It was some time ago that I was contacted by teacher Ryan Mahoney to assist in a fund raiser in memory of Ben Newsome. Ben lost his life in a car accident while riding with his mother and brother to the College World Series last summer. He was 12 years old. His mother also suffered serious injuries. After being contacted by Ryan, I was compelled to donate a guide trip in Ben's name. Death is certainly a part of life but loosing a young man at the age of 12 is truly a tragic event. My heart and prayers go out to Ben's family and friends for their loss. Ben was an honor role student and athletic, being an MVP in conference basketball, also participating on the track and volleyball teams. One life touches many others in ways we never know and It's hard to imagine how Ben would have contributed in a positive way through the years. A scholarship was started in Ben's name and I'm honored to have had the opportunity to participate even in a small way. It shows what people can do to make a difference when they come together for a good cause. Over $24000 was collected for this scholarship fund to help others in the future and keep Ben's memory alive.
Mike and Chris from Palos Heights were the winners of the "Fishing with Ben" guide trip on the Fox Chain and met the spinner boat at Oak Point Early Saturday morning. The day started out a bit cloudy and cool but ended up warm and sunny as many late summer and fall days do. Although fishing has been tough the last month with the typical "Dog Day's of Summer" slowing the bite, we were determined to find active fish. Heading south on the river we trolled crankbaits till we hit the south park with not as much as a single bite. The north river remains a mystery this year with few walleye taken since spring. With this in mind, we headed for the lakes and fished the Grass Lake bridge above Spring lake and adjoining channels with spinnerbaits and 1/16th jigs tipped with a piece of crawler. We just got the lines in the water when this not real big, but healthy Bass was caught on a spinnerbait & minnow combo.
Then a few Gill's and one nice fish lost before we headed down to Petite Lake where we also fished the channels which produced many small gill's drum, and largemouth. A single walleye was caught but was short and had to be released. I was hoping for a walleye dinner for Mike and Chris but the walleye beat us at the game constantly stripping the bait or leaving nothing but teeth marks. There were times when you would feel the weight of the fish but would loose it shortly after the hook set pulling back a bare hook. Yes we found them but after a couple of hours and many different presentations, all we did was supply them with their breakfast and lunch.
Catfish were also a bit slow but at least hit hard when they took the bait. They also saved the day as we picked up some nice size for a good fish fry.
Blue Gill's were everywhere but the sizes were down from earlier this year. We caught them in as little as 2 foot and as deep as 10 foot of water. All coming on worm & jigs. The biggest were only 6-7 inchers which is smaller than the chain can usually produce. Here's Mike with an average size gill caught.
Bass were also on the small side but looked much healthier now that the water temps have dropped a bit. Two weeks ago, the water temps were hovering in the 80's. At launch time the river was a cool 69 degrees and warmest water temps for the day were found in the lakes at 73 degrees. The cool nights should get them dropping. Once we can get temps under 70 degree's, fishing will improve. Here's Chris with one of many small Bass caught.
After conceding that the walleye were beating us at our game, we headed back to the river to fish some downed wood. We didn't have great action but did find some crappie that would hit worms or minnows. Biggest was 11 1/2 which is a good size this year. Mike also had another healthy/heavy fish on but it spit the hook before we could get a glimpse. It was fighting like a decent walleye but may also have been an average size cat. Through the day, we had some opportunities to boat some nice fish but lost 4-5 in battle. Can't help but believe a couple were eye's that half heartedly took the bait. Some may have been lost not having the ability to get a hard hook set by using light gear. Then again, I don't believe they would have bit at all with heavier gear. Here's Chris again with a nice Slab. 8)
By now everyone knows the spinner boat does not declare victory unless some nice 'eye's are caught but at least we did get some fish for Mike and Chris to have a good fish fry ( with JD's seasoning of course) I hope you guy's enjoyed them.
So a recap of the day shows, Great weather, good numbers of fish, and another safe enjoyable day on the spinner boat. I would like to thank Mike and Chris for great conversation, patience on a tough fishing day, and your kindness. Ultimately, doing a small part in keeping Ben's memory alive is what this trip was all about.
