It's the Little Things That Count

The day is in the 60's but with a cool edge to it, especially on the breezy lake.

Red bud is popping out all over, a sign that spring is ready to pop, too. Weather report says mid to high 70's ever day next week.

On the west side bluegill are flipping out of the water. That's good to see. They're going after a hatch of midges that drift in the air like dandelion fluff.

Some decide a fat stimulator is worth chasing as well.

I kick for the dam trailing a bead head leech. I get some yanks.

I work the dam with the leech and get a couple hookups that come undone. I think they're bass, but they might be crappie.

Then I catch a little bass. Maybe those others were bass. Or maybe crappie.

I cross in front of the spillway and cover the last stretch of shoreline before the take out. That's where I caught my lunker bass. I get another couple of hook ups that come undone. Then, just before I reach the ramp, I get a big yank that bends the rod double. I'm thinking big bass, but then pull this thing in.

I'm not certain what it is so I look it up. I find some photos of identical fish taken at Lake Monroe. They're labelled striped bass and they're just this size. I didn't know striped bass came in this size, but I'm happy to catch a new species at Yellowwood.

The lake is waking up, and I enjoyed breaking the skunk. The best part of the evening, though, was breaking in a brand new pair of waders. For the first time in months I was completely dry on the drive home. It's the little things that count.