How fast the excitement of a fishing trip can wear off for a veteran like me, can be compared to a severe addiction if don't go fishing on a regular basis. What I am referring to, is the thought pattern of the day itself, leading up to the day heading out. Sure I have great memories of stories, but a fresh one is always nicer to share for some folks. Jury is out on that one. Old or new?
My longtime friend, Billy Henderson, my favorite fishing buddy and friend,(Walt the Polock) and myself were invited to fish with Billy in his boat up in Alachua County north of Ocala. The ride is about 70 miles from Homosassa. 133 miles from where I live. Sounds crazy when I could fish either the ocean or gulf in less travel time. I love fresh water fishing, but salt water has been my game for many moons.
This was a special day with special friends and a special lake. A first for me. We pulled up to an old Fish Camp with cabins dating 50 years back. The bait shop smelled like it should smell. A little fishy.
Florida truly has some great lakes to fish. This lake is surrounded 95% with cypress trees hundreds of years old. And lilly pads run the perimeter. Depths vary but we were fishing in 8 feet of water.
So when I get a chance to freshwater fish, I jump at the chance. I know quite a bit about Billy and he shared his techniques with us after he had a comfortable lead. There are always three titles between competitors in my book. First fish(I caught it), Biggest fish(Walt caught it) and Billy who caught the most by 60%. The first two titles are luck. Skill is needed to catch the most.
We were using graphite long rods that reminded me of a tapered down cane pole. Both ultra light line and reels completed the rig. I’m not going to divulge Billy’s type of bait or where. That’s up to him. He’s a guide and that’s the way he makes his money. What we used was a lot of fun and not a huge secret. I’d say one of Billy’s favorite passions is Crappie fishing and among friends or clients who know how to fish. If it is a windy day you can stay hung up all the time and that is not fun. We did a few times and more than 3 hangups and you are dropped off at the dock. This was trash talk, but he is kind of serious about it. I went past three and I was allowed to fish some more.
Billy would say, Crappie fishing is not rocket science but there are a few things to know that will help to catch them. Today was not a “we killed them” day. The below freezing temperatures the past few nights over the weekend, drove the fish into the middle of the lake. Some of that was going on we surmised as the fish were like popsicles.
I’ll tell you, if there was ever a Florida Outdoorsman, Billy Henderson is living his dream. We enjoyed listening about his hunting trips with paid clients to almost anything with 4 legs that is legal to shoot. Whitetail and Axis Deer, Hogs, Alligators and a few I left out. Plus Osceola Turkey, Dove and Quail. He has 19 farms to hunt off of. A premium lodge. Bienville Plantation in White Springs for bass and crappie guided trips.
For saltwater trips, Billy is very professional and knowledgeable. Maybe 35 years ago, no one was a captain, now we all are self-proclaimed, the title, me included. I was one of the first. I prefer guide or experienced guide. Professional is a good one, too. Billy is all of them.
He can hold his own in the fishing field of guides. Some things he is better at than most. Huge 60 pound black drum for one. He puts his people on big trout for these parts and plenty of redfish.
Billy designed his own skiff made with composite materials. She is 20 feet long with an 8 foot beam. The wide bottom is flat with a center tunnel and can run in 4 inches of water. He can navigate inside the backcountry with ease and this gives him an edge. His boats are built for fishing with wide walk on gunnels The bow deck, jack plate, 10- foot Power Pole and trolling motor completes the package. The elevated helm with hydraulic steering helps to see over the clients and find the fish.
You can’t blame me for plugging Billy. He took me out and this is the least I can do for him. But also know that, I love other fishing guides in Homosassa and others across the state that have a good reputation. I am blessed when it comes to having a lot of guide friends. But I’ll need to write about each one or they will be jealous. lol! They have to take me fishing first!
