Surprise guests in Sumter

Set out to log in some more Withlacoochee apprenticeship hours today but as the morning progressed, unexpected, menacing clouds were making their way from the SW. Not bringing any raingear, I decided to carry on with business anyway. After 15-20 minutes of significant soaking, I looked for maybe a rainbow reward, but instead was surprised by another one of Mom Nature's gift = a beautifully colored Monarch butterfly. While she sat patiently poised on my cooler, I fumbled for my camera-phone to capture her beauty.Attachment 376524
Today's nice sized specks(2 14"rs)Attachment 376525Attachment 376526Attachment 376527Attachment 376528, 10-12 bluegills(up to 9"), 10 - 12 smaller bass(1/2-2lbr.), stumpknockers, a chunky goggle-eye bream, yet another surprise guest came aboard(21" chain pickerel)Attachment 376529Attachment 376530 actually the biggest one of only a few I've caught in 17 years here. My home waters of Maryland were thriving with the "snakes". Quite an entertaining day for sure.:highfive

u2s

WOW ! what a great day you had.

Thanks for sharing.

Nice pics(beautiful orange on butterfly), do you eat the pickerel?--shu

My wife Paula caught a pickerel last week. I got one 3 days later
Attachment 376602

they do put up a nice fight.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shuorc

Nice pics(beautiful orange on butterfly), do you eat the pickerel?--shu

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Not recently, however, have tried them many ways, fried, baked, pickled, the Y-bones present the issue. Haven't really gone through the trouble of learning the filet technique (4-6 cuts lengthwise) for Pike family. I have however, made fish cakes after food processor grind. Nice solid white meat, good mild flavor.
Doug

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A good mixed bag, entertaining I’m sure.

Shu - tasted it once and liked the flavor. Should be a college level course on cleaning them though.

Looks like your getting to figure that area out, a few biggn's always makes for a good time OTW .....

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Nice pictures and post, thanks for sharing Doug.

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Nice, thanks for sharing. I put this one on the home page on the 30th FYI.