A great day with a great friend

I know with all the spanish, cobia, and king sightings going on that you guys won't be much interested hearing about fresh water trips, but today was a pretty special time. This is my friend, Doug, holding a 2lb 1oz crappie he had just caught during our trip to the lake this morning:

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He lost an arm and shoulder to bone cancer in his teens, but he is a successful businessman and an example to us all. He's not too shabby in the fishing department. He casts, puts the rod butt under his leg, and reels in to catch fish. The only thing he can't do for himself is tie on a bait or put line on his reel. I count it a high honor to be able to help out. He's down to the use of three fingers on his hand due to some tendon problems a few years ago, but he's still working, still fishing, and still has an incredible outlook on life.

Here's a picture of a 3lb+ bass I caught. (Yes, Doug took the picture) It's hard to see but he has a crappie tail sticking out of his mouth. I caught a crappie and was reeling it in when I saw the bass inhale it. Landing all that fish on four pound test line and an ultralight with the bait somewhere down his goozle was lots of fun.

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We ended up catching well over 200 crappie today, but most were from tiny up to too small to keep. But we did end up with 21 good ones. I cleaned 35 all together.


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Every day on this earth is a blessing. Some days are more blessed than others.

Wow!
Great report Rich :headbang:

That's awesome.. Thanks for the report and story! :bow:

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Thanks Rich, we are interested in all fishing reports, Gulf, lake, river, creek, pond and big ass puddles too!
Looks like a great time. :headbang:
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First of all,I'll trade you a nasty king for any crappie no matter the size and that is the best catch of eating fish I've seen on this forum.Second,congrats on having the chance of spending a day fishing with your friend.My two best friends/fishing buddies passed away several years ago.RIP Capt.Kim Kruse and my rod building mentor Frank Oakes.

[quote author=john g link=topic=767.msg7199#msg7199 date=1331948458]
First of all,I'll trade you a nasty king for any crappie no matter the size and that is the best catch of eating fish I've seen on this forum.Second,congrats on having the chance of spending a day fishing with your friend.My two best friends/fishing buddies passed away several years ago.RIP Capt.Kim Kruse and my rod building mentor Frank Oakes.
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Two thumbs up, John G!

I couldn't agree more. Kings are fun to catch, but eating them takes creativity just to halfway enjoy it as food.

Few fish, fresh or salt, beat a crappie in flavor and texture.

Amazing haul Rich. You guys tore them up and hooked an entire school. Wooo! Love freshwater fishing reports!

Great story. Thanks. :banana:

Fishing is Fishing to me bro. Its all about having fun and making memories and talking about the one that got away :fishing: :headbang: i live on the mouth of styx and period river i hurd there nice fish out there dont know how to fish freshwater ::)

Great report, and love the way you help your good friend, that is what friends are for!! :fishing:....and love me some crappie, one of the best fresh water fish to eat, along with medium size walleyes.... thanks for sharing

I do miss fishing with my Dad for them!! we would always get out and search, till we found a school and then fill the cooler.....after taking home 100 several times and cleaning for 5 plus hours....I started to limit it to 25 or 30 crappie and the rest would go to some of Dads friends that didn't fish

Great report Rich,

I have many fond memories Crappie fishing on Beaver lake in NW Arkansas. I watched a stringer full swim away one time when I forgot to run the spike through the eye. Needless to say I was not a happy camper that day.

Congrats and thanks for sharing.