Destination…somewhere new.

In 2016 I landed bass in 22 different lakes as I manage to get around a bit without actually having to wander too far from home.  All of my bass were caught within roughly an hour of my driveway and most of my primarily public stomping grounds allow me to hit several bodies of water within the same trip.  Even so, there were just as many potential fishing holes on my list that did not get a visit in 2016.  Not surprisingly, when contemplating most of my trips I wind up having a little trouble devising a game plan when faced with so many choices; a nice problem to have.

2016 also saw the addition of two new bodies of water to the list, Boss Lake at Mautino SFWA in Henry County, IL and Lost Grove Lake in Scott County, Iowa (as noted in yesterday’s post).  And I’m looking to make it even more complicated by exploring some more new water in 2017.

Browsing the internet, I’ve got my eye on a few spots already.  The criteria I was looking at was to find new water located within about a 70 minute drive of home.  Initial research shows several possibilities on the other side of the river.  Sounds like a good way to get more out of my non-resident Iowa fishing license, the first of which I purchased last year prior to my two Lost Grove Lake visits.

As far as the Illinois side, I’ve got a couple walk-in lakes as possibilities at some sites that I already visit.  In addition, there are several lakes that I fished quite a few years ago that may get some consideration in Henry County’s Johnson-Sauk Trail, Rock Island County’s Lake George and Whiteside County’s Lake Carlton.  The Hennepin Canal also provides numerous access points within reasonable distance but not sold on the bass potential without some more research.

Sometimes it’s tough to wander away from some of my productive regular haunts but sure is fun to get a look at some new water.  Time will tell which new water(s) that will be as I often don’t make up my mind until I’m loading my gear.

I also thought it would be fun sometime to draw my destination out of a hat once I get behind the wheel of my truck but may have to throw that trick into the mix for something new in 2018.  Or perhaps a reader vote from a list of destinations would be interesting as well.  However, I do have some concern for other anglers who may be fishing the chosen location in having to contend with my expansive and rabid fan base showing up to see how it all plays out…tough call.  Talk to you tomorrow.  Troy