So after waking up at my own leisure, the sun was up and......... Crapola!! The sun was up. Slept through the alarm clock by 2 hours. So the morning bite was all over with, no rush now, plugged in truck, went to McDonald's and got some greasy biscuits sandwiches but they were good.
Replaced all my ice fishing gear with my fine trolling assortment. Got out to the lake real late. Like 9 or later? Broke the ice and flushed it out of the ramp. Headed over to oakledge to start setting up .......and it is nice out. 1st time it has been less than 20kts for 12 fishing trips!!!!!
Started marking what I thought were fish intially. Turned out the entire bay, shelburne, burlington, had suspended leaves and weeds anywhere near contours facing the South. Made for a messy day of fishing. But fish were just a bonus.
I didn't even have to wear gloves or a hat.
So I was trolling..... South to the big flat near red rocks when I tried mooching. It sure as he'll worked. Downrigger popped and had instant weight on it. Picked up the rod to see what I had since such an abrupt trip and I could feel the angry pull to the basin! I knew this was going to be a big laker
After slowly bringing her up from 65ft, and whatever she decided to do with the extra drag that peeled, I saw lots of bubbles coming up. She dive back down and did those very, very violent head shakes those big trout do and usually succeed in throwing your hook, so I let off the drag and then boated back on top of where she dove. Raised her up and netted that big ole fish. Measured 31inches and had some good weight. Took some photos and spent a minute bringing her out to deep water so she wouldnt have to worry about those lamprey that hang out near the shorelines. A good release followed and she went back down to 65ft.
I would have a few more hit for the day but I'll take a quality fish and a quality day anytime.
Stayed out to watch the sunset since more than likely the last time out until spring.
