First Fishing Trip of 2024 – Red Gate Bridge Canal Debut Success

Okay, let’s cut to the chase: 2024 didn’t start with a bang for me – it started with a fever. Let’s backtrack a second, because this fishing story isn’t just about catching fish – it’s about bouncing back from being sick, dealing with some serious fish drama, and finally finding a new spot that actually delivers. Spoiler: It was a wild ride, but that first catch? Worth every sniffle and angry thought about fish poachers.

2023’s Last Cast: The One That Made Me Sick (Oops)

Last December, I snuck in one final fishing trip before the year ended. The wind was howling, I was freezing my tail off, and halfway through, I thought, “Eh, I’ll warm up at home.” Big mistake. By the time I got back, my body was screaming – chills, body aches, a low-grade fever (stuck between 98.6 and 100.4°F, so no emergency meds). I chugged water like it was going out of style, tried that “viral lemon water hack” everyone was raving about… and let’s just say my stomach paid the price. Acid reflux hit hard that night – I was up all night, cursing the internet and wondering if I’d ever feel normal again.

Fast forward a week: I was “better” but stuck with a nasty dry cough. Turns out, my seasonal cough (thanks, fall/winter!) decided to show up early this year. Antibiotics and over-the-counter cough syrup did nothing – until I dug out that old jar of “herbal pear candy” a cousin recommended. Game changer. The honey and pear extract soothed my throat instantly. I still cough a little, but at least I can sleep through the night now.

New Year, New (Fish) Goals – But First, A Disaster

January rolled around, and I was itching to cast a line. My “go-to” spot? The old creek behind my parents’ house – I’d never left there empty-handed. But when I texted my buddy to meet me? He hit me with the bad news: “Some guys drained the creek and electrofished it.” I was furious. Like, “I would’ve called the cops if I was there” furious. I felt guilty too – did I accidentally let slip the spot to someone? Ugh, that weighed on me for days. Those little fish I used to release? They didn’t stand a chance against those guys’ cheap electrofishing gear.

So, my “no-empty-hand” spot was gone. Cue panic. Where the hell was I going to fish this year? I scrolled through old texts, asked my fishing crew, and finally remembered: A guy at the bait shop mentioned Red Gate Bridge Canal once. “Heard it’s good for winter bass and panfish,” he said. I’d never been – but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Red Gate Bridge Canal: First Impressions (Spoiler – Not Bad!)

Last Sunday, the weather hit 50°F – perfect for a quick scouting trip. I loaded up my gear (well, tried to – turns out my winter jacket was still covered in fish slime from last year… gross) and drove 30 minutes to the canal. First thing I noticed? The water was calm, the banks were clear, and there were at least 10 other anglers set up. Good sign – if people are there, the fish are too.

I parked, grabbed my rod, and walked down to the bank. A guy next to me nodded and said, “Slow today, but the bite picks up around 2 PM.” I thanked him – and then realized my biggest mistake: My backup bait was moldy. I keep a container of nightcrawlers in my trunk for emergencies, but I’d forgotten about them for 2 weeks. They were covered in green fuzz. Disgusting. I had nothing to fish with.

Quick Bait Run – And A Lucky Break

The guy next to me laughed when I showed him the moldy worms. “Winter’s for red worms, not nightcrawlers,” he said. “There’s a bait shop 5 minutes down the road – they sell red worms in bulk.” I hopped in my car, booked it to the shop, and grabbed a pack of red worms (and a new container to keep them in – lesson learned). By the time I got back, it was 1:15 PM – perfect timing, per the guy’s tip.

The First Cast: 2024’s First Catch (Finally!)

I set up my rod, tied on a small hook, and threaded a red worm onto it. I cast into the middle of the canal – not too far, not too close. Waited. 10 minutes. Nothing. Then, 1:45 PM – my float dipped. Yes! I reeled in… and pulled up a tiny bluegill. Cute, but not a keeper. I released it and cast again.

Another 30 minutes. Float dipped again. Another small bluegill. Same thing – release. I was starting to think, “Is this spot a dud?” But then, 3:30 PM – bam! Float went under hard. I reeled in fast – this one felt heavier. When I pulled it out? A 3-inch crappie. Better. I kept it (it was big enough for a snack). Then, 4:15 PM – another crappie. Same size. Then, 5:00 PM – the big one.

My float disappeared. I reeled in, and this time, the line tugged hard. I fought it for 2 minutes (okay, maybe 1 – but it felt like 10) and pulled up a 3-ounce bass. Yes! That was my keeper. I took a bunch of photos – couldn’t believe I actually caught something on my first trip to this spot.

Why This Trip Mattered (Beyond The Fish)

Let’s be real – catching a few small fish isn’t a trophy. But this trip? It was about more than that. It was about:

• Bouncing back from being sick (that cough still lingers, but I’m outside – so win!)
• Finding a new spot when my old one was ruined (shoutout to the bait shop guy!)
• Proving to myself that I can adapt – even when my bait is moldy and my favorite spot is gone.

And hey, the view wasn’t bad either. The canal was quiet, the sun was shining, and there were no jerks with electrofishing gear. That’s a win in my book.

What I Learned For Next Time

I’m already planning my next trip to Red Gate Bridge Canal. Here’s what I’m bringing (and not bringing):

• ✅ Fresh red worms (no more moldy nightcrawlers – I’m setting a reminder on my phone)
• ✅ A thermos of hot coffee (it got cold again around 4 PM – my hands were numb)
• ✅ A smaller hook (the 10-pound test I used was overkill for these small fish)
• ❌ No more “last-minute” trips – I’m checking the weather and the water levels first

Oh, and I’m definitely bringing my camera. Those photos of the bass? They’re going on my fridge – and maybe my fishing blog (shhh, don’t tell the other anglers).

So, that’s my 2024 first fishing trip. Not perfect, but definitely memorable. Here’s to more catches, less sickness, and zero electrofishing jerks this year. If you’re in the area, swing by Red Gate Bridge Canal – just don’t steal my spot. 😉