FEBRUARY 26, 2023

 Visited 2 locations with a fly rod.

First location, I was hoping to maybe get an early-season Golden Shiner and/or Redear Sunfish. The bluegills were going bonkers.  They were hitting so well, I caught them on nearly every cast for awhile.  

The sky clouded up and wind picked up.  The fishing also got even better.  I eventually caught some Largemouth Bass, nice Green Sunfish, a couple Redear Sunfish, and a big Golden Shiner.

Golden Shiner AND Redear Sunfish....Goals accomplished!

Next, I went to try for Koi and Goldfish.  They are fun!

I ended up catching 22 Goldfish and 7 Koi.

One Koi was one I hadn't caught before...a BEAUTIFUL deep red-orange Leather Koi...no scales!

And here's some of the others I caught.  I recognize some of them as recaptures.

Amongst the Goldfish, there were a few LARGER individuals!

So, I ended the day with 7 species and 80 fish +/-.  That's GREAT for February! :) 

February 11, 2023

Met up with Hamilton Bell at Bennett Spring State Park in Missouri.  I think this was the last week of the C&R winter season.  We fished there together last year too.  Weather was good...sunny and a high in the low 50's, I think.  Plenty of folks out fishing on this day.

I caught some Rainbow Trout, biggest measured 16".  I also caught Ozark Sculpins, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Green Sunfish.