Respect on the water

 

If you’ve been around the sport of fishing for any length time, you have probably heard someone say we need to grow our sport more. Or at least something to that effect. Well, if I had to guess, I’d say the sport of fishing is full grown. With both high school and college teams competing, regular paychecks of 100,000 dollars being handed out on the pro side, I’m not sure how much more the sport can grow. And when it does stop the growth at some point, are we even going to recognize the sport we grew up with.

 

The fishing family has always been just that…family. We looked out for each other. We had each other’s back both on and off the water. Much of that family attitude is quickly evaporating as our sport continues to evolve. The lure of the money may be the cause of the problem, but I personally think it goes way deeper than that. I think it comes down to a lack of respect for our fellowman.

 

The worst lake I can think of if you want to see this type of disrespect would be Guntersville. Most fishermen that fish Guntersville regularly have a story to tell about an incident on the water. Unfortunately, none of our area lakes are immune to bad behavior. So many fishermen these days seem on edge and just waiting for something to happen. Is this what we really want our sport to be like? I certainly don’t. Question is how do we fix it?

 

Another term we have heard is that the children are the future of the sport. Never has a saying been more true. It would seem a good Idea that maybe we make a fresh start in this area. With young high school kids competing in their first tournaments, right out of the gate they should be taught how to respect other anglers and other boaters out on the water. They should be taught that bank fishermen have the same right to fish as they do and should not be interfered with. It is the responsibility of the boat captains to see that these lessons are taught. Just because a person has a boat and a kid in school by no means does that make him qualified to be a high school boat captain. There are many incidents that prove this on a regular basis. This is a very sad fact, but a true one.

 

Giving respect out on the water is not only the right thing to do, it’s the safest thing to do. As you hit the water the next time, how will you act? Will you be part of the problem or part of the solution? Like to know your thoughts on this one.

Always gotta be that one guy...

 

Good morning my friends,

It is early in the morning here in north central Alabama. The rain coming down along with the threat of more rain to come has messed up my fishing and video shooting today, so I thought a blog was in order. Today’s topic will be dealing with some stuff I saw out on the water yesterday.

 

My day was spent on the Flint Creek as I looked for productive water to fish an upcoming tournament in a few weeks. After a few hours I made my way back closer to the boat ramp. There I fished around close for a bit waiting on a couple of boats to take out. Just down from the boat ramp was a family fishing and having a good time and just up from the ramp was a single man fishing and also having an enjoyable time. Being outdoors kinda does that to ya.

 

Like I said I was fishing close, getting ready to take my Kayak out of the water, ”but having to make that one last cast,” before leaving. When the first of the bigger boats came by to take out. He was an older gentleman in a big nice bass boat. When he approached, he idled down and very politely eased past everyone fishing and made his way to the ramp. He smiled and waved as he passed by.

 

As the first man was loading up a second boat came idling up into view around the bend in the creek. It was almost as if on cue when he saw people fishing he gunned his boat and didn’t let off until he was almost at the ramp. Having presence of mind to quickly turn my little boat into his wave kept me from being turned over. The guy fishing closest to me on the bank had to back up to keep from getting his shoes soaked. The guy knew exactly what he was doing. You could tell by his body language he was being rude and didn’t care who knew it. Maybe he was born with a little man part, maybe his wife called him off the water go pick up milk and bread, or he might have just dropped his Zebco 202 in the water. Whatever the problem was his actions were uncalled for.

 

Just remember when out on the water, be like the first guy. Politeness and courtesy will get you much further in life. If you choose to be like the second guy someone will eventually steal your boat plug.                                                                                       

If you like my blog please feel free to Follow.  It would also be an honor if you checked out my YouTube channel as well.   https://youtu.be/wXRn51tljtY                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

What bait are you throwing?

 

For as long as I can remember fishermen have been asking each other, “Hey man what did you catch that fish on?” Or they may want to know what color lure you were using or how fast were you working the bait. While these are all good questions, I feel like they often overlook the most important question. Instead, they are looking for some magic bait. Quick note…there are no magic baits.

I too asked the same questions for years until I realized that wasn’t what I really needed to know. A better question for me now is “What type of area were you fishing when you caught all those fish?” You see finding fish is much harder than catching fish. Many fishermen are really, good at the fundamentals of fishing such as casting, cranking, flipping, pitching, and so forth and so on. But all that is useless if you aren’t fishing where the fish are.    

The best way to consistently catch fish is to learn their seasonal patterns. Knowing where a bass should be living at the time of year you are fishing is the biggest tool in your proverbial tackle box. This is something I often struggle with myself, especially when fishing my home lake. Instead of thinking things through properly I am often guilty of fishing places I have caught fish before.

Knowing how to locate productive water will not only help you be successful on your home lake, it will help you everywhere else you go as well.

Have a great day. Be safe on the water.

Lowell Henderson

Check out one of my latest videos - https://youtu.be/9AAZOFV7Z_E

"Simply Fishing" has reached a goal!

 

With my next video set to premiere Thursday night, July 1^st, 7:00 pm, I’d like to take a moment to thank each and every one of you that support my channel. Whether you are a subscriber, random watcher, sharer, liker, or all the above, I appreciate you greatly.

As always comments are welcome and I will do my best to give feedback. For my subscribers Thank You So Much! I see our fishing family growing faster now. “Simply Fishing” just hit 250 subscribers. At 500 subscribers there will be a very nice giveaway to one or more of you.

Thanks again for all your support, encouragement, and help. Tight lines and be safe on the water.

Lowell Henderson

https://youtu.be/9AAZOFV7Z_E   *My last video*

#thekayakstore

The Cullman Kayakers Lake Catoma Derby - June 12th 2021

 

Well, here we are on a sunny summer Sunday morning. Dog has been fed and hot coffee is in hand. The Cullman Kayak Anglers fifth tourney is in the books and for most anglers was a true grind. While the bass seemed to bite well early on, the bite began to fade out as the morning progressed.

I would like to give a big shout out to Tony Dean and The Kayak Store (located in Hartselle) for all the support for our club and for the kayak fishing sport in general. If you are new to kayaking fishing or considering getting started, go see Tony. You will not be disappointed.

Personal shout also to our three podium placers 1^st Spencer Miller, 2^nd Chris Martin, and 3^rd Jesse Halverson. Oh yeh..BIG FISH winner Jason Jones with a whopping 21.50 incher.

Having been away from tournament fishing for awhile I’ll be honest in telling you I was physically exhausted after this one. Throwing a spinnerbait in the grass produced most of my bites. Pitching a jig in the grass after a couple of missed spinnerbait swipes did produce two of my fish. One other little Spotted Bass was caught on a shaky head.

As I look down the leader board I realize just how close of a derby this was. This reminds me of why you don’t quit and just keep on grinding.

Stuff/Companies that helped me today:

Spinner baits – https://amzn.to/35fDTO3

The Kayak Store - https://www.facebook.com/The-Kayak-Store-323627574863726

Fathomworx Custom Rods - http://www.fathomworkx.com 

Crème Lures – https://amzn.to/35gzXN7

You guys stay safe on the water.

Choosing the next kayak

 

The lure of the water, the fellowship of friends, the challenge of the hunt, and the appeal of catch and release is all part of what is calling me back into this wonderful sport. I have been away too long, it is now time to return.

 

As I ponder my decision on what my next kayak will be the choices are almost overwhelming. At this point in time, I keep finding myself thinking about my health. I am getting older and thinking about what will be my best option for a longtime ride. Pedaling or paddling will give me exercise I am missing. A powered boat will be easier getting around. And a boat that I can pedal, paddle, and troll if needed will probably cost a fortune.

 

Kayaks have come a long was the last few years. There are many models that offer stability good enough to stand in and flip jigs all day without even a thought of tipping over. My last yak was a beautiful blue Bonafide 127. Stability and overall fishability was through the roof. However, I watch many of my friends pedal by in their boats and I am amazed at the speed and the ease in which they get around.

 

These thoughts and choices will weigh heavily on me the next month or so as I look around and attempt to make my decision. I know many of you reading have owned more than one boat so your input on the subject is very, valuable to me. Both as a buyer and a friend. It would be an honor if each and every one of you hit the follow button on my blog. Your comments are always welcome.

 Big shout to Tony Dean at https://www.facebook.com/The-Kayak-Store-323627574863726/     for taking the time to talk to me about yaks a couple of weeks ago. 

The Gar...Friend or Foe?

 

Here in Alabama the Spotted Gar or any gar for that matter is considered by most to be a trash fish. Nothing could be farther from the truth. All native species of fish found in our waterways have value and are beneficial to the eco system.

 

While a large gar may occasionally prey on a gamefish such as a bass or trout, it has been proven that their main diet consists of warmouth, bluegill, and other members of the sunfish family. Their prey is known to breed in large numbers and the gar does a good job in helping to keep those numbers in check.

 

All species of gar here in Alabama can be caught on rod n reel and are a challenge to land when hooked. My favorite method for gar fishing is light spinning tackle, a small shallow float, and live minnows. I like to cast upstream and let my bait drift down in the current. A small treble hook and a light wire leader will help from losing these acrobats when hooked.

 

The Spotted Gar and the Longnose Gar both thrive in clean, clear running water. Humans are the gars biggest enemy. We are continually destroying habitat with sedimentation from building and polluting the water in other ways. So, this spring and summer if you see gars floating lazily down the river, don’t be alarmed. This means your favorite fishing hole is pretty clean and the food chain is still intact.

It would be an honor if you hit the Follow button for my blog. If you would like to check out my You Tube channel simply click on the link below. Tight lines my friends.

https://youtu.be/ERv0do-UP1U