HOT! Fishing HOT!, Full moon

It's been a hot month so hiding from the heat was my priority. Couldn't pass up a chance on fishing under the full moon. The old man in the moon always brings me luck. Everyday could be your best day, fishing or not. Everyday there should be an expectation of trials and triumphs, fishing or not. My nightly fishing adventures are always original. Something unexpected usually happens. Sorry for the pictures, they are not that good.

Spectacular night of an ever changing view of the full moon.

This cloud altered the beam of moon, turning it into a spotlight on the water. I was reminded of the pot of gold, at the end of the rainbow. Maybe there was a catch of Kawartha gold, in that bullseye on the water.

Unfortunately the man in the moon let me down. First time in a long time the full moon did not wake up the predators of the night. Not enough rain, low water levels, almost no wind, too many bugs, too hot, who knows. Caught a couple of perch after dinner. At dusk and into the night, a few bluegill. One walleye and that's it folks. A beautiful and relaxing night on the water. Slow fishing, but a great escape from the daytime heat. Stay hydrated....Stay safe.

that spotlight shot is really cool, to bad you could try fishing that.

Great night of fishing regardless.

Thank you sir, that's the first time I have ever seen a moon beam quite like that. When the moonlight hits the water it comes to life. Wherever you move the boat the reflection stays with you. Nature's nightlight for those who fish the dark water.

Thank you for putting that up Drew. You said something very similar to that a few years ago on one of your posts. Thanks for passing that on, you are right on the money. For myself, being out on the water is all about what might happen. In a boat or canoeing, walking to a secluded spot through the bush. There is so much to see in nature, even in the evening and throughout the night. It was a great night out on the water. The loons were calling to each other. It was so peaceful out there, didn't want to ever leave.

I'll admit that I can get frustrated if I'm not catching fish. However, when I take a step back and look at my situation - I can either stay frustrated and call it a day, or take advantage of the situation and learn and study the fish to figure out what they want.

Every time out is an opportunity to expand your knowledge, and of course enjoy the serenity that nature offers.

Also... that is an amazing shot of the moonbeam!

Great post Jamie and yes we can always study our surroundings when fish catching is slow. Learn the space you occupy and look for Mother Natures clues. Some great moon shots Jamie.

Arnie

Thank you Arnie, full moon nights are very special. Who knew the moon could cure stress etc. If the old man in the moon could talk, he would tell us all to take a break and enjoy life for a moment. Time goes by fast. It's a shame that many miss out on the simple, everyday beauty that they shuffle past without noticing.

Agree on all that. Thanks for the reply Brooktrout. I may never see that spotlight on the water ever again. Almost 40 years ago fishing in New Brunswick, a wise old man said to me. "Imagine not having all these amazing wonders we have in this world." He was teaching me how to fish for Flounder. We fished all day, from the tide going out until it came back in. He caught all the fish and shared his catch with me. I caught two Starfish. LOL. What would some of us do without sharing an adventure with Mother Nature?

As always great story's CM!

Sorry you semi-skunked. It's been HOT and the water temps are high. Looks like the musky get a break from me

Gives me time to fish for bass


~J.

Yes, so close to a skunk. It's been a very lucky season so far. Lots of fish caught and some brought home for the BBQ. Good luck on the bass fishing. Seven more weeks and the water will be cooler. It's going to be a great fall season, with big muskie, walleye, crappie and bass. I wish we had fall temperatures all season long.

So the last 6 weeks have been hot in the Kawarthas, with another few days of hot weather on the horizon. Just a thought for anyone who may have had some troubles getting a good hook set on bass, walleye or crappie. The fish have really slowed down on their aggression with all this heat. When the water warms up after spring, the fish are caught much easier because they are more aggressive. Much of this aggression is from post spawn rest, and then hunger. Now we are in the dog days of summer, with temperatures higher than the average in July. The fish actually slow down in the Kawarthas when it gets this hot out. For smaller baits, this does not affect that much on getting a good hook set. But for plastic baits larger than 4,5,6,7,8,9, and even 10 inches, it does apply. If you are using larger baits and maybe missing the fish when it hits, don't be afraid to wait a full second before setting the hook. Many times a bass, walleye or crappie will grab the plastic bait, but be nowhere near the hook. It may take the fish 2 or three movements to actually have the hook in their mouth. I have seen this for decades when anglers feel a hit or see the bobber move, they rip back right away. A little patience can land you more fish, and cut down on the swearing and saying, "Son of a bi@#$." "I lost another one." Doesn't matter what your favourite large plastic choice is. This may be the answer to some frustrating outings on the water, and to more fish caught. Good luck. Stay safe.