Beginners Luck
August 16, 2023
Sean and his daughter Natasha were scheduled for an afternoon trip today, but we started earlier than expected. After a morning cancellation, they began at 10:00 instead of the usual time of 11:30. I was already on the water checking a few other areas and gladly met them at the dock at the earlier time.
Winds were out of the NE and blowing 10 to 20 kmph when we headed out, so I decided to make a long run to try and escape the waves. I figured that we would be able to fish an area somewhat sheltered from all the rough water and was right. Sean hadn’t fished in quite some time and his daughter really hadn’t fished at all. I instructed them on what to do and it wasn’t long before Natasha was hooked up. In fact, she managed to get the first 3 bass before her dad even had one! They were both dropshotting soft plastic baits and we were on fish! We focused on this area for quite a while and they both caught several fish including a few smaller walleye. When it slowed down, I decided to try even shallower and changed them up to a different technique.
A rocky flat was what they were now fishing and once again, it didn’t take long before Natasha was locked up! Her father wasn’t far behind with his first fish as well and I knew there would be plenty more. They fished the baits slowly and both had multiple bass hookups in the time we remained. Although there were no real giants landed, there was plenty of action to keep everyone happy!
With time lapsing, I decided to make another move when things slowed down. I wanted to fish an open water area before they were done. To my surprise, the winds had died off completely and now the water was flat calm. It definitely made for a smooth ride to where I wanted to go!
Natasha and her father Sean were both back on the dropshot rigs and on Sean’s first cast, he was locked up. I guess it was the right decision making the move! He had a bass that turned out to be his largest one for the day. Natasha also caught a few of her own, as well as an exotic species. She somehow managed to land a Redhorse Sucker. I usually only see these when I fish for sturgeon in the deep water. It was definitely a rare catch! Several more smallies were boated and Sean also caught a nice walleye before we were done. It was an over however and had to be released!
With the lake flat calm, we were all feeling the heat and Sean took a quick dip before we headed in. He definitely cooled off for the run back!
Today turned out to be a great one for Sean & his daughter as they both managed to catch plenty of fish in the short time we were on the water. They also learned a couple of new tricks to aid them in their future time on the water. I’m sure they will be giving fishing another try on their own and hopefully they will remember what they learned today. It was definitely a great day for fishing!!
