Joel (Drewsdad) invited me along for a late January outing on P 2 of the good ‘ol Mississippi. Normally this time of year I’m out chasing gills or whatever else is biting through the ice. Quite a winter we’re having for sure.
Joel is first a walleye guy, then a “if it tugs I’ll fish for it” type of guy and of course I prefer the sweet smell of a flathead cat over just about anything…’cept my wife. ‘Cause she’s sweeter! (ya reading this honey?) Neither one of us has fished the Great P2, but by golly, armed with Steve DeZuriks’ latest report we figured the worst we could do is …get skunked.
While Joel was waiting for me at the launch, he was check by one of our local CO’s. I was a little surprise to hear this considering it’s late January, but I guess the rumors of CO’s hibernating are untrue.
Off we went looking for a likely wing dam to find Mr. Piggy. Checked out a couple with the depth finder and they just didn’t look good to him. I keep after Joel to drive his Lund closer to the stumps and snags. After the fourth or fifth time of saying politly, “Brian, we are not after catfish”… I caught on. We motored up stream to a great looking spot and I told Joel this is IT! This time he yelled at me…I said “Sorry Joel, walleyes right?” He shook his head as we move closer to the spot he had picked out.
This was purrrrfect for eye’s! We knew there would be a Mr. Pig hear for sure. We both started casting H20 jig heads with Joel using dark ring worms and I selected a lighter color BfishN Tackle ring worm. Joel told me to use a heavier weight…but I couldn’t find any 4 oz no-rolls…so I used a 3/32 oz (I think?).
The kid changed up Ringworms to a lighter green color for some reason…one cast and WHAM! He’s fighting a LITTLE 23 incher to the boat. Measurement, photo and a quick release and we were back to fishing. I took a quick time check and at 5:10 we were thinking…time for a couple more!
Well, nothing happen until 5:50, when we notice a boat with three fellas moving in on our spot. I figured the better be CO’s or they were going to be getting an ear full for moving in so close. Yup, three Mr. DNR’s come to check us out. Once they looked over our fishing licenses, I was scolded by one CO for not having my license signed. It was at this time Mr. CO started Boating Laws 101 class. Apparently sunset was a 5;12 tonight. We were informed that although our anchor light was up, we didn’t put it up at sunset, which is the law.
PDL…were not exactly sure the cost of the ticket, because each county has there own fees. I’m sure it will be over $100.
Well you can guess I’ll be putting those lights on earlier from now on. I was just really surprised I didn’t get a warning. I certainly was in the wrong; but the punishment seems a bit harsh. Live and learn. 
or we would drink herbal tea and do the crossword puzzle