For my money, an 8-pound bass represents the bass of a lifetime, and I’m still looking. Thus today’s item on the Outdoor Wish List. All in all, a pretty tall order and quite likely a longshot in the waters I fish. And I’ve actually got some solid fishing holes. That’s just how rare one this size is in my neck of the woods.

The closest I have been was an impressive Emiquon Preserve beast that still left me 13 ounces shy of this coveted mark. And in the realm of trophy bass, those 13 ounces can be real tough to come by. Regardless of falling short of an 8-pounder, I’m quite proud of that catch, particularly the fact that it came from a public fishery. Of course, that public water is unlike any other fishing hole I’ve ever seen but still not overflowing with seven or eight pounders. If that’s as good as it’s going to get for me, I’m okay with that. A cool catch at a cool location while fishing with Dad makes for a great fish story.

I have seen an eight-pounder up close in the form of a mount of a bass caught by my former brother-in-law, Tim Townsend, back on April 4, 2000. Just a flat out awesome looking fish and inspiration to keep on casting for one like it. Although I guess I really don’t need a whole lot of motivation as this hobby is truly enjoyable no matter what I catch.

Anyway, Tim’s lunker still holds the top spot in the family and friend bass fishing record book. At least for now. Come on spring, more wishful thinking I suppose. Talk to you later. Troy