I drove out to Lake Camanche North Shore this morning with the intention of throwing in the Float Tube Cumberland. The weather was supposed to be in the high 60's to low 70's. When I got there, it was overcast, cold, and the wind was blowing. I decided to park myself on the shore and soak some Power Bait. Two hours later, and I was still sitting on the shore without a bite.
OK, plan B. I went over to the other side of the penninsula and fished in the cove where I had planned to fish from the Float Tube Cumberland. Nothing there either.
Plan C. I packed up and drove to Lake Amador. Checked in and went out to the spillway (which is over flowing again) and set up one rod with power Bait and another with Kastmasters. Just a note, I now carry 4 rods. Two for Power Bait, one for lures, and a new one with 2 lb test for grub jigs. Easier than changing all the time.
Didn't get anything on the Power Bait even though I fished it in the lake and in the spillway. Didn't get anything on Kastmasters. I did get one on the new rod with a white grug jig, but I don't think I set the hook enough and I got the jig thrown back at me. That and trying to tempt one in the spillway with everything in my tacklebox, that was it.
Which brings me to the title. I spent the drive home thinking about all the days I've been fishing in the last two years. At least once a week and many times twice. That's a lot of days. I came to the conclusion that I'm tired. Not tired of fishing, just tired in general. So I'm taking a vacation or hiatus or personal time off or what ever you want to call it for a few weeks. I'm pretty much done with fishing the lower lakes and the ones upcountry are still iced over, at least I think they are.
I checked my journal (Fish to cost of license ratio) from last year and I didn't start fishing upcountry until March 26th. I think I'll take off, until the end of the month, but I'll check out the lakes up the hill and see what's happening. I'll continue to follow all you guys out there and will post if I find anything interesting. I still have pictures to put over on California Dreaming, so watch for new posts there.
Till I find something interesting.
Mark
Been there, done that. Over the past few years I'd been averaging 140 days of fishing. When not able to get out of town I'd hit the local river or pond for some carp fishing. After some time I realized I was just going through the motions. A short "vacation" from the everyday local fishing experience brought back some of the magic. Whatever you decide to do, you've got fishing in your blood, you'll be back. Good luck Mark.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the well deserved break. You've been really getting after them (in adverse conditions might I add), some recharging of the battery sounds like just the ticket.
ReplyDeleteI think you have earned it, Mark, when you consider the weather, the fishing, the newspaper writing you do, and, the U.P.S. debacle. Give it a week or two and then get after it again. I will be waiting for the return of the Shoreman!
ReplyDeleteEverybody needs a break and once the "itch" returns you'll be back. Also, thanks for mentioning the journal (and your other tip about what you keep in your fishing vest). Do you bring it with you or write in it after you return home?
ReplyDeleteWhen it becomes like work it is time to take a break.
ReplyDeletewow Mark sorry to hear that. I also fish a lot. Average 150 days or so year. Some years with guiding its 200+. I hope I never get tired of it. I still wake up with the same energy and drive to find and fool em as I did when I was kid. Maybe more so now. It's amazing how one good bite can change a whole outlook on things.
ReplyDeleteMaybe try something "new" on the same water. Change species and target some LM, Cats or bait some big carp up.
Sounds like your a little burned out on the same old.
Good fishing!
Do something fun, enjoy yourself...
ReplyDeleteSee you when you return.