It was Tuesday, April 11, 2006. The weather man had promised a day without rain. It seemed like a good day to take the old bass boat out of the garage and check out Long Lake. The boat had been just sitting in the garage since last October. The batteries were charged, the hubs were lubed and air was added to the trailer tires. And, fresh new line had been added to the reels.
I arrived at Long Lake about 9:00 AM. There were no cars or tow rigs parked in the public access area. I launched the boat and was pleased the old Mercury fired right off -- even with the old stale gas from last year. I headed for the North end of the lake and started fishing the west shoreline. Mostly I was fishing a black jig but I did toss a black spinner bait for a while.
There was a cool north breeze. I fished the shoreline south as the breeze pushed me slowly down along. I had almost fished back to the public access without a single strike. My casting was almost on automatic. Finally, as I cast up along the side of a private dock, a very aggressive bass smacked my jig with vigor. I set the hook and there was quite a battle. The fish looked huge in the water.
The shoreline resident saw the action and told her husband that it looks like a fisherman has hooked your buoy. The man looked out his window and told her, "Hey he has a fish." He came out to watch the action and then offered to take a photo for me. I accepted.
The big beauty was weighed at 4 pounds, 10 ounces and was 20 inches long. She was thanked for the memories and gently released at the same dock where she was caught. Only one strike, but it was enough to make my day. Fish On!!!!!!!!!!

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