West Battle 7/2

[Paul Schlagel]

I ventured off the familar water to fish West Battle 7/2. I fished with Thomas Allen from Outdoor Pursuits Radio. Thomas's family has a cabin that's a stone's throw from West Battle and has been fishing it for a few years. I'd only been on West Battle once before, so it was basically like checking out new water for me. It was fun to get off Mille Lacs for a day to check out something new before the busiest and most productive time begins on Mille Lacs. We fished some of Thomas's favorite spots and a couple that I remembered from my outing there a few years ago. The water was gin-clear and surface temps were at 69-70. I had a grab on a Mo Joe but didn't keep the fish on. Thomas missed one too on a Bulldawg. We had a number of other fish follow. So, no fish were boated but we had some action. Thomas was fun to fish with for the day. His show radio show is good listening and you should check it out. The show is archived so you can catch up on previous shows via the web.

Here's a link to Thomas's blog and access to the archived shows:
http://outsideiowaradio.typepad.com/outdoorpursuitsradio/

You can also catch the live show via the web. The live show is on Mondays from 4-6 pm. Here's a link to his live show:
http://macsworldlive.com/des-moines-local-live/outdoor-pursuits-with-thomas-allen/

[Marc J]

Small World - I was up on West Battle one year ago fishing with the Great Thomas Allen himself. Guy is one hell of a turkey hunter, not too bad with the deer either if you've ever seen any of his shows and an all around nice person.

I've gotta say though Paul, Thomas did catch a fish out of my boat last year. You can give me a call if you want to know all my secrets of West Battle lake

;)

I'll be up there this weekend trying not to get my arse kicked as usual. Glad the season is treating you well thus far.