OK, in the right frame of mind and the weather is threatening, cold, cloudy, and expected storm winds this afternoon. Murphy is with me this morning as I spilled my glass of ice with flavoring on the keyboard. First real task of the day - cleaning the keyboard.
Fishing plan is tentative. Have a call to Pete asking for his best guess as to start at Terry's Run or at Tim's on the North Anna River.
Plan to do the Kabiki rig to try for a few gizzards for bait. Then, bull then on boards to learn about the boards and also maybe boat a striper. Will stop at the Fish Tails store and get a real surface plug (pencil popper) or other popper that might be effective this time of year.
Stand by for the usual report.
Well, it didn't happen, I didn't get on the water. Came down with a severe gout in my ankles have cookout walk for shovel days. So the boat trips out ready to go. Now it's Monday and I'm waiting for an inspection on the Honda in will try to get on the water as soon as it is finished. Might be about 2 o'clock before I actually have launch the boat. Last report had the bait and stripers in Terry's Run.
Since I can't do cast net, I'll have to try the pencil popper in the evening just before dark. That means after dark getting back to the dock.
If I make it on the water there will be a full report of my success or failure.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Whoppee, I made it to the Lake Anna, or did I?
OK, it's Wednesday Oct 14 and I decided to get on the water.
But, also had to get new and old meds to help my gout and arthritis. So, I gathered the garbage as the dump is on the way to the Food Lion pharmacy in Mineral. Did a tiny bit of shopping at Food Lion and headed back to the house. I have a scooter (motorized chair) and hauled rods and other gear to the boat. Doing my best to rush, but everything seems to go Murphy slow, except my declining health.
OK, boat on the road to the Rockland Creek community launch. I know they were supposed to change the lock code, but maybe they didn't. Yeah, what other dumb thought can I have.
Called a neighbor and was able to get the code. I have to back the boat as close to the dock as possible so I can step into it. Don't want the boat to leave the trailer completely as I might not get everything right, per past mistakes? Now about 4 PM and the sun is hiding in the scattered clouds. Boat launched with line attached, gate closed, parked truck, and I'm on my way.
Pete said there was lots of gizzards at Tim's area, so I decided to head that way. I'd been there a year earlier and didn't know for sure where I was. Headed towards Christopher Run or Tim's is one duck leg both the same? The North Anna is like a snake with egg bulges with lots of turns that hides the channel from one bulge go another. Well, every lake seems to require some experience to navigate in the day. But, near dark everything looks the same. especially if ya get busy doing the activity - fishing. Once I passed Rose Valley, I was unsure of what turn to where? Called Pete R and got encouragement. Chose the correct fork to stay in North Anna river. But the river seemed to be coming to an end? Whew, a small channel off to the right and Tim's! In the exact area I was supposed to be. Gizzards flipping most everywhere and a few breakers.
I was at the location to seeing the gizzards flippin, cast a surface lure near by and/or into breaking stripers, maybe try my Sabiki to hook gizzards, run the modified Bugz Planer boards, and maybe boat a striper.
OK, Pete assured me I was on the right track. He led this old horse to water, but . . .
Decided to flip my frog (the surface lure) as it was already on the casting rod.
Lots of tosses, but nothing. Didn't see my pencil popper, so I put a realistic looking shad on and flipped it for a while. Nothing! Great, there were two pencil poppers in the box. Flipped it . . . where'd it go? A popper that sinks?
Murphy again! OK, give up on flipping for stripers.
Motored above the bridge to a huge open bay and lots of baits on the sonar an large arches. Deloying the trolling motor was working great the bow deck chair post to steady me. Loading the trolling motor with the rope was working well too. So, I just wandered as the sun set in the heavier dark clouds. Back below the bridge to the smaller bay and began trying the Bugz Planer boards that I added a second foam and the LED flashing light.
Got the planer on the water and the flashing light started as soon as it hit the water. Somehow, I got a photo above and the light is visible almost exactly in the center of the photo.
Didn't have a bait on the hook dragging behind the board and it didn't want to pull strongly to the side. Not sure why. Maybe the light on top changes the pitch of the board so it slips water too much. May need more weigh on the keel? Yeah, and sink the board just like my pencil popper.
Now dark and the cloud cover leaves little to guide me home. Got the electronics dimmed and I'm on my way. Running about 20 as I know there is an island with a Xmas tree on it. The only feature above water. The channel between the tree and the State park a series of S turns that I feel safer following. Don't like them sudden rocks tickling my hull.
The Navionics Plus graph performed great as I had a trail going to the location I fished to get me back home. The 208 bridge seemed like it took forever to actually see any features. Lots of cars, etc. and other marina structures, but nothing to light my way. Had to turn my bow spot light on to be sure. OK, passed the bridge, called my wife as she said she would meet me at the dock to load the boat. Then, I opened it up a bit in the familiar water and got by the Nuke Plant. The Dam lights are near blinding headed to Rockland Creek. Turned into the creek and there was car lights pointed down the channel. Sounds good, but at night, looking into bright lights is blinding. So, I zoomed in the navigation screen and dimmed again. Now Mel (my wife) has here flash light on too. She thinks I'm crazy being on the water at night. Yet, it's a learning experience for both of us.
Finally got the boat tied to the dock and then the real chore began. Backing the trailer down the ramp in the near dark. Forgot to leave the bow light on the boat that would have made it simpler. I forget lots of things these days. Mel is doing her best to light the dock so I can keep the trailer close. Finally got it about right and got the boat on the trailer. Mel got the cable hitched and I got to the truck and hauled the boat out the gate. Two tired elders (Team Elder School) hobbling in the dark to close the gate, work the combination, and head for the house.
No, it's not the end of the story. I parked my motorized chair on the side of the driveway where I could ride it back to the garage from where I park the boat. No one would guess that it sank in the dirt and seemed like the drive wheel was in a hole. Well, it was, and took both of us to get it back on the driveway.
Well, what left of this story can be written tomorrow or tomorrow. Rest for a day and maybe try again on Friday 16. At least it won't be Friday 13.
I will get an early start, and early start, and early start . . .
But, also had to get new and old meds to help my gout and arthritis. So, I gathered the garbage as the dump is on the way to the Food Lion pharmacy in Mineral. Did a tiny bit of shopping at Food Lion and headed back to the house. I have a scooter (motorized chair) and hauled rods and other gear to the boat. Doing my best to rush, but everything seems to go Murphy slow, except my declining health.
OK, boat on the road to the Rockland Creek community launch. I know they were supposed to change the lock code, but maybe they didn't. Yeah, what other dumb thought can I have.
Called a neighbor and was able to get the code. I have to back the boat as close to the dock as possible so I can step into it. Don't want the boat to leave the trailer completely as I might not get everything right, per past mistakes? Now about 4 PM and the sun is hiding in the scattered clouds. Boat launched with line attached, gate closed, parked truck, and I'm on my way.
Pete said there was lots of gizzards at Tim's area, so I decided to head that way. I'd been there a year earlier and didn't know for sure where I was. Headed towards Christopher Run or Tim's is one duck leg both the same? The North Anna is like a snake with egg bulges with lots of turns that hides the channel from one bulge go another. Well, every lake seems to require some experience to navigate in the day. But, near dark everything looks the same. especially if ya get busy doing the activity - fishing. Once I passed Rose Valley, I was unsure of what turn to where? Called Pete R and got encouragement. Chose the correct fork to stay in North Anna river. But the river seemed to be coming to an end? Whew, a small channel off to the right and Tim's! In the exact area I was supposed to be. Gizzards flipping most everywhere and a few breakers.
I was at the location to seeing the gizzards flippin, cast a surface lure near by and/or into breaking stripers, maybe try my Sabiki to hook gizzards, run the modified Bugz Planer boards, and maybe boat a striper.
OK, Pete assured me I was on the right track. He led this old horse to water, but . . .
Decided to flip my frog (the surface lure) as it was already on the casting rod.
Lots of tosses, but nothing. Didn't see my pencil popper, so I put a realistic looking shad on and flipped it for a while. Nothing! Great, there were two pencil poppers in the box. Flipped it . . . where'd it go? A popper that sinks?
Murphy again! OK, give up on flipping for stripers.
Motored above the bridge to a huge open bay and lots of baits on the sonar an large arches. Deloying the trolling motor was working great the bow deck chair post to steady me. Loading the trolling motor with the rope was working well too. So, I just wandered as the sun set in the heavier dark clouds. Back below the bridge to the smaller bay and began trying the Bugz Planer boards that I added a second foam and the LED flashing light.
Got the planer on the water and the flashing light started as soon as it hit the water. Somehow, I got a photo above and the light is visible almost exactly in the center of the photo.
Didn't have a bait on the hook dragging behind the board and it didn't want to pull strongly to the side. Not sure why. Maybe the light on top changes the pitch of the board so it slips water too much. May need more weigh on the keel? Yeah, and sink the board just like my pencil popper.
Now dark and the cloud cover leaves little to guide me home. Got the electronics dimmed and I'm on my way. Running about 20 as I know there is an island with a Xmas tree on it. The only feature above water. The channel between the tree and the State park a series of S turns that I feel safer following. Don't like them sudden rocks tickling my hull.
The Navionics Plus graph performed great as I had a trail going to the location I fished to get me back home. The 208 bridge seemed like it took forever to actually see any features. Lots of cars, etc. and other marina structures, but nothing to light my way. Had to turn my bow spot light on to be sure. OK, passed the bridge, called my wife as she said she would meet me at the dock to load the boat. Then, I opened it up a bit in the familiar water and got by the Nuke Plant. The Dam lights are near blinding headed to Rockland Creek. Turned into the creek and there was car lights pointed down the channel. Sounds good, but at night, looking into bright lights is blinding. So, I zoomed in the navigation screen and dimmed again. Now Mel (my wife) has here flash light on too. She thinks I'm crazy being on the water at night. Yet, it's a learning experience for both of us.
Finally got the boat tied to the dock and then the real chore began. Backing the trailer down the ramp in the near dark. Forgot to leave the bow light on the boat that would have made it simpler. I forget lots of things these days. Mel is doing her best to light the dock so I can keep the trailer close. Finally got it about right and got the boat on the trailer. Mel got the cable hitched and I got to the truck and hauled the boat out the gate. Two tired elders (Team Elder School) hobbling in the dark to close the gate, work the combination, and head for the house.
No, it's not the end of the story. I parked my motorized chair on the side of the driveway where I could ride it back to the garage from where I park the boat. No one would guess that it sank in the dirt and seemed like the drive wheel was in a hole. Well, it was, and took both of us to get it back on the driveway.
Well, what left of this story can be written tomorrow or tomorrow. Rest for a day and maybe try again on Friday 16. At least it won't be Friday 13.
I will get an early start, and early start, and early start . . .
Monday, October 12, 2015
Another Friday and yipee, another striper fishing afternoon
Of course I'm not ready; however, I do have some things accomplished.
. Fueled the boat
. Did real Magic on the reels
. Recieved extra foam for the Bugz planer boards and modified 2 R & L
. Gave a lot of thought to lights for night planer board use, but . . .
. Updated the Navionics + card, but not back on the boat
. Got a tentative fishing plan from Pete DeRosario
. May have a novice on board this trip
What about the PLAN
Pete will be on the water at High Point Marina at 2 PM. Lake Aana is now full pool and I'll launch at Rockland Creek and motor to HPM. The novece is a friend and hasn't fished this lake or species. Will be a show and tell adventure.
Will do boards and corks in the North Anna after getting EASY bait in the Pamunkey or Terry's Run. Yet, I might stop at Fish Tales and get a dozen shiners.
I'll have 6 rods for planers, two for down lines and one cork. I'll toss in one casting rod for the unexpected.
Got refresher planer board technique from Pete. I didn't realize how much I forgot. Have to make a little chart about line weight, boat speed, depth of fish, etc.
Whoops, Damn health issue. Got bad gout in boat ankles and can't walk. Had to call Pete and cancel our meeting. He notified me that he got bait a bit further up Terry's easily, but didn't tell me if he boated any stripers. Just said the bite was rushed. Leafs falling like mad and filling the boat. :( It is Fall, isn't it.
OK, here's the Water Bugz planer board with the LED light mounted on top. The LED light has a wire loop on the bottom. I pushed it into the foam and then drilled across the planer. I used a small high speed screw, like drywall to secure the light. Would work with a paper clip straightened or a tooth pick.
Don't know what this is intended to show. Maybe how to clutter a desk?
Just to show where the screw was placed to hold the LED.
Pete sent a note to let me know he directed a buddy to a great fishing spot on Sunday, Oct. 11 and . . . Now have to get the practice frog off my casting rod and use a Pencil Popper.
. Fueled the boat
. Did real Magic on the reels
. Recieved extra foam for the Bugz planer boards and modified 2 R & L
. Gave a lot of thought to lights for night planer board use, but . . .
. Updated the Navionics + card, but not back on the boat
. Got a tentative fishing plan from Pete DeRosario
. May have a novice on board this trip
What about the PLAN
Pete will be on the water at High Point Marina at 2 PM. Lake Aana is now full pool and I'll launch at Rockland Creek and motor to HPM. The novece is a friend and hasn't fished this lake or species. Will be a show and tell adventure.
Will do boards and corks in the North Anna after getting EASY bait in the Pamunkey or Terry's Run. Yet, I might stop at Fish Tales and get a dozen shiners.
I'll have 6 rods for planers, two for down lines and one cork. I'll toss in one casting rod for the unexpected.
Got refresher planer board technique from Pete. I didn't realize how much I forgot. Have to make a little chart about line weight, boat speed, depth of fish, etc.
Whoops, Damn health issue. Got bad gout in boat ankles and can't walk. Had to call Pete and cancel our meeting. He notified me that he got bait a bit further up Terry's easily, but didn't tell me if he boated any stripers. Just said the bite was rushed. Leafs falling like mad and filling the boat. :( It is Fall, isn't it.
OK, here's the Water Bugz planer board with the LED light mounted on top. The LED light has a wire loop on the bottom. I pushed it into the foam and then drilled across the planer. I used a small high speed screw, like drywall to secure the light. Would work with a paper clip straightened or a tooth pick.
Don't know what this is intended to show. Maybe how to clutter a desk?
Just to show where the screw was placed to hold the LED.
Pete sent a note to let me know he directed a buddy to a great fishing spot on Sunday, Oct. 11 and . . . Now have to get the practice frog off my casting rod and use a Pencil Popper.
On a top water? Maybe a pencil popper? A great catch for Lake Anna!
Monday, October 5, 2015
WHAT ABOUT FISHING FOR STRIPERS AS A LIFE ENDEAVOR?
October 5 and the sun is out inspite of the weather forecast. Need to make another trip to the Rockland Creek dock to view the water conditions. Then, make a plan for fishing Friday, Oct. 9. Need Pete DeRpsario's blessings.
Got to get busy and make the Kiptopeke plan too. Jimmie Beaty (Teacher) sent a note that he will be on the Bay on Nov. 15. No reply from my brother Raymond as to an arrival date to make reservations. joytbkiptopekecows.blogspot.com
OK, back to night lights for the Water Bugz planer boards. Now realize the wheel is already invvented. all accessories are available at www.bottomdwellerstackle.com. If not at www.waterbugz.com.
ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER PLAN!
Thursday, October 1, 2015
And the rains came and the water level will soon be too much?
Hurricane Joaquin isn't here yet and the lake is rising!
Where will the bait be and where are the stripers? Maybe ambient temp being 20 degrees below normal will get them into a seasonal pattern - schooling!
Looking down the ramp on 9/28/15, where's the water?
Note the mud along the left white seawall that follows the channel to the lake. 9/28/15
The water level on 9/28/15.
The water level on 10/1/15, notice the level on the ramp and the proximity of the water to the bottom of the dock.
The photo below is the water level on 10/1/15. The channel to the lake doesn't show any mud along the seawall. Great!
I can hardly wait to take photos of the same area by Monday, 10/5/15 to see if the top of the seawall can still be seen.
Most all of the emergency alerts are withdrawn and the lake water level is near identical on 10/2/15 as it was on the 1st of Oct.
Where will the bait be and where are the stripers? Maybe ambient temp being 20 degrees below normal will get them into a seasonal pattern - schooling!
Looking down the ramp on 9/28/15, where's the water?
Note the mud along the left white seawall that follows the channel to the lake. 9/28/15
The water level on 9/28/15.
The water level on 10/1/15, notice the level on the ramp and the proximity of the water to the bottom of the dock.
The photo below is the water level on 10/1/15. The channel to the lake doesn't show any mud along the seawall. Great!
I can hardly wait to take photos of the same area by Monday, 10/5/15 to see if the top of the seawall can still be seen.
Most all of the emergency alerts are withdrawn and the lake water level is near identical on 10/2/15 as it was on the 1st of Oct.
Rockland Creek water is quite clear even with the continuing rain. See the launch ramp below the surface.
What about Tim's on North Anna?
Yep. really old muddy!
So, where will he baits and striper schools go?
Well, on John Kerr, the baits and stripers head for clean water, almost the mud line down river. At the mouths of creeks that have clean water. no rain in the forecast. How long will the mud last? Is it only surface, or how deep does it go . . .
Pete says they will go deep into the channels in Lake Anna. Hmmm, is Friday Oct. 9 really a fish night?
Working feaverously on the Bugz planer board lights. Also giving my reels a Real Magic treatment and checking them twice. WHOOPEE, A FISH AFTERNOON COMING. Best not tell my love that I will be out after dark. Hope Pete locates help for my boat.
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