Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Today was both surreal and special. I met up with Mike Bailey and Chris Campo to fish in Mike's raft.



The reason for my comment above is the history that I have with both of these River Rats.

My good friend Carl (RIP) introduced me to Mike many moons ago. Carl actually got Mike hooked on fishing and Mike even bought one of Carl's boats. As did I. Mike is known as the "animal" in the Fletcher's world.

I've known Chris all of his life and have passed on to him many of my rods, reels and tackle. He even bought one of my kayaks. Chris is heavily involved in the Fletcher's world and is a top notch fish hunter and catcher. The fact that he is friends with Mike brings everything full circle. Carl's love of fishing and teaching.

We splashed the raft at 6:34a (I looked ) and it was a cool, misty morning. Wind was there and was a PIA at times but Chris knew what to do to get away from it or use it to our benefit.

We caught many fish. Mike was using a Zoom fluke and I was throwing the Flat worm. While we were catching the same amount of fish, I noticed that Mike was catching some better ones. Chris offered the fluke and I refused...for a while anyway.   I ended up using one and after 3 fish on/off situations, I started landing them.

All told, we caught 47 smallies! Chris actually used a clicker. He wanted 50 but I was worn out and Big Belly's was awaiting!

Here is a pictorial of the day.













Then Mike got hit and this bulldog had his way with him!





BTW, we had many more bites that were not takers but the "worst" part was how many fish we hooked and lost before we even saw them. We should have been over 50 for sure and closer to 75!

Off the water at 2p.

Fried flounder sandwiches for me and Mike. Chris had the Shawarma chicken wrap. Great foot but even greater company!!