hawgcatcher
08-29-2007, 03:42 PM
Well I tried to enter this once yesterday and lost it all. At least I think I did. The Florida bass trip was great. The guide was John Leech, an old time BASS pro. He knew where the fish were and how to catch them. We fished an area called the Butler chain of lakes near Disney World. These lakes are connected by canals and there are about five.
First thing to wake us up was going past one of Shaq's homes. WOW. Wish I had the money that one cost. Huge and beautiful. John said he never sees him there, only lights on sometimes.
Well my daughter caught three nice fish. Not big but in the four pound area. Son in law caught his first bass and lost a couple more in the same size area. I got two and lost a few more. Even had a big gar come up by the boat and watched him bite a shiner in two.
It was getting close to quitting time and I hooked another fish. I knew it was big as it fought just like a wild steelhead. Finally got it up near the boat and I about had a coronary. It was definetely the biggest bass I have ever had on. The guide leaned over the edge to lip it and it jumped. Well yes you know the rest. Hook went one way, fish another. The guide said that was too bad as he thought it was between 7 to 10 pounds.
Lots of friends have said sure and the big one got away, but I know in my mind the size. I will remember that fish until I die and be happy with the fight that I had. He is still out there and someone else will have a chance.
The best part of the trip to Florida was Friday when we went to the gulf side to see and swim with the manatees. Spent seven hours going around Chrystal River, seeing many of the gentle giants and getting to touch them. Then my wife was climbing back down into the water. I said to go slow as one came up to her on the ladder. It nuzzled her feet and she petted it. It stayed with her for about seven minutes, touching her and letting her pet it. It had about three slashes on its back where the captain said it had probably been hit with a propeller, by someone not slowing down in the manatee area. They were healing but still very ovious. This little time was my wife's happiest thing that happened to her on this trip. She was so happy, she was almost crying.
If you ever get to Florida, it is worth the trip to Chrystal River with your family. Water is so clear you can see the fish (Lots of bass and tons of mullet).
I tried to download the picture but i got it on the gallery but not on this post.
First thing to wake us up was going past one of Shaq's homes. WOW. Wish I had the money that one cost. Huge and beautiful. John said he never sees him there, only lights on sometimes.
Well my daughter caught three nice fish. Not big but in the four pound area. Son in law caught his first bass and lost a couple more in the same size area. I got two and lost a few more. Even had a big gar come up by the boat and watched him bite a shiner in two.
It was getting close to quitting time and I hooked another fish. I knew it was big as it fought just like a wild steelhead. Finally got it up near the boat and I about had a coronary. It was definetely the biggest bass I have ever had on. The guide leaned over the edge to lip it and it jumped. Well yes you know the rest. Hook went one way, fish another. The guide said that was too bad as he thought it was between 7 to 10 pounds.
Lots of friends have said sure and the big one got away, but I know in my mind the size. I will remember that fish until I die and be happy with the fight that I had. He is still out there and someone else will have a chance.
The best part of the trip to Florida was Friday when we went to the gulf side to see and swim with the manatees. Spent seven hours going around Chrystal River, seeing many of the gentle giants and getting to touch them. Then my wife was climbing back down into the water. I said to go slow as one came up to her on the ladder. It nuzzled her feet and she petted it. It stayed with her for about seven minutes, touching her and letting her pet it. It had about three slashes on its back where the captain said it had probably been hit with a propeller, by someone not slowing down in the manatee area. They were healing but still very ovious. This little time was my wife's happiest thing that happened to her on this trip. She was so happy, she was almost crying.
If you ever get to Florida, it is worth the trip to Chrystal River with your family. Water is so clear you can see the fish (Lots of bass and tons of mullet).
I tried to download the picture but i got it on the gallery but not on this post.