It's still hot ! The water temp gets up to 95 deg. And the water level is still down even though we had a ton of rain. My last few trips did not produce any great numbers, but I got to try out some new ideas that I have been working on. Still need to fine tune them before the season starts up.
I got to the ramp a little bit earlier this time. I had to wait my turn to launch last trip. Only one trailer was in the lot and nobody waiting to launch. I was on my way in no time. Todays plan was to test line length to running depth. I headed towards the shallow flats.
On my way I watched the sun come up. You got to love those sun rises on the water.
Attachment 408883
The wind was a little stronger today and just might give me some trouble with boat control. but only one way to find out. Then I saw something that I don't usually see, My fish finder lit up like crazy. Markings everywhere. I shut down the motor and started to toss out the lines. It didn't take long and I had my first fish of the day in the boat. The wind was moving me along at a good pace but I did net a second fish before I was blown off the school. I fired up the motor and ran up wind of the school and set up again. Nada !! they were gone. I moved around to see if I could spot them but no luck. I moved on.
I tried some new spots , nope ! I tried some old spots, nothing ! Time to go back to playing with the new set up.
The wind was an issue all morning but it was starting to lay down some. I pointed the boat to open water and let out the lines. I looked at the time and the morning was gone. I called Paula to let her know that I had only two fish in the box and that I was working my way in and should be home in about an hour. Then a rod bent, fish on, I told her I would call her back.
By the time I boated that fish, another rod went off. First fish flopping on the deck, second rod in my hand and now another rod starts it's dance. By the time I boat the third fish thing quiet down so I turn the boat and go back through the area again. Repeat !! multi rods go off and I am trying not to tangle my lines. I do this over and over again.
I stopped counting when I hit 25 fish but the fish kept bending the rods. I let more go than I kept. I took a count and I had 11 keepers in the box, only one short of my personal bag limit. It's been two hours since I told Paula I would call here back. I gave her a call and told her what was going on. As we were talking , a rod goes off again, and again , and again. Four more fish make it to the boat but only one makes it into the box. I put the rods away. It's past 2 in the afternoon. I head home.
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I think that the last adjustment I made to the set up might have been OK.
Until next time
tight line and full nets
see you on the water
Jim