Fishing can be difficult this time of year but it’s still fun!

Tournament season continued to be difficult for me this year.   Last year I cashed four checks….this year only one check, finally coming in at second place for the tournament on Big St Germain.  I pre-fished that tournament and spent a lot of time learning the lake.  On Wednesday before the Sunday tournament I was able to catch 5 nice fish that weighed almost 15 lbs.  So I thought this may be my tournament!  Many of the quality fish  places I found in practice just didn’t yield good fish during the actual tournament.   But I was able to slide into second place behind first place by about 1 ½ lbs.  Overall, I was able to do just enough this year that I ended up taking 3^rd place in the Angler of the Year race.   But that’s fishing.   It can humble you.   I just need to stay the course in the future and be comfortable in my abilities – things will get better!

Here are a few pictures of some fish that I caught during tournaments this summer.

Recently Marvin and Ardis Wick came up to the Northwoods from southern Illinois.   I’ve known Marvin and Ardis for a long time and I’m glad they got a chance to stop by for a few days on their way to Minnesota and a vacation at Owl’s Nest Resort.   Marvin hadn’t had an opportunity to catch smallmouth bass before and was interested in doing so.   So he, Ardis, and I fished a couple of places in the area to get him and Ardis a smallie.   We were successful and caught a few smaller smallies.   Then Marvin caught a couple of 3 pounders – I was glad he got a chance to see what a nice smallie on the end of his line felt like.

It’s been a fun summer – can’t believe we’re almost done with the season!  Where did it go!

There’s definitely more fishing to come – please check back later when you have time.  Andy and Sarah are fishing with me at our last club tournament on Sunday, August 21^st.   It will be fun and it will be their first time fishing competitively.   It’s a “family” tournament so it will be no pressure – just fun!   Will let you know how we do!