By Marty Dixon/Staff Correspondent
Gas was still below three dollars a gallon since you last heard from me, so it’s been a little while. I’m still trying to get well and motivated to get out on the water regularly, so I don’t have much for an outdoor-type article.
The past few weeks have gone by without any fishing on my part. My boat was being serviced at Brown’s Outboard, and some outside factors kept me in dry dock. It now looks like gas prices may be keeping close to home as well. Rest assured, I’m doing my best to get back out on the water in order to share my misery with those wishing to read these tidbits.
I did finally get back out on Neely Henry Lake for few days before the rain came in, and I got in a couple of fishing days this past weekend. The fishing was terrible for me on Saturday, but the trip was a good one. Just getting out on the water was refreshing, even as I fought the the wind for four hours. The water was flowing and dirty, but I found several pockets of near 60-degree water. Very little catching was done but it was still great.
I got back out on the water after church on Sunday with Brother Butch. We mostly stayed close to home while shooting the breeze and trying out a few different lures with expectations of catching a few. We ran into a few fish in a slough on a wacky rigged worm and crank bait. We did not catch any toads but caught some keepers. We tried to solve much of the world’s problems while unlocking what phase the bass are in at the present time. All in all, it was a good trip with good company.
The water level has been in a state of flux recently. The big girls should be on the move in getting ready to come in and do their business. It may be feast or famine right now, but if you find the right area, you could put together a big bag of fish. As always during this time of year, the weather is a big factor. Fortunately, the days are getting longer while the sun is steadily warming the water. If we can ever get that sun back out all day, I hope to hook up with some of those big girls in the shallows soon.
I’d like to mention that the MLFAA banquet went well. Several pros were there, including Randy Howell, Marty Robinson and Chris Lane. They were very friendly. My hope is that the money raised from the event will be used to start a restocking program. This was Year 1, and with any luck, the program will grow each year. Thanks to Wes Long for spearheading this program. as well as all the people who bought tables to help enhance our lake.
Last and certainly not least, “Honest” Eric Hubbard, a good friend of mine, is starting a faith-based site on Facebook called Alabama Anglers for Good. Eric has a vision for anglers coming together to assist people in need. I would like for you to visit his page and join if you feel led to do so. At least give it a read. Eric is in the process of getting members and input right now but has plans to move it forward.
Until next time, tight lines to all!
Marty Dixon is a 1982 Sardis High School graduate and retired high school educator and coach. He was head coach of the Gadsden State women’s basketball team from 2015 to 2019. He and his wife Texann live in Gadsden. He can be contacted at fishn4funin02@yahoo.com and the Neely Henry Bass Fishing page on Facebook.