The Happy Fisherman

Hello Everyone , I know it’s been awhile scence my last blog but things have been crazy busy in my life so I thought I’d catch you all up with what I’ve been up to and what I’ve been catching. So Those who follow me on facebook know I have been non stop busy Scence the ice fishing season which ended with us catching the biggest perch we’ve caught and discovering the sweet taste of white perch.

End Of Ice Season Catch

Then we worked continuously on our boat which worked then died every time we put her in the water by the third time, the motor we thought to be an expensive fix just needed to be JB welded and set for 24 hours. (will be posting boat launch success video  on getreeled.com today.) We tested the boat and all it’s gear that day so no fish but we will be taking boat out again soon to really fish from it this time, now that the testing phase is over.

Old Busted Motor

Fixed working Motor

On top of all that I’m planning my wedding, but still managed to squeeze in a day of fishing once every weekend, problem is here in Vermont the spring weather has really been Funky and what I mean is that one day the weather would be in the 80’s and the next would be in the low 60’s threw spring fishing way out of wack, the only fish we caught worth mentioning is a nice size pickerel caught in the shallows from shore.

The last few weekends we went night fishing from shore at Limoil river in hopes of catching channel cats, we caught one small channel cat that night. but before the night was over a ” Mystery” fish doubled over my 8 foot surf rod and put up one heck of a battle I was netting and my buddy Nate was working the fish when he tried to adjust the drag and Snapped the line.

Limoil River

The following weekend we went back, this time loaded with 65 lb sonic braid ,at first the night Started out the same way nice and slow and relaxing, then Nate got his line tangled in the rocks so I went to help. while doing so my rod began to double over and bounce violently, Nate was Lighter and faster than me so I sent him over to catch the rod, He reached it just in time as the rod itself was coming out of the holder and the first battle ensued. Drag screaming, Hearts pounding, Adrenalin flowing. The Beast reached the net to our amazement it was a 13lb freshwater drum (better known as a sheephead) , almost 3 feet long. shortly after that I reeled in a 9 lb that was 2 feet 4 inches. Awesome fish and wicked battle. The Following photo are our victory and trophy poses from that night.

Nate's Victory Pose

My Victory Pose

"Nate's Trophy Pose"

My Trophy Pose

well that should catch us up for the moment, and I’m almost Finished with installing our pool, which was eating up alot more time than anticipated. and only a few more months left till the wedding i should be back in business and blogging more often. thanks for your time and patience.

GetREELed.com member Vanessa here – so last week I posed the question: “What are Your Fishing Must-Haves?” and got a great response on both GetREELed.com as well as our Facebook fan pages.

Here is a summary of everybody’s responses so take a look and share with your friends – you never know what you might be missing to make your fishing trips better!

“First you need a good Rod and Reel. I would Be taking a 6 1/2 ft Ugly Stick medium to heavy action. Always have a topwater silver original floating rapala,strikeking Spinnerbait,white chartruse with trailer hook, and never leave home without a Arkie crawgrub or jig, they really catch Big bass!… read more” – Danial

“When I go out for a day of fishing I Must have my Polarized glasses, my sun block, and my lucky visor, in my tackle box I must have my green pumkinseed trikstiks, and my Koppers Livetarget crawfish, and perch crankbaits… read more” – Ben

“St. Croix 6′6″ ML Fishing Rod with a Shimano Spinning Reel 10# test, with the right drag ready for anything. 2) Polarized Sunglasses … read more” – Lukanator

“My Leatherman, This Multipurpose tool covers all basics , Cutting line, Squeezing weights cleaning/skinning fish… read more” – Joshua

“give me a 7.6ft flipping stick, a nice high speed low profile casting reel and some 60lb braid with a 9/16 flipping jig tied on the end … read more” – Billy

“shallow wood or weeds, spinnerbait or shallow crank… read more” – Jeff

“A glassy flat and a topwater plug … read more” – David

“black jellyworm… read more” – Marc

“More lures, more lure, more lures… read more” – Steve

“Green pumpkin Sweet Beaver. 3/0 Lazer Trokar hook… read more” – Dug

“#7 rapala jointed minow … read more” – Karen

“sutton 44 or 35 … read more” – Norman

“gotta have some orange power bait and green for some trout and … read more” – Rebecca

If you’ve got a fishing “must-have” that isn’t on the list yet, be sure to go to GetREELed.com and post your ideas for everyone, or share your comments here at the Ultimate Fishing Directory Blog. Thanks to everybody for their great feedback!!

Fishing is a great way to spend the day, but it’s important that you and your fishing companions keep safe.

Here are some guidelines and tips so that you can stay safe out on the water:

a) Always keep your PFD (personal flotation device / life jacket / life vest) close to you at all times. Even better, wear it – especially if you’re wading. Even if you or your fishing partner(s) can swim, PDFs can help if you fall unconscious or get swept up in a strong current.

b) Remember REACH, THROW, ROW and GO when rescuing someone who may potentially be drowning:
1) REACH = reach out with a long pole or oar if the person is close enough and try to pull them over

2) THROW = throw them a life-saving device such as a lifejacket or life preserver
3) ROW = row your boat to the person in need, as it’s quicker and safer than trying to swim to them
4) GO = as a last resort, try to swim out and save the person.

c) Take your cell phone with you in case of emergency. You’d be surprised at how many areas now allow you to pick up a signal.

d) Carry a pocket knife (safely and securely!) in case you get tangled in your rigging.

e) If you’re wading, make sure you’re wearing your PDF, carefully check the area, and take one step at a time making sure you’re feeling for any drop-offs. Always be aware and considerate of the current and how it changes.

f) Bring a first-aid kit with you for any unexpected cuts or scrapes. And don’t forget to clean those wounds with antiseptic! It’s also a good idea to carry bug repellent in your kit – bug bites are really annoying, but most importantly remember that bugs can also carry diseases.

g) Make sure kids and family pets are well-secured any time the boat is moving.

H) Wear proper attire while fishing; try to find clothing that will help you stay cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather. And don’t forget your raincoat to keep dry in unexpected rainfall.

h) Apply sunscreen before and many times during your time on out the lake. The sun reflecting on the water can really increase the amount of sun you get, and we all know that the longer you keep that sunburn away, the longer you’ll have to actually stay out and enjoy your day.

i) Remember to eat and stay hydrated while outside, especially on those long hot days in the summer. Always take a few snacks and lots of water.

j) Handle your fishing equipment and gear responsibly. Look around you while you’re casting to ensure you don’t accidentally hit something or somebody.

k) Lastly, but most importantly, bring a buddy (or two) with you. It’s safer and more fun! At the very least, tell someone where you’re going and how long you plan on being gone. Someone should know where you are at all times and be able to find you if necessary.

Thanks to everyone that contributed on www.GetREELed.com and on our GetREELed.com Fan Page and Ultimate Fishing Directory Fan Page!

Please add any other tips or guidelines into the comments section. It’s up to all of us to keep each other safe!

Ok – so our team posed the question “Who do you love to go fishing with” and surprisingly (or maybe not!) the answers were pretty random…

Thanks to all that added their preferred fishing companions on www.GetREELed.com and our Ultimate Fishing Directory and www.GetREELed.com Facebook fan pages. It’s nice to get some insight into everyone’s favourite past-time and see how happy this sport can truly make us!

So, the results …

Several people commented that they enjoy spending their fishing days with an old buddy; someone to have a beer or two (or three?) with after a long day and get away from their every day lives for just a while.

Then there are those of us that prefer going out alone – just you, yourself and … well just you . It’s a great way to give ourselves time to think, to get away from it all and just relax (which we all need these days). Plus it doesn’t hurt that you can focus on the real goal of the day – finding a nice catch!!

BUT, the most descriptive and really passionate answers came from the many people that said their family members were the favourite choice.

This included Dads, grandparents, husbands/wives, kids, and the of course the beloved family pet that offers nice company (but doesn’t scare the fish away with chatting!).

Just look at how much fun Marcia is having with her cocker spaniel, Jake in the photo…
[photo courtesy of GetREELed.com]

So, the next time you want to go fishing by yourself, or even with your regular buddy, invite someone along that maybe doesn’t get a chance to fish often so you can share the great experience with them. Or reconnect with an old group of friends you may not have seen in a while.

And pass along to everybody the spots you most often fish, or even fishing tournaments (which you can post on the Ultimate Fishing Directory and GetREELed special events.

Whatever your preference, take time to enjoy it! I hope you all have a great time fishing the next time you get a chance!

Tight lines everybody & Happy Fishing!!

So apparently the record for catching a Largemouth Bass in Tennessee has been broken, but won’t end up as official in the record books. Why? Because it was caught by electroshocking! Read the full article here.