Husbands are commanded by Christ to love their wives like He loved the church. So, when Patty asked me to book a cabin for a few days of fishing in Mississippi, I put her wishes before mine and made the reservations. If she felt the need for a couple of days pulling cranks on a lake searching for hungry crappie, who am I to be a stumbling block in our marriage? The forecasted rain for the trip down held off until we were settled in the cabin. As we pulled the boat tarp over the Wareagle, the first drops of rain started falling which soon became a solid rain. The rest of the evening was spent napping, eating, and planning the mornings fishing trip. Soon dawn arrived and the boat was supplied for the days outing. Food, drinks, and rain gear were stowed in their places and the headlights of the GMC truck led the way to the ramp.

The overcast skies were moisture free and the mornings first crappie loaded up an outside pole which Patty promptly reeled in. The golden rule documented the length of 11 3/4 inches and the white crappie was released back into the waters of Enid Lake. This was one of many that bent the rods and were reeled into the Wareagle. Large numbers were caught with only a few being long enough to keep. However, we had a blast for the two days and all too soon it was time to pack up and head back to Kentucky.

Day one numbers were 111 crappie caught too short to keep, plus 8 crappie long enough to keep, and of the released shorts, 5 were exactly 12 inches. Day two numbers were 77 crappie caught too short to keep, plus 7 crappie long enough to keep, and of the released shorts, 12 were exactly 12 inches. Those 12 inch fat fish are tough to put back for this Kentucky boy but each one was placed back with a “See you later gater” warning. All released fish should be keepers come spring. If the Lord see’s fit, I will return for a re-match.

Since Patty loves pulling cranks, we pulled cranks both days. Fish were hungry and bit hard. They struck on both Picos and Bandits. However, they seemed to prefer crome colors in both baits. All fish, shorts and keepers, were heavy and thick. All fish were stuffed with bait and frisky. Patty had a blast and I always do every time I am on these Mississippi Lakes. I really miss seeing all my Mississippi buddies. Maybe we can pull off a Crankfest this year and I can cook for all of y’all. By the way, Patty did complain about the two blisters she got reeling in all those fish so I guess she sacrificed too.

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