Galena, Oct. 11, 2008

Christopher Columbus created a 3 day weekend for us, so Ron and Kathy invited us to Galena. Primo viewing time for the fall colors. We couldn't wait for Saturday, so we drove up Friday night, arriving at 11 pm. Saturday morning, Kathy and Pat prepared a delicious egg and bacon breakfast, and sent Ron and me off in the boat, while they visited a craft show.

View our photos and video clips at:
http://s195.photobucket.com/albums/z2/donndavidson/Galena%20October%2011%202008/

We happily began fishing., but time goes by way too fast. No catches for me, but Ron caught about 7 fish, including a nice perch and a nice crappie that went into the live well. I had one giant bite that chopped off the line. (this seems to happen to me a lot. I think I need to spool line that is stronger than 6lb. test). I did catch a Christmas Tree, and hauled it up, but it was not a keeper, so I returned it to the depths. Our wives joined us for a nice lunch on the boat, and we fished until dark. After a delicious dinner of home made chicken lasagna (Ron's recipe), and Marinara (Kathy's recipe), we went out for a night cruise, and that was fantastic!

Sunday morning, our wives were sleeping in, so Ron and I went out on the boat. Finally, I caught a large mouth bass. Ron started catching also, about 10 fish in all, no keepers. Our wives joined us again on the boat with sandwiches and refreshments. Pat caught her first Sunfish of the day, using a mini-mite plastic worm!

Ron gave me a Cicada Walleye lure to try out, so I dropped it on the bottom and drifted it, as I cast with my other rod. Suddenly, the drift rod slammed to the bottom of the boat, so I grabbed it. Ron asked if I was snagged (again), but no, this felt alive! I stood up and started pulling the rod up, and reeling. The line was stripping off, so I set the drag tight. Whatever I had was BIG! I had to walk from the back of the boat around to the port side of the boat, clearing my line over Ron's lines. Big commotion behind me. Pat getting the camera ready, Ron grabbing the net, saying "Oh Yes!". I'm pulling up and reeling, afraid the line will break - 6lb test. Finally, the fish surfaces, and it's a big one! Ron gets him in the net, and he is big! 21", big, fat Largemouth! After the photo's, I gently put him back, tail first, and off he went. This was my biggest fish ever!
Wow!

We went in at sunset, and had a wonderful dinner in town. Later on, we had an amazing bonfire, guitar music on my new Takamine, and roasted marshmellows. Life is good!

Monday morning, Ron and I got up at 6:15 am, and headed out early - still dark out. The ladies joined us at 10:00 with a brunch basket. Pat caught another Sunfish. I caught 2 more small Largemouths, and Ron caught one. Around 1pm, Pat and I had to start packing up, so we headed back to their house, concluding yet another great weekend with the McKays!

All in all, Ron and I clocked about 23 hours of boat time! What Fun!