Lake Champlain United - Forums

Trailered to converse Saturday with about 1” of fresh snow at home and temps in the high 20’s. Had Fishdawg and Average Joe aboard for an experienced crew with lots of stories to tell.

Seems this year the safer way to fish in Feb is in a boat.
Homewrecker’s famous saying come to mind… “why fish n a hole when you can get in your boat and troll.”
With ice conditions the way they are hope everyone stays safe. Thoughts and prayer to the folks who have lost loved ones over the last 2 days…

After 7 seasons of use the bunks on my trailer are ripe. Got mushrooms growing and the port side split when waiting for boat to unfeeeze from trailer on ramp a couple weeks ago. Well it’s pitcrew Joe to the rescue. Fishdawg and I launched at 7am and setup in converse bay in the 3-4’ angry mix left from last night. Joe stayed ashore and worked the bunks in the parking lot. By 730am, I had brand new bunks installed and Joe was back aboard fighting the 3-4 foot rollers from the blow over night. We got refuge in town farm while watching the rods sit without firing till about 830 when it calmed enough to cross to the promise land…

Menu was pizza rolls followed by hot dogs and finished with a marinated pork tenderloin that had soo much juice I wanted to make gravy but we had no flour:(

The bite was challenging. With surface temps around 35 deg the lakers were ready to play, but the salmon had lock jaw… we covered lots of water on the search and will probably launch south next trip to continue the hunt.

With No boats out we did a radio check around 10am and Randy who lives on shore north of the ferry launch in Essex came on. He asssured us we were safe and being listened to for support if needed. We even paid him a visit on the concrete dock to chat for a min while we trolled North. If he had not had company, he woulda jumped in for a pass or 2 for luck…

Thanks guys for the LONG day. We had so much fun 3pm snuck up fast. 8hrs and many stories later we decided to head back to the launch.

1st time in a long time fished all day without seeing another boat in the lake… it’s like renting out the whole thing!

Stay safe and fish on!!!

A great day on the lake! Thanks Matt! Some big rollers early on but the Reelax handled them nicely. It warmed up and calmed down, the bite might have been slow but with good food and friends aboard and making new friends over the radio it was a fine day that was well lived.

Hey Matt,

I wondered if you would have a later than normal start with it blowing here in Waltham 15-25 at 6:30 AM

Figured you would drink coffee in Converse until the sheep stopped running past Cedar point.

Even without Salmon a beautiful memorable float Mid February shared with friends is like you say " We Rented the Whole Place"

Maybe out next Wednesday.

Randy

Another nice report from the Reelax team. Always enjoyable to read.

That's Joe with the tongs on the grill, right? The water behind him with the sun and lens flash there look pretty awesome. Good work out there guys. Only 1 more trip to Maine for me this winter, then I'll be free to get out there with you guys with the Country Angler.

I am sure this is not what I should focus on..........but, in 30 minutes Joe replaced your bunks with brand new ones ?? Wow........I may need that soon........

John

striper192001 wrote: ↑Mon Feb 13, 2023 2:34 pm I am sure this is not what I should focus on..........but, in 30 minutes Joe replaced your bunks with brand new ones ?? Wow........I may need that soon........

John

Yea like a pit crew and in the winter! We left him on shore while we trolled converse for the 1st 30 min. Then picked him up when he was done. I had new bunks with carpet to put on the only issue was getting the boat off for someone to do the work:)

If it’s done while I am trolling… I’d say that’s a win win:)

Countless hours of fun and fishing knowledge > paying cheap dues!