Big Bite - Tight Lines & Happy Fishing

"BIG Bite Just A Bit Ago!!"

Well, first of all, Thank You, "Delta Outfitters" here in Vicksburg, where I just came back from, and for buying my new Smokin Shad to cast out and fish with off of my pier. I was just testing it, not REALLY expecting to catch anything, except for maybe a small Bass!!

No sooner than I threw my line out to the middle of the lake, this beautiful Bass took off with it like it was starving!!

I was fishing with my fun little Zebco 33 Micro that I bought from Delta Outfitters again here in Vicksburg. I took off the 4lb test line and replaced it with an 8 lb test line. It's the same pole that I caught my 4½lb Bass on Memorial Day this year. Very lucky little Rod & Reel, but this time, this Bass broke off the tip and the first eyelet of the pole. That's ok; I bought a second Zebco Micro 33, exactly the same, just in case!!

WOW, what a FUN catch, and reeling in this one was, but it felt so much heavier than the 4½ pounder. Once again, I was so doggone excited that I forgot to measure its length. As always, I did release it back into the lake for a longer life!!

Thank you, Devin and Finn, for coming out to the pier and helping me with pictures!!

Ok Rudy and Brady, your turn!! ... LOL ... Tight Lines and Happy Fishing!!

My congratulations to Yvonne Robinson for an awesome catch in our great Vicksburg, Mississippi, outdoors!

Curious Doe

Steve Creek said - I thought this White-tailed Doe was about to stick her head right through my open truck window!  She came in incredibly close and gave me quite the look. If you look closely at her eyes, you can even see the reflection of my truck.  

(Mt. Nebo State Park, Arkansas)

Impressive Buck

My Facebook friend, Mike Persichini, said he only took 700 pics of himself this morning!!! More to come later.

The Yazoo River

The Yazoo River is a major river located primarily in the U.S. state of Mississippi. Stretching approximately 188 miles (303 kilometers), it is formed by the confluence of the Tallahatchie and Yalobusha rivers near Greenwood. From there, it flows generally southward before joining the Mississippi River at Vicksburg. The river is an important part of the lower Mississippi River watershed and has played a significant role in the region's history, geography, and economy.

The Yazoo River forms the eastern boundary of the Mississippi Delta, a vast alluvial plain known for its exceptionally fertile soil. This region became one of the most productive agricultural areas in the United States during the 19th century, particularly for cotton cultivation. Before the American Civil War, the Delta was dominated by large cotton plantations that relied on the labor of enslaved people. Following the war, agriculture remained the region's primary industry, with crops such as cotton, soybeans, corn, and rice continuing to be grown on a large scale.

Historically, the river served as an important transportation route for moving agricultural products and supplies throughout the Delta. Its slow-moving waters and extensive network of nearby streams and wetlands also created valuable habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Today, the Yazoo River remains significant for farming, flood control, recreation, and conservation. Numerous levees, drainage systems, and flood-control projects have been developed along the river to reduce flooding and protect agricultural lands and nearby communities while preserving the river's role in Mississippi's natural and cultural landscape.

Camouflaging Myself Back Years Ago

Now you see me!

 

Now you don't. 

I came across these two pictures of me taken back in 2007 while deer hunting in warmer Mississippi weather.  Thought I would post them today.

MS Bears Naturally on The Move in July

July is a time when bears are naturally on the move. Young male bears are leaving the areas where they were raised and can travel hundreds of miles in search of their own home ranges. Adult bears are also more active as the breeding season continues.

Seeing a bear doesn't necessarily mean it's lost or in trouble...this kind of movement is completely normal.

Sightings can be reported at MDWFP.com. More urgent issues such as aggressive behavior, property damage, or injured bears should be reported to 1-800-BE-SMART.

If you spot a bear:

-> Keep your distance.

-> Never feed or approach it.

-> Secure garbage, pet food, and other attractants.

-> Give it space, and it will usually continue on its way.

By removing food sources and allowing bears to remain wild, we can help ensure people and bears safely share Mississippi's outdoors.

To learn more about bear movement and how to live with bears, visit - https://bearwise.org/what-bears-do-in-july/

Happy 85th-1/2 Birthday Party from My Daughters

On Saturday, June 20, 2026, my four daughters, Theresa Marie, Kathleen Love, Debra Ann, and Marian Suzanne, gave me an 85th-1/2 birthday party. Actually, my birthday is January 27, but because everyone lives out of town or out of state, and because I never had an 80th or 85th Birthday party due to bad weather, etc., they decided to give me one in June and invite family and friends. It was held at Goldie's BBQ and had over 25 guests. It was such a wonderful time to be with my four girls, especially since it's hard to do with everyone living elsewhere. Also, time with my friends that I don't see often. Here are some pictures of the event that I will never forget, and I appreciate everyone who came to celebrate my June birthday. Of course, I had to wear a birthday crown and sash.  

My 85th-1/2 Birthday Party.

Beautiful flowers given to me by my daughters.

My bestest girlfriend, Jeanette, and I.  

My only brother-in-law, Chris Ables, and I.

My great-grandson, Ian, and I.

My only sister, Laura, and I.

My granddaughter, Lucy, and Hunter, with my two great-grandsons, Noah and Will.

My friend, hairstylist, and I, Nikki Taylor.

My neighbor, Paula Morley.

My very first tattoo was done by my granddaughter, Victoria.

My daughters, left to right: Marian Suzanne "Suzi", Debra Ann "Debi", Kathleen Love "Kathy", and my oldest daughter, Theresa Marie "Teri".

My family and friends who came to my birthday party.  Many thanks to everyone who showed up, and I love and appreciate each of you. 

I love this watercolor picture of us afterward at my apartment.

Doe @ My Apartment Complex

At 10:21 last night, I peeked out my window blinds, and lo and behold, I saw a doe. I was so excited, and as a deer hunter, I ran to get my phone and started taking pictures of her. I have never seen a doe on the property in the five years I have been here. The property backs up against woods next to the Vicksburg Country Club. She is pretty safe living in the area, and a very mature doe, and looks pregnant.

Happy 250th Independence Day America

Sun Reflection on Window Downtown Vicksburg

Yesterday evening, as the sun was setting in my hometown of Vicksburg, MS, I saw its reflection in the back window of the old J. C. Penny's Store downtown on Washington Street, and took this picture. It was the only window that showed the sun so bright.

American Queen - Be Defiant

So many out there do not realize the thoughts and emotions of the crew of the American Queen, let alone the significance of the moment and her passing.

To some who came and went, it was just something and a paycheck. Us, who were old timers, spotted them right away and knew it. She knew it as well.

To those of us who remained for years, it was much more. Maybe the best of words can not describe it. Maybe such words would not have been concepted in Webster's mind, if ever. It was more than a typical person on land could have ever comprehended, at best.

To a degree it was pride. Great pride, and it could be heard, seen and felt. We were proud of our duties, proud of our boat, and proud of the legacy she embodied. It showed every day, from the keel plates, to the crowns of her stacks. Polished brass, a quartet playing a melody, cabin attendants using paint brushes to check for dust, engineers and nav personnel preparing for another run and smooth ride on the rivers.

We all went the extra mile. We all did it in many ways and styles.

We took pride in our boat. We took pride in our duties. We took pride in our service to our passengers and fellow crew. We took pride in upholding a legacy. The Queen was the Queen.

We took pride in our flag. We took pride in the fact she was the passenger flagship of the U.S. Merchant Marine.

We were there, together....all of us.

Others may do what they will. They may polish things or give some illusion. Glorified discount stores of the rivers. Do look for the blue light special. It will be for not. A disgrace to the history, and a stone that shall be turned in due course. But let us digress from vengeance....

Focus on the beauty of our Queen, what she represented, and a spirit that shall never be replicated no matter how vainly attempted.

American Queen....be defiant....

by Mark Veum on May 23, 2024