On our last day of fishing the boat crews were Gene, Richard and Tim, Pat, Matt and Vic (Pat wanted to fish with Vic?), and Brad, George and Greg.

What a way to end a great week. Friday was the best day of fishing yet. We fished hard from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. that day. The sun shone and it was hot! The only down side in our boat was when Tim stripped down to his shorts, Gene and I were blinded by his white legs. His nickname Sasquatch didn't quite fit because he has no hair on his legs, which added to the glare factor. Vic had one glimpse and declared he was going to stay with Matt for the duration.

The big winners of the weeks Big Fish Pool were Tim and Brad.  Tim's 28 inch trout that he caught the first day was the eventual pool winner for lakers.  Vic offered the opinion that most men would be too embarrassed to win with such a small fish and would have given the pool money back.  Regardless of Vic's needling, Tim decided to keep the money for new lures next year.

Brad caught the big jack late in the day Friday.  It came in at 41 ½ inches and beat Gene's big jack from earlier in the week by a half an inch!  The win was not without controversy though, because Greg only had a 39 inch tape and George had a 16 inch tape, which they somehow used to come up with the winning measurement!

While there was some grumbling that the Angler, Netter, and Measurer had collaborated and had agreed to split the pool, there was no conclusive evidence to the contrary.

Due to Brad's success, Vic thought he could have potential as a son-in-law, and could provide for Shannon in a pinch. That would give Vic two Degenhardt boys to contend with!  As an added bonus, Brad will be able to renew his Men's Fitness magazine subscription with his pool winnings.



The Chili for supper that night was superb. Brad's was almost as good as his dad's. Obviously he had listened to his dad at least once.

After supper Pat decided I should finish off the last of the Mescal, and the worm too. I am however, a little moor smrter than the average Fear Factor contestant. I declined his generous offer, while suffering the ridicule of my fishing buddies. How quickly they turn when they're not targeted to eat the worm.

Thankfully Gene stepped up to the plate and decided to prove his manhood. Without hesitation he drank the last of the Mescal, worm and all. Lucky guy!

Hate to end on a sad note, but Gene noted he won't be able to afford any more trips. He came to the sad conclusion he has to declare bankruptcy after supplying Vic with hooks all these years.