My Biggest Fish of 2022

 That Fricken Pike at the crow wing River

Bowfin at Platte Lake

This 4.67lber Will Do, Didn't Get a 5lber in '22

14.75"/1.80lb New Personal Best Silver Bullhead/Crappie

7lb Golden Bullhead/Walleye

2022 One Fish Wonders For Bass/Jumpers

 I caught only one bass/jumpin' bullhead on 21 different lures this year. There are 22 baits on the list above; the Big Bite Baits BFE caught 6 Jumpin' bullheads, so it shouldn't be on the list.  

BP's Strategic Advice To The Vikings

 I think the Vikes should basically sit Cook for the next couple of games. He looks fresh right now. I want him 100% for the playoffs. Madison is quality back. In the Packers game, they should use Cook as a play-action decoy for three quarters giving Madison 100% of the carries. Only giving Cook carries in the 4th if the game is on the line. Yes, the Vikes could use the win this Sunday, but not at the expense of the healthy Dalvin we have right now. It's a delicate balance. If Coach KOC chooses to go in a more aggressive direction and it comes back to bite him. I will not be happy. My position, or even going more conservative with Cook, is the wise play.  

Vikes Win Again!!!

Justin Jefferson is one bad dude. Cook is healthy. The D got turnovers, as did Special Teams.  It all came together, and the Vikes eke out a win on a last-second field goal versus the Giants.

Cyb Catches A Huge Gator On The Schooley

 The wind noise is kind of annoying, but staying until the end is worth it. MT channels Taku Ito complaining about hooking into big fish. 

Nice Catch, Mike

Vikes Have Record Comeback To Take The North

 

I had to head South to take my mom to my brother's place in Bloomington right after the blocked punt for a Colts TD. What a comedy of errors that first half was. The Vikes scored their second touchdown shortly after I arrived. And dog gummit they scored  5 TD's in the second half and win it in overtime with the greatest comeback in NFL history. 

 

MN DNR Will Be Opening Up C & R Records Starting in 2023

 

If the world doesn't end and I don't die. I plan on trying to hold the DNR catch and release record for bowfin and largemouth bass. 

From Star Tribune via Yahoo News:

Bassmaster Fantasy Bass Fishing is Live

(Clicking this won't do nothing)

 Clicking here will send you to the Bassmaster site.

First Tournament is at the Big O in mid-February. 

Here are the Prizes:

Fantasy Fishing Prizes

Individual Tournament First Prizes: There is one (1) Individual Tournament First Prize available to be won per Tournament. Each Individual Tournament First Prize winner will receive a prize package to include:

• One (1) $2,500 Bass Pro Shop Gift Card;
• $1,000 cash (to be awarded in the form of a check);
• Rapala prize package including the following (ARV: $500)
• One (1) Rapala Touch Screen Scale with culling kit;
• One (1) Rapala Performance Tool Combo;
• One (1) Rapala Ruler;
• One (1) Rapala Decal Kit;
• One (1) Rapala Trucker Cap; and
• One (1) Rapala Products Package including Crankbaits, Jerkbaits, Sufix Line, VMC Hooks, Terminator Jigs, and Storm Lures.

If an Individual Tournament First Prize winner is a B.A.S.S. Member as of each Individual Tournament Locktime, as indicated in the chart above, he/she will receive an additional $500 Bass Pro Shop Gift Card. The total ARV of each Individual Tournament First Prize is: $4,000 minimum / $4,500 maximum.

Individual Tournament Second Prizes: There are four (4) Individual Tournament Second Prizes available to be won per Tournament. Each Individual Tournament Second Prize winner will receive a prize package to include:

• One (1) Rapala Touch Screen Scale with culling kit;
• One (1) Rapala Performance Tool Combo;
• One (1) Rapala Ruler;
• One (1) Rapala Decal Kit;
• One (1) Rapala Trucker Cap; and
• Rapala Brands Products valued up to $100.

The total ARV of each Individual Tournament Second Prize is: $250.

Individual Tournament Third Prizes: There are five (5) Individual Tournament Third Prizes available to be won per Tournament. Each Individual Tournament Third Prize winner will receive Rapala Brands Products of Sponsor’s choice valued up to $100. The total ARV of each Individual Tournament Third Prize is: $100.

Individual Tournament Fourth Prizes: There are ten (10) Individual Tournament Fourth Prizes available to be won per Tournament. Each Individual Tournament Fourth Prize winner will receive a prize package to include:

• One (1) Rapala Cap;
• One (1) Rapala T-shirt; and
• Three (3) Rapala products of Sponsor’s choice.

The total ARV of each Individual Tournament Fourth Prize is: $50.

Finisher Runner-Up Prizes: Each of four (4) Finisher Runner-Up Prize winners will receive a prize package to include:

• One (1) $1,000 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card; and
• One (1) Rapala package including a Rapala hat, t-shirt and lures.

The total ARV of each Finisher Runner-Up Prize is: $1,100.

Grand Prize (top Season total): One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive a prize package to include:

• One (1) $15,000 Bass Pro Shops Gift Card;
• $5,000 cash (to be awarded in the form of a check);
• One (1) Rapala package including a Rapala hat, t-shirt and lures; and
• A trip package for one (1) person, the Grand Prize winner, to a to-be-determined location in the state of South Carolina to fish with Davy Hite. Trip dates will be scheduled on a mutually agreed upon date during the month of October 2023. Dates and location are subject to change in Sponsor’s sole discretion. Trip package will include:
  • Round-trip, coach-class airfare (up to $500 in value) for Grand Prize winner to a to-be-determined location in South Carolina from a major airport nearest Grand Prize winner’s residence within the 48 U.S.;
  • Two (2) nights hotel accommodations (up to $400 in value) at a hotel of Sponsor’s choice;
  • 1-day fishing with Davy Hite; and
  • $150 spending money.

If Grand Prize winner is a B.A.S.S. Member as of 6:00 AM ET on August 24, 2023, he/she will receive an additional $500 Bass Pro Shop Gift Card. The total ARV of the Grand Prize is: $21,150 minimum / $21,650 maximum.

Snatcher Tuma Is Going For It In 2023

 What is "it" you ask? "It" is to qualify to be a Bassmaster Elite Series Angler by qualifying through the Opens in 2023. There are 9 tournaments in all. It won't be easy, but Keith is a hound dog and a super-talented angler. I think the only thing he lacks is a bit of experience compared to some of the other guys he'll be competing against. 

Go make your own luck, brother!

Vikes Beat the J. E. T. S., Jets!

 

Kirk was not at his best, but the team overcame and hung on for the victory beating the Jets 27-22. The Division title is on hold for KOC because the Lions won today. We get the Lions next in Detriot. SKOL!

First Ice Trip 22/23

  

1st Fish Of Ice Seaso

3:45-5:35 10' Out From the Platte Lake Access

26-35℉, PC, 0-3mph

Forgot to bring the spud, but there were a few people out, and there were old iced-over holes where I was fishing. I did a zig-zag pattern in 10-12' feet of water and spied a gill down in the third hole, so I drilled three more, and that is where I fished. Saw two gills catching one. Saw at least one pike, possibly two. It was about 10 minutes between appearances, and I didn't get a great look at the first one. A few marks came in, and looked, but I didn't detect any bites. Almost nothing as it got dark

1Sun 

(This is YT Report I did with the VN Video Editor App, first-ever time using video editing software)

(This is the YT Report before I got the VN app)

Beating Belichick On Turkey Day, 9-2

 

SKOL!

Vike's Take Their Second L

 What I wrote about the Cowboys game this week: 

So the result didn't come as much of a surprise to me. Hopefully, the team will be able to pick itself back up on Thanksgiving Day. SKOL!

18th Blogoversary Day For Bass Pundit

The picture was taken on August 30th, 2011, at Erskine Lake by Pete. The story of that day is here. 

 

Mr. Turkey Conversations In November, Part 7

 

Into The Freezer, For Posterity (Packer Football)

 

From a thread over at IDO titled: Packers End of An Era. Just wondering if last year was the end of the era for the Packer's playoff runs; how long will it be until they get back, get another playoff victory, NFC Title Game, and Super Bowl appearance. The Vike's current streak is two seasons without making the playoffs and the same since their last playoff victory.  It has been 4 years since our last NFC Title Game and 46 years since the last Super Bowl appearance. 

Sure, it's easy to laugh with the kid now in 2022. I want to see how the humor ages if A-Rog has hit his expiration date and that team goes into the crapper for an extended length of time. 

Unfortunately, The Wind Is Keeping Platte Open

 

Although it has pretty much been below-freezing every hour this past week, it just didn't get cold enough to lock things up. Fishing next week looks iffy at best.

Mr. Turkey Conversations In November, Part 6

 

Mr. Turkey Conversations In November, Part 5

 

Mr. Turkey Conversations In November, Part 4

Mr. Turkey Conversations In November, Part 3

 

Mr. Turkey Conversations In November, Part 2

 

Vikes Get Unbelievable Overtime Upset Victory Against the Bills

 

Because one thumbs-up does not do that entertaining rock 'em sock 'em battle royal justice. What a game? The Vikes were far from perfect, but they pulled out yet another come-from-behind W, but against one of the best teams in the league at their place this time. Vikes get a signature win vs. a very talented squad and a huge confidence boost that they are among the league's best teams. Next up, we get the Cowboys, who lost a tough one in overtime vs. the Pack in Lambert. I would have preferred the Cowboys come in with a road victory already in their pocket, and it coming against the Cheese is a nice fringe benefit. I expect the Cowboys are going to come in with something to prove. Don't sleep on those Boys next week, boys! SKOL! 

Mr. Turkey Conversations In November, Part 1

 

Quick Transition To Ice Fishin'

I'm guessing Platte will be ice covered by Thursday and be safe for fishing a few days before Thanksgiving if this forecast is accurate. I'll be ready.
 

Trophy Pulled For 2022

 

I put her into Platte Lake on May 7th and took it on November 9th. I got it in so late because the fishing was so good at the Grumpy Old Man Hole that I wasn't in a rush. I didn't take nearly as many trips in May this year for the same reason. I ended the year having taken 163 fishing trips in the boat, down from 186 last year.

Vikes Go To 7-1, and The Pack Lose to the Lions

 

After the referee blocked Cam Bynum away from an interception resulting in a Washington TD. I thought that Coach KOC's horseshoe had been stolen. The Vikings were clearly the superior team in the match-up yesterday, but Wahington was getting most of the breaks. Thankfully, KOC's streak of good fortune returned when they blocked our long snapper allowing us to almost run out the clock before kicking the field goal that won it for us. And it looks like there is a pretty good chance we will face Case Keenum and not Josh Allen next week.

Meanwhile, the Lions beat the Pack, and Da Bears went down vs. Miami.

On to Buffalo, SKOL!

Dock Out 2022

 Todd pulled the dock the rest of the way up by himself because I was a bonehead and stone-cold asleep because of my meds. The Trophy comes out tomorrow.

Final Open Water Trip of 2022

 

 

3:45-4:45PM N Reeds Across to F Flat Juice 

38℉, Cloudy, 3-5mph NW

39℉ Water Low falling

Slow to get out. Had to put the charger on the battery twice. Started off North Reeds Across. Missed a couple of bites on the RC. Lost something halfway in on the Pirahna that I saw but couldn't identify. I got a couple of pike; Then got the call about Dad's fall in the garage, so I headed in with about a half hour of light left. This was my last trip of the year in the Trophy and in open water. It got rainy, then cold. I took the boat out of the lake two days later. 

2 Pike 

Final Bass of 2022???

 It was not this fish; I caught a small bass after this one. Unless I get a largemouth through the ice this will be the day I caught my last bass of 2022. Definitely the day I caught my final open water largie.

Beginner Bass Fishing Tips

 

Beginner Bass Fishing Tips is a website dedicated to those who are just getting into bass fishing. It is the project of a guy who loves bass fishing and aspires to be a successful web developer. The page is thoughtfully laid out and easy to navigate, with simple and short explanations of the topics covered. I would say he nailed it with this website; what a resource!