Before the Storm

The weather is about to change.

There is a major cold snap on the way and it may contain freezing rain, sleet, or both.

Matt called on Friday and said they were closing down the University and that he was taking refuge with some friends in Stillwater. OKC was expecting major power outages and classes were canceled. The governor declared a state of emergency on Saturday. What should we do?

I know - let's go fishing! By the way, that seems to be my standard answer for everything these days.

Our weather was still mild but it was obvious as I headed for Evans Lake after lunch that things were unsettled at best.

The local livestock were busy filling up the tank.

Cattle Diversity


Pose for the Camera



Good Confirmation

The geese were flying overhead, I jumped a covey of Bobwhite quail, and there were plenty of hawks around like this one.

I decided to break out the fly rod and brush up on my casting skills. The wind was fairly calm and other than the ocasional drizzle it was pretty pleasant - cloudy and 60 degrees.

I tied on a mini-muddler and began casting along the shore of the cove.

My first fish didn't set any records but confirmed the health of the pond.

It's always a good sign to see juvenile fish. It won't be long untill this guy is bending the rod.

I worked my way around into the shallow end closest to the house and spooked a bass that was all but crawling up on the shore. These guys like to hang out on the very edge of the pond trying to ambush minnows.

I was in a pretty good position and started casting toward the spot where I last saw the fish and was rewarded with a twitch. I counted to ten and lifted the rod tip to feel the weight of a fish and set the hook. I was in for a nice ride as I had a 17" largemouth on a 5-weight rod. YeeeeHAwww

Don't let up!

The mini-muddler got a good bite


Healthy Fish

I fished around the remainder of the shoreline with the fly rod until I broke off the mini-muddler on some submurged branches and decided to switch tactics.

Armed with a spinning rod, 6lb mono, and a BGW on an Eagle Claw snelled hook, I once again began to circle the pond.

I was rewarded with some nice fish all in the 1-2 lb range.

BGW to the Rescue


Safety Check before Release


Off You Go


Fat Boy


Hand Full of Fish


Let My People Go!

Not a bad way to spend the afternoon. We have a Chili & Stew fellowship after evening services tonight. Maybe I'll have to break out a recipe for fish chowder!