Dave,
That trip was in mid-late August. I was bass fishing during the full moon (guess moon phase makes a difference as well as being beautiful) from the bank. I was as amazed as anybody could be when the first walleye took the spook - just nipped its "behind" and went under. Waited to set the hook (for a change), and landed the 2 #er. Even more amazing were the next 3 walleye on the same bait. Never did catch a bass that night - all walleye.
Then, then gas in the coleman lantern ran out and scared me to death (haven't taken a gas lantern since). I was sure (at that time, adn I'm just as sure now) that the fur brigades were paddling through the channel right in front of me. Got to the tent in 2 steps (over a 20 yard span, mind you), and never made another cast that night.
Full moon or just a night for spooks? No substances were involved other than the adrenaline of the 1st trip, great fishing, and no sleep - it was only a 3 day trip and I didn't waste any of it sleeping.
Nevertheless and despite that scare (I don't know why I was so frightened - the full moon made plenty of light), I will continue tripping and will retire in the canoe country. 10 years till my youngest is 18 - then I'm outta here, headin North as fast as I can.

Posted by Skip Guyer on February 16, 2000 at 08:14