Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

We got in Friday night late.
Hit the road bright and early
Well I googled Municipal Boat Ramp instead of Metropolitan Boat Ramp
Big mistake there.
35 mile run to where we needed to be.
Got to the Blue House landmark that marks the bedding area.
Water was chocolate milk. Zero visibility.
Blasted back to a big reef in 10 ft of water that we passed that had a bunch of boats on it.
Got set up and started a search pattern using 1/4 oz jig heads and 3 inch swing impact swim baits in Ayu color.
We both caught a few. My friend got his 2 PBs right away.
Could see beds 10 Ft down.
We were searching for good concentrations to mark and probe. Only found random dispersion. Went to turn on my Active Target system. NO SIGNAL. Grrrrrrr!
Ran into a couple guys we knew who were fishing with a guide.
Talked for a bit then went about our business.
Before long this guide eased up on us and said we needed to take shelter . Massive storm rolling in. Didn’t have to tell me twice.
We hauled ass chasing this guy to Metropolitan Boat Ramp.
Eased up to bank. Dropped power poles and the storm hit. Bad.
Friend helped me out of the boat and the wind knocked me on my butt.
Rain and hail sideways in torrents.
Took shelter behind an electrical contractors van.
Told buddy “ let’s hole up in one of those porta potties”
Just then one of the porta potties blew over and started tumbling.
Na. Let’s stay put.
Cigarette lighters got wet.
My friend ran out . Faced the storm, spread his arms and screamed at top of his lungs.
He was getting blasted !!!
Crazy bastard.
Well it finally eased up
Friend called an Uber to take me to pick up truck
I got back. Friend sound asleep on boat passenger seat shirtless.
He’s a redhead. Looked like a cooked lobster.
We went back out and caught a few using the search pattern.
Went to hotel. Dropped off boat and met up with some friends for some excellent Bar B Q
And beers.
Planned to lock on to the scattered beds and catch every bass we could off of them from front casting deck.
Returned to hotel. Drank beer on the tailgate and worried over the weather report. Overnight rain for cats till mid day.
Got up bright and early. Went out to smoke a cigarette. Sure enough , steady light rain and 50 degrees. Winds Probly 15 from the west

Ate a free hotel breakfast. Sat i the truck till 10:00 waiting on rain to stop.
Pulled the plug on the trip. Hooked up and drove home.
I’m too old for the commando fishing I did as a younger man.

There will be other trips. And not a complete bust. I taught my friend how to use a new technique. Saw him catch his PB
Had what woulda been my PB come unbuttoned at the boat . Caught a few myself . Saw him also lose his mind and challenge Mother Nature!
And put 60 miles on the nitro.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Not many picture worthy , but here’s one decent fish

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Nice story Ben, better luck next time!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Sounds like you gave it a good try. Yes indeed...MI had some very nasty weather roll by over the past several days...depending on where you were. Glad that you caught a few and made it back to shore in time to be off the water during the worst of it. Lake St. Clair is a real gem of a fishery, and I know that you have plied those waters before with great success!

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Forgot to mention.
Got a nasty chip on gel coat on my bottom
Repair kit and flake ordered.
Really hate that.
But at least we made it to safety.
Open water. That woulda sucked.
One time 60 mph comes in handy.
We kept up with that guide with a 250 and actually passed him at one point!!
Let the big dog eat!!!

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Scary report there Ben. Mother Nature always wins those battles. Glad you found some fish anyway. There's always next time.

Whitey Loc: Southeast ohio

Sounds like ya guys gave it a go. Glad ya got back to shore before the storm broke loose. Sorry to hear about your Gel coat. Better weather next time 👍

Maid Marion Loc: Corvallis, OR

You certainly had an adventure. Glad you caught some. Sorry You found another Kink to iron out, and the chip,the lost time and storm. Glad the guide warned you in time. Hope you got all the 'ouches' in this trip and all following ones will be 'ouch' free. 🎣

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

You tell a good story. Enjoyed it very much.

nutz4fish Loc: Colchester, CT

Ben ...Glad to hear y'all made it back in and home safely. And also glad nobody went down with the PortaPottie. Could have been badly hurt and trapped inside as well. At a minimum, it would be mighty unpleasant, and not the ideal situation for the ride home.

hacksaw Loc: Pasadena, Texas

Thanks for the details Ben. Sounded rough to me. Hope you have better luck next time.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🇺🇦

Sport Loc: Sacramento county north. California

Aha! Sounds pretty commando Ben. You ain't old yet.

The Outcast Loc: NE Michigan

Well Ben, quite the adventure! Great Lakes fishing is definitely a challenge at times, but the fishing is amazing. Glad you made it back safe and sound!