Early days

Fishing for me was an occasional thing as a kid. Our farm house was located about a quarter mile from a drainage ditch which ran through the property. I refer to the farm as ours, but in fact, we rented it. The ditch ran along the entire west border to the north border of the farm and split a two acre field from the rest of the farm. Although it laid across much of the farm, the real fishing was done along the north side, from the bridge, to the “deep part”. Fishing was best in the deep part where another ditch joined the main drainage. Initially Dad would rig cane poles for us to use along with cork bobbers. We used old steel fastener nuts for weight, and always used earth worms for bait. We called them "dew worms".

The fish were typical drainage ditch species, that is, they could survive in shallow dirty water. We usually caught yellow bullhead catfish, but occasionally we would hook a carp. I really didn’t enjoy fishing much. It was often boring and too hot. Bullheads have bony projections tipped with venom on their pectoral fins and would “horn” you if you weren’t careful. You had to cover them with a towel or heavy rag just to remove the hook. We often brought the fish home in a five gallon bucket and put the bullheads into the water tanks used by the hogs. They could survive in dirty mucky water.  I can’t recall ever eating one.

1^st Ruined Rod 

My younger brother, Steve, really was the one most interested in fishing. He would often go fishing alone. His interest caused him to obtain  an authentic fishing rod and reel. I am not sure if my parents  bought it for  him or he bought it. The rod was steel, and the reel was a bait caster. It was certainly easier to carry than the cane poles, and even had regular weights and hooks. It was with this rod and reel, that I caught my first memorable fish.

Why I had Steve’s rod and reel, I don’t recall. It was common for my older brother, Ron, and me to pick on him, so I would guess I just took it without his knowledge or permission. I regret those times we were so mean. Steve did not deserve it.  He became a kind and understanding adult in spite of his older brothers.

That day I was using it near the bridge, when I hooked a fish. It was so large, I could not reel it in. This was probably because I didn’t know about setting the drag, anti-reverse, or other technical features of a fishing reel. I was so excited about the fish, but couldn’t figure how to get it to shore.

 My solution was the put the rod over my shoulder and walk up the bank dragging the fish behind. This method was successful in that the very large carp was dragged from the water. It was unsuccessful, in that the rod bent into a “U” and stayed that way. In spite of my best efforts it was never the same. It is difficult to cast a line through a bent rod. Sorry, Steve.

This early experience should have been a sign. No fishing equipment is ever safe in my hands. I did so little fishing after the bent rod incident, I don’t recall any. The ditch simply didn’t hold my interest.

Adventures in Rick’s boat

My boat has provided many hours of pleasure. I have taken it to many different lakes. I have confidence that I will be safe in my boat, but the learning curve to that confidence was quite steep.

The first year I took the boat to Lake Bloomington.  Even though it was August when I bought the boat, I bought a permit for that season. I did this so I could operate the 25 hp motor which was illegal on Lake Evergreen.  I asked Robert to join me on my first trip out.

The boat came equipped with two batteries. One operates the electric trolling motor, one operates everything else, including the starter. There were also a set of battery cables in the back. At that time I had no way to determine the charge on the batteries, so we just went out. Unfortunately neither battery was fully charged. We fished for a while and I moved us using the trolling motor. Then a wind came up we started to drift into shore into some trees. The trolling motor died and we kept drifting. I tried the starter on the big motor and it wouldn’t start either. The motor has a pull rope, but pull starting a 25 hp motor is extremely difficult. I tried, but couldn’t get it to start.

Then I realized why there were extra battery cables. The former owner would hook the two batteries together when the charge was low. With both batteries too weak, I wondered if putting both together could get us out of the trees. I connected the two weak batteries in parallel, and we got enough charge to start the big motor. We headed back to shore with a lesson learned. Buy a battery charger.

My boat is about the same length as Don’s, but much heavier. This is fine when it is windy, if I can run the big motor. The first spring after I bought the boat, my daughter, Sarah, came to visit from Chicago. I really wanted her to go out in the boat, even though it was a cold windy March day.

I wanted to fish Lake Evergreen, but there is a 10 hp limit. My plan was to use the 2 hp motor, known as a kicker motor, I acquired as part of the boat purchase. This would be a legal motor on Lake Evergreen. Connie and Sarah and I put the boat in at the main lake ramp and headed southeast. The wind was out of the northwest so the trip out went well. After about 30 minutes the wind picked up to around 20 miles an hour. We decided to return to the ramp.

Unfortunately the 2 hp kicker would not push the boat forward against the wind. We were pushed sideways towards the far side of the lake. When sideways against the wind, the boat hull acts like a sail. I struggled with trying to get out of the wind and was afraid of tipping over.  I could not stop the drift. The situation became quite scary as we approached the far shore where there was no way to slow down and no help.

Finally Connie convinced me to break the law and use the big 25 hp motor.  Since Don got a ticket for open battery caps on this lake, I figured I would be in big trouble using the 25 Hp motor. I fired up the illegal 25 hp motor and kept it at idle. I figured I would try to convince the deputy I wasn’t interested in speeding on the lake, just surviving.

The illegal 25 hp motor got us back to the ramp. I knew the 2 hp kicker was not sufficient and I would not be able to fish Lake Evergreen in my boat. As we finally reached shore, Connie said to me the words every fisherman wants to hear from his wife, “You need a bigger motor!”

So I bought a used 9.9 hp kicker motor for Lake Evergreen!

I bought my 9.9 from the dealer who had it on consignment. Amazingly the motor belonged to Paul C., the fishing guide. I now had his former boat and kicker motor. With my 9.9 hp kicker, fishing Lake Evergreen became my primary use of the boat. I fished every day I could. As my confidence grew, I started to fish alone about half of the time. Unfortunately I was still learning about handling all the aspects of the boat.

The first summer I dropped my anchor over the edge to fish near the shore. I was in about 20 feet of water. I saw the anchor rope play out and go overboard. I had forgotten to attach it to the boat.

I was never any good at tying knots. When it is windy, the boat will pull hard against any knot used to tie it down. I was fishing on the northwest side of Lake Evergreen, when the wind picked up and I decided to get off the lake. I had not seen anyone else on the lake. I tied a quick knot to the dock and jumped out to get my truck and trailer.

As I pulled from the parking lot to the ramp, I saw my boat drifting out into the lake. It was already over 50 ft. out by the time I got down to the dock. I didn’t know what to do. Fortunately there was an elderly couple who had come from the other side of the lake. They had just loaded their boat on their trailer and were preparing to leave.

I asked if they would be willing to take me to my boat. They agreed, and put their boat back in the water. I crawled into their boat with gentleman and we chased down my drifting boat.

When he pulled alongside I rolled from his boat to mine. Fortunately I didn’t fall in. I hollered thanks as he pulled away from me. I fired up my motor and headed in. They were gone by the time I got to the ramp. I never did find out their names.

I learned two lessons that day. Attach a carabiner to the tie up ropes to snap into the tie up rings on the dock and check the knots for slippage. The bigger lesson is fisherman assist others when they are on the water, regardless of the inconvenience to them personally. I have faithfully followed both of these.

Rick Buys a Boat

I wanted a boat for fishing. I really enjoying fishing with my friends and family, but sometimes I wanted to go without notice and planning. I had spent some time driving Don’s boat, and found it to be quite enjoyable. This helped me feel confident that I could operate one safely.  I was also about to retire in July.

Since I didn’t know much about boats, I spent the winter before retiring attending boat shows. I looked at many, gasped at the prices, and had begun to settle on a Tracker Pro-Crappie. There was a show in Peoria and Trackers were on display.

Paul and Don went along. Paul started to question my interest. “Hey guys, we should think about how many boats we actually need” Of course I ignored him. That’s like saying “how many fishing rods do you really need?

After looking at the more expensive boats, I found the Pro-Crappie. I was looking it over when a lady approached me and asked if I was going to buy a boat. I said I probably was and she said “I have one just like this for sale”

She went on to say the boat was brand new and never used. I was cautious, but curious. I said “Why did you buy a boat, and then want to sell it?” I figured it was a divorce case. She said “I won it in a grocery store drawing, but I don’t fish” “My son doesn’t want me to sell it, but I think I should.”  She gave me a business card with her number and I walked away.

I was tempted, but I decided the grocery store boat was too risky a proposition for such a big purchase. There was also the issue of service, as I had no clue how to do that.

I put the idea of buying a boat away. With retirement looming, there was much to do to prepare the transition. I put out the word to my friends, and to Paul C., our fishing guide. I told everyone what I wanted to spend, and to be on the look-out.

A month after I retired, I saw an advertisement in the Pantagraph one Saturday morning in August, for a Lund fishing boat. The boat was fully equipped, and it was a Lund. Lund boats are built in Minnesota and are considered one of the sturdiest made. Most models have a deep V design which handles windy conditions quite well. The price was higher than I was thinking, but it was a Lund!

I called, and found the owner lived just a few blocks from me. I went right over.

The boat was a 16 ft. deep V fully equipped for fishing with a 25 hp motor. It was 2 years old. It was a beautiful dark green. The owner had purchased it from my fishing guide, Paul C. He had not used it all season, but it was serviced and ready to go. I knew it was a good buy, and didn’t negotiate the price. However, I did find out he had a 2 hp motor he used to fish on Lake Evergreen. I got him to give me the small motor as part of the deal.

The old saying is a fisherman’s happiest two days are when he buys a boat and when he finally gets rid of it. I was enjoying the first and couldn’t wait to get it on the water. I cleaned up the boat, hosed out the back and drained out the water.

My son, Scott, came home later that day. Scott had experience with boats and motors running the waterfront at summer camp. I needed someone experienced to help me learn.

The next morning the area was covered in fog. It was so thick, you could only see a few hundred feet. I was disappointed, but was so anxious to get the boat in the water, I decided to take the boat out. We headed for Dawson Lake.

I drove cautiously out of town, and it took quite a while to reach the lake. The boat ramp was busy in spite of the fog. We got in line, and eventually were on the ramp. I was to back down the ramp while Scott sat in the boat. Scott was going to back the boat off the trailer, and then I was to pull out the trailer and park. The ramp was difficult to use, as it is quite narrow and steep.

It took me several tries to get lined up properly on the ramp. By the time we got down the ramp, there were several other trucks with boats lined up in the lot waiting to launch.  I was upset at slowing everyone from launching, so I was in a hurry to get off the ramp. I pulled the truck and trailer into the parking lot and started to get out of the truck when I heard Scott holler the boat was sinking.

I quickly hopped in my truck and asked if the other boats would let me back on the ramp. Fortunately they made room, and we reloaded the boat. We reached the parking lot and checked out the boat. I had forgotten to put the plug back in after draining the water the day before.

I replaced the plug. It has never been removed since that day.

Two Moon Bay

Not all of our fishing trips were disasters. However occasionally we fail to act our age. Such was the case camping at Two Moon Bay.

Most of our fishing trips begin the same way. Paul says “Hey guys, they are catching … at …. We should plan a trip there.” Almost as often Don says “I was reading about … and the … fishing there is really good. Pat says we should go” Since I don’t have many fishing contacts , rarely read fishing magazines, and am not married to Pat, I rarely suggest any trips. Having said that, I almost always agree to go.

My first fishing trip to Wisconsin was started by Paul. The fish were smallmouth bass and the location was the Willow Flowage in North Central Wisconsin. Paul’s family had, for years, owned a cabin on a lake at Minocqua, not far from the area. Paul knew the area well. We decided to take Paul’s boat and his camping equipment and camp at the state park on the flowage.

We got to the park and selected a camp site on the lake. Paul decided to put in his boat and drive around on the water while Don and I took the car and camping equipment to the site.

We could hear Paul’s boat, but couldn’t see him as the camping area was on a small bay where the creek entered the lake. As Paul was approaching, Don and I decided to greet him as he appeared.  We both dropped our pants and gave him a two moon salute.  This was the first thing Paul saw while rounding the corner of the bay. Thus was born the name “Two Moon Bay”.

Don always calls home whenever we arrive on a trip. However, he could not get a cell phone signal at the campsite. Paul wanted to call too, so he and Don took the car to try and find a better signal. While waiting I became bored, and stepped into the boat to get my fishing rod. A couple a casts later, I caught a monster smallmouth that was hiding under a boulder. I quickly released her, as I did not have a fishing license for Wisconsin.

When Don and Paul returned, I told them I wanted to catch that bass again after I had a license.  We decided to set up camp and go to town. Any trip to the area involves a stop at Rollie and Helen’s tackle shop. They claim to sell the largest collection of muskie lures in the world. We planned to stop, buy our fishing licenses, gawk at the muskie lures and pick up some advice. Unfortunately the drive and setup took too long, and we arrived too late and they were not open.

We did find a bar that was open. In Wisconsin, every business sells fishing licenses, so we decided to buy ours at the bar. The bartender was a little inebriated, as he took our information, and entered into the license system. When he said “Hair color?” he looked at me with my hat on and said “Grey”. I guess that was better than saying “None”, but it isn’t actually my hair color. However, I was now forever in the Wisconsin DNR database with grey hair.

We returned to the campsite and planned an early start fishing. After a good night’s sleep aided by plenty of beer, we all fell asleep.

Early the next morning I awoke to find Paul was gone. I wandered out of the tent, to see him walking up from the boat carrying his fishing rod. He was looking at the water, and didn’t see me. I yelled “You son-of-a-bitch! You were trying to catch my bass!” When Paul is nervous, he stammers and apologizes repeatedly. He started apologizing, over and over. Then I started laughing and he knew I was kidding. However, he continued to apologize.

We headed out of the bay to go fishing. We had to be careful as there were many barely submerged boulders on the lake. Paul negotiated these well as we worked our way out. When were near the opposite end of the lake we began to fish. We had luck right away and landed several nice smallies.

After a great morning fishing we decided to go in for lunch. We had brought food courtesy of Paul and Pat. We had lunch by the tent and headed back out to fish. I had a handheld GPS unit that Connie had bought me for Christmas. I was struggling to work it, as the graphics were not very clear. I didn’t understand how to put in way- points, and was trying to do this as we headed out.

The path to the main lake passes near the shore in a narrow cove. My head was down looking at the GPS, when Paul says to Don, “Did you see that?”  He said “Yeah she was with two guys and didn’t have on a top” I looked up, but didn’t see anything. I said “you guys are fuckin’ with me” They swore they had seen it. Don further elaborated how the guys were smiling, etc. etc. the story kept getting more elaborate, and she had on fewer clothes as we went on. Since I had my GPS, I marked the area as a way-point. I put in the name “Tit Cove”, but I still think they were messing with me. After a good afternoon fishing we returned to the campsite. There was no one in Tit Cove as we passed through.

We went into Minocqua for dinner and returned to deteriorating weather. That night it started to rain. We found that Paul’s tent leaked, right over me. The rain continued into the next day. We decided to pack up and head home. Packing a tent and camping gear in the rain is an unpleasant experience, as is taking out a boat and covering it in the rain. After a miserable morning we left for home.

Paul got rid of his leaky tent. My GPS is in the basement and unused, but it still has Tit Cove and Two Moon bay marked as way-points.