JOKER BAIT UPDATE – 09-16-09 – A Series of Unfortunate and Fortunate Events
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to give it a test run today after work this evening, much sooner than I initially thought.
It was unfortunate that it started to rain hard as I approached the lake.
It was fortunate for me that it didn’t matter if it were 15 degrees F outside because nothing was going to stop me from testing it out.
It was unfortunate for me that my haste and excitement made me to neglect setting the cast control knob. It stays super loose whenever the reel is not in use, as does the drag. Thruuwupppp!!!! Yep, it was an overrun. I blamed it on the wind.
Through the grace of God, I was fortunate to quickly undo the bird’s nest. I made the first real cast and the lil’ joker was wiggling beautifully. Yes!!! Another one works correctly!
With about 20’ of retrieve space left, I paused it to see its rate of rise. It rose like a Rapala DT. If Dr. Dre saw it rise, he would have said, “Ahh yeah!”
However, I was unfortunate once again. A bass rose up and committed. But what did I do? D’oh!
Did I follow the advice that I tell others, to let the fish take the crankbait and impale itself on the treble as I normally do? No… Of course not; with the adrenaline and excitement coursing through my being, I pulled back as one would for a single hook lure hook set. Double D’oh!
I turned the bass’ full commitment into a nip. I felt and saw its lip just nip one of the tines as my action yanked the joker bait away.
I was absolutely disgusted with myself. Victory was within my grasp and I let it slip away.
Fortunately, there will be other opportunities and the joker bait is something the bass will want again.
Unfortunately, this time the joke’s on me, and the bass is laughing all the way to the bank.
-ib
@ ChrisB - Thought I'd take your advice and go fishing sooner than later.
