Last Updated on December 13, 2023 by Terry
Sometimes the bigger bass are more active at night, especially in the heat of the summer.
A lot of odd things can happen while fishing, at night. Right about now, before I divulge these details, I should be able to inform you that I have never fallen from my boat. But, in reality, with all truths, Yeah, I’ve been wet a time or two. (Or 11)
But right now, I want to share with you an encounter I had back in the 70s as I watched two of the strangest “fishermen” I had the pleasure to meet. (More like enjoyment)
I launched a lake in Saline County, about 40 minutes from home. There was a big dark gold Chevy ¾ ton truck and trailer in the parking area.
I launched and motored up to an area with three separate coves. I saw a light in the first one. I was guessing the guy that belonged to the truck. I scooted on over to the third one. I pulled up on the point and began to work my way toward the back of the cove.
Sound carries well at night on the water, and I could hear things clanging around in their boat occasionally.
I heard them crank up about an hour distant from our first encounter. A little later I cranked up and made a run. As I turned into the pocket I had targeted, there they were again. They had apparently turned off all their lights and I kinda ran right up on them.
I shut down and coasted to a stop near them. They were looking and acting a little peculiar. I apologized for my rudeness of crowding them, but they seemed not to care.
I could tell something was “Off”, and being nosey, I asked if everything was ok.
I think they were embarrassed over what they were doing. The tall guy in the front said they hadn’t caught many and were attempting to gig some fish.
Pretenders, I thought to myself. Pretending to be bass fishermen but really just a couple of outlaws. I asked them if they had gigged any.
They were using a very bright spotlight shining down into the water and using about a 10’-12’ long frog gig. I could tell they weren’t enjoying my company, so I went on past them and fished my way to the back of the cove.
As I came up on the opposite bank where were “Fishing”, they were about 30 yards across the narrow cove we were both in.
I could see pretty good as their light was reflecting off the water. They were both right up at the very front edge of the front deck of the boat.
They were leaning pretty far out. It was obvious that they had a fish in their sights and were about to stab it with their gig.
I wondered if they weren’t leaning a little too far forward as the tall guy with the gig-pole lunged forward down into the water.
My observation was correct, the action-reaction along with gravity took over. As their weight went forward, it also shoved the boat backwards and both of them went headfirst over the front of the boat!
They both bobbed up and swam to the bank. I was now hanging around simply to make sure they were alright. The tall curly haired guy went back into the water and swam to the boat and crawled his way back in. He eased the boat over to the bank and picked up his partner. They cranked up and motored away. I could tell they were heading for the launch area to head home.
I found myself smiling and wondering if they carried extra clothes when they went “fishing”. I suspected that this was not their first “Rodeo”.
