Caddo Lake 28 Dec 2022

[Mike Cork]

Took two grandsons, with no expectations, bass crappie or catfishing. We'll see. I had Clarance come with us so I could launch him, his mobility prevents him from going alone, he can fish, just can't launch... Anyway. Clarance said he'd try crappie first and get back to me. I went out to Marshall Break.

Water Temp 39.5 degrees.

I get to our spot and put the power poles down. I'm rigging up the rods and I hear a Splash, then two boys screaming HELP! The youngest had somehow backed out of the boat and was hanging onto the side of the boat. The oldest, Malachi, had ahold of one of Marshall's arms, but didn't have the strength to pull a soaking wet brother up onto the boat. Of course I started laughing, I mean what can you do, start yelling? He's already sucking at life right now... Bad Grandpa I know, however I was rooting them on... after the second or third scream from both of them for HELP. I finally got to the front of the boat to pull little man out. His lips were blue already.

I sent him to the back of the boat and told him to strip. He just looked at me like I was freaking nuts... I got the boat out of the wind and into the sun.

I had a couple rags in the boat that we used to dry him off. The morning started off at 30 degrees and was too warm to 58 quickly. Which means I dressed everyone including myself in double layers at blast off. I knew we'd strip off the outer layer latter but not as soon as the boat ride was over. So, I didn't want to make his big brother suffer too much and I gave up my spare closes. Air temp never got above 50 and the wind got bad about 11 am so it was a short trip after all but we turned it into a great bonding experience that I'm certain he'll remember forever. 39 Degree water and the fear of not being able to get back in the boat does that to a kid 

I had to call Clarance and tell him what happened and that we needed to go. Clarance was by himself and needs help launching and loading. One reason we didn't head straight for the truck after the "Plunge". But when I spoke with Clarance he had zero bites just like us and was glad to go. We loaded the boats and sat at the ramp and BS'd for two hours while the boys played on the ramp and nearby cypress woods. Clarance, at 70 plus, knows this lake like the back of his hand, great source  love spending time with him.

Mc Donalds on the way home and everyone survived... Next time I promise Marshall will believe me when I say the water is too cold to swim LOL

[Smallie_Stalker]

What an adventure! You just never know the road a fishing trip is gonna lead you down.

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[Donald Garner]

Wow, stuff happens sometimes.   Glad the day turned out ok for ya.

[BassmanRudy]

Wellp you did Land a Big un!!

That's some COLD water!!!

[manoduk]

Been there done that  . Glad it turned out as it did. When Granddad is long gone that story will be told a million times. With a little twist, I'm sure.  Thanks for sharing.

[Mike Cork]

As they are only 12 about about to be 13, I'm sure this story is going to get twisted a lot. Plus Grandpa is known to stretch a story or two when telling the guys at the launch ramps 

[BassmanRudy]

They'll soon be saying they tried to jump on a gator and rastle it!!

[Mike Cork]

Right now they are still afraid of gators, Papa has to go onto gator watch when I do let them swim LOL

[Pat Dilling]

They won't recall the fishing, but they will remember the trip! Good job grandpa. Bet mom was upset.

[Mike Cork]

They won't recall the fishing, but they will remember the trip! Good job grandpa. Bet mom was upset.

Yeah. I told them not to tell mom but that lasted about 10 seconds