Last week I had the pleasure of leading two members of the Safari Club International, Georgia chapter on a two day fishing excursion. Chip Gilbert and Jim Freeman of SCI were the recipients of a full day shiner trip that we donated to an auction earlier this year benefitting the Mule Deer Foundation in Atlanta.
After months of anticipation, their trip dates finally arrived and their timing could not have been better. Early morning fog kept the start of the day a mystery to the anglers but did not deter us from finding our way to our spot and getting bit almost immediately. In fact, both men had landed fish over 6 lbs. inside the first half hour of fishing. The frenzy continued all day long until these two Georgians were just plain tired out. We reluctantly left schooling fish in the 3-4 lb. range after we used up 5 dozen shiners and I gave them a good lesson in topwater catching with a chug bug. By the end of day one, both men produced personal best fish as well as the most bass they had ever caught in one outing. A tought act to follow!
Day two brought somewhat windier conditions and a stingier bit while we tried our luck with artificial baits. After a quick lesson on technique we managed to entice a few nice bites early with the chug bugs and then we pitched our way along the sheltered bank of the back canal and landed a few more decent fish with our El Grande Lures hatch match stick baits. Although the second day was not nearly as exciting as day one, these two experienced outdoorsmen were thoroughly satisfied with their experience and undoubtedly anxious to come back to try again.
More great days are coming and I don't like to waste them so call now and book your wild shiner safari. Also, don't forget that our gift certificates are available for that special holiday gift surprise for the outdoorsman on your gift list.
