I needed to decompress, so headed down to the local puddles to spend about 2.5 hours of fishing before they closed. That's about $5.60 an hour to unwind and hopefully pick up some trout for the smoker.
Plan was to start designing the SNBF-XVII logo and chill while watching the rods.
(https://i.imgur.com/MqnnY02.jpg)
Here's my "Strike Indicator" set up which keeps the line taught in the wind and also easily alerts me when the fish grabs the bait.
(https://i.imgur.com/WpvTdzF.jpg)
It didn't take long before I saw the strike indicator go erect and fish on! Man, these things are full of piss and vinegar! It was an awesome fight on 2# test and the noodle rod!
It took a few passes before I got a net under her and a 2.4# trout just made my day in case I didn't get another bite.
(https://i.imgur.com/sbRTukl.jpg)
I talked with some people, but otherwise it was a good group of fishermen. Everyone respected everyone else's space which is not common for Trout fishing.
It was about 15 minutes to closing when I looked out the truck window and saw my rod doubled over! Must be a catfish, but man, it was a hell of a fight and didn't seem like a cat. The water was super muddy from all the rain and I never got eyes on it. Actually, it surfaced and threw water a few times, but all I could see was the wake and a lot of water splashing. I had to navigate multiple obstacles and it finally came into view as I was netting it! WTF!?!?! ANOTHER BIG LIGHTNING TROUT! Nowhere as beautiful as my Cuyamaca one, but just a big fat blob!
(https://i.imgur.com/GdqyUsd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/9MUGlR4.jpg)
It looked like a big giant Banana Slug! (or a freshwater mola mola as someone pointed out)
(https://i.imgur.com/TFsSudj.jpg)
After getting some pictures, I looked up to see the Rangers saying it's past 5:00 and time to go. They only let me stay past 5 since they saw what I just caught on the last cast! LOL
I get home and take a quick weight of the stringer. It bounced around, but was ~7-3/4 pounds for the two!
(https://i.imgur.com/a41umoh.jpg)
Unfortunately, I had Dad duties, so I packed them in ice to head out and clean now. I promised my wife Crobster Cakes for dinner, so I have a lot to do now.
In any case, Lightning struck twice in January! I wanted to go again today, but I got the stare of death from the girls, so time to clean some fish and make dinner.
Thanks for reading!
Awesome Tom, and now I know what a strike indicator is 8)
Yup don't know if I would mount that one, just a ball of golden pudge, but still an epic catch. Eating well lately. You and that trout.
I've seen Tommy with that style of strike indicator, I haven't tried such a thing yet. It would combine well with my little baitfeeders if I ever get the gaul to go trout hugging.
Time to play The Lotto, 2024 is treating you well 8)
(https://i.imgur.com/47DORJ8.jpg)
: Tim524 January 24, 2024, 07:52:51 p
Time to play The Lotto, 2024 is treating you well 8)
(https://i.imgur.com/47DORJ8.jpg)
Tim where did you unearth that masterpiece?
Gonna start calling lightning trout "Clout Trout" ;D
: jrodda January 24, 2024, 11:11:53 p
: Tim524 January 24, 2024, 07:52:51 p
Time to play The Lotto, 2024 is treating you well 8)
(https://i.imgur.com/47DORJ8.jpg)
Tim where did you unearth that masterpiece?
Gonna start calling lightning trout "Clout Trout" ;D
It just showed up on my feed the other day and it was the perfect fit for Tom :)
Clout Trout is the perfect name for Lightning Trout. lol