So I was in Hot Springs, Arkansas over this past weekend on a Fishing trip with my Family.

I was hoping it would have been a little more fun but in the end — I had the most fun I’ve had in years, to be honest. We were actually in Mt. Ida which is just outside of Hot Springs. My Parents bought a little House boat (used, not new) that they’re fixing up.

But that’s the part that wasn’t fun… my dad was getting frustrated with one of the engines not starting (fuel pump) and it “put a damper” on the first day. That night we all “went into town” (Hot Springs) to find an auto parts store. Unfortunately, they were all out of Fuel Pumps for Chevy 350’s. Interesting.

So, basically, my dad had to bring back all of the parts he needed to replace (Fuel pump, Fuel line and a few other parts) to his house so he can replace them later.

Anyways… Saturday afternoon I caught a Bass. It was about a 4-5 lb’er. I forgot that Bass’ had spiny fins and got a shock trying to take the hook out. I released the fish… actually he was flopping around so I gently “kicked” him off the boat haha. I swept him off with my foot… just to clarify

He was like the only fish I seen the entire trip. I seen a snake and about 20 turtles, though? What a night, though! Living in a city most of my life I’m used to bright nights. Out on the lake in a boat on Lake Oauchita (sp?) - there’s a billion stars in the sky. I went night fishing for about 45 minutes with my 7 year old nephew…who eventually fell asleep early.

The next day I spent most of my morning pulling fishing lines off of trees, the dock, etc, etc. It was windy and my little nephews had plenty of trouble keeping their lines in the water. I can’t say I wasn’t frustrated with it - but now I look back and can only laugh.

The kids had a great time and that’s what matters the most. It’s a shame that they never got to see the fish I caught, though.

Hopefully next time I catch more…and they catch something other than the docks and trees and limbs and moss and….you get the point. I purchased a year long license so I’m hoping to go out there more often than 1 time every 7 years haha. Last time I went to Hot Springs was in 2000. I caught 3 fish while everybody else caught a big goose egg. You can rest assured that I wasn’t the most annoying person in the world knowing that I caught three and everybody else caught nothing…

It only lasted for 7 years

Now it’s “I caught 4… you caught nothing”.