Hello, my name is Bob, and I've been a fisherman for 35 yrs. Sounds like an intro. for a twelve step program doesn't it? They think we fishermen are addicted, sick, and twisted. Who else would stand shivering in the rain, feet wet, hands aching, making one more cast for a one in 10,000 chance at a Musky? (Get it? The fish of 10,000 casts) Yeah, I have a problem, but they say admitting it is the first step.

Anyway, about 10 yrs ago my friend Dave Wamboldt and I met while working together at Pike Creek Outfitters. Mike and Barb Hines, the owners were ready to retire, do some traveling, and start enjoying life instead of getting up in the dark as they both did for many years. I learned a great deal from them and they always treated me like family, and still do.

What you will find here is people who know what they're talking about, and everything you need for Lake Michigan. Dave is the Perch Guru. He even pours his own worms, we call them the "Wammer Slammers". I would be up the creek, to put it politely, without Dave. Did I mention he's got way more experience than me because he's way older? That's funny, I mention it to him all the time.

Thanks, Bob

Monday, September 17, 2012

fishin' report 9-17-12

Before we talk about what's biting, I'd like to talk about the passing of a good friend.  Scotty Haebig, a friend to many fishermen, hot rod enthusiasts, and drag racers, died yesterday of complications from the cancer he had been fighting since its diagnosis last fall.  He was more than a fixture here, he was my right hand.  He looked out for me with the love of a father, and I'll miss him like one.  Scotty was so helpful in so many ways that I could never list them all.  He was my sounding board for every decision I made.  He made sure I got here on time, would call me when I wasn't, soothe the customers until I got here, and when I couldn't drive- picked me up at my house.  It wasn't uncommon for me to get here on snow days to find he already had the entrance and sidewalk shoveled.  He was in my corner for any fight or competition, he was my best advertisement, strongest ally, you name it.  There was never any doubt of his support.  I can't believe he's gone.  No one is worthy to take his place.  I think I'll retire his seat at the counter and keep everyone off of it from now on.  Then maybe I can imagine him still sitting there as he always did.  I've got such a hole in my heart, soul, life now that for the first time in ages I feel a little lost.  Sometimes with a loss like this, you can take a little solace in the fact that the person is at least no longer suffering, but I can't even use that because I thought, as everyone did, that he was going to be back in no time.  Scotty himself thought he had it beat for probably the whole time until a few days ago, at the most a week and a half ago.  I've never seen anyone so upbeat and optimistic with such a good attitude.  They say that's what you need to fight that disease right?  I guess that just wasn't enough.  Maybe he had me fooled because he was that good at putting up a good front. Usually I'm the guy that says, "everything happens for a reason", and that "God has a plan", but I can't say that this time.  All I can say is that I'll miss my friend terribly.
Bob

Kings are in now. Not in big numbers.  Mostly a lot of casting and not much catching.
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