That good ole annoying sound of the alarm goes off at 230a, but then you realize it’s tournament day. You do your morning routine, full of excitement, you hitch up the boat pack up the gear you prepared the night before and head out. You meet up with the rest of the gang at the usual meeting spot to get last minute supplies and for the carpool ride to the fishing spot. Whether that spot is 20 min or 2 hours away it’s the longest drive of your life. The anticipation of what’s waiting for you out there, what lure are you going to give a whirl first, did you have your bowel movement before you left your house, or did you forget something. Those are some of the many thoughts that cross your mind before you ever get on the boat. You finally make it to the ramp, remove the thousand things you have holding your boat securely to the trailer, you have your non boater or some other non experienced fellow back you down the ramp. You hear that sweet splash of the water against the hull of your boat, scream at the guy in the truck and fire up that engine. There’s nothing sweeter than the sound of the engine purring at 530 in the morning. You start to putt out to the take off location, and that’s where it sinks in, that’s where you have that little feeling, that’s where you say your prayer to keep everyone safe and that’s when you realize you left the lure you wanted right on the kitchen counter. The Tournament director sends off all the boats one by one. Your number gets called, and you pin that throttle and take off like a bat out of hell. 50 plus mile an hour wind pounding against your face, fighting the wakes of the other boats, and just hoping no one is going to your spot. Finally you arrive at the destination right as the sun is peeking over the horizon, you bend down launch the trolling motor, grab your first rod. This is where it’s all worth it, this is when it’s peaceful, this is when you get that damn birds nest, this is when nothing can go your way, and this is the exact reason you wake up 3 hours earlier to fish than to go to work. 

There’s a little entertainment before the tournament report later.

Tight Lines

Tony

To all members:
The meeting for this month is on the 17th followed by a 2 day tournament on 21/22, location TBD. This would normally be our election month but, due to the recent events we will be holding the elections next month plus any club changes. Dues will be started to be collected in Nov. Looking forward to seeing everyone this coming week. Also if you can volunteer to help with steak night next Thur let me know.

Eddy "Gunny"