I called a fishing buddy who went on without me. He's already double regretted going. I could count on one hand how many Saturdays I've fished all those years with the Corps of Engineers. His report sent mixed feelings. First, it took 44 minutes to truck across the parking ramp to the ramp. it takes 25 minutes to get from my house to the parking lot. A houseboat was illegally launching on a weekend, and was blocked by long trailers sticking out in the access lane. 30 men arguing, raising fists, cussin. No place for an old retiree. Where's a ranger when you need him? Oh, he's there? Huh. Out walking around looking for volunteers to lift trailers out of the way by hand. Boat in the water, nice equipment all over it, but no place to park, has to park a 1/4 mile down the main road, walk back to the ramp, expecting a stripped boat. It's OK. Pacemaker didn't go off. Huh. Might be a decent day after all. Ooops, 400 sailboats, 3,000 jet skis, and 5,000 bassboats & skiers. Is there a safe place to stop in front of any and fish? 2 hours later the answer is no. He finally finds a "nothing" bank. Has to time casts between jet skiers. "Jim, I forgot, is it illegal to snag those kids?"
Randy, give up. It's a SATURDAY. Forgot already? We fish on Mon-Thurs. 15 seconds across the parking lot, maybe 20 other water craft sharing the whole lake. Caught any fish? "Jim, you're cruel. I'm gonna come whip your butt."
I NEVER envy weekend water warriors.
Jim