Hanging with my b-day buddy.

The weather for mid October today was great. Mid 60's and sunny. With the Hawkeyes winning the game and plus for the wife driving me out of the house so she could clean I dropped off Shea, my son, to grandma and picked up my nephew. My birthday sharing buddy, Mason.

He was quick to get out and fish! Thank God for that. I thought maybe after the last trip he went with me on that took all day, 250 miles and no fish to show that he would never go with me again.

We decided to fish close to home. We stopped at Fontana Wildlife Exhibit and Park in Hazleton, IA.

Back about 25 years ago my father used to take my brother and I here and we would catch Smallies all day long. Times have changed for this fishing hole. Being over run by carp really hurt it bad. But in the past few years I have seen some come back in more desirable fish. IE: Smallies, Crappie, and today Rock Bass. A fisherman's tale told to me "If you have rock bass in your waters that it is a sign of those waters are doing well and will prosper."

I hope that is true. I appreciate having fishing holes close to home that provide quality fish for all to enjoy. I was so excited for Mason for catching some fish today. It's great to have the children catch fish and not just see us old dogs pull them in. It keeps their heart in what should be cherished most beside family, the love for the outdoors. The excitement in their faces is priceless.
Until next time, keep you drag set right!
Sean

Here Kitty Kitty Kitty!

Like I said. I am not giving up on fall fishing! The boy and I just watched my wife and daughter try their luck at sunset last night.

I had minnows left over and temps were still pretty nice. The winds died out for about an hour or two. But by the time we made it down to the local fishing hole they started to come back. I hung out with Shea on the sidelines. I like to see if Terri and Carlye actually listen to what I try and teach them about fishing. And I have to be honest they are getting angler savvy!! It took Carlye about 5 minutes to land this chunky 7.5 lb. 25" channel cat.  Carlye's Personal Best ever. Daddy's so proud.

Fall time fishing

Hey all! Sorry. It's been a couple of months since my last post. It's been busy here in the Harn household. Work, work, work. Family gatherings. Baptism of my son, Shea. And let us not forget, work.
With that done and gone I have had a few chances to get and wet my waders.
The rivers here in northeast Iowa have stayed late season low. No more than 1 ft. deep in my proper tactical casting spots. We have gone through a cold spell also. Which I thought would turn on fish.
Tis' the season for walleyes and northern to start biting more aggressively. I haven't had any luck in that department. I have caught 2 smallies under 8" and 1 brook trout at 6". and that's all.
I still haven't replaced the family camera yet, so no pics of what I've landed or what's been happening around me with seasons change. I am not giving up on what could be a great fall season of fishing.
If favors are granted to me I am hoping to make a trip to southern Iowa and fish Saylorville reservoir near Des Moines, IA. Also make a stop at Red Rock Reservoir. And hopefully Rathbun Reservoir and fish the spillways for stripers. That always makes for a fun day.
I am looking to those that are following my blog to help me on something that is pulling me both ways. I am not an ice fisherman. But I do not want to sit idle during winter. I hated it when I was a kid. But that was with no gear to stay out of the cold. Well times have changed and I have my own money now to buy gear. What are your opinions on ice fishing? Please help.

 Here are some old pics of when I fished a small lake last year with a buddy of mine. First perch I've caught since I was a kid.

 A long day of weeding through bullheads to catch these yummies.

Until next time keep your drag set right! Sean.