this point.
If the car rental places didn't forbid it, I would have considered a small enclosed trailer!
A little different trying to pack for 5 weeks on the road!
If you are planning to heat/cook anything, I also recommend some type of small mimi stove that Scott mentioned. We use one all the time. You also can get a set of pans that fold and stack into each other that doesn't take up much more room than a coffee cup.
LL, what about one of those car top carriers/boxes I see being used. Will they let you do that? Don't know anything about them, just a thought....
The shows we travel to, I see guys put pvc pipe tied to the roof tops to store long stuff in. Caps on ends. Might be a second alternative if room gets critical.
LL, what about one of those car top carriers/boxes I see being used. Will they let you do that? Don't know anything about them, just a thought....
The shows we travel to, I see guys put pvc pipe tied to the roof tops to store long stuff in. Caps on ends. Might be a second alternative if room gets critical.
I'm thinking I can fit it all in, and somewhat organized but actually doing it is another story!
And Fatih said he was okay with riding on top of the SUV as long as it was in a comfy chair .
If you are planning to heat/cook anything, I also recommend some type of small mimi stove that Scott mentioned. We use one all the time.
A guy at work has a mini microwave in his service van. Cute little gizmo and he runs it from an inverter off the battery. It's not that big, but will fit a nice sized bowl of soup or stew for a nice hot lunch.
Guys i am sorry if it is inappropriate to ask but this is a pure men community . We use water to clean our arse . Using coke bottles isn't really practical. Any suggestions for this purpose?
For years, dirty underwear (aka, skid marks) have been all the rage here in the US. Fortunately, as of late, the use of moistened baby wipes is gaining in popularity. Perhaps someday, we as a nation will become more advanced in terms of personal hygiene, and adopt the advanced, yet simple technology known as the bidet.
Although as Americans, I doubt that we could keep it that simple. I'm sure that we would have to go bigger and better. It would probably involve more pressure, higher volume, and the necessity to wear a seat belt. Something along the lines of a complete colonic irrigation.
Of course, we would have to change the name, because after all, "bidet" is a little "Frenchie" sounding. The name, "Freedom Flush" comes to mind.
Doctor Oz, says that 'real' men use baby wipes after pooping. lol
This road trip sounds like a blast, guys. I'm stoked to follow the progress. Happy trails!
Guys i am sorry if it is inappropriate to ask but this is a pure men community . We use water to clean our arse . Using coke bottles isn't really practical. Any suggestions for this purpose?
For years, dirty underwear (aka, skid marks) have been all the rage here in the US. Fortunately, as of late, the use of moistened baby wipes is gaining in popularity. Perhaps someday, we as a nation will become more advanced in terms of personal hygiene, and adopt the advanced, yet simple technology known as the bidet.
I had my sister go pick up some cloths for me one day because I was out of town and she was heading this way. The surprising and most unexpected comment was that my skivvies had no skid marks How do you do that was asked? I don't know, just don't poop your pants I guess.
The name, "Freedom Flush" comes to mind. I love it! haha
This road trip sounds like a blast, guys. I'm stoked to follow the progress. Happy trails! Thank you gully washer! I hope to have a new thread started by tomorrow since Fatih arrives in the US on Monday, which will offer daily updates as to where we're at, what we've done and fish we've caught !
Now guy's, the boat has facilities, but seriously doubt the backwash option is installed.
On the first boat, we had a pee jug that if you used it, you hang over the side of the boat to rinse it out. Wait till you hit shore to do any back washing stuff.
In the beginning, I checked in on this thread from time to time simply to see how the plan was progressing. Now it's more of a train wreck carnage, OMG, can't-turn-away morbid curiosity kind of thing.
In the beginning, I checked in on this thread from time to time simply to see how the plan was progressing. Now it's more of a train wreck carnage, OMG, can't-turn-away morbid curiosity kind of thing.
I agree! I think it's time for a second thread title change...mods?
In the beginning, I checked in on this thread from time to time simply to see how the plan was progressing. Now it's more of a train wreck carnage, OMG, can't-turn-away morbid curiosity kind of thing.
It's all good. I think Sparkie is saying reading this thread is like reading a great novel; you can't wait to turn the page to see what will happen next!
No negativity intended. Merely a bemused take on a post that started with a guy wanting to go fishing, and worked its way up to the various methodologies employed to clean one's backside. I'm both curious and somewhat apprehensive about where it will go from here.
I knew no negativity was intended Spark. No worries.
And i am glad this subject has drawn so much attention and curiosity. I didn't mean it to be this way. Hoping that everything goes well and we get more than a couple of pan fish and some disappointment.
Heck, with the timing and some of my common routes, I could accidentally meet Fatih, and or Keith in multiple places...lol
Rainman, as you follow our route, please feel free to call if you're in any area we're in! We'd love to meet up if we could!
Keith
PS - I was unable to send you a PM so if you can send me one, PM me your number so we can call as we're nearing St. Louis. Or if that's all the farther I can make it from Lincoln on the 5th, maybe we can hook up then too, before I head on to Nashville on the 6th.
Basslover, good advice but too late. I spent the afternoon driving around Ft Wayne and Indianapolis and there are now quite a few messages in the mens stalls that say "for a good time call Keith at above mentioned #". Also mentioned that in the near future he may have a well tanned assistant. Have a nice road trip guys, just watch each others back.
KEITH - Consider editing your post and removing your tele number ASAP.
You probably don't want that for everyone to call, fax, etc.
Originally Posted By: Bob-O
Basslover, good advice but too late. I spent the afternoon driving around Ft Wayne and Indianapolis and there are now quite a few messages in the mens stalls that say "for a good time call Keith at above mentioned #". Also mentioned that in the near future he may have a well tanned assistant. Have a nice road trip guys, just watch each others back.
So far I've received only 3 voice mail messages (although I've since removed my number from the post to Rainman):
One from a guy named "Raymond" rambling on about autism.
One from a janitor who's pissed because the message won't wipe off the wall and wants to hold me responsible for repainting it.
And one asking if my "well tanned assistant" was cute
Fatih should be giving an update and as for me, I'm still getting stuff together and head out tomorrow morning.
But Fatih made it safely to NY, then to NC where he's staying with his family for several days. He told me yesterday that he would be casting his first line this morning so hopefully we'll see the first fish caught!
I look forward to seeing you guys and having a little fish fry on the 18th. I'll not fish the pond until then so they will be ready to eat. I might even go toss some disabled live bait fish a few times to get them fired up.
I look forward to seeing you guys and having a little fish fry on the 18th. I'll not fish the pond until then so they will be ready to eat. I might even go toss some disabled live bait fish a few times to get them fired up.
That sounds great Bobby, we're looking forward to it too!
Fatih just called, gave me a fishing update and said he has poor to no internet service but he will try to keep everyone posted when he can. I'll have a mobile hot-spot which will help once he and I meet up.
Just picked up the Chevy Traverse from Hertz, wrapping some things up at the office, then home to start loading up and hopefully heading out first thing in the morning!
So it's about time to "put the lid on the jar" and let the fun begin!
Rainman, good post and great pictures. I hope everyone who LL/Faith visit will follow your example and post their personal pictures and stories. That will save the two of them valuable time which will dwindle by very quickly.
Fatih, caught your pics on your other post. Ya look good launchin the boat but seem to have become invisible in the pier picture. I suggest you slow down, pace yourself and ENJOY your time here. Even if you don't get to do all you planned it is important to not overdue. Best of luck and hope to meet you two in about a month.
Bob, thanks man . I am trying my best to have fun and use the opportunity for a good film as hard as i can. Very tiring to do both though.
Guys what is the largest fishing store on our route? I need to film one of the hugest ones(in terms for fishing gear). By the way i like the ambiance of BassPro much better. Cabelas doesn't have no good interior. Not the one in Greenville at least.
Fatih, I think the biggest ones are Springfield, MO and a brand new one in Memphis, TN. Not exactly on our route but there's others that are. Savannah, GA, Jacksonville, FL, Miami, FL, and many others we'll be close to.
Faith, Very happy that you are having a good time. Good pics good times and stories. I'm VERY happy you met Ed in the swamps of Florida, sounds like he might be an unknown relative. Now you are prepared for a visit here if that works. Got a kick of 80 pics of your pig LMB. I have the head of a 34&1/2" 8lb NP which isn't even that big but the largest fresh water fish I've ever caught. I do believe tho that by the end of your journey if you connect with a large SMB or Musky you may have a new favorite. Best of luck to you two, be safe and don't let set backs dampen your overall experience. Heck, it always storms in FL not to mention Texas. Be cool young man, ya got lots of folks cheerin for ya. VERY enviously, Bob-O
Fatih and Keith - thanks for posting the pictures. Sorry to hear that some of the fishing trips were a bust, but that's why it's called fishing and not catching!
My pond will look completely different than it did a few weeks ago. We are getting some rain and it's starting to fill up again.
Fatih, that 7# LMB should have been over 10# if it had enough food. It looks skinny.
Scott, absolutely love Fatihs new nickname "fuzz face", even better than Faith. But seems ta me Fur Face would be more appropriate. Have ya noticed that the weight of all them wiskers makes it difficult for him ta smile? Also can't help but wonder why he doesn't have that large circular growth at the center of his hairline removed. Who knows, it may be some kinda sexy thing in Turkey.
wish I had more time during the week to show them around I know a few salwater spots to fish.
I am going to meet them after work thursday and do a little fish fry. I have some freshly frozen fish from a recent off shore trip for them to try and Emily my wife is running up to Mayport to pick up some fresh wild caught MAYPORT shrimp....(the best shrimp in the world). The st johns river acts as a nursury and the big ones are harvested just offshore near the mouth of the river.
after a quick meal we will hit the pond and see what they can catch., Im going to have them use live bait so prob will not get any BG,I figured they will catch planty of those further down the trip.
only a slight chance of afternoon thunder storms so that looks good.
It has been really hot and dry the last week, So we will fish from 6:30 ish until dark, the feeder goes off at 7:45 so thats when activity is at its peak.
Hopefully we will have more to post than when CRAY came down to help me seine the pond...LOL
Ta quote Hank Hill, "Dammit Bobby" You Texas fellows ought ta like that. I'm sure their visit with you will be one of the finer points on their trip. Your pond maybe the most intriguing BOW that they encounter. I gotta say tho that Ed in the swamp really got my attention. Maybe cause he put me in mind of myself minus the swamp. Anyhow, keep the pics and stories coming. Thank all involved, this IS a life changing experience.
I'm enjoying the reports. You guys certainly have more stamina than I do......... Heck, just a weekend trip to the lake is usually enough to wear me out.
That houseboat excursion looks awesome. Might have to add that to my bucket list.
It's beyond incredible and I wish it was easier to share more pics and videos, especially feeding the Dolphin and Fatih's bout with the tree and the bug that got up his shirt!
Fatih, the pictures of the Texas trip are great! Yeah, Dave is an old geezer and Al is about as old!
I'm glad that you could scratch a few fish off of your bucket list. I think you'll catch one more in my pond that you haven't caught before, and maybe a few at the lake house in the public lake.
An unexpected call from somewhere with a Nebraska # had me wondering if Katelin err Bruce had decided to contact me with some new tabloid gossip. Could be TJ as we have exchanged pm's (almost messed up there and didn't include the')lately. Or could it be the daring duo braving the road trip of a lifetime. I decided ta roll the dice cause all of the above mentioned would be interesting to talk with. Answered and through a somewhat static connection was asked if this "is Bob-o from pond boss"? I said no, this Bob-O from Indiana !! Was greeted with "this is Keith and Fatif" and I says so. He asked if I had a few mins to chat and told him sure, fire away. That was opening Pandora's box. Double L can talk as long and uninterrupted as Bob Lusk and Bill Cody. He went into a rant trying to incorporate some of the thousands of great moments they have experienced and probably only scratched the surface. They are on their way to Windsor, MO. I believe after that up to Scotts for about a week. We're hoping to hijack them over to either Cecils or my place but am worried that Scott may have too much for them to do. Have to play it by ear. My son has a place on Loon lake about 25 miles from Cecils and invited myself and them to camp there on the 4th and maybe do some spearing. If they could come to my place in the afternoon on the 3rd maybe we could get Wild Bill over for a visit and maybe supper. However it works out will be fine, they are already on cloud nine !!! I do however have two concerns. First is that in all the pics I've seen Fatif is only half smiling when he's holding a Gar and a Carp. Maybe I can get him hooked up with a Bowfin and get him ta half smile. Has anyone explained the concept of trash fish? The other thing is when he hooked himself, I didn't detect ANY blood. I asked him if he had been in the Keys, Pensacola, the Everglades and brackish river waters that his blood has turned into saltwater? He mumbled something about it only bled AFTER he removed it. Now I been stuck with multiple pointed objects in various locations over the years and as soon as said sharp object punctured my skin, I bled !!!
Bob, Fatih caught a Bowfin in LA. when they were fishing in the swamp.
I've got a couple of things planned, but I'm leaving a lot of options on what to do up to them. I figure they might want to stay in one place for a few days to get their suitcases unpacked and sorted out. Day trips here and there, but back to the same place at night. But, it's up to them.
This next week (at least here) has rain predicted for every day, somewhere between 20 to 60 percent.
I need more time to fully update our experience with Fireishot as we checked into our hotel last night in Springfield, MO after 11 pm after leaving his place around 11 am. We stopped at Lusk Lodge, met Debbie and Bob around 2:00, fished his Catfish pond, had a great visit with him in his beyond beautiful home and we both got the books "Raising Tropy Bass" and Perfect Pond... Want one?" Autographed by Mr. Lusk as well as the new issue of Pond Boss magazine, hot off the press signed as well. What a great experience!
With a 6 hour drive ahead to get to Springfield, MO, once it hit 10 pm the old driving eyes were getting tired so after making a few calls to try to get some adreneline going, seeing Bob-O's number in my phone was the perfect recipe!
Once I started talking about our adventure with Bob-O I think I could have driven another 500 miles!
So Bob-O, thanks for the chat and helping with getting us to Springfield safely!
We got to Bass Pro @ 7am, I turned Fatih loose with his video equipment and after leaving here we'll make our way to Windsor, MO to see CMM.
And Scott, after now logging over 4,800 miles, and a "few" more to get to your place, I foresee at least one day of this old, tired dog finding a relaxing lawn chair on the end of the pier just soaking it all in.
But as I've said that before and it hasn't happened yet,,,,, we'll see!
Fatih get's plenty of rest as I think the turn of the car key is like a sleeping pill for him
Scott, sounds like your itinerary is just what the wild men need, a bit of r&r for Keith and some cool weather for hook boy. I believe you are somewhere around 90-110 miles from me ? but we are predicted cool weather with some chance of rain for the next ten days. From what LL says Fatih has the door open with pole in hand before the car stops every time they arrive at a BOW. I'm sure he has rain gear. Keith, I called a lady friend (ok, maybe the lady part is stretchin it) but she wasn't home. You called about 10 mins later and caught me in a gabby mood. The conversation was my pleasure and I too was wide awake at midnight. Adrenalin is amazing. Talk to you two soon.
Keith( lovinlliving) and Fatih left Windsor Mo a few minutes ago to head towards Rex in St Louis. I cannot express how pleased and honored I am to have been a part of this saga. After meeting these guys, just wow. What energy and passion Fatih has for fish. He is full of questions and is an excellent sport. He and Keith seem to have developed quite a friendship full of teasing. Keith was the prime story teller and was so funny.
We did some shooting, complete with a "gentlemans" wager between the two on the outcome. I am embarrassed to admit that I was out shot with my favorite firearm. Damn, I will be shooting some more .45's up this week!
After that we hit some gills for a few hours, dinner, top water for Lm til dark while my husband sat on the dock with the guitar, then a few fireworks and a bit of visiting and bed. Up early to hit the water before the wind and sun got too bad.
Oh, I am afraid I may have treated at least one of them to a cold shower. Right after they left I realized the hot water heated pilot light had gone out. Oops. Sorry bout that.
So much packed into such a short time. But this makes me want to follow in their footsteps. I am pretty much a technological Neanderthal, but I will eventually learn to post pictures, if only to showcase sparkplugs version of fishing attire modeled by the traveling castaways. Hee hee. Did I mention they were good sports?
Thanks so much for stopping in Windsor and allowing us to get to know you. Best of everything for the rest of your trip and in your lives. CMM
Thank you for the update. I have a bad memory but I think you are the first host to pass on their experience with you or the other way around. When I spoke to Keith the other night "when he got drowsy" I told him I was sure everyone following their trip was envious. I said in the 60s everyone wanted ta jump on a motorcycle and head west. I think the travelin gypsies have outdone that ol school fantasy. And they ain't done yet!! If they're careless enough ta get to my place, I'll have a report for ya.
Many have replied after hosting us and sharing their experiences.
It was another long day on the road after a fantastic day and a half fly fishing with CMM, with last night being treated to her husband Michael's singing and giutar playing on the dock while we're in the canoes fishing. A scene and experience that just can't be put into words!
Michael got this awesome shot, complete with flying fly line and awesome reflection off the pond.
We'll be arriving at Esshups tomorrow for several days which will give us time to get you all caught up, from our incredible experiences from Texas with Fireishot and Dave Davidson, to Bob and Debbie Lusk at Lusk Lodge, our visit to Bass Pro Shop jn Springfield, MO, fly fishing with CMM in Windsor, MO in our Fishtitution gowns and tonight meeting up again with Rainman & Cathy in St. Louis, MO for another outstanding buffet dinner and shooting some pool at a local pool hall while we were in a tornado warning with sirens blaring
What has happpened over the past 3 weeks is just beyond amazing and far beyond any and all expectations! Everything we've done and seen, everyone we've met, the fish we've caught and everything that's happened seems like a once in a lifetime experience that would just seem impossible to duplicate!
As my brother has stated so many times through Facebook updates and my chats with him, "Wow, just wow!"
It's 1:00 am and we have another 6 hours of driving tomorrow,,,,,,,,, more later!
It was a huge pleasure to get to host Keith for a second time, and Fatih for the first time in their 45 days of fun. After a little conversation and after-drive time to wind down, we left for dinner. On the way back to mine and Cathy's home to get our pool cues, at the entrance of our fairly large, suburban housing subdivision, a Doe and her triplets casually crossed the road to graze about 20 feet from us, giving Fatih some excellent picture poses. I'm afraid I didn't take any pictures of the deer, but here is one I took of Cathy, Keith and Fatih after a couple hours shooting pool...Keith is a good shot, and while Fatih may be a beginner, he is quickly mastering the skills!
A sample of this years city deer...possibly one of the triplets seen
The wayward waifs are all settled down in the lake house. I'm going to see if I can get Fatih onto my time schedule - forget about naps and have him going from early to late. I'll keep him occupied while in the truck so he doesn't nap.
Scott, I found a pair of yellow needle nosed pliers and a Gerber multi-tool in the tin boat this morning. I know they have to belong to Keith, Fatih, or DD1, so could you check there, and I'll check with Dave.
The wayward waifs are all settled down in the lake house. I'm going to see if I can get Fatih onto my time schedule - forget about naps and have him going from early to late. I'll keep him occupied while in the truck so he doesn't nap.
I was at the lake house @ 5 this morning, the house was all dark. I didn't want to wake Keith, so I tapped on Fatih's bedroom window. He looked like I woke him up, but he was out of the house in less than 10 minutes. I'll let him fill everybody in on how bad the mosquitos were where we went. (worst I've seen in a few years)
He is back at the lake house seeing if he can catch a carp. Keith was on the pier fishing when we got back, and Fatih couldn't get to the water fast enough. I have some things that I have to get caught up on in the office, but we're on the road again in 2 hrs or so.
I have to do some running and gunning in the Amish community this afternoon, and at least Fatih is coming along. I imagine that will be a bit of America that he hasn't experienced before (I heard that he did have a taste of it around CMM's place).
Wed we will do more fishing around here in some ponds. Thursday is still up in the air. Friday we will be going to Cecil's, meeting Bob-O and maybe Bill Cody. Then it's to Bob-O's place and I don't know what he's got in store for the wandering waifs. Saturday we will hit the Sporting Clays range, then it's off to Chicago for a 4th of July party that evening.
I thought I posted this already but with a week signal it must not have.
Al, I'm pretty sure the multi-tool was mine if it looked fairly new, but it was a Wally World special for just that reason (not being tethered to Fatih ).
I'm not concerned with it so please get some use out of it or pass it on to someone who can.
We certainly got a treat having you both there at the same time!
And there's not enough signal at Scott's lake house but said I could use his laptop at his home to finally get some Texas and Missouri updates posted
Thanks, Al but you two are certainly welcome to keep passing it back and forth. It could be a Fatih reminder for years to come! The multi-purpose Turkey tool
I had a pretty fancy one in the ER last week, and while floating above my body due to the shot's, thought I might ask if they would sell some. Yep, forgot
Spark, if Esshup would have been with us he would have been wearing one too!
Esshup, it's hard to say it's a southern thang when the first Fishtitution gown was donned in your own home state!
But nice try
PS - but come to think of it, CMM insisted we take ours home. Sooooo, since we have them here, esshup has a pier and it's a very busy weekend on the lake, I think a photo of he and Fatih modeling one could\should be in order? (Of course I would join them but we only have two )
Spark, if Esshup would have been with us he would have been wearing one too!
Esshup, it's hard to say it's a southern thang when the first Fishtitution gown was donned in your own home state!
But nice try
PS - but come to think of it, CMM insisted we take ours home. Sooooo, since we have them here, esshup has a pier and it's a very busy weekend on the lake, I think a photo of he and Fatih modeling one could\should be in order? (Of course I would join them but we only have two )
?????????
I think a good photo/video OP would be Fatih and Scott modeling the open back attire while on the North Pier shooting for some YP. I also think Keith should be doing the Olive challenge on dry land, while Jim, his wife, and me, are Executives in charge of production
Yeah, there are three maniacs in a new black Dodge 1500 and one of em catches large HSB, one catches lots of small YP and the other bought my supper. Thanks Keith.
Sparky, I'll bet that truck cost more than I paid for my 5 acres and luxurious trailer. Got to say tho that Scott works long hrs and deserves what nice toys he has.
Ben, I'm wondering if it came with a wheel lock key. The truck he rented when he came down for the conference didn't have one. A flat tire could have been an oopsy moment for sure.
He was talking about the diesel. Told me to go check them out, but I ain't spending that kind of money on a new truck. It's the Ram brand, no longer Dodge.
Sparky, I'll bet that truck cost more than I paid for my 5 acres and luxurious trailer. Got to say tho that Scott works long hrs and deserves what nice toys he has.
Bob, you just may be right on the price...I sure chambered a couple rounds buying my new diesel a couple months ago, but with incentives, brand new was a few grand less than 2 years old. Indiana has not been too kind to me yet. Lil Blue found a mailbox when a clown pulled onto the highway in front of me ($4K damage with under 5000 miles) and esshup had to hook up his Ram Rental while another used his Jeep to pull me out from the spot pictured below....Truck and trailer had sunk in a few inches by the time we'd finished stocking.
When going to dinner, Fatih kept commenting, "This back seat is huge! This back seat is huge!" lol
Ben, I'm wondering if it came with a wheel lock key. The truck he rented when he came down for the conference didn't have one. A flat tire could have been an oopsy moment for sure.
Al, when I got back, I found the key and jack under the front passenger seat........
Fatih, Kieth, The Triplets are growing fast! The urban deer here are well fed and were not at all skittish when I took this picture of them as fireworks were going off all around the area.
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. Is it really dangerous?
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before we got out of the channel, and the last guy wasn't standing very long once we cleared the pier head. That was our shortest trip, and these were big tough guys. I had to clean it up 
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, a mosquito is nothing 
