I was back on the water this week-end for a few guide trips on the Iowa Great Lakes.Joining me on Friday night and Sat. morning were the Tamara Chapman family off Missouri Valley,IA.Tammy’s father Raymond used to be a great angler and she simply wanted to get him out on the water for a few hours of fun.
We fished Spirit Lake on Friday night and caught many bass and a few small eyes with the biggest fish being a 17″ smallmouth.Saturday we fished the docks of West Okoboji for panfish and gills.The action was not as good as I though.We could see gills up under the docks but they were very negative.It was still very fun to have Raymond in the boat and to show him the fish we caught,he had a great time.Here is Tammy’s mom with a nice 16.5″ largemouth she caught,it was a great battle for her.!!Thanks to the Chapman’s for a couple fun days.
On Sunday I had the Godfrey’s from NW IA in the boat.Loren and Casey wanted to learn a few new spots for future fishing outtings.We fished rock piles early for bass and caught many fish.It only took a few minutes and Loren and his son Casey were old pro’s at slip-bobber fishing-way to go guys.!!Here is Casey with a nice little smallmouth.
After a few hours of this we drifted over a 14-16′ flat with bouncer/spinner combo’s and boated many small eyes.It was very fast action but we could not get any legal eyes,many were a 1/2″ short.Casey did a excellent job with this type of fishing and it was fun to watch him.the Godfrey were a treat to have in the boat and I enjoyed spending a few hours with them.I hope the spots I showed them will allow them to get better and bigger fish in the future.
Ryan Hale