Thread: A mixed bag

I got up yesterday morning and looked out to a nice red sky in the morning. But there was no wind and the lake was only 16 minutes away. I hooked up the boat up to the truck.

When I got to the ramp there was only one other trailer in the lot. I launched and headed out into the lake to be met with a light chop on the water. I turn the boat west and head towards the old power plant. As I slow down I see lots of action on the fish finder. But there is now a slight wind starting to blow. I set out the rods.

My first pass wasn't bad ! I boated 2 keeper crappies and lost one just out side of net range. I turn to start another pass. That wind seemed to have picked up some. It's working against me. I pull the rods and point the bow towards the other shore, hoping for some cover in the back cove. I make the run across the lake.

The wind is better in the cove but it is still a factor in the boat control. I move to the far end of the cove and set out the rods. I adjust the drift with the trolling motor and start to relax and enjoy the ride. That is when the rod goes off. I hop up and grab the rod just as the second rod bends. I start to boat the first fish as the third rod joins the party. I get the first fish over the side and drop her to the deck as I grab the second rod just to see the fourth rod take a bend. One after another I bring the bring the fish over the side of the boat. I had hit a school of first year hybrid stripers about 6 inches long. I but them all back for them to grow up some more. I go back to enjoying my coffee.

Then I hear one of the rods start to sing. One of my short rods is bent over in the holder and is giving out line. I grab the rod and watch the line head across the back of the boat, cutting under 4 other rods. There was no sign of that fish slowing down. I start lifting rods so that the fish can run. I get clear of all the other rods and try to turn the fish. It just keeps taking line. I turn the drag down a little, the reel stops singing. I turn the fish and start to recover some line. I bring the fish along side the boat and guide it into the net. It's a nice size striper. A lot of fun on light tackle. I reset the rod.

Now it's a long rod that wants to get into the game. this one runs to the outside but is easier to turn. A second keeper striper comes on board. But we are not done yet. I get a big hard pull on one of the other long rods and it does not want to come up. After a little work a 16 in cat finds the net.

By now it's getting well into the morning and things have slowed down. I point the bow towards the ramp and head in. I had caught about 13 fish for the day with 7 finding their way into the live well.


Until the next trip, wishing everyone tight lines and full nets.

See you on the water.

Jim