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After a summer full of commitments, decided it was time for some panfishing so I got hold of Lotech Joe and offered a day on Newman Lake if he was game. He readily accepted so I picked him up early Wednesday morning and we were on the water and fishing before 7am.

Joe hooked up right at 7am, and after a good battle on his ultra light gear, I netted a beauty of a SMB. Joe declared it the largest he's ever caught, and the scale revealed it to be 2lbs, 1oz, and IIRC, it was just over 17". Nice fish and I could tell Joe was thrilled at the catch.

Our target for the day was panfish, whether crappie, bluegill, or perch. We fished most of the lake, but concentrated on weedy areas where these species are most commonly found. We caught loads of crappie, bluegill, and perch, most of which we sent back to grow some more. Though I didn't keep track, I think we probably caught 50 - 60 fish or more that got returned for another day. There were a few that went in the cooler, too. I caught one really nice bluegill and one nice crappie that went in the cooler with Joe's SMB. Later in the day, Joe caught a decent keeper perch that also found its way to the ice.

Big fish honors fell to me when I hooked what I estimate to be a 32" - 35" Tiger Muskie on my ultra light Eagle Claw rod and reel. I was using fresh (spooled the night prior) Suffix 4lb test and a 1/16oz crappie jig with a tube skirt. This was the 4th time I've caught a Tiger Muskie on a crappie jig. Must have been a 15 - 20 minute battle with the TM, mostly trying get it off the bottom. Had it to the surface several times, and each time it would head back to the bottom where the process was repeated. Patience and perseverance paid off, and after a protracted battle, I slid the net under the TM. My jig was deeply implanted in the bony part of the jaw just outside of its teeth so that protected my line. Concerned with its welfare, I kept the net in the water while readying for a photo. After a couple photos, I carefully released it and watched it swim back into the depths. I didn't weigh or measure, but my best guess is it was around 10lbs or so.

I think we'd have done better had I thought to bring my anchor, but it's just one more thing to occupy space on the boat and I never need one when trolling so it isn't kept on board. I fought the wind all day, and suspect the forecast 10mph was more like 15mph+. The bow mount and I got a real workout trying to stay in a productive spot. Joe, I promise I won't forget the anchor next time we hit Newman!

For me, the highlight of the day wasn't the fish caught, rather, it was taking a fellow angler fishing and enjoying him have a great day just being on the water. That was more important than any fish I could catch. Many thanks to Joe for gracing my boat for the day. I really enjoyed it. :-)

Anglinarcher

8/24/2012 3:14:00 PM

Now this is an example of how post are suppose to be done. I think I had better record this as a guide for my next post.

Well done guys, well done.

Lucky on the TM, caught a 21# northern through the ice in Colorado on a crappie jig 25 years ago, and have had pike and muskie cut through wire. I guess it really is just the luck of the draw. LOL

schu7498

8/24/2012 5:35:00 PM

Wonderful report! Can't beat a day like that!

afk

8/24/2012 7:28:00 PM

Well done! Thanks for a great report.

blufin loui

8/24/2012 8:45:00 PM

Nice looking fish and a "great" report. Thanks Phil for sharing

hewesfisher

8/25/2012 5:50:00 AM

Glad everyone enjoyed the report. I was happy to just be on the water and even more so that I was able to take Joe with me. :-)

Lotech Joe

8/25/2012 5:53:00 AM

Thanks for letting me tag along Phil. It was a most enjoyable day for me. And not one I'll soon forget. I learned a couple of things that day, not the least of which is what the hot color is for jigs. I've tied up some imitation flies that should work well for the fly rod. Thanks again for letting me tag along. BTW, I was right about the chair. It was the weathered thread that gave up the ghost on the seat, and dental floss made a good repair. It's ready for use again any time. Thanks again.

hewesfisher

8/25/2012 7:09:00 AM

That's good to hear Joe, at least it was just a simple stitch job for you. Good thing I had the cooler though. LOL

It was MY PLEASURE to have you tag along and we WILL do this again. Maybe, just maybe, someday in the future you can convince me to try fly fishing. My brother tried, and failed, I just don't have the patience when it comes to learning new techniques, especially when the ones I know work so well. :-)

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