Had a nice little shakedown run at Beseck today. It wasn't quite as warm as yesterday and the
8-10 breeze was gusting to 15+, but I got out anyway. No luck with topwater or a swimbait, so it was Dinger time. I missed the first bite, probably early hookset. Caught a 2lb Largemouth skunkbuster, and then settled in. Caught 2 more cookie cutter males, and decided to shift gears. Pulled out the medium light, and the ultralight rods and went Crappie hunting. The blowdown trees were on fire. Caught 10 up to 1 pound or so. The wind was picking up so I picked up the worm rod one more time, and caught the big fish of the day, a 2lb 12oz chubby female. After that I called it a day.
Definitely a successful shakedown and first trip.

Hey guys. My Mom isn't doin that well at all. So I'm headed back to Texas Tuesday till the end of the month to visit her. If she makes it she turns 96 on May 20th.
Not sure how much I'll be on the stage the next 2 weeks but I'll try to check in now and again on everyone and see how y'all are doin.
I want Y'all to behave yourselves while I'm gone. None of that back bitin and bickerin either. Bless your heart, Y'all be nice.

So the day started out a normal beautiful day with no wind and fish to be had. Was on the lake early, and caught my first fish at 6:45am. Rest of the morning hit a lot of different spots and picked up 7 more in the 1-2lb range. About 12:30 decided to flip a new worm for a few casts. Most of you who know me would never guess I would try this. It was a fatty 6" Watermelon/Red Flake someone had given me. Now the FUN begins.

First off this all happened because I made a bet with Matt (Bassmatter) on who would catch the biggest fish this year. After flipping this big old worm a few times to no avail, it was time to head in. Figured I would flip it out there and let it sit while I put everything away. Put my rod in the holder and started cleaning things up. Half way through putting things away, I glance over at my rod, and the line is straight. Figured it just got snagged in a tree, and went back to putting things away. Glance over again, and hey, my line is now moving. Picked up the rod and discover there is a really nice fish on. After a really good battle, I land him and dang this is a BIG one, bigger than any Matt has landed so far! Our rule for the bet is a pic with the scale attached and readable. So I weigh it and it is exactly 5.0lb. I have a little bracket that I set the phone on for pics. Problem, I had put it away (still holding fish). I finally get it back out, now where did I put the phone? Finally find it and it if OFF (still holding fish). Finally get it on and have to sign in, but I can't see diddly because of the glare. I am now trying to set up the phone for a pic with the fish and scale. Still can't see diddly, and still holding the fish, and don't want it to die. No problem, just put the fish in the well and turn the water on (have not used it in about three years). I end up unscrewing the flow tube instead of the plug. Screw it, back to taking some kind of "Authenticated" photo. (Still holding fish). Decide to put the fish in the water for a minute to make sure it is O.K. Finally, lay the fish down by the scale and hope for the best. Meanwhile, I have drifted right up against the shore. Not a great picture of the fish, but hey the fish survived