Uncooperative fish and commiserating with The Bergens
My brother and I fished a tournament this past Wed-nesday afternoon. Our efforts were to no avail, then than laughing at not getting bites and putting up with each other complaining about not getting any bites. We had a good turnout for the tournament, and, as always, Chief did a great job of handling everything.
The tournament results for Tuesday: Colby, 8.91 pounds; Walter and Sonny, 8.63 pounds; and Colton and Caleb (big fish), 5.92 pounds. Thirty-two boats participated with only 11 weighing in. Wednesday results were Lucas and Cornbread, 8.74 pounds; Sonny and Walter, 8.59 pounds; and Brewer and Brewer (big fish), 5.31 pounds.
Tournaments are open to anyone and have a three-fish limit with a 14-inch size minimum. Cost is $30 per boat. Please note that bull sessions and new fishing buddies are free of charge.
This past week consisted of a series of tangled line and a stream of obscenities at the fish for not cooperating when I fished. I had the “this only happens to me” attitude all week. I swear I felt like one of the Bergens from the movie Trolls every time I fish. The only reason I know that is because my granddaughter makes us watch the movie over and over. However, I did learn that any fish caught and shown to her becomes her personal property. She wants to walk around and show off said fish to everyone who will pet and hug it.
But I digress. It was a trying week for me on the lake. I wrapped up line and almost threw myself in the water on numerous occasions while driving the trolling motor. Lest I forget, I dumped one of my tackle boxes in the boat while moving stuff around. Another couple of weeks like this and I may offer some bargains on tackle and then start playing dominoes.
I am measuring my fishing in bites, not catches, and the above-listed tournaments indicate that many of the fishermen are experiencing similar circumstances. I still think we are in a state of transition on the river, and it may start to pick up really soon.
With all the weather chan-ges in the last week, the fish are probably as messed up as me. One day I wear jeans and a coat, and next I’m wearing then shorts. The front that recently came through the area had to have a negative effect on the bass.
I did manage to catch a few fish this past week, just not much size and a couple of re-catch fish.
My plans are to be back out on the lake again this weekend and attempt to locate a bite somewhere. My boat front will be covered with 14 rods and look like hand-to-hand combat until I find some kind of pattern. Maybe next week will be an improvement in catching fish. As always, just fishing and being on the lake is the fun.
Remember to take the time to wet a hook and keep a tight line. I’ll see you out on the lake. You’ll recognize me – I’ll be the one in the Bergen Boat.
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.