FelonFinder
06-25-2004, 01:16 AM
I fish in SE Idaho. A month ago while I fished around the dam, someone got into my cooler and stole my pop. I have been on the alert since, but never thought my fish would be a target for bandits.
So last night I was fishing, and had some pretty good luck. Brought in a 20" rainbow on a Thunderstick. In the bank six feet away was a natural livewell, so I knocked the fish out and rested him in the livewell since it was dark and nearly time to leave.
A few minutes later, I heard some movement near the fish, turned on my flashlight to discover my fish was several feet up the rocky bank. I grew suspicious, because if he flopped, he would have gone down the hill, not up it. I watched the area closely, after restoring the fish to the natural livewell.
Several minutes later, I heard a beer bottle roll down the rocks. I switched on my flashlight to see two glowing eyes encased by the traditional criminal's mask. The eyes disappeared behind a boulder. My fish was gone, and no amount of searching would produce it. I was outwitted by a rodent! A racoon stole my fish! All three and half pounds of it, and that, without a sound.
I have a whole new respect (and disdain) for the racoon. I hope he's happy. That's the last time I let him take my gamefish. Next time, after dark, my catch is going on one of those baskets African women carry around on their heads! :idea:
So last night I was fishing, and had some pretty good luck. Brought in a 20" rainbow on a Thunderstick. In the bank six feet away was a natural livewell, so I knocked the fish out and rested him in the livewell since it was dark and nearly time to leave.
A few minutes later, I heard some movement near the fish, turned on my flashlight to discover my fish was several feet up the rocky bank. I grew suspicious, because if he flopped, he would have gone down the hill, not up it. I watched the area closely, after restoring the fish to the natural livewell.
Several minutes later, I heard a beer bottle roll down the rocks. I switched on my flashlight to see two glowing eyes encased by the traditional criminal's mask. The eyes disappeared behind a boulder. My fish was gone, and no amount of searching would produce it. I was outwitted by a rodent! A racoon stole my fish! All three and half pounds of it, and that, without a sound.
I have a whole new respect (and disdain) for the racoon. I hope he's happy. That's the last time I let him take my gamefish. Next time, after dark, my catch is going on one of those baskets African women carry around on their heads! :idea: