Hi all. Got my season openers yesterday. Almost got skunked but just before quitting tried one last shot under a covered bridge. Bottom at that spot is mostly sand, and on the third cast a no doubt about it take! A very nice pumpkin came to hand. Fat and no doubt loaded with eggs. The second made my day up to that point. A beauty of a long ear that had most of her colors on the lower third of the body, and was heading to prime up top. A chunky as wide as my hand and really thick. I know I have to get a new phone for pics, as I enjoy seeing them here on the site. Anyway, both fought really well, and just slammed the bait. I was using my Leland TSS, a Pflueger 20 predident, and a chartreuse/black trout magnet. The line is a new one for me, Gamma HiViz Panfish in 2 lb test. After a few more trips I would like to report back on how it worked for me, but so far has been an excellent line.
Now for the part that really spoiled the day. I forgot the rod in the parking lot and drove away. Totally my fault. When I got home I immediately went back and in less than 30 minutes it was gone - nada. I will be going to the ranger’s station today to see if someone turned it in, but the odds of that these days is slim to none. I bought a spare TSS a couple of years ago because I liked it so much, and will replace the President. An expensive lesson, but if it had been my JDM rod I would have cried.
Anyway, that was my day. Now that the ice has been broken I expect the creek will just get better. I hope someone did the right thing.
Bob