2012 Northern Divisional

[mikesmiph]

For me, the first day on the Mississippi was pretty uneventful. We went out for just a few hours in the evening, mostly to familiarize ourselves with the river. We did do a little fishing to see if we could come up with any kind of pattern, but Bill only managed one short fish, and I got nothing. Today is the first official practice day, so we will see. I did talk with a couple other members of Michigans team last night. Seems a couple of them may be onto a pattern. I can say that the area is sure beautiful. I will post some pictures at a later time. Mosre to come, hopefully MUCH more.

[djkimmel]

Thanks for the update Mike!

[mikesmiph]

Its not going well at all. Bill and I have tried everything we were told would work and just cannot find fish. Getting a little scary. Half day practice tomorrow, then tournament starts Wed.

[mikesmiph]

I want to be the first to congratulate Bill Simpson and Mark Goetsch for taking first and second for the State of Michigan. They will be representing us at the Nationals this year. Bill ended up 7th overall, and had big bass for the entire tournament. They both fished very well and I think they will do a great job at Nationals.

Sub-Topic: Mikesmiph stinks up the state of Wisconsin.

Sorry everyone

I'm seriously reconsidering my future as a tournament fisherman

[bsimpson]

What an awesome experience I had last week at the Northern Divisional.  After a very rough and tough practice, I had three days where everything just came together.  I learned so much from so many great anglers there and was honored to be there.  I am now looking forward to next years national championship and hope to represent Michigan well.

[markgoetsch]

Congrats again Bill I'm sure you'll do great.  The fishing was a little tough for the mississippi this time around but I caught a TON of fish that were over 13.5" and < 14" I'm talking well over 50 per day.  But there was also TONS of dead water the fish seemed to really be packed together. The big bites though were hard to come by.  I only lost one fish all week and it was a 3.5+ that only made it half way back to the boat skipping across the top of the slop.  My best day was the last of course but I actually culled 3 times and caught 10 keepers mostly all before 10:30.  And remember team michigan we didn't get last we took 6th!

[djkimmel]

Ha! I think I actually made that same statement on facebook in a mention of how the team was doing. Must be the politics spin is making all of us better at 'the spin!'

Congratulations guys! Looks like you both did what you needed to do in the end so put that spin on that!

Mikesmiph, one event does not make a career, and like Mom's advice about not shopping while hungry, never make important decisions about your future fishing right after a down event! Wait a few days. Preferably, wait until you get back out fishing and whack a few bass. Then think about your fishing. From 'Been There Done That.'