Mouse Prison!

Mouse Prison!

I want to share a really unique fishing experience I had many years ago.

One day I was fishing a lake that had two islands. One island was all mowed with a picnic table. The other was all covered in thick grass. I happened to be fishing from the one that had the thick grass.

As I stood there I became aware of the incredible population of mice running around on this little island. The island was probably 20 yards in diameter. There were so many mice, once I noticed it I felt compelled to get back in the boat. I’m not one to be squeamish but this was beyond being comfortable.

As I sat there in the boat thinking about what I had just experienced an incredible thought came to me.

I was going to come back some really hot summer night when the lake was calm and bring with me some mouse flies! In my mind a really hot night was going to drive those over populated mice to be in an unbearable mood!

I don’t remember how long I had to wait for that night to come, but when it did, I loaded my float tube in the car and headed for that island.

When I approached the island I could hear what sounded like someone dropping rocks in the water!  Sure enough the bass where as aware as I was about the mouses plight. I could see little V’s streaking across the water then big explosions!

That night was one of the most memorable largemouth bass fishing experiences I have ever had. I landed several fish in the 6 pound range. The most incredible part was the absolute abandon with which these fish would hit.

You know, I never considered how small land masses dealt with overpopulation outside of "It just regulates itself". Of course it is part of a bigger network of nature.

I think I need to start paying attention to what the fish are naturally eating before selecting my bait...

Do you still fish? I'm just getting into the 'hobby' and hope to have stories to tell in the future like this.

Timothy Norton wrote:You know, I never considered how small land masses dealt with overpopulation outside of "It just regulates itself". Of course it is part of a bigger network of nature.

I think I need to start paying attention to what the fish are naturally eating before selecting my bait...

Do you still fish? I'm just getting into the 'hobby' and hope to have stories to tell in the future like this.

Yes I do still fish. When I was in my twenties I was a professional fisherman. Now I see it more as one of the ways that I forage.

90% of the fish are in 10% of the lake. Generally what has attracted the fish to that 10% is food source. All effective fisherman will learn to understand the many food sources in a body of water, and when they become relevant during the season to the fish. I am highly analytical so I really enjoy the challenge. Keep at it. It is such a great way to spend time outdoors!