Disappointed with my fishing season

[Simp]

I really hate to say I'm disappointed but I am. I hate to say that because I had some incredible highs. The road trip to pickwick was possibly the best week of my life. My dad and I both caught our first smallies and everybody there was great. I also had a trip to ky lake at moors landing where I got to fish with my uncle before he passed away. I also showed my experience as a angler in my club this year. I was in the running for angler of the year before a equipment mall function in durring a tournament knocked me off the pace.

All these things were great and so why am I down? Simple time on the water! I've been working like crazy but with my evening shift I should have been able to get out more . I'd say I fished only a quarter as much as I did last year. Personally I believe tow is the most important thing you can do to become a better angler.

The second reason is my home lake had a horrible year. It's a shallow muddy lake with a ton of grass. Well this year we had high watter at just the right time to prevent the grass from coming up like normal. So of course then we settled into a drought and the lake dropped so low much of the lake is un fishable and it's still that way. We had a few good days buy it was mainly just a ton of tough fishing days.

Anyways that's my fishing season story what's yours?

[NateFollmer]

I had an average year. The real high was taking my Kayak trip down the Juniata. It really taught me more about the great fishing that's right in my backyard (and that I need a kayak haha).

I too, wish I could have gotten out more. With the exception of that kayak trip, none of my fish were really BIG this year, that kind of disappointed me too. I'll take anything I can catch though  

[Tokyo Tony]

My early spring was great, late spring and very early summer was great, then after that it sucked. The water on my home lake was 6-10 feet low, and I just couldn't find the fish. It was so bad that I wasn't even motivated to go out. Hopefully next year is better...

[lynyrdsky1]

April to early June was great for me but after that theres only probably been once our twice that I didn't get completely skunked.

[grimlin]

Broken wrist side lined any time i could have had this summer on the water. Plus i was working 60+ hours a week during the spring.I completely missed the spring runs.

Early fall was the only time i actually caught fish....Then it just completely died down. I'm already done for the season. I have one spinning rod ready to go just in case i can get out there one more time before sub freezing temps.

[Lund Explorer]

My year was tied to home improvement projects which kept me off the water way more than normal.  A typical year has us camping/fishing for at least two weeks each summer.  This year, we never bothered to "un-winterize" the camper.

My favorite bluegill pond <semi-private> was invaded by a few trespassers that pretty much wiped it out for who knows how long.  A twenty acre lake that was easy to catch a limit of 9" plus gills was reduced to being happy to catch a half-dozen that size.  I basically left it alone and took nothing home this year in hopes of helping it's recovery.

Smallies bit well in May, and LM were okay the rest of the year, when I could get out.  Most were half day trips to one of the local lakes.  Size was up from previous years due to the fact that I concentrated on fishing deeper.

On the bright side, I've got a new roof, new siding, new windows, and doors all put up on the house, with extra insulation to boot.  Built two new porches with vinyl decks so no more power washing.  All new electrical service and breaker boxes with the ability to connect my generator up in case of power outages.  New carpeting and fresh paint in 2/3 of the inside of the old homestead, along with all new "oak" door and window casings.

Best of all, I've got my reservation already made for next spring's roadtrip!  If I do this right, I'll get a reprieve from having to put in a whole new kitchen next summer!

[farmpond1]

It's a bummer your season was rough.  Sometimes it's a combination of things-outside distractions/committments, poor weather, or just whatever.  I've had a few years like that myself.  They stink!  But hey, there's always next year!  Hopefully we'll get some rain or snow!

[tholmes]

My year has been pretty good, so far. Early April through late June was the best for sheer numbers, mid-summer was kind of tough, and the fall has been outstanding. And it ain't over yet

Tom

[done]

Sounds like you had an alright year. Having you home lake like that sucks but sounds like you got out, got some fishing done and met some good folks.

I tell you I love getting out like that. In the last 2 years I have gotten the chance to meet up with other guys from fishing board maybe 3 times. In those 3 trips I learned more about alternate ways to do things than in any other time I was out.

All lakes have good/bad years. We had one a few years back that they closed all the ramps and nobody could launch because of the drought. Now when we had the gas shortage I had my jon. it ran off 3 Gal of gas for a week. I was the ONLY boat out there. That was Awesome!

Our summer was hot as hades so I had a hard time this year in the summer but spring and fall were the best I have had in years. lake has gone into a winter pattern and that is my least favorite season.

Buck up though, there is always next year.

[slonezp]

It is what it is. I had the same issues with my home lake in northern IL. #'s of fish were down this year but sizes were up. Was able to cash 2 checks out of 6 tourneys I fished. Went to Toho in Feb. when it was 30 degrees in Orlando. No bass but we were on the pickeral bite LOL, and broke down on the way home. :'( Missed a couple months on the water due to having rotator cuff surgery in May. :'(  Still have open water. There calling for snow tomorrow but the 60's this weekend. Time for one last hurrah before the boat goes away.