The good guys

[20lbSloughShark]

I got a day off from work today and decided to cast off a local Brainerd pier. I always have a rod and lure in my car, but most of my stuff is in Annandale. I got a few fish right away, then a tiny little bass hit, and broke my reel right of the rod. Not that big a deal, I just wanted to get out of the apartment. A guy rolls up and asks if I'm just starting. I said no, just packing up after my reel broke. He went back to the car and brought back a brand new reel in the package and gave it to me. Needless to say, it made my day. I spent the next few hours catching fish. There are still good people out there. I thought about giving it back because I have more at home, but now I think I'll keep it for the next unfortunate person.

I only ever bring one lure, and this week I brought a Husky Jerk 14 (biggest one). It seemed to do the trick with the new reel, even if they were small. Just so you know, I was actually trying for pike.

[delcecchi]

[quote name='20lbSloughShark

Just so you know' date=' I was actually trying for pike.

[/quote']

Ya sure. That's what they all say.

[20lbSloughShark]

I would not mind if all species were open year round, and spring is catch and release only. In this case, you can see the wire leader.

[DARK30]

Looks like a great spot for a pier! Is that an outlet or part of a stream. Try that spot about 9 o'clock at night

[20lbSloughShark]

Its south long lake, and if I'm not mistaken, its the Nokasippi river. From what I see on a map, it comes in upper south long lake, through south long lake, and here is where it turns back into the river. Its a nice spot. Were you thinking catfish, walleye, or something else at dark?

[Queenswake]

Oh man, I remember fishing there below the dam just left of where you were. At the time, it was a huge hole with TONS of fish in it. I literally could not believe how many fish of all species we would pull out of that thing. I was like, how many fish are in this small little hole. It seemed never-ending. And they would bite on anything. I remember we caught pike on worms even. And catch them while kids jumped into the water from a rope swing. I wonder if it's still that good.

But back to your point, I think on the whole fishermen just like to share their passion with other guys. I know I get excited when I see shore fisherman. I'm always stopping to talk to see what they are catching. It's just a common, unspoken bond.

[20lbSloughShark]

I went below the dam, but the first cast brought back like 3 tangled together lines. I pulled them in, and went back to the pier where I was getting fish. Actually the next fish after that is what broke the reel. Kind of sad because I remember that reel from long ago, its probably as old as I am. Its a cool place for sure. Its where I go when I don't have my boat around. Next time I'll bring charcoal and food though.

[JeremyCampbell]

Nice outing it sounds like.That creek looks like with in range of a cast.The perfect spot I think.

[solbes]

Awesome story Slough. You don't meet people like that every day.