It’s 1987 and I’m working full-time for Mr. Duncan at MacRae’s Bait House in Homosassa, Fl. Plus I was guiding part-time. One day a man comes in to rent a boat slip. He just bought a new 31’ Baha Cruiser Sportfisherman and wanted to begin chartering it.
Tim resided in Indiana before moving to Moss Bluff, FL. He knew plenty about largemouth bass fishing but the saltwater fishing would be a new adventure. He ask me if I knew of a guide who would help him out. I’m sitting on a stool behind the classic glass showcase counter and he’s standing across from me. I momentarily looked behind me where rows of tackle hung on the walls to think of what I was going to say. Then turned to face him and answered his question. Yes, me, with a smile.
So a friendship began. We were partners and with both of us avid admirers of fishing it was the perfect match. Tim was a big hit among Gator, Kevin and those of us who worked or hung around the bait house. You know how it is when you have a new friend when everything is perfect.
Tim named his new boat “My Hat”, short for My Hatteras. In case you don’t know, Hatteras Boats/Yachts are one of the best sport fisherman made similar to Bertram. The Baha was a real beauty and stood out among the smaller size boats on the river at 31-feet long.
Tim owned a bait and tackle shop outside Indianapolis. He worked long hours, 7 days a week and saved enough to buy a mobile home on a small lake near the Ocala National Forest. His plans were to spend the winters here. In a 38’ Holiday Rambler with a Jeep and bass boat in tow here he came. I have never that configuration even to this day.
Tim was a passionate fisherman. He did his homework and began largemouth bass fishing in the lakes spread through the huge forest. 10-12” long Wild Shiners. One day he invited me over to his retreat to fish. Upon walking up I saw an oversized concrete live well tank maybe 12’ x 4’. In the center was a commercial aerator, wild shiners and 1 bass easily over 10-pounds.
Tim came out the door and signaled me to come in. Once inside, I looked across the entrance hanging from a ceiling were 5 bass over 10# mounted all way around on a stringer. I never will forget that. Of course, back then a camera was not part of my gear unfortunately. But, back then, fishing was way more important than messing with a camera.
So, we headed out and went to one of the lakes he knew well and tried our luck. We chucked the huge baits maybe 20 feet. A 5/0 Khale hook below a 2” round natural cork. Had to be a natural cork with no paint on it. And Tim trolled us around the edge of the lily pads.
That day the weather may have been a little too pretty for the 10+ bass to be hungry. However a 5-pounder ate my shiner and kept us from drawing a goose egg.
Make it Happen to Go Fishing!
Make it Happen to Go Fishing!
