Double Family Trips

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Joe and his daughter Ashley were with me this morning for what I hoped would be a banner outing. She also brought her boyfriend Mohit along as well, who had done practically no fishing, ever! We would definitely be starting with the troll!

With the winds still blowing from the NE, I knew floating weeds would be my main issue and constantly cleaned the rods until I found an area with much less. I eventually focused most of my time there and we managed to actually start catching fish. Mohit & Ashley were the first ones up and they both landed northerns. Joe also caught a few pike and a nice over walleye in the time we spent trolling. Once the sun got up a bit higher, the bite died and I decided to move to a different place and try something else. We would be going drop shotting instead!

We drifted over deep water in opposing winds that had up to 2 footers. I wouldn’t have minded if they were from the same direction as the current, but we weren’t that fortunate! Boat control with the electric was a little tricky at times but I made it work! Enough so that they all landed smallies from here with Mohit bringing in the biggest one!

For a couple of hours we made drifts, covering different depth and they picked at the bass. Some were landed, but unfortunately, most were lost! This was new to them and it was a learning curve that they would need time to master. Time that we didn’t really have as we were about to head back to the dock and exchange two people for his three other kids. I packed everything up and readied the boat for the long run back, but not fast enough! The police boat saw us and singled me out for one of their spot checks, again!

I had left us about 15 minutes to get back for the pickup, but we were going to be detained and most likely late in arriving. For the third time this season, I was going to have to show them everything necessary for being on the water. I do like seeing them patrolling, but wish they had some sort of documentation or sticker that they could give, showing them that you’ve already passed their spot check! I had to go through the drill once again and while bouncing around in two footers in the middle of the lake! Fun times!

After the ordeal, we finally made it to the dock for the exchange and now I had Michael, Matthew and Katelyn in the boat. Also new to the fishing, I had my work cut out for me once again!

We made a long run to escape the boat traffic that was officially on the water now and opted for an area out of the way. They would be throwing soft plastics for smallies but it wouldn’t be easy. We still had big waves where we were as the winds had gone full east now and there was nowhere to hide!

I made a cast to show Katelyn how to work the bait and almost immediately felt a bite. I set into the fish hard and passed her the rod to fight the bass but unfortunately due to her slack line, it came off soon after. I could feel by the weight that it was a big one!

For the next couple of hours we scoured the area and they managed to get a few smaller fish. Michael however brought in a nice big one that had fallen for a drop shot rig. I think the only person that hadn’t landed something from here was Katelyn and she had the first chance when we had arrived.

I changed it up and headed offshore to some deeper spots and set them all up to be able to drop shot here. First pass yielded multiple hookups but the fish were on the small side. At least they were catching!

Michael had the hot hand as he was bringing them aboard quicker than the rest. With each move and stop on new areas, it never took long for someone to get bit. I only wish that the fish had of been bigger but they did have a few of those large ones on, briefly. In the end, it just wasn’t meant to be!

We had a somewhat tougher time than I would have liked, but under the circumstances, they did well. Both the morning and afternoon outings had seen enough fish to keep everyone happy. We were officially done!

On our way back to the ramp I noticed that the lake was filled with boats even more than usual for a weekend. I think everyone was out today! I really had to watch the water while running as waves were from every direction. Fortunately we made it back safe & dry!

Tomorrow’s weather forecast calls for a wind switch once again and this time it is supposed to blow SE. Should make for another interesting day on the water! I can hardly wait!