Retirement Fishing

Blackwater River, Virginia

Trying to make the most out of my time off is difficult this time of year.Like most outdoorsmen this time of year can be a challenge.Giving every second of free time to duck and goose hunting over the last few months can really wear a person down.I can only imagine if I had a family at home.So I'm still at home but I am shipping out for work early next week.The temperatures have steadily risen over the last week to a high of 76 forecast for today.As some of you know I have recently moved to my neck of the woods and have yet to find all of the free or close to free outdoor activities available.I do know of the beautiful Blackwater River only ten minutes from my house and a few days ago i ventured out to see if any fish were in need of a plastic grub.They most certainly were not.Talking with the old timers at the dock is one of my joys of the area.It seems to be that every morning they meet at the local diner for coffee then migrate down to the picnic tables at the park when the weather cooperates.They seem to enjoy "The guy with the weird grass boat".I think this is mostly because I have no idea what I'm doing on that river and they have plenty of time to tell me what I'm doing wrong.So taking some of there advice,with time to kill,I will venture out onto the river once again today.Here is the game plan.

picture borrowed from underage RVers blog

The river is lower than normal,however the southerly wind should be pushing more water up stream.This means the general flow of the river should be almost non existent.Perfect conditions for what I have planned.I call it retirement fishing.It involves such complex materials as a spinning rod,some split shot,a bobber and a minnow.I know,I know there is some technical jargon in there some of you may not understand.Seriously though,this is what the yellow perch and crappie are biting on.They seem to care less about lures this time of year and just want the real thing.Fair enough,I can waste away the afternoon with a good book,some bobber fishing and 76 degree temperatures.Stay tuned to see if this turns into just another boat ride.