Can we talk? -- Arkansas State

Went fishing on the Maquoketa River on Friday.

While putting on my waders, I felt something at the bottom of my left boot. I thought my mischievous 9-year-old son put a Hot Wheel in it or something goofy. I shook it and out fell a dead, desiccated sparrow. Then, I remembered that smell in the garage about a month ago. Here was that smell.

As far as omens go . . .

I caught a few smallies. My friend, Kelly, caught a few smallies and what looked like a northern, except it had no spots or stripes. It was kind of gray with reddish fins. I wonder if that wasn't a muskie? I know they're not stocked in Iowa rivers, but with all the flooding, it might've sneaked in somehow. Hmmm.

Oh yeah, my boss called. I was walking and talking into the current on the way back to the truck. This isn't smart. Lots of big, jagged rocks raise the degree of difficulty.

Of course, I fell and ruined a Blackberry Curve while talking to the boss. Replaced it tonight, but my wife now has the upper hand, never mind that she's wrecked her car twice.

I love fishing. I need to do it more. Just leave the phone in the truck.

Join Scott Dochterman, Mike Hlas and me for a live chat Saturday morning at 10:3o or so.

This game is pure prelude, but no one is going to hand the Hawkeyes anything.