My eyes fluttered open and I saw clouds. Clouds illuminated by the pale light of the coming sunrise. I didn't know where I was or why. I turned my head to the right and left and saw a tent stake on one side and a truck tire on the other. I could smell the wisps of smoke from the previous night's campfire. I pieced it together, I was at Wanahoo Lake to fish the Midwest Kayak Fishing Series' Live Event tournament. I had been planning to sleep in the tent with my brothers but they had complained about my oversized sleep mat and refused to let me in. Now, I was laying covered in dew and smelling of campfire. When I wake up in that type of situation it is usually the start of a good day.
I shook off the salt of lapping delta waves and slowly began collecting my gear and myself. The sun crept over the horizon and set the lake on fire. The forest of dead trees in the middle of the lake looked haunting backlit by the red sunrise. It took little time to paddle to the bay where we would all launch. A small navy of vessels floated quietly in the bay. When it was time to fish, the playful chatter among the kayak anglers ceased and destinations were mapped on the water's surface by subtle wakes.
The last time I had fished Wanahoo was a week prior. I had found a spot where the fish were stacked and this was my first cast destination. After ten minutes I deemed that spot 'fishless' and moved on. A slightly miscalculated cast and my bait was hanging over a tree limb. In classic fashion, a nice bass erupted out of the water and snatched my plastic. The fish measured 18.5" and would be the largest fish of the day for me. I messed around in the area and caught my 5 fish limit fairly easily. I moved to another spot and the fish were stacked. I landed 7 in 7 casts and a handful more after that. There was another bass tournament at the lake that day. When I started hammering the fish one of the bass boats came over and watched me. I had a laugh and then moved on to let them try the spot. After that, fish were few and far between. About two hours before the tournament ended I found another group of fish and upgraded one on my card. I caught all my fish by recognizing certain features the bass were relating to out in the trees. Once I found what I wanted, I would slowly swim a plastic through the cover. An hour before the tournament was over I was satisfied (and tired) and 'weighed in' early. Upstream Brewery had provided some jugs of beer so I poured a cup and slumped on a picnic table and waited. My goal had been to catch five fish. I felt like five would give me enough points to win the overall championship.
My card of fish ended up taking 2nd in the tournament and thus helping me take 1st overall. It took some serious time and energy but in the end I accomplished what I set out to do and it felt very rewarding. I guess sometimes being obsessed with something pays off. Kayak fishing is a healthy obsession. Whether you try to win tournaments or just get some therapeutic time on the water, there is always a reward.
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