Hoss’s Hawg Bait on Rend Lake

We enjoy taking fishing trips to new lakes or places and this year we made a memorable return visit to Rend Lake.
We were fortunate to be invited by our friends Russ & Janice Nash (owners of Hoss’s Hawg Bait) to participate in a filming of catfishing shows on Rend Lake for Illinois Outdoors TV. What made this interesting was a 2 day schedule for comparison and testing the catfish catching effectiveness of Hoss’s Hawg Bait along with a day of hoggin’ Flatheads. The exciting news was we would be staying at the Rend Lake Resort in a Boatel room on the lake which took us less than 2 seconds to say “count us in”.
On our arrival with Russ and Janice, we were met by Kevin (Wildman) Tucker, of S.O.R.S. (Southern Outdoors Recreation Services) & Tucker Outfitters, who reviewed the accommodations, provided us with a tentative schedule and got us settled into our rooms which were overwhelming, a balcony over the lake, an ice maker and more.
We met up with the rest of the group, Don & Judy Dziedzina and Rich & Carol Komar of Illinois Outdoors TV for the Sunday Brunch at Windows Restaurant and Reilly’s Lounge, the food was out of this world, our compliments to the chef, Jim Halpin.
After some story telling and some laughs, the ladies headed for a little shopping and the guys headed to the northeast end of the lake. Kevin took Don and Rich in his boat as we followed in Russ’s boat to a timbered/stump filled flat with an old flooded roadbed (great looking spot) where we put out 25 or so jugs each. Kevin’s group baited with crawlers and leeches while we used Hoss’s Hawg Bait.
Not long after we tossed out our last jug, one of Kevin’s started bouncing with a fish. Then a dip bait jug got a hit, then another and by the end of the evening, Hoss’s Hawg Bait had out fished Kevin’s bait which had him and others really impressed and ready to try Russ’s dip bait in the morning.
That evening we all again met for a fabulous dinner at Windows Restaurant and Reilly’s Lounge. The 1st thing Monday morning Don and Rich went Crappie fishing with Crappie Guide Todd Gessner and owner of S.O.R.S. They returned after 2 hours with big smiles and Rich told us he learned a lot about Crappie fishing from Todd and had booked a trip later that evening for him and his wife.
After a superb breakfast, the group boarded a Resort rental pontoon with Kevin as our pilot who motored us out to a break off a flat. We dropped anchor, Russ broke out two tubs of his bait and we all started fishing. In a couple minutes the first catfish was caught and it did not take long for the ladies to catch their share of nice catfish. When I say all of us fished, Rich was so busy filming the non stop action I do not believe he had a chance to do much fishing.
Just over 2 ½ hours we had 46 keeper catfish and heading back in thinking about cleaning these fish. Kevin assured us it would be no problem and was correct as the Resort had a great cleaning station with electric, water and a grinder.
By now you may have guessed we all found ourselves meeting for another outstanding dinner along with even more stories and a chance to meet John Reilly, owner of the Windows Restaurant and Reilly’s Lounge. Later walking to our rooms with Russ and Janice, we could easily detect the excitement building in Russ for his chance at the hoggin’ session in the morning, so much so that he was up two hours before others getting the boat and things ready.
Kevin too arrived early and was joined by his friends, partner Bass Guide Jason Johns and Chad Holman (Big Nasty) to help and as planned I was prepared to get into water to help block if needed. Heading across the lake we got a real feel for how big and beautiful this lake really is and seeing anglers out fishing was wonderful. The first couple holes had no fish but the excitement built as we pulled up to this super looking spot. As Kevin and Chad slid into the water, Kevin disappeared to soon resurface saying “there is a fish here and it is a big one”. I turned to see if Russ heard that as he was hitting the water and heading towards them.
By now everyone was getting more excited as Jason eased the camera boat closer and Kevin started giving instructions for one guy to block the end of the tube, someone would grab (or get grabbed) the fish by the lower lip as he would secure or help pull and lift the fish out. As they wrestled the fish, we all gave out a WOW as a 40 pound Flathead was lifted into view. But wait, there is word of maybe another fish and sure enough on checking it may be even bigger. This fish took more effort and once Russ grabbed it by the lower lip there was no doubt by his expression it was a big fish. By this time Janice showed some concern which all turned to joy as they lifted up this magnificent 50 pound Flathead, as yells of thrill came from the whole group.
When Russ was asked how it felt to hog his first fish - in his own words – “From my life time To Do List, scratch one more off !”
The rush of adrenalin was still obvious on our ride home as we talked about how tremendous the Catfishing, as well as other fishing possibilities are at Rend Lake. We recalled how there was little need to leave this facility with the luxury rooms, top rate restaurant & lounge, boating needs and docks, bait, convenience store, swimming pool, tennis court, riding stables, a class shooting complex and golfing in the area. And if you like roughing it, there is one of the best campgrounds adjacent to this complex that we have stayed at and highly recommend.
We all wish to give a big THANKS to:
-Kevin Tucker of Tucker Outfitters who can be reached for a Southern Illinois outdoors experience in Fishing or Hunting at 618-927-2062 or http://www.geocities.com/tuckeroutfitters/
-S.O.R.S. for Guided Fishing trips call 618-513-0520 or email sors@shawneelink.net
-Rend Lake Resort for their awesome accommodations and meals, check them out at www.rendlakeresort.net or call 800-633-3341. For more information on the Rend Lake area, check with Franklin County Tourism Bureau at www.fctb.com or 800-661-9998 and Jefferson County Tourism Bureau (800)GEESE-99 or www.wctb.org.
-Illinois Outdoors TV on the Total Living Network in Chicago area, Saturdays at 3 PM and on TV 17 Outdoors or visit www.illinoisoutdoors.com for more info on shows.
Plus Linda and I say “Thanks Russ & Janice for letting us share in this memorable experience”.
Till Next Time GOD BLESS & GOOD FISHING !