For those arriving late, this is my silly quest to catch 20 species of fish in seven days of fishing. I started the day with 9 species accounted for after three days.....
I really had not intended to do another Fishing Challenge Day. It was supposed to be cold and rainy and I had an appointment in the early afternoon. But I threw the gear in the vehicle anyway, and around 2:30 tossed a line into a spot on the Chippewa River where I'd been told some weird fish could be found.
Now normally I designate a first trip to a spot as a scouting day....the Fishing Challenge Day does not start until I say it does. But the fish were biting, and as promised, they were weird.
This is a spot below a hydro dam. Fish tend to swim upstream until they can't go further....then sit below the dam and feed on things that wash through.. I was bottom fishing mostly, just toss a hook full of night crawlers to the right spot and see what happens.
My first catch was a substantial fish but it kicked loose just as I pulled it onto shore. I had you see neglected to bring a landing net. Not long after I hauled in this guy:
This is a silver redhorse. Not a common species, it's a big help on the way to 20. He was probably three or four pounds. Next up...
A small mouth buffalo. Definitely an odd one. This time I was ready, I had on a mechanics glove to grab him and toss him on shore. And I gently held him down for hook removal and a photo. This may have been the same species as the one that hopped back in the drink while I was reaching for my camera. Same piggy eyes.
I fished a bit longer with no more luck. As the sun set I tried another spot upstream. My son and grandson have caught catfish there. I sat there and drank a beer as the sun set. A train went over the bridge. Probably fish swam by, you couldn't prove it by me.
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