Lincoln Beach Tubers Floatilla 8-14-07

[TubeDude]

[cool][black][size 1][size 2][blue]Not a bad showing, for a weekday morning. TubeBabe, myself, Swedishfish, LloydE (& friend), Out4aFloat and tlspyder13. All those folks were in tubes. We were joined upon the water by Beggin4Bass and Fishhound, in their small boat. Hope I didn't leave anybody out.

TubeBabe and I were first on the end of the dike this morning. We were almost aired up ready to launch when Lloyd and friend drove up. Next was Swedishfish. Spyderman slept in again this morinng so he and Out4aFloat were later getting launched.

There was a brisk east breeze before daybreak, and it looked like the wind had blown strongly the night before. The water was really "colored". Water temps were 74 at launch, and 78 at 1 PM.

The morning white bass bite was not much to get excited about They were really active on Saturday and TubeBabe was looking forward to getting to play with some of them. I hooked a couple of decent sized ones early on minnows, but they were just not whacking the fancy jigs and lures I was throwing.

No walleyes today, for anybody. Most of us caught at least a few small white bass. Average were the 10 inchers, but there were a few 12 - 14 inchers brought to tube as well.

I caught the first channel cat a little after 7 AM. A nice 22 incher that weighed right about 4 pounds. After about an hour of nothing else, I scored a 19 incher and then my largest for the day...a 24 incher that weighed almost 6 pounds. After that I caught a solitary mudder and a couple of sub 12 inch channels. Cute little things.

TubeBabe spotted me the first two cats and then she went to work. She announced over the walkie talkie that she had a big ol' daddy cat, about 7 pounds. Turned out that it went 27 inches and 8.4 pounds on the scales. Biggest kittie of the day. She also landed three more large cats...up to six pounds, and a couple of the bitty kitties like I caught.

Tlspyder13 caught a couple of nice kitties while we were there too. His largest was just under 27" and weighed in at 8.2#...just a teeny bit smaller than TubeBabe's biggun. He seemed to be having fun with those kitties and whities.

Poor Lloyd. I think he used up all his luck on the walleye he caught last Saturday. He was snake bit, but couldn't get kittie bit. I guess I need to hook up with him for some on the water CATFISH 101. But, he will probably just catch walleyes by accident.

Swedishfish stayed off in the distance and muttered something about a "few white bass" whe he cruised by within shouting distance one time.

I know the boys in the boat scored some fish. I will let them fill in the details.

I think we all had a good time. There was only the slightest little breeze a couple of times through the morning. Dead, flat calm slick otherwise. Tough duty. A light north wind came up just at noon. Game over.[/blue][/size]
[/size][/black] [black][size 1]Attachments:[/size][/black] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28570;"][#000000] DAWN DELIGHT.jpg [/#000000][/url](147 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28571;"][#000000] FIRST KITTY OF THE MORNING..jpg [/#000000][/url](164 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28572;"][#000000] B4B & FISHHOUND.jpg [/#000000][/url](169 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28573;"][#000000] ON TROUBLED WATERS.jpg [/#000000][/url](150 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28574;"][#000000] LLOYD LOITERING.jpg [/#000000][/url](177 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28575;"][#000000] LLOYD (FRONT) TUBEBABE (BACK).jpg [/#000000][/url](145 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28576;"][#000000] OUT4AFLOAT FLOATING.jpg [/#000000][/url](146 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28577;"][#000000] SPYDERMAN'S DADDYCAT.jpg [/#000000][/url](212 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28578;"][#000000] SPYDERMAN SCORES A DOUBLE.jpg [/#000000][/url](309 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28579;"][#000000] MUDETTE.jpg [/#000000][/url](206 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28580;"][#000000] WHOPPER WHITIE.jpg [/#000000][/url](245 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28581;"][#000000] NOT MANY TODAY.jpg [/#000000][/url](171 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28582;"][#000000] BITTY KITTY.jpg [/#000000][/url](158 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28583;"][#000000] TUBEBABE TOP ROD.jpg [/#000000][/url](283 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28584;"][#000000] TUBEBABE'S TWO BIGGEST.jpg [/#000000][/url](261 KB) [/size][/black] [size 1]Attachments:[/size] [black][size 1][url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=28585;"][#000000] TUBEDUDE'S BASKET.jpg [/#000000][/url](263 KB) [/size][/black]
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[fshslyer36]

Those are some nice kitties good report
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[jnbsigma]

Sounds like a great time by all. Wish I coulda made it!
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[lavaman]

Nice report Pat. Next time catch some bigger kitties will ya? : )
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[mactuna]

Nice day on the pond. Good report Pat.
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[TubeBabe]

[angelic]Hey ... that is my job! And ... I did it well today!
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[jnbsigma]

Indeed you did! Great job out there TB. Someone's gotta keep the old man humble, right? []
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[lavaman]

Great job TB! I would love to one day catch a kittie that big! : )

And btw..it's not fair that Pat gets to go fishing 2 or 3 times every week. Give him a few projects to do, would ya?
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[beggin4bass]

We had a slow morning but was able to land 3 kitties. 2 were keepers for dinner. TD caught the one we were after thin AM. As the wind took us from the area we started at, TD moved in and took our fish. Just kidding Pat. You are "THE MAN" when it comes to catching fish. Hope we can go again soon.
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[Out4Trout]

[cool]Dang you guys...out there catchin' the kitties without me again...[pirate] I know I've been M.I.A. lately around here. Been working two jobs lately so not much time to fish or report about it when I have gone. Beggin4bass and I hit Lake X a week ago Saturday and caught lots of perch and a few smallies, but no big ones. I think the biggies are deeper at the moment up there and require drop-shot know how.

Anyhooters, congrats on a great day out there guys, and I think Beggin4bass and I are gonna hit Lincoln this Saturday. Hope we can get a few big K's to stretch our strings...
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[fishfinder462]

Wish I could of been there for the kitty action and sounds like a great turn out. Too bad about the whites though.

FF462
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Hey Justin, just for the record, my fishing logs show that about the only place TubeBabe ever whacks me is at Lincoln Beach...fishing for cats. And even then, I end up top rod MOST of the time. But...who keeps track?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I readily admit that she is hard to beat when it comes to ketchin' those kitties. She has become a very competent overall anglerette, but cats are a special forte. When we fish at one of our catfish venues, TubeBabe is the model of concentration and determination. And, she has both the skill and the luck to attract the bigguns and to whup 'em when they bite. She don't lose many once they are hooked and she NEVER breaks them off...unless they find the heavy brush.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]That being said, on the days she comes out top rod on the kitties it is usually because I spend a lot of time tossing lures for other species and do not focus as much on the cats. I keep one rod baited for cats, but my attention is on the rod in my hands, throwing jigs or spinners or whatever. I probably miss a lot of the subtle pickups on the bait rod, just because I am not looking...and some of those cats have to be finessed. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]When TubeBabe hits the water, she might throw lures for a few minutes. But, unless the whities are active, she quickly changes the lure stick for another bait rod. She keeps two baits in the water at all times and she both holds the lines in her fingers and watches the line and rod for any hints of an "interested party". By picking up that rod and feeding line...before it pops free from the holder...she keeps finicky fishies from feeling anything unnatural and dropping the bait. That can be a key to catching more fish whenever they are more sensitive to feeling pressure. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In short, she is a proactive catter. She does not just "chuck and chance it". She fishes only in the right depths, with the right baits and the right gear. And, she takes advantage of every opportunity that comes along. That is a good strategy for all of us...for all species.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Of course, I would like to think that much of her success can be attributed to the excellent coaching, guide service, tackle tinkering, rod rigging, bait provision and online (walkie talkie) guidance she gets from yours truly. Yeah, I WOULD like to think that...but the truth is, she is just danged good at cattin'. Lucky too.[/#0000ff]
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[jnbsigma]

[sly] I would imagine it'd be pretty difficult for someone to hang around you as long as she has and not get really good! I know I lose a good opportunity everytime I end up not making it out to mini-floatilla like this one.

Would that the bothers of life would just leave us alone sometimes so we could hit the water more often, right? At the same time, I'm sure those prohibitive bothers make it so that the times we can make it out are just that much better. Kind of a "don't-know-whatcha-got-till-it's-gone" type of thing. Lookin forward to the next one!
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]There are a lot of younger BFTers who envy my "life of leisure", that allows me the opportunity to fish more often...and during the week. Believe me, I appreciate the chances I have to fish more often. It was not always so.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have worked since I was in the 8th grade, sometimes at several jobs at once. During my early family years I often had to work long hours and travel away from home a lot. My kids used to call me "Uncle Daddy"...just to make a point. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I "semi-retired" a year ago. For a variety of reasons. One of them was to be able to enjoy what I enjoy doing, before I am no longer physically able to do so. I have seen too many people work too long, just so they can "afford" to do what they want...and then be confined to home or a wheelchair when they lose their health and cannot get out. Not me.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am not wealthy...except for my family and friends. I am rich in those areas. But, I do have enough to cover a few fishing trips and to support my filthy lure making habits.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]And, I am happy to share what I can with others who are working at building their own bases of knowledge and experience. I had help from a lot of others along the way, and I would be a selfish and ungrateful person if I did not pass it along whenever I have a chance. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have news for anybody who thinks I think I know it all. I am very humble in admitting that I still have a lot to learn. As the old saying goes, "The more I learn, the more I learn that I don't know." Ain't life great. There just ain't no end to the new opportunities that come along.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But...for those who feel like they are bogged down in the swamp of making a living and raising a family...be patient. If you continue to work hard and be conscientious in all your efforts, good things will happen. You will end up with a large circle of family and friends who love and support you. And, you will gradually accumulate the financial resources and the extra time to enjoy your recreational pursuits.[/#0000ff]
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[jnbsigma]

Wise words well said! The best things in life don't come easy, which is what makes them worth it. If a person could have what he wanted all the time, he'd probably take it for granted and I'm sure it wouldn't be long before he realized it's really not what he wanted at all. It's the ups AND the downs that make things worthwhile. As much as I love fishing, I know that if I devoted an unproportional amount of time to it, I'd end up losing the things that I really love most.

Look at us waxing all philosophical! Kinda reminds me of Pat McManus' I fish, therefore I am book: "The rule is...the worse the fisherman, the better the philosopher...Plato himself was so miserably inept at fishing that he eventually wrote The Republic, which is just about as bad as you can get when it comes to catching fish. Much to Plato's disappointment, The Republic was rejected by all the leading outdoor publications of the day." [cool]
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[Saberfish]

[black][size 3]Pat, [/size][/black]
[size 3]Your last comment was well penned, and gives a true view of the way things are. [/size]
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[size 3]All my life, I have hunted and fished way too much in the opinion of many. but during recent times, since retirement, I have not regretted a minute of my outdoor activities.[/size]
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[size 3]As you know, my current condition has kept me from these activities, and living these sports through the actions of others is helpful, but not satisfying.[/size]
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[size 3]I keep waiting to see what the future will provide. I keep the options open, and remain optimistic.[/size]
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[size 3]My advise to anyone with interests in fishing, is to do it. Go as often as possible. I worked with several people, who would always say "when I retire, I'm going to......" and they either did not end up with the interest or ability to take up new activities. [/size]
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[size 3]I hope everyone reads your accounts of fishing trips, and that they take it serious enough to follow your example.[/size]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Thanks, Ray. Considering your current health situation, you are more aware than most that we cannot always take tomorrow for granted. For some folks, tomorrow never comes. Or, if it does come, conditions are different and our dreams and plans may not be possible.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]During the last few years of my parents' lives, while I was acting as their primary caregiver (along with my wife), we became even more in tune with the precious gift of health and mental competence. Among their circle of friends were many couples who had once anticipated travel and recreation upon retirement. And, all too often one or the other developed physical or mental impairments that cancelled their intended lifestyle.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It is definitely possible to overdo the fishing and personal time thing. When it interferes with income and family stability, you might need to reassess your priorities and adjust your scheduling. But, if you are taking care of business...and your family...and you have some discretionary time in your budget...then you should do what pleases you most. It is okay to be selfish once in awhile. And, fishing is one of the least destructive selfish pursuits.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]There are many old sayings that I use as a basis for life...and fishing. One is "Carpe diem"...sieze the day (has nothing to do with carp). When you have the time and the opportunity...go for it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Another is "The dest words of or pen are the words WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN."[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]And...a personal original..."IF is the biggest two letter word in any language." I use that to remind myself that I would much rather JUST DO IT...and have the memories...than to procrastinate or postpone...and wonder forever what might have happened if I had just gone and done it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]In short (who...me?), I believe that we can usually justify some fishing time...with ourselves or others. Even if our lust for fishing is beyond passion and borderline addiction, we can still confine it to the extent that it does not ruin everything else around us. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The flip side of that coin is that fishing is often the only stabilizing influence in an otherwise unlivable life. I know that it has been the only positive part of my life during several turbulent periods. It is much easier to suffer through a catastrophic day, week or month when you have fishing to look forward to afterward.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Ray, you are living proof that the mere ability to read about fishing...and to live fishing vicariously through the experiences of others...is sometimes better therapy than any medication. Take away our dreams and hopes and we have nothing left. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have shared with others before my personal credo for living. If you substitute the word "fish" or "fishing" for the words life, live or living, then it is really on the mark.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]"EXISTING IS NOT LIVING. I AM GOING TO LIVE UNTIL I DIE. IF IT IS LIVING THAT KILLS ME...SO BE IT."[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It's gettin' pretty thick and heavy around here. Sorry.[/#0000ff]
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[LloydE]

Good advice Pat. You may have noticed that since our first trip together (Huntington) I have been fishing more than usual. I was too mentally and physically burdened with difficult problems some of my children were experiencing to go fishing. It was Kent's suggestion, and your concurring with that suggestion, that I do more fishing. Kent and you helped me change things around. I appreciate both yours and Kent's friendship.
By the way, tell TubeBabe that she is not only a kind, gracious person, but a great fisherman (fisherwoman) as well. I was greatly impressed with her dedication and skills.
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]You can lead a fisherman to water...but after that it is up to him. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Happy to be a small part of your "transformation". Hasn't hurt a bit, has it?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Take two casts and call me in the morning. Oh what the heck, I'll just meet you at the lake.[/#0000ff]
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[swedishfish]

[font "Calibri"][size 3]I’ve been saying “I will fish more when…” for far too long. When I was in school I was going to fish more after I graduated. Then I had a young family, and I said I would fish more when my kids got older. Work became more demanding and I started looking forward to when I could fish more when I am retired.[/size][/font]
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[font "Calibri"][size 3]I’ve been reading, and have been a member of BFT (with a different handle) for close to 5 years. Several weeks ago I decided enough was enough. I created a new account and decided I would start fishing now and quit waiting until I thought it would be more convenient.[/size][/font]

[font "Calibri"][size 3]I still have a job and a young family; because of that, a full day of fishing isn’t always feasible. As some of you have noticed on the last 2 trips, I am the first to leave. On Saturday it was to go home and be with my family and on Tuesday it was to head back to work. I am convinced I can still pursue my hobbies and be a good husband, father, and employee.[/size][/font]
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