Ol Captain
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Posts posted by Ol Captain
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Unfortunately the same thing happened to me few years ago 2 months of planning and plane ticket and driving just to find small gazebo under water only the roof was visible. Water was over 20 feet higher then normal and it dropped 4-5 feet per day during our 4 day trip. Everything got washed away from the dam and the only gator we saw was on last night.
We did get a few fish per day but lost all the tackle due to current.
But not to worry Captain and the crew there is a lake Talquin close to Tallahassee with cheap camping and 40+mirror and common carp waiting to be explored.
Alex: You have a PM
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We have been to Kingston several times and that is a possibility. There may be as many as 6 of us plus the hound so stay tuned & keep those ideas coming!!!
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I am not a spur of the moment type of guy. I am a planner and I like for things to go according to plan. But (change of direction) occasionally Mother Nature has other ideas.
The Crew and I have been planning a road trip now for several weeks to Chattahoochee, Fla to fish our beloved Apalachicola River. We even have a VIP CAG member flying in from Boston this Wed PM to join us for a 3 day tour. Our problem lies in the fact that the water level at our spot is extremely high due to record setting rainfall this July. To complicate things, a plane ticket has been purchased so now we need a Plan B.
It is approximately 250 miles from Powder Springs, Ga to our spot in Florida so using that as a standard we can travel north, south, east or west in search of Proper Pull-Downs. I want so badly to be a good host and I have a few ideas. But I am open to entertaining some new suggestions. Keep in mind, that if you had a spot and you have never met a real Carp Hound, a tall Ol Captain, or a very Bigbird this chance may appeal to you. Perhaps you’ve read about Cool Dad’s infamous “Plug of Perfection” or heard about the “Banquet Bait” often used by “Hatman” Hatter and would like to meet these guys in person this might be your chance! If you have a great suggestion and would like to meet this oversized group of aging Carp anglers this might be your opportunity of a lifetime!
Out time frame is from Thursday morning until early Saturday evening. Our guest will turn into a pumpkin at midnight Saturday evening and needs to catch a flight home on Sunday morning. So, there it is “The Ol Captain has a Problem……and needs some advice!!” Any suggestions out there??
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Well done! Great fish & pictures!!
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Wow! Great fish!!
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I dearly love “Carp Shark“ Carpin’ but sometimes the situation and allotted time doesn’t call for the canoe. It is those moments that the Ol Captain breaks out the “Carp Cart”, loads it up and then quietly rolls right into another adventure.
Two of my favorite things about Carp Angling are “Bank Talk” and the post sandwich nap. Bank talk is self explanatory. It is simply the conversation that goes on between guys on the bank who are awaiting a “Proper Pull Down”. Topics vary and most every time you leave with more information than you really know what to do with.The post sandwich nap is a thing of beauty. It usually occurs around 12:30-1:00 PM. It is that special time when your rods are baited and out, your belly is full and you drift off into a deep, dreamy sleep. Quite often, if you are awakened by another angler or a bite alarm you might not even know where you are!!I didn’t have to work yesterday so Max and I invited Randy “Cowboy” Crofts to join us as we fished the Outer Banks of Southern Allatoona Lake. Randy is a joy to be around and can raise the art of “Bank Talk” to a premium level.
I listened intently as “Cowboy” Crofts talked about his Military Career. He then shared stories about working with a local EMC as well. But (change of direction) what got my undivided attention was when he talked about the days when he was a real, sho nuff cowboy!!! Now folks, I grew up with Hoss, Little Joe and Ben. I cut my teeth on The Virginian Show and I chewed up John Wayne movies like a plug of Bull of the Woods tobacco. But I had my doubts about my guest being the real McCoy. However, I didn’t want to be rude so I listened to the bank talk until just about lunch time. After a few sandwiches and a side order of fruit and Vienna Sausages came the post sandwich nap.The Carp Hound was the first to go and there was no doubt on my mind as to what Maximus Relaximus was dreaming about.
The next one to go was the cowboy himself.
Although I vaguely remember it, I soon dosed off into a dream world all my own. As I slept I just couldn’t get my guest’s comments off my mind. As I dreamed I wondered. Could he be a real Cowboy?
Did he really ride the range and then shoot at the Bad Guys as they rode off with the Stagecoach Loot? (Or was I just dreaming?)
About that time I was awakened by splashing water and the sound of bite alarms!!! Before I could say “The Sons of Katie Elder” Cowboy Crofts was up to his knees in Carp and had already put three on the bank!!!
It was pretty amazing. One minute I’m in the middle of a make believe dream world and the next minute I’m back to reality! Folks, most any dream can come true when you are Carpin with the Captain. If you don’t believe it just try it for yourself and Come see us when you can! Until then I’ll just say “Happy Trails to you!”
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You two are an inspiration! Well done!
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Nice spot. Well done!
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Because it was Max’s Birthday I knew today was going to be very special. But little did I know when my big feet hit the floor at 5:00 AM this morning what all would unfold before we pulled back into the Captain’s Quarters around 8:00 PM this evening.Tim “Cool Dad” Gill and I had such a good time a few weeks at Carter’s Re-reg Lake we decided to return today! Not only did we bring the birthday boy with us but we also invited Jim “Hatman” Hatter to join us as well.Maximus Relaximus turned 7 years old today so I treated him to a new John Deere Collar and a dog tag bearing his name. You could tell by the way he carried himself today that he was obviously proud of his new hardware.
After a hardy breakfast in downtown White, Georgia we made our way north to the lake. In no time at all, Cool Dad was in his Carpin Kayak and “The Hatman”, the Hound and the Ol Captain were loaded up and on our way seeking a possible spot to pull up on in hopes of some Proper Pull Downs.
When I first obtained the Carp Shark this past winter I had no idea how much “stuff” she’d carry nor did I even begin to realize the beauty that she would help bring our way.
It amazes me that we can load 800-900lbs or so in her 17 foot frame and she still glides through the water with ease……
We finally launched and paddled along the bank seeking a suitable spot. Once we found one, we unloaded and got things set up and ready to go!
We usually look for a spot where the water seems right and where we can be comfortable and get around and occasionally stretch our legs.
As most of you know, one of the most important themes that we have is our “Come see us” campaign. While many anglers want to hide ideas and not share a thing we welcome guests and visitors with open arms. For instance, not long before we arrived at the lake this morning we happened upon Derrick who posts as “Etoncathunter” on our GON. We greeted Derrick, introduced him to The Carp Hound and soon he was on his way.
It is always nice to meet new people and make new friends. But (change of direction) we were in the middle of nowhere today. We were surprised and pleased to meet Derrick but we had no idea that anyone else could even find us, let alone come see us! But that’s the way it is when you are Carpin’ with the Ol Captain. One minute you’re sitting there in a world of your own and the next minute you hear a burly Vietnam Vet coming up in a boat saying “Did you guys order Take Out?” Folks, If I’m lying I’m dying! Phil “nkbigdog” Leiter from the GON Forum met Derrick when he was at the boat ramp. Phil asked if he’d seen anyone along the bank with a long blue canoe. After Derrick shared that he had he brought Phil wielding some of the finest BBQ sandwiches back down the lake just to see us!!! We had met Phil back in Ellijay in December and he decided to come our way today and even brought some food!! Folks, it was wonderful!!
Well by now you are probably saying “That is all mighty fine Captain, but did y’all catch any fish?” All I can say is I thought you’d never ask. Although Tim and I both caught fish on our last trip our rods were silent today. In fact, today was all about the Hatman!! Jim had never caught a “Buff” and that was one of his goals for this lake. Well, it is no longer a goal because today Jim’s wish became a reality! Here he is with his very first Small Mouth Buffalo!!
Not only did Jim get a Buff but he later connected on a beauty of a Common Carp that weighed somewhere between 4-49 lbs!!! Just for reference folks, Maximus Relaximus weighs 18 lbs!
Not only that but this fish’s lips alone would have weighed 2-3 lbs by themselves!!
It was a great day and after Max got his licks, the fish was released and we were soon back on board and on our way home.
It was a special day today. We had a Birthday, A Buff and BBQ too! Folks, please believe me when we say Come see us because we’d love to have you drift our way!Until next time,
The Ol Captain
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Nice job! It sure looks like that fish weighed "somewhere between four and forty-nine pounds" -- right, Cap'n?
Exactly!!
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Once again, Tim's Plug of Perfection "speaks for itself"
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Have a good one Max! Are you going to take him fishing, Horace?
You bet!
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This coming Friday marks a very special day here at the Captain’s Quarters. July 12 is set aside each year to recognize or most famous Crew member-Maximus Relaximus (The Ultimate Carp Hound). Max will be approximately 7 years old this time. Like the rest of the crew, his shape is not quite the same as it once was and the hair on his chin is beginning to turn white. But his passion, integrity, love of people and God’s beautiful outdoors is still intact!!
You may not realize it but folks have come from all over the globe to visit Max. We’ve had guests from as far away as Denmark, France, England and even parts of Alabama as well. Because of the internet, Max has a following pretty much all around the world!
It is hard to fathom the lives that Max has touched since Ramona and I brought this pitiful pooch home from the pound five years ago. This goes without saying, but Max is very dear to me.
Most of you know Max’s story but each year we have some newcomers that I feel need to hear “the rest of the story”. I wrote this piece several years ago. I think once you see it you will appreciate even more why this particular dog who is “Half a dog tall and a dog and a half long” is so special to all of us!………………………………………………….
Jailhouse to the Penthouse- The Life and Times of Maximus Relaximus
My story actually began almost 4 years ago. However, the first year and a half are just a blur. I can’t even remember why but back in January of 2008 I found myself incarcerated in the Douglas County Dog Pound. I’m not even sure why I was locked up or what I had done. All I remember is that I was very cold, very ill and very miserable. If you have ever spent a night behind bars you know what I mean. There I was, surrounded by barking, growling and slobbering stench by night and dead dogs walking by day. It was enough to make anyone sick.
Day after day I hoped for someone to spring me from this dungeon of dogs. One minute I was chilling and the next minute I was hot as fire. If I were not a Canine I would have sworn that I had a case of the Swine flu. Occasionally I noticed that some of my friends were being rescued. Once in a while the older guys would be taken out for a walk but for some reason or another I never saw them return. I knew I couldn’t give up but who in the world would rescue a very sick dog who was “half a dog tall and a dog and a half long?”
Finally a pleasant lady came in one day and after some paperwork and a monetary exchange she picked me up and took me to her husband’s truck. They seemed nice enough but they had no idea that I was very sick. In fact, I was sick as a dog. For the next several weeks I was either in the hospital or resting on the nice woman’s lap.
After about three weeks and $1700 in Vet bills I began to feel better. I soon got my short legs back and I was up to speed and running once again. So here I was, well again, less than two years old and in a new home. But (change of direction) after being through so much I couldn’t help but wonder. What did fate hold for me now? Would I just be a common cur or was there something special in my future? I enquired about my fate one day to the tall and pleasant old man that I first met in the truck. I said, “Sir, can you tell me what the cards have in store for me?” He simply replied….”I thought you’d never ask……..”
It all seemed to happen so fast! One minute I was in the jailhouse and the next minute I was in the penthouse!!! One day I’m resting on a cold & nasty wire floor and the next minute I’m sleeping in a King Sized Bed!!!! My original name was simply “Max”. I had never even been online until I met this tall grey haired man.
I knew absolutely nothing about High Speed Internet. This man that I mentioned soon began to take me on trips in his truck. Most of the trips centered on an activity that he called “Carpin”. He had some great friends who would slip me bacon from their breakfast and pieces of sandwich from their lunch from time to time. After a time I began to like the tall man who I found out later was a “Captain” of sorts. I also found out that we shared a passion for Honey Buns and occasionally he would pinch off a piece of his and slide it down to me with his large gentle hands.
Each time we would go Carpin’ I would rest. Occasionally when a fish was caught I’d get up to check it out. When I did these things he would take my picture. Soon I began to see the routine. Sleep until a fish is caught and then get up and investigate when one was brought to the landing mat. In almost no time I had this Carpin’ thing licked!!!!
I love this country! Only in America can a four legged low slung, good for nothing hound go from rags to riches!! It is indeed a Cinderella Story and I have enjoyed every chapter! I’ve had my ears scratched by some of the best in the business!! I have grown to love the Captain and the Crew and they have adopted me as their very own. I am no longer just plain “Max”. Through our adventures I have risen to worldwide fame. Hollywood fame often results in a Hollywood name. Because of my amazing experience I am now known from Sea to shining Sea as Maximus Relaximus…The Ultimate Carp Hound!
Every good story has a moral. Perhaps you find yourself locked up in a world of your own. You seem ill and defeated. Maybe you are lonely and in need of a friend to just scratch you ears with a word of kindness or encouragement. Now I “ain’t nothin’ but a Hound Dog” but I do know how my life was changed. You may not make it to the penthouse but I know something that will make you feel better. There is nothing quite like the sharing of food, fun and fellowship to teach an old dog new tricks. Want to know more? Then why not come see us sometime? Where will you find us? Quite often you will find us right here, in the Captain’s Corner.
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I'm almost certain that those weirdo carp you're catching are crucian carp a hybrid between carp and goldfish
We have heard that and thanks for sharing. There seems to be a ton of those at this particular venue!
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Thanks to all for the reading!
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I call it "Bustin' the water!"
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I’m not sure what you call it but here at the Ol Captain’s Quarters we call it “Wallerin’. “ We had wallered so much that we were getting sick of being inside.
I love to read but after a while, you can’t tell the good guys from the bad. The subjects begin to run into the predicates and if you aren’t careful you’ll be mislead by a preposition phrase. I knew when Max quit saying “turn the page” it was time for us to go Carpin’.
It has rained so much recently here in Atlanta that our grass is up past Max’s rudder and my grit bait was beginning to mold! I knew we had to get out of the house this morning regardless of the predicted weather to come.Having no idea that anyone would respond to go with us or even “come see us” the Ultimate Carp Hound and I loaded up last night to be ready for the predetermined departure time this morning.As we walked out the door around 6:30 AM we quickly saw Jim “Hatman” Hatter loading his kit into the truck to join us!!! So the stage was set. The Crew was established and we soon had our sails set for the Outer Banks of southern Lake Allatoona!Within just a short time things were set up and we were ready to go!
I really didn’t know what to expect but not too long after our arrival Jim caught one of our “Weirdo Carp” and I banked a small Common.
It was about that time that two of our all time favorite guests came by to see us!! Who would wander down from Woodstock on a woefully wet day just to see the Carp Hound? I thought you’d never ask! Our guests today were none other than Matt and Garin Holst!!
It is always good to see these two. While Dad and I had a chat young Garin got a lesson from “The Hatman” on how to strategically place a Range Cube in position using what we’d call a slingshot and our friends across the pond call a “Catapult”.
We had a good visit but soon it was time for our guests to leave. I’m not sure why or how but it seems like within an hour or so the water exploded with Carp! They seemed to be everywhere!!!
When the grits finally settled the Hatman and I both had banked four fish apiece! I accounted for a couple more of our “Weirdos” while Jim got a little more serious and put this Common on the bank weighing somewhere between four and forty nine pounds!!
I really don’t know if I should tell the part where the Ol Captain had a Great Ghost of Gold wrap him around a bush that was located just a bit off the coast. I suppose I could share that I waded out, soaked my shorts and submerged my reel in hopes of freeing the beast. I could give you all the details but for now, I think this story will come to an END.
Folks, thanks so much for the reading and come see us when you can!
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Well done!
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Well done!
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Thanks for the reading. We have four grandchildren ages 16, 15, almost 5 and 18 months. I love to see them come and I love to see them go
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A lot has changed since I was five years old. For instance, I don’t remember owning a lot of books. We had access to books at the Springfield Library but even those volumes didn’t look like they’d come straight out of the Smithsonian.
Even if I had books I’m quite certain that I didn’t have access to an i Pad before my fifth birthday
I do remember certain things about being a young child (I started to say small child but I was never small). Two of my fondest memories center on getting a crew cut and going barefoot during the summer. In honor of that time in my life we have been blessed to have our daughter Lauren and her two boys visit with us this week. Both Carter “Tadpole” Brown and Gage “Frog” Brown got hair cuts but the Crew cut and this story will focus mainly on Grandson Gage.
Now folks, books and iPads are incredible and wonderful but in my opinion, they are merely a reflection of the world around us. You can read about a Tadpole or a Blue Tongued Skink all day but if you’ve never seen one “in person”, you are barking up the wrong tree!
I am blessed to know so many wonderful people. One of those fine folks is Mrs. Bobbie Laminack at the Cochran Mill Nature Center. Hearing that Gage and Carter were coming to town for a visit she invited them to bring the Ol Captain and their precious mother (and my daughter) Lauren, out for a visit!
All I can say is Wow!! Watching Gage match names that he had learned from his books to the actual Critter was a wonderful time for me! There was so much to see and our hostess was so very gracious and kind. It’s one thing to have head knowledge of something but we aren’t actually learning until we make an application of that knowledge. Here are a few of the animals that we were privileged to see and in some cases, even touch!
I cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed the Cochran Mill Nature Center in Palmetto, Ga. Bobbie was just wonderful and the visit really made our day. I could go on and on with more pictures but I need to stop and share a moment or two where we were allowed to feed the fish and turtles!!
Now folks, the Ol Captain was drooling when he witnessed this piscatorial presentation but my hopes were soon put in place as I saw the following sign:
I’m not sure but I think my youngest grandson Carter “Tadpole” Brown must have felt the same way!!
I can’t thank Bobbie enough for helping us bring our books to life on our visit yesterday! We will be coming back and we will encourage others to visit as well!We have discussed Crew Cuts and Critters so now let us hit on Cane Poles and Koi. I love bare feet, short hair and a cane pole in the summer time. Wanting to further young Gage’s education we slipped out early this morning with our cane pole and a few bagels in hand to a privately owned Koi pond that I just happen to have access to. Even though our pole was telescopic and our hooks were of the barbless kind, I just couldn’t help but drift back many years to my childhood as I watched my young angler in training pull fish after fish to the dock!
I don’t know a lot about some things but what I do know I cherish. I know for instance that we can memorize the entire Good Book but if we don’t live it and apply it we are simply “Burning daylight.” I also know that we can know every fact concerning the Animal Kingdom but it will never become a part of us until we get down on our knees and see it for ourselves.
Life is short and there is so much to learn and to see. I love being home but there is just something about coming home to the Captain’s Quarters after a day or two of adventure that makes life even more satisfying.
Let me encourage you to occasionally put that book and iPad away and get outdoors and enjoy God’s creation. And as always, if you get a chance, come see us!
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Thanks for the reading guys!!
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It had been a little over two years since our last trip to this beautiful lake in the foothills of North Georgia. Both “Cool Dad” and I have realized that once you reach sixty years of age, two years can pass before you know it. We wanted to get back up there and this time we were taking some new tools! Rather than tote our equipment up and down hills we are trying a new strategy this year. We have acquired a Kayak and a Canoe and these tools not only allow us some exercise but they have also opened a whole new world for us! There is nothing quite like paddling on the water until you find a suitable spot and then beaching your craft and spending the day!Cool Dad looks like he was born to be in his Karpin Kayak! This Pirogue of Proper Pull Downs has even enhanced the Cool One’s Carpin Performance!!
As for me and the Ultimate Carp Hound, the Carp Shark has been the greatest thing that has happened to us since the invention of the Waffle House. It is a thing of beauty and I believe it has changed us both for the better.
Our story began a little before 6:00 AM yesterday morning. Within minutes we were loaded and anxious to start our 62 mile trek toward the rolling foothills of North West Georgia. As we travelled, we reflected on our blessings as well as our numerous adventures of the past. As we reflected on some of our previous trips I think we were both reminded of the fact that there had been times in the past when our fishing had gotten a bit too competitive. Now, this is no secret to any Carp angler. Blanking or getting skunked stinks!!! And it especially stinks when your partner catches several and you don’t catch a one!! So without saying anything we sort of made a pact that said “Friends don’t let Friends drive Skunked.”Later on as we rolled into downtown White, Georgia we decided to stop for a bit of breakfast.
We stopped here because we remembered Cat Head Biscuits as big as saucers and sausage patties that were the size of Second Base. I also like to look at the memorabilia that they have on display as well. As I looked at some old newspaper clippings I thought of all that has happened over the last 35-40 years and all of the headlines that could have been posted but weren’t. Then I noticed a front page article from the Atlanta Journal dated August 1977. As I looked at the article I knew that I was definitely in the land of Dixie. The article recalled a day that Graceland grieved, Memphis mourned and America lost a King.
Not long after breakfast we arrived at the lake and began our route over to a predetermined spot to set up and fish.
After some time we approached our destination only to find another Carp angler already set up and fishing! As we spoke we recognized our friend Lance Clements who invited us to pull up and join him as he was fishing by himself.
Within no time, Cool Dad was set up, Maximus Relaximus was in position and the Ol Captain had his newly named “Bean Pod” in place on the Carp Shark!
We had such a grand time! For hours we talked tackle and equipment. Lance loves to talk baits so he and Cool Dad went on a tear about the advantages of this and the disadvantages of that. As they talked, the morning came and went. The afternoon arrived and still no fish.Over the last five years I have seen this happen time and time again. I’ve seen it work in Alabama. It hit on the Hudson and it has been powerful on the Panhandle. I love my Puffs but I knew in my heart yesterday that sooner or later the Plug of Perfection would explode and once again, it would “speak for itself!!”Sometime around 2:00 PM amidst a discussion of PH, Pineapple and Polenta, one of Cool Dad’s rods lit out producing a fish weighing somewhere between 15 and 150 lbs!!
So now, the stage was set. Not wanting to ride back with me pouting, Cool Dad reloaded the Plug. He said “Next one’s yours Captain because Friends don’t let Friends drive Skunked!” We waited a while and although I’d really rather catch a fish on my own pole, my pride was not the issue.Within the hour the “Plug” put another one out of the ball park and the Ol Captain had a fish on!!
I got a pic, Max got a lick (before the release) and all seemed right with the world.
A little later as Max and I pointed the Carp Shark back toward our take out point I knew that it had been a great day. Folks, life is just too short to blank. Remember that real “Friends don’t let Friends drive Skunked” and if you get a chance, come see us!
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Well done. Did you do the painting in the background as well?
The Ol Captain has a problem.....and needs some advice!
in Pictures, Stories & Video
Posted
When I told Maximus Relaximus that it was "Road Trip Week" he got really excited!! How excited did he get? Well, all I can say is he was so excited that he went in and packed his own bag!!