I'M FRICKEN DONE

[BassChump]

Really, I'm finished.

5 1/2 years ago I lost my wife, my father, one brother, a grandmother, all in the space of 3 months. It was and is a very lonely time and I miss her dearly to this day.

 Because of the wifes car accident that killed her, I lost everything. My home which was completely paid for, my ability to do what I've always done. I was a contractor and my license had to go away, again because of my wifes accident. They got everything they could from me including my income for the last 5 years and my dignity. We have a pretty friggen interesting legal system in Oregon. If I was in a different state I probably would have been a rich man but in Oregon, they just took and took until there was nothing left worth taking. Long story.

For the last 5 years, I have been raising my daughter and trying to make a living. Late last year, I stumbled upon an mid 80's bass boat in good shape and I got it cheap. Really cheap.

Finally, something that I can have some fun with that I can share with my daughter and I had the ability to afford it. I just wanted to go fishing with my daughter. Spend some time with her before she gets too old to spend time with dad. That's all I wanted to do. Just have some good times that my daughter can remember long after I'm gone.

I've fished and fished. I've fished with my daughter quite often. I haven't caught a thing. She doesn't go with me much anymore. So I put my heart and soul into it so I could put some fish on the boat and get her interested again.

Tried as I might, I can't catch anything so I asked for help from a tournament fisherman that I know. He used to work for me for a long time. He told me where to go, what to throw and when to throw it. STILL NOTHING. I asked him to come out to my place next weekend so we could go fishing and he could show me first hand how to catch a bass or two. Maybe even 3. Wouldn't that be something. A fish in the tank. Even one fish. At least I wouldn't feel stupid.

Well, I went out fishing this afternoon and again didn't get a bite.

I pulled the boat out and decided to go to Dairy Queen and get a burger before going home. When I came out, someone had stolen my trolling motor and the transducer to the BRAND NEW HUMMINGBIRD 565 fishfinder that I just installed YESTERDAY.

I can't afford a trolling motor not to mention another fish finder and on top of that, I can't catch anything but a cold on the water so I guess.................

I'M DONE. I CAN DO NO MORE.

Someone up there just doesn't like me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just wanted to go fishing with my daughter. I can't even do that.

[Mattlures]

If you and you daughter ever come down to San Diego send me an email. I will take you out on my bay boat and I will treat you to the best day of fishing you have ever had. I can absolutly promise you many salt water bass. You wont even have to chip in for gas and I have all the equipment. You will just need a fishing liscence. I am not just throwing this out there thinking you wont come down. I am dead serious and I truly do hope you take me up on my offer.

[Top]

BC,

 I feel for you, I HATE a thief...sure wish I could help other than know I have said a prayer for you.  You are a strong man... as evident from everything you have been thru... frustrating yes... just remember everything you have been thru and know that some moron stealing a trolling motor and a transducer from you while IS a big deal... ain't squat compared to everything you have been thru... if I had a spare trolling motor I would just give it to you... seriously I would... maybe someone here has just upgraded or something and will hook you up...

Don't give up... fishing is the ONE THING I have that keeps ME sane... I can only imagine how important it is to you...

AL

[Brian_Reeves]

I'm on board with SFC_Al.  I can't stand a thief.  

I'll keep you and your daughter in my prayers and one day better times will come your way.  I really don't know what else to say and there isn't much I can do.  What you've been through speaks tons about your personal strength and character.  Keep on keeping on and hopefully things get better soon man.

[senile1]

Dude, I don't know what to say.  If I were near you I'd take you fishing every chance I get.  

DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER OREGON MEMBERS???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Step up and help out BassChump.  

[rondef]

Basschump, sorry to hear about all you have been through.  We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.  If I had a spare trolling motor I would send it to you.  Things will get better, hang in there.  I hope you reconsider giving up fishing.  If you are ever in the Washington DC area I will take you out and you will catch some bass.

Ron

[Popeye]

BassChump:  you and your daughter will be in my prayers and I certainly hope things turn around on a more positive note for you. It's obvious that you are a STRONG man to have made it through all the tragedy that you've endured over the past several years. Fishing should be FUN and not ADD to your woes. I don't have an answer as to why you haven't caught any fish. Bass are more of a "quest" and are challenging to catch, even for the experts! Have you tried the old "tried and true" live baits like nightcrawlers, frogs, and minnows?? With those, even if you don't hook a bass, you'll undoubtedly catch something else, almost quaranteed. Please give fishing some more time and the fish WILL COME!!! I'm also very saddened to hear that some lowlife scumbag ripped off your trolling motor and transducer. Had I an extra, it would be yours! I'm hoping, as some of the other BR members have already stated, that someone will have a spare one that they can send you!! Take care, you will be in my thoughts and prayers!

[-HAWK-]

Man, i cant even imagine your frustration. All i can say is dont quit, keep at it. Do more research and maybe join a Bass Club. Fish with more experienced fisherman that do catch fish, that can show you what to do.

[fishstick]

Talk about kicking a man when he is down. I am very sorry to hear about your trolling motor and fishfinder being stolen. I know I would probably go crazy if I did not fish.

I recently upgraded from a 40lb thrust MinnKota to a 55lb thrust. I have not gotten around to selling the 40lb thrust yet, and if you want it, its yours. It is used, but still in good condition with plenty of life left in it. If you can use it, just pm me your address and it will be on its way to you.

My greatest memories of my dad are from the time we spent fishing together. I hope you will consider getting back out on the water to make some memories with your daughter.

[Zel]

And I thought I had tough times recently!  What got to me was the line I just wanted to go fishing with my daughter. I can't even do that.  I take my young daughters fishing several times a year, and always cherish the memories.  

I have a brand new Eagle Cuda 242 still in the box that I purchased to replace my 168 because of wiring issues.  An electrician friend fixed the wires for me on the old unit.  So the new unit just sits.  PM me with your address and I'll ship it off to you tomorrow if you want it.  It's not as good as your Hummingbird 565 was, but not too shabby a compact unit either from what I hear.

Times will get better!

[-HAWK-]

wow, what a group of guys. You guys floor me with your generosity. This really is the best Bass Fishing site on the net. I really wish i had something to donate.

[BassChump]

Wow, sorry for being such a downer. Yes it's been kinda tough for the last few years but my daughter and I are doing fine. I was just having a bad day I suppose.

My 80 year old mother is still around and we live on the same property in seperate houses. My daughter and I help take care of her although she is a tough old gal so it's been easy and a pleasure. Still having my mother around is a good thing and I'm lucky my daughter will have fond memories of her grandmother.

I appreciate all the sentiments. Your a good bunch of guys and I value all the help I've received here.

I'm going to continue fishing. It's the only thing I have for a little relaxation and fun for my daughter and I at this point. My daughter loves fishing but we just haven't been very successful at catching anything although we have had a few good days catching boatloads of trout. I'm looking forward to the day when we both can do the same with bass.

Honestly, I feel I've made some friends here on this forum and I appreciate all the help and support more than can be put into words.

[key chain bass guy]

Not that I am anywhere near Zen-like, but I try to remember that it is the journey not the destination that is important.  Yes catching fish is fun, but spending time with your daughter is more fun.

"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it." - Henry Ford

[frogtog]

BassChump life can be tough at times and I fill for you. Hang in there

it will get better. Could you pm me a mailing address please.

[Redlinerobert]

Well you have another friend here in California as well.  I hope and pray that things get better for you.  Trust me, they always do.  Stay strong my friend, for your daughter.  

[Top]

way to step up to the plate guys.... BassChump please accept these fabulous folk's offers... I look at it as a chance to pay it forward... someday.. and more soon than you will realize someone will need something and you will be in the position to help someone else out... so please send those PMs to those guys who offered to help... you are just going to hold onto that "karma" for a bit and then pay it forward...

ALSO if I read it correct they didn't get your fish finder just the transducer right?

AL

[BassChump]

Hi everyone.

Yes, I have PM'd those guys and I want to thank them and all of you for all your generosity and kindness. I appreciate it more than any of you will ever know. If I could tell the whole story, you'd know why. Those aren't just idle words, it's the truth. You don't know or ever will understand what all this help means to my daughter and I. It was far more than just possesions that were lost.

Yes, it was just the transducer that was taken. The 565 has a removable screen so I took that off and it was in the truck. I called BPS and I have a new transducer on it's way. I had a gift certificate from BPS from when I bought the fishfinder so the new transducer is only going to cost me about $50.00 + shipping. I can handle that.

Anyway, I will continue bass fishing. Just hit a bump in the road but all is well and again, thanks for everything.

This truly is the best place on the net. I'm hoping somehow, someday that I can repay all the kindness I'm receiving.

Someday very soon I hope, I'll be able to post a few pictures of my daughter landing a fish or two. I'll be very proud and thankful when that day comes.

[wagn]

Wow, sorry to hear about your tough times. You'll be in my prayers.

And if you are ever up in NH, your welcome on my boat anytime. That of course goes for anyone on this great forum as well.

Good luck, and keep on trying, you'll catch a hawg soon.

[Zel]

You've probably heard of this before, but here is a little tip for future reference when staying overnight or stopping somewhere with your rig loaded.

Get yourself one of those baby monitors (ones that also run on battery). Place the transmitter in the boat, and take the receiver with you. You can hear if there is any commotion on or around the boat. And if you hear something going on just hit the panic button on your key chain that sets off the car alarm (if you have that type). And if you do have the type of key chain with a panic button that sets off a car alarm, I suggest you keep it handy near your bed at night at all times. If you would ever hear something or someone at night in the house, just press the button and set off the car alarm.

[Popeye]

BassChump wrote:  "This truly is the best place on the net. I'm hoping somehow, someday that I can repay all the kindness I'm receiving."

For me, my friend.....you already have!!!

[Catt]

way to step up to the plate guys.... BassChump please accept these fabulous folk's offers... I look at it as a chance to pay it forward... someday.. and more soon than you will realize someone will need something and you will be in the position to help someone else out... so please send those PMs to those guys who offered to help... you are just going to hold onto that "karma" for a bit and then pay it forward...ALSO if I read it correct they didn't get your fish finder just the transducer right?

AL

That's a man

[Popeye]

BassChump:  I sent you a PM. Please read. THANKS!!!

[fish-fighting-illini]

Bass -  hang in there you are hurting but your daughter needs you to be strong.

 As a thought yes bass are fun but they can be tough. Don't forget the other species like catfish bluegill, crappie etc. Your daughter probably won't care that it is not bass. She if probably just happy being with dad and enjoying the outdoors.  Get your confidence up with some other fish and the bass will come. If you caught trout you can fish ( those things frustrate me more than bass ever will.

 In your industry I don't know how prominant it is but many co's offer a few free sessions with a counselor. Some churches offer some thing similar as well. I've never been to one but they work for some people.

[Mattlures]

I am sure you have gotten a bunch of tip to help you catch fish but I have another one for you. Downsize your line. If its just bites your after then use 6lb test Fluoro. Be quiet on the water and make longer cats to your target. I know these are basic but often overlooked by beginers. Also try a nightcrawler with a single splitshot about 8inches up from the worm. Use the smallest splitshot you can find. That along with the light line is easiest way to get bit by bass that I know of.

[MitchIsFishin]

Basschump, I'm sorry for what's happened to you. I'm out of work & am totally broke, but you've been dealt a worse hand. I can't help with a trolling motor but PM me, I've got some plastics I'd like to send you. Keep  the chin up man & God Bless You.