| 2005 Dave Schabell Spanish River Fishing Trip |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| The 2005 Spanish River Fishing Trip ran from May 31st through June 11th this year. This is a somewhat abbreviated trip which usually runs about three weeks each spring. Originally, we had decided to forego the trip this spring to stay home for graduation and for the baseball team's run in the 10th Region Tournament. When the Mustangs were upset in the tournament, plans changed and we were able to slip in eleven days of quality fishing at the Blue Heron Resort. |
 |
 |
 |
| This year's cast of characters included seasoned veterans Dave Schabell and Derrick Rhoden, Kevin Menkedick, Ryan Burt, and newcomer Kevin Geiman. Fishing was hot from the get-go with ideal water and weather conditions. Catch-And-Release Smallmouth Bass ranged routinely in the 15 to 18 inch range, with the occasional 19, 20, and 21 inch fish. The Pike population was more prominent and healthier this summer and Crappie and Rock Bass reappeared after a one year hiatus. Walleye were everywhere. |
| The Schabell-Rhoden Team managed to boat 27 quality fish on the first day out. In all over 196 keeper sized fish came over the side of the BassTracker during our 11 day stay. Somedays were better than others but with the exception of windy, rough, Monday, June 6th, when we only boated 7 major fish, each day netted over 15 big-leaguers. Again this year tubes and grubs were the top producers. Many fish were caught in incredibly shallow water during the late evening session. Kevin Menkedick's crew managed to locate the No-Fish Bay crappie and put seven in the boat in the one-pound class on thier first night in camp. The Northern Pike population appeared to be better and healthier this year and no Indian gill-nets were in evidence. |
 |
| Wayne and Kathleen Janzen were once again our most gracious and accomodating hosts. Wayne changed a set of sparkplugs on my boat without pulling it from the water and Kathleen kept us well supplied with cake and dinner rolls. |
| They have been kind enough to donate a cabin for two for a week next summer (based on availability) to be given/sold in conjunction with the Nathan Seiter Memorial Golf Outing on August 20th. |
 |
| Here's What You Have Come To See - FISH PICTURES |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Water temperatures fluctuated in the 65-70 degree range and the air temperatures were consistently warm with highs up to 80 and lows only reaching the 50s at night. We saw several bald eagles and osprey again this year and had a loon for a fishing partner one night. The sunsets are magnificent as is the natural beauty of the area. |
 |
 |
| Kevin Geiman and Ryan Burt Took Advantage of the Walleye Run and provided enough fish for a major fish fry. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Several of our regular fishing partners were unable to make this trip. Nathan Seiter was in our thoughts constantly as we fished the various areas that he loved to fish in the past, and Bill Hagedorn who is doctoring for cancer and pledges to return again next year. Ryan Shelton remained home preparing to be wed this coming Saturday. |
| Shore Lunch is a time-honored tradition and one of our favorite times of the day. |
| The Spanish River as it winds it way southward towards camp and eventually the North Channel. This year the river was like a big lake with little current which should bode well for the spring spawn this year and fish populations in the future. |
| Each evening we are treated to a majestic sunset light show. The perfect ending to a perfect day in camp. |
| Even the old coach manages to put a few whoppers in the boat. This was my fifteenth consecutive trip to the Blue Heron and I hope to make fifteen more. |
| The Picture Files on this page are exceptionally large and will require some time to download |