Ben & Brian's Hunting & Fishing Adventures
August 2006
"Mississippi River Camping & Fishing"
Ben and I finally got away this summer on a little fishing & camping trip to the Mississippi River. We had been talking about making this trip for some time, but we have been either very busy training dogs, or the weather has just been too hot. Finally the weather cooled off and Tracy agreed to watch the dogs overnight. I am still wondering what that favor is going to cost me long term!!
We found a nice island near the main channel to set up camp. From "our" island we could view the barges & tugs slowly winding their way up and down the river. The sandy shore of the island was covered with the remains of hundreds of turtle shells. We could see where the baby turtles had dug their way out of their sand nests along the shoreline.
After setting up camp we went on a little expedition scouting the area for frogs and a good location to set a trotline for the evening. We decided to stay out and do a little fishing until dusk. After sunset we went frog gigging and gathered enough frogs for dinner. After having our frog leg dinner by the campfire (I am convinced there is nothing that Ben will not eat!), we did a little more fishing and decided to call it a night. The evening was nice and cool with a slight breeze which made for great sleeping.
The next morning we awoke early to check our trotline. We discovered a pair of nice channel cats on the line.
After a hearty breakfast made up of bacon, eggs and potatoes we decided to go fishing and do some pre-season scouting for duck hunting. We discovered some quiet beautiful side channels that just seemed to explode with life. The bio-diversity of the river is truly impressive. We spotted beavers, raccoons, muskrats, owls, kingfishers, herons, egrets, white pelicans, teal, geese, ducks, snakes, various species of frogs, a variety of water plants, and just too many species to list.
Afterwards we returned to "our" island to start breaking down camp. Before leaving we took a refreshing swim in the river. While swimming Ben & I discovered the multitudes of freshwater mussels living in the Mississippi. After carefully examining the mussels, we returned them to the sandy bottom of the river.
After a bit more pre-season scouting we unfortunately had to return home. It seemed like a short trip, but we managed to do so much during our time on the river. I look forward to returning to the Mississippi River next month with Ben for duck season.
Main • Training • Puppies • Stud Dogs • Accomplishments • Started Dogs • Boarding • Links