I dragged my friend Noah along with me to Downs tonight to see if we could get in on some of the good bass fishing I've been reading about. We got to the lake, paid the lady $5 and proceeded to launch my 14' Livingston. I launched the boat, parked the truck, and returned to the launch to find that the boat had all the plugs removed and was quickly sinking. Raced back to the truck while Noah removed all the gear from the boat and was able to get back in time to get it on the trailer before it became unmanageable (it took on 4-5 inches of water at the most...). the plugs are right here next to my monitor in a baggie containing my trout baits. Which I specifically remember seeing AND looking through before leaving. Powerbait. Check. Boat Plugs. Check. Salmon Eggs. Check. Why would I need trout bait today? I wouldn't. So I tossed it back on the desk and left.

We drove past Williams but they were packed and I didn't want to deal with parking my new rig and boat at their facilities just to fish from the dock. We continued down to Badger, but every available spot on the shore was taken. If weeds and rocks were the target today they seemed to be doing great. Word to the guy at Badger that brought his wife along... bringing others with you just so you have a legal leg to stand on for fishing with multiple poles is really lame. Taking up an entire 25' section of the beach by spreading your families unattended poles out every 5 feet is not only lame, it is illegal. Having your wife sit in the car does not allow her to have immediate control over her gear. And you must have had kids running around somewhere to account for the other poles.... right? I WILL make a call next time I'm unable to fish that spot if you are up to the same tricks. It's rude, lame, illegal, and downright unsportsmanlike.

I've updated the Downs Lake profile with pictures so everyone can actually SEE the weed and pad infestation that is taking place at the lake. Take a look at the pictures... then realize that it is still early May and it's going to get a LOT worse.

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