I am planning a fishing trip, so I need to check my equipment. I may need new lines since they haven’t been used this year. The rods need to be checked for worn or broken eyelets.  Need to check my supply of hooks, lead free sinkers, and check out the life jackets. There are several other things needed such as sun block lotion, itch cream for mosquito bites.  Also need a good pair of sunglasses and a good hat.  Next you need to check the weather report.  We should not be out on the water in an aluminum boat is a lightning storm. Prepare snacks and plenty of cool water.

The fishing trip went off as planned.  My son and I had a beautiful afternoon for fishing.  We had a slight breeze which kept the mosquitos at bay.  We found a good shade and anchored out about 20 ft. from the bank and fished out in the river channel.  My first fish was a 5 lb. blue catfish which was full of eggs, so I released it back in the river. On my next strike, I reeled the fish in for about 25 feet and lost the fish.  Next my son hooked a large fish and as he was trying to use the dip net the fish flipped out of the net an off his hook.  It was larger than the one caught.  I caught one other blue catfish which weighed 12 lbs. It also was full of eggs, so I released it back in the river. We fished for a few more min and by this time the clouds were moving in, and it was getting dark.  We had to turn on our running lights.  I really enjoyed my first fishing trip of the year.  Am looking forward to my next trip.